Turn on an ad blocker….. also it can’t cost a lot to run a message board….
The cost of setting up and maintaining a message board (online forum) can vary significantly based on several factors, such as the platform you choose, hosting, and additional features. Here’s a breakdown of potential costs:
1. Platform/Software
Open-source options (free): You can use free, open-source software like phpBB, Discourse, or MyBB. These options have no upfront costs but may require technical knowledge for setup and maintenance.
Paid solutions: Platforms like vBulletin or XenForo charge a one-time fee or subscription for licensing:
vBulletin: ~$250 one-time license or $15/month.
XenForo: ~$160 one-time purchase.
2. Web Hosting
Shared hosting: Costs between $3 to $15 per month. Good for small, low-traffic forums.
VPS (Virtual Private Server): $20 to $100 per month, depending on resources needed (better for larger communities).
Dedicated server: $100+ per month, for very large or high-traffic boards.
3. Domain Name
Typically costs around $10 to $20 per year for domain registration.
4. Maintenance and Security
Self-managed: If you maintain the forum yourself, costs will primarily be time and occasional expenses for upgrades or security plugins.
Managed services: Companies like Discourse offer fully-managed hosting options starting from $100/month.
5. Customization/Design
You might need to hire developers or designers if you want custom features or a unique look. Freelancers or agencies can charge anywhere from $500 to $5,000+ depending on the complexity.
Summary of Costs
Basic, self-hosted forum: $50-$150/year (open-source software + shared hosting + domain).
Premium, managed forum: $500-$2,000/year (paid software + higher-tier hosting).
The total cost will depend on the forum size, traffic, and how much control or customization you need.