Simple Machine.

[Normanfernandez]

How hard is it to run a Forum?

I could have a plan to start a Forum.

[Toril S]

Norman, it is a lot of hard work, and you need a great deal of data knowledge! Good luck!

[pjd]

Hi Norman --

I'm sure you could learn enough of the technical side to establish a forum.

The big problems are attracting members and content. PSR Tutorial Forum is successful because it is way beyond critical mass for community and content (styles, tutorials, etc.)

I've actually seen one or two other music-related forums where they suppress mention of other forums! One operator openly admitted that he didn't want to lose readers to other sites. Cross-site promotion is not a given. It's a tough world out there...

I say, "Give it a go" with eyes wide open.

All the best -- pj

[Fred Smith]

The biggest thing you need are contributors. Perople who will share their knowledge knowing they often won't be appreciated, and have a thick skin given today's overly sensitive society.

Cheers,
Fred

[Normanfernandez]

My main concern is to get something that is helpful.
By no means I want to get people from this Forum to leave.
This forum is Home.

I would find something that's not available here
Like ( Unofficial Yamaha Website)

Let's see what happens.

[ibrox2]

Hi Norman

I would agree it's a large task to take on
If you are trying to come up with something
New why not put your work through this site
Where other people would guide you through
What you are trying to acheieve I personally
Think you will never get a site where all members
Are very helpful and willing to give advice that's why
It's so popular I would also like. To thank every one
For there help and there posts all the best.     Jim

[pjd]

... and have a thick skin ...

Amen! This is why I never enabled comments on my own site. I have no desire to moderate crazy. 

All the best -- pj

[Jørgen]

And that is why I dont run a forum at my site. Dont want to use time on moderation.
Jørgen

[Al Ram]

Norman

Even before getting into the technical knowledge or how difficult it is to run it, i think you need to start with some planning, including . . . writing down the following . . . 
- Define your objectives (what are you trying to do and why)
- Define your product (what it is you are going to offer)
- Identify your costs (time, money and effort, equipment, etc)
- Identify your possible rewards (recognition, money, just for fun, satisfaction, etc)
- Identify your target audience
- Identify your promotional channels (advertise, word of mouth, etc)
- Identify your resources (money, time, collaboration, contributors, equipment, etc)
- Identify your challenges and competition (other sites, etc)
- Come up with a well defined plan
- Big etc.

I believe that once you write down all those things you will have a better idea . . . . and this will help you in making up your mind to see if what you are trying to do is doable and worth the effort and cost. 

Hope this helps.

thanks

[Toril S]

Excellent advice Al!

[Al Ram]

Toril.

thanks.   Glad to see you around.