Looking for a web host for a vBulletin forum/etc

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RykerStruvian

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I intend to start up a roleplaying forum and general stuff all centered around James Cameron's AVATAR. I've got my eyes set on vBulletin but have no idea what to look for and wanted to talk to people first to get suggestions.

As for money, I'm willing to spend around 15/20mo on a host. I want one which could support a high-traffic website which will have support for banners, signatures, avatars, and even with image hosting capabilities.

Yeah, I want to aim high. So please, suggestions.

I live in Wisconsin.

Note: This is my first forum ever. I was given asst. admin abilities on a phpbb 3.0.6 board but due to drama, we're relocating to one where I am the administrator. I need suggestions on a server which can support vBulletin.

Do servers come with MySQL databases already established or do I have to do that type of work?...I have absolutely zero knowledge on that sort of stuf...... :[

HTML/CSS, yes...Database programming/management, not really.
 
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You can get a shared hosting package to start for <$10, which will have a very user friend control panel that will automate most everything. Once you get going, you could move to a Virtual Private Server (VPS) for around your max without too much trouble. I would look for a shared hosting provider that also has VPS so you can migrate when necessary.
 
You will need to setup your own MySql databases but they are easy to do in your web hosting control panel. Most hosts would be more than happy to help you with this.

Do you have any other requirements for this hosting package (ie. disk space/bandwidth)? This will help us to point you in the right direction
 
At the moment, I'm unsure of what I would necessarily need for the type of forum I'm aiming for. If it helps, this is the type of site I want to make, but also expand upon with my own ideas:

www.avatar-forums.com

Thank you so much for your input so far. It's really helpful!
 
Avatar sounds like a good niche to get into as I'm sure there will be plenty more sequels around the corner. :D

Good Luck!
 
Mod note: Post removed. Advertising is not allowed outside the marketplace area.
 
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Hi RykerStruvian, firstly id agree with the current suggestions that you should easily fall within the requirements of a small shared package to begin with and eventually but not necessarily need to progress to VPS, as for size start small and inexpensive, upgrading a shared package is for most as easy as selecting a button or contacting the provider and usually the increased allowance are instant.

Setting up a forum/blog with a database is usually a number of clicks and as said most hosts will talk you through or do this for you, some at cost , some for free.

Best course of action while it sticks to mind is avoid top 10 sites when searching and dive deeply into forums, lookout for money back guarantees and similar or trial offers but avoid the purchase of a domain from a host (rule of thumb in most cases - eggs in one basket scenario).

Good luck with the forum :)
 
Definately find a smaller host that will guide / provide assistance and walk you through any queries you may have. Find a host that is located around or near your core audiance (If you're unsure of this then where ever your advertising). A nice big knowledge base will help you out as well.

99% of all shared linux hosts will provide mysql support, so you wont have any dramas there. In regards to xfer, i would worry about spending to much $$ untill the site/forums are complete and you have users frequenting your site. Find yourself some users that are interested in the same thing with different strengths to what you have and start building.

hope that helps!
 
A small shared plan will fit you nicely. I agree with others to make sure that you can get the support that you require though. Check this by sending the companies you are interested in a support/sales ticket and see what their response is.
 
You have got useful information and advice in the answers above. I just want to add a little bit. If you run a successful forum, you will get constant traffic throughout the day and night. In that case, you will need a web hosting service providing descent uptime (100% or at least 99%).
 
hosting4wealth said:
You can get a hosting plan that comes with 1GB diskspace and 15GB bandwidth to get started with vbulletin forum hosting
Click to expand...

What do you base your recommendation on, your own plan? :uhh:

There is no rule as to what he should start with, we don't even know how much transfer he will require for his forum, it might as well be 100 GB per month with no more than 100 MB in space.

If you plan to make HostingDiscussion.com part of your long-term success in the industry, I suggest to review the policies that everyone has to follow.
 
Andy11 said:
You can find quite a couple of web hosting with $15-20/ a month. With an average of less than $10 a month, you can get a hosting with unlimited disk, unlimited space, and more. Although if your forum gets really big, you need to pay more with a dedicated server. Try CP web hosting for a cheap web hosting package that will suit your needs.
Click to expand...

Although the OP's budget allows for a higher-end hosting plan, I'd recommend that he starts off with a smaller one with a provider that allows free and painless account upgrades. This way, he can upgrade to higher plans as needed and can save some of his money in the beginning.
 
That nice budged. Please post in request section
RykerStruvian said:
As for money, I'm willing to spend around 15/20mo on a host. I want one which could support a high-traffic website which will have support for banners, signatures, avatars, and even with image hosting capabilities.

Yeah, I want to aim high. So please, suggestions.

I live in Wisconsin.

Note: This is my first forum ever. I was given asst. admin abilities on a phpbb 3.0.6 board but due to drama, we're relocating to one where I am the administrator. I need suggestions on a server which can support vBulletin.

Do servers come with MySQL databases already established or do I have to do that type of work?...I have absolutely zero knowledge on that sort of stuf...... :[

HTML/CSS, yes...Database programming/management, not really.
Click to expand...
 
If your monthly budget is 15/20mo then no need to go for cheap hosting as 15/20mo is not cheap webhost now days. :)
I agree with many people suggested to go with (initially)shared web hosting with plenty of disk space and bandwidth you need.
:D
 
Post in the web hosting requests section and check out the web hosting special offers section. There's many hosts that can help you get started. You'll want to give a litlte more information about what you need though. How much space, how much bandwidth, backups, how much downtime you can live with, price range etc.
 
You just gotta find a host that offers the newer versions of php & mySQL. Also that offers it for the right price. There are tons of web hosts out there. Im sure you'll find what you are looking for. Preferably find a host that offers cPanel.
 
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