Wondering which hosts and forum software are popular and active?

[Zombie]

Hey guys. So it's been a fair while since I've run a community. I'm currently looking to start working on a semi-private project. I'd like to take the time to improve my web and forum design skills. I haven't hosted my own for quite some time. I was hoping you guys could recommend me a solid host, and which one to try out for forums. I have limited income so not really looking to buy an expensive licenced one. The host must allow adult content Other than that honestly no specifics, Thanks for your time.

 

[Cedric]

I would recommend Jcink. Free, somewhat updated. Allows adult content when using their Premium plan. Which is around 13 USD per month I think. @synpastel and @Cory are both basically home in Jcink. But above all, IPB 1.3 which is what Jcink is built on, is very easy to customize and learn.

 

[Ravenfreak]

Hostinger allows adult content and their hosting plans are cheap. I believe they also offer a free domain name with their hosting plans.

 

[TwitchisMental]

If you intend to install a full blown forum software. I'd look at SMF when it comes to a free option. XenForo or WoltLab for a paid for option. All 3 are fairly easy to theme for and are easy to use in general.

 

[Zombie]

Thank you for the information. I'm still open t other replies.

 

[JennyorAlice]

You might try Forumotion or Proboards.

I use to recommend Zetaboards but I don't anymore since they were bought out by Tapatalk.

 

[Cory]

Jcink is bountiful in RPG boards, so it could be an option for such a niche. Jcink also allows you to download your database in case you ever want to transfer to a self-hosted platform. It's a pretty solid, free option to start on.

 

[Darth Cognus]

Pretty sure proboards gets fussy about adult content, jcink seems like the way to go. I can second hostinger as effective on the very cheap end, might have enough punch to handle what you're looking for along with something on the freer end of software.

 

[Ja sa bong]

In my experience, it's going to be hostinger and Jcink which are highly recommended. I've never fancied Proboards that very much which is why I wouldn't go with it or recommend it easily.

 

[Nomad]

You can try Hostgator. They allow adult content. If you pay for one year hosting fees, you get a free domain. You can use SMF or phpBB for your forum. By combining open source forum software with hostgator's basic hosting plan, your website will be up and running for less than $35 for the first year.

 

[Tracy]

You can try Hostgator.

Ouch.... they may offer hosting of adult content... but unless they've changed, it will be slow access!
And from past experience with helping some others who hosted there and their site got busy, they would quickly push you into bigger plans because you are using too many resources.
Generally, if you are going to be involved in "adult" content, there is a money-making aspect to it. Part of running any business is you got to spend money to make money.
It's easy enough now to set up on a VPS (you can get a decent one for around $7USD a month for a beginner site) and then set up your LAMP stack (OpenLightSpeed makes it really easy).
AlexHost is an off-shore site that also offers DMCA Ignoring Offshore Hosting (may be an additional fee). I have never used them.
They are a member here also.
https://admin-junkies.com/threads/a...osting-dmca-ignored-moldova.5421/#post-128135
I think they have a 10€ month plan that would probably be adequate to start with. The problem is storage. If it's going to be video/image based, that will be a concern. Even your "unlimited" shared hosting plans are not truly unlimited as most apply an inode limit.

 

[Ja sa bong]

Jcink is bountiful in RPG boards, so it could be an option for such a niche. Jcink also allows you to download your database in case you ever want to transfer to a self-hosted platform. It's a pretty solid, free option to start on.

Jcink is one of the best you can work with. It's top of my list whenever I'm thinking of something to recommend to anyone who's need to the industry. Also, the feature of allowing you to download your database whenever you wanted is very big.

 

[Cory]

Jcink is one of the best you can work with. It's top of my list whenever I'm thinking of something to recommend to anyone who's need to the industry. Also, the feature of allowing you to download your database whenever you wanted is very big.

I wish it was a more active software and didn't just have a plethora of RPG boards, however. But yeah, it's great software as a starting point for newbies.

 

[Ja sa bong]

I wish it was a more active software and didn't just have a plethora of RPG boards, however. But yeah, it's great software as a starting point for newbies.

I've seen quite a good number of communities making use of it. I wouldn't write it off quickly because it's only going to keep getting better and used by more webmasters who joined the trade.