Looking for the right platform to build a discussion forum or wiki

[Web Res]

I would like to set up a forum that would allow accommodation providers and suppliers to communicate as we do here in webpro world. I think there is a cool opportunity for them to share valuable information in ways not currently served. On the one hand I have a cuistomer that wants this for their membership and on the other hand I believe it is a really good open forum for the general industry (although I would target Australia specific issues).

Maybe this is a wiki, or a forum? It would need to have the tools to self generate once the community takes off. It would probably require very similar techniques like we have here - RSS, e-mail updates, private communication between members, etc. I would think a blog to synopsis content would be useful as well as a way to encourage a wider range of topics.

Several options - attach it to a current website built on Joomla using a Joomla extension or build it on a unique domain with any platform. There are also options to use a wiki platform like Wetpaint - here is a test I'm playing with - APIX The problem with Wetpaint is lack of control. They place Adwords and other items on the forum in ways that I don't really feel serves the purpose.

I guess the considerations are basic - I have limited time, budget and knolwedge, as well as concerns that the community will get enough momentum to succeed. The target audience (accommodation owners) is not high-tech people so the tools need to be user friendly and intuitive.

Another post also raised the issue of security and control of spam. Some forums look very open and easy, but they may be weak for the best case scenario of actual success.

It seems like choosing the correct platform here is a major consideration. Any help would be appreciated.

[bryansmith]

You can go with a forum. PHPBB is a good free open source forum software (phpBB • Creating Communities Worldwide) you can also look at vBulletin (vBulletin - Instant Community).

They both meet all your requirements and are powering several communities out there.

[SmartOnlineBIZ]

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