First: Could I get a quote please for REW to set up and host a Forum for me on a new URL?
I believe I want this one done with a separate domain for reasons mentioned below. I know the software is $160 or so.

For hosting and spece considerations---this would be a forum only site, no real pictures, content, ect.

I have convinced my broker/partner to get a forum for the office. I am sure that over 90% of the use would be "behind closed doors" where the general public can not see it and it would have no real benefit as far as content for the SE's.----correct me if I am wrong---If parts of the Forum are unseen by the public then there is no real benefit as far as content, then right?


So I am wondering:

1) Should I launch it under a new URL all together and link our sites? I own something like "MemphisRealEstate-Forum (dot) com

2) Should I make it a sub-domain of my current site?

3) should I add it to my site to receive a little content benefit?
I am not wild about this idea because I don't want a perception of conflict of interest or favoritism because every other agent in the office HAS to visit my (a competitor's) website every day.


As always, thanks!

__________________

Hey Ed!

I just wanted to let you know that you thread has been seen. I can't actually answer your questions though (i just dont know!) so i have passed it along to those who can answer your questions. Thanks!

__________________
Real Estate Webmasters

You can find my blog at ferociousfeline.com, I'm so cool I'm not even back linking myself!

Thanks Hun !!!!!!!!

This doesn't have to be a rush type of thing, I appreciate the quick response. I have authorization to spend the money, but it isn't anything that needs to get done this week.

__________________

Any estimates? thoughts?

__________________

I'm also interested in what Memphis is wanting to do.

Hey Guys,
Just a quick update / quote - we have no problems implemented some VB forums for you guys.

Here is the hours breakdown
Install 1-2 hours max

Rackspace Hosting $20 per month

Now this does not include setting up all the forums and whatnot for you guys, that would have to be done by you (Which I assume you would do anyways) however I will be able to answer questions for you here at the customer service forum if you get stuck on anything on the backend (Which is really easy to use)

You also get free support at http://www.vbulletin.com/forum/ and if you are looking for wicked cool hacks there are some at www.vbulletin.org (Probably wont need these)

In terms of Ed's case - Yes I agree you should do it on a separate domain.

Richard, I don't know much about what you want to do with yours so can't really advise as to whether a new domain or part of your domain is appropriate.

__________________
Webmasters who spend their energies upholding the spirit of the basic principles [Of Google] will provide a much better user experience and subsequently enjoy better ranking than those who spend their time looking for loopholes they can exploit. Google.com

Incidentally because of the short time required for installs, we could probably get both installed next week assuming you have your software purchased and the domains forwarded.

__________________
Webmasters who spend their energies upholding the spirit of the basic principles [Of Google] will provide a much better user experience and subsequently enjoy better ranking than those who spend their time looking for loopholes they can exploit. Google.com

I'm going to present this to my broker and see which route he wants to take, thanks Morgan. It will be 2-3 weeks at the earliest I am sure, we ran in to upgrade problems with the phone and computer systems in getting the new office open.

I told him I would eat the installation fee if he paid for the program, I wasn't calculating the $240 hosting fee, so I will try to convince him it is well worth it.

As a back up, I will put it on my back end of my site or something.

Anyway, we're doing it, I just need to figure out how.

__________________

sounds good, keep me posted

__________________
Webmasters who spend their energies upholding the spirit of the basic principles [Of Google] will provide a much better user experience and subsequently enjoy better ranking than those who spend their time looking for loopholes they can exploit. Google.com