[Jalf]

Good Day.

My name is Jessie and I have a couple questions for you if
you would. I'm not even sure where I should be asking so any pointers where to go would be great too.What I'm looking for is some information on which scripts would
be best for what I'm needing and also how is the best way to install them.

First off let me say I'm new to the server side admin. I have done very little programing and have worked mostly with the user side content of web design.

Now what I'm wanting to do is this.

I'm wanting to set up a site where members will pay to access content in the
site. It will need to have a username and password log in. Along with a
payment system. After the log in screen I'll want to have the other pages
blocked to non-users. I will need to have different levels of membership.
Including a free trial type. A basic member who can only view content and
then advanced user who can post to the below.

I'm also wanting to have it where users can create a profile and post images
and stories. - I would prefer them to be able to do it in a way similar to
myspace . But even a forum style would be ok as long as it will show who
posted the item.

Lastly I want a basic text forum. Prefer to be able to use the profile they
have for this as well.

[bizzar528]

The first couple of requests could probably be done using vbulletin (they already have paypal integration for subscriptions, you would just need to learn how to manage users and subscriptions and is a forum so that's nice), or you could try a few of the other CMS's. Most have user management systems built in, and have mods that can extend the functionality. it'll get kinda hairy, but at least it'll be a system you can grow with. Start with systems like Joomla, Drupal, or Wordpress, and check for subscription mods or something.

As for the plan text forum type functionality, vb has a light-weight version, and the other CMS systems probably have something simliar. once again, the functionality will probably be achieved through a mod for the cms.

have you worked with any of the CMS out there?

[Jalf]

Nope this is the first time I've ever played with scripts at all. I know the front end of web design but I've never done the back end. So this is all new to me.

[wirehopper]

Do you have a business plan?

[bizzar528]

You'll probably wanna stick with something premade then. Look up the Content Management Systems, prefferably via php (more widely supported), or you can do asp if your more of a Windows person. And just look for mods that support that functionality for the content scripts.

[Jalf]

Wirehopper - No I don't have a bussiness account. I wasn't sure what I was going to need right off the top so I didn't want to jump into anything.

Bizzar - Thank you for the help. I'm checking out the scripts you mentioned today.

[wirehopper]

I was referring to a business plan, where you figure out exactly what you're trying to do with this site, what it will cost, and how you will pay for it.

The CMS Matrix - cmsmatrix.org - The Content Management Comparison Tool

[Jalf]

OH! Well now I do feel like a fool... A Business plan I do have. I even have most of the site coded and ready. I'm just needing scripts and graphics. I plan to be charge a monthly membership fee, something REALLY low till I get content built up. Say 5-10 a month. Thru membership fees and maybe ads (if its slow) is how I plan to make enough to keep things going. I don't know about getting much profit for now, but thats fine.