Creating a forum that requires user to pay

[JGBR]

Ok' I need anyone's help or experience in tackling this:

I want to create a Members only forum that is paid for on entry (a fee)

Has anyone any idea of any providers, ideas etc.

Also any thoughts on SSL/security etc

 

[Kevin Clark]

Depends a bit on which forum software but you could just use paypal and permissions. When you get paid the membership fee you move their account in to a group which has access to the private forums you want to let them see.

 

[JGBR]

Well that was the issue

If i used free forum software and some sort of credit card system but then integrating the two would be a headache then I thought that maybe a halfway house was easier ( abit more man hrs intensive for cheaper)

Any suggestions on best practice, forum software etc, gratefully appreciated.

 

[rsatd]

You can check out SMF, by default SMF 2 comes with a paid subscription feature. Install it on a test server and play about.

 

[JGBR]

Does it? I can't see it in the features post.

 

[daz]

I think Amember is pretty handy for user/access subscriptions.

 

[JGBR]

Any thoughts on encrypting a forum too?

 

[Danthus]

vBulletin has a subscription option built in.

 

[rsatd]

Does it? I can't see it in the features post.

If you use RC5, that definately has. Though I never used it so don't know how it is.

 

[UncleRuckus]

Just out of curiosity, what services are you providing to warrant someone paying to access your forum?

 

[JGBR]

It's a poltical debate site that requires a member system, possible encryption and some sort of "pay for access" system.

 

[UncleRuckus]

Have thought about maybe changing the revenue model to ad supported and by donations?

The reason I say this is that there are hundreds with lots of traffic which cost nothing join.

 

[JGBR]

No it has to be advert free unfortunately, so I either go down the kitbash free route or paid for route

 

[Danthus]

Like I said, vBulletin has it built in.

http://www.vbulletin.com/index.php?do=features