WordPress.com

1. susannemoore
   Member
   Aug 19, 2011, 2:51 AM

   I am not sure if I need to build a separate website, but I have created a FORUM using WordPress and I would like people to be able to "join" the forum easily so that they can contribute and discuss the articles. Here is an example of a website that is similar to what I want to do http://www.momnbaby.com/. My question is: can I do this type of thing with WordPress (maybe a custom theme using my own hosted domain) or do I need to get the whole thing built and hosted and just have the blog as an extra?

   I really appreciate any assistance - I am hoping to attract many thousands of users in the future so I need to get it right and I have so far found WordPress very easy to use.

   The blog I need help with is changingwomen.wordpress.com.

2. justjennifer
   Member
   Aug 19, 2011, 7:35 AM

   The only forum-like theme we have available for use on WordPress.com is the P2 theme, which allows inline, realtime comments from the front page as well as the only theme allowing *any* WordPress.com user to post, if you select that option under theme options. P2 is a rather eccentric theme in terms of media. But, P2 is not the same as a full forum.

   Some people host a forum outside of WordPress.com entirely and then link to it from their navbar using a Custom Menu.

   For full functionality and integration of a full forum in a website (like your example), your best option is to indeed host independently of WordPress.com.

3. susannemoore
   Member
   Aug 20, 2011, 2:15 AM

   Hi justjennifer, thanks so much for that fantastic advice! You have given me some valuable information to add to my design and communication strategy. thanks again!

4. auxclass
   Member
   Aug 20, 2011, 3:27 AM

   Here is a bit more on Forums:

   http://en.forums.wordpress.com/topic/question-about-inserting-a-poll-and-possibly-forums-and-a-podcast-archives-page?replies=7#post-572068

5. susannemoore
   Member
   Aug 20, 2011, 4:53 AM

   Thanks auxclass, fantastic!! Now to work out if I should host the new site straight up (which would be http://www.changingwomen.com.au) and create one of the forum's you suggested and rebuild my current blog in wordpress.org.

6. raincoaster
   Member
   Aug 20, 2011, 5:00 AM

   I think so. If you truly want thousands of contributors, you will quickly outgrow the basic WP.com parameters, and the VIP program here like ICanHasCheezburger has start at $600 per month.

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