Basically, I am trying to design a Web-based storytelling RPG game, and I don't know where to begin, or how to go about it - frankly. I am not a programmer, and now - not even a good network engineer, so writing the software myself isn't an option I am looking at if I want to deploy this thing sometime within my lifetime...

Here is a list of features I need the software to do, and I am not sure what software(s) I need to do all of this, but I want to be able to do it all at launch time:

  • User Authentication
  • Seperate Forums for Seperate Games
  • Sub-Forums for divisions within the game
  • Sub-Forums or divison for areas within the previous division
  • Non-threaded replying within the confined area described in the previous bullet
  • Seperate 'Characters' per login, people can only post where their characters are - not system-wide.

These are the basic, bare-bones things I need the sucker to do if I am going to do it at all.

I am not asking for someone to write this for me - basically, I am asking if there is existing PHP software to do this, and if not - who would I need to contact and how much would it cost me to get such a customized solution produced for my use (I am NOT going to be making money with this - it's a labor of love, to be definately sure) so keep this in mind. The only thing I can offer beside the small amount of money I can afford is openings on-the-ground-floor type positions that might not be available once the service is operational.

Please let me know, as I really want to get a start on this now 2 year old dream. If you have any questions on the specifics of my software needs in context - please e-mail me. Thank you in advance for all of your help.

    I don't know if you can disable threading or have 3 levels of division in forums, but phpbb.com seems the closest php solution to what you want. If you paid someone for this you'd likely be out several thousand dollars.

      Ken;

      Thanks for the reply, and the point to phpbb.com - it's pretty close to my needs, but still a few vital features short. So I will need to find someone to adapt it, or help me adapt it to fit the role I need. But thank you very much for the link to this product.

      Now, I mean no disrespect to you or anyone when I say this - but when people start saying it will cost thousands and thousands of dollars before they even know what the project perimeters are, or even how much work is involved - it says to me that this person never wants to work at the project, or work at any project paying anything less than a King's ransom.

      All I ask is that the person at least inquire as to what is required, and be flexable as to the payment arrangements if a deal is worked out - as the old saying goes 'A little of it now, or all of it never' Programmers who quote very very high price tags before any preliminary work is done and is steadfast rigid about payment, even under contract don't want to work all that badly, IMNSHO.

      Sorry if this ruffles your feathers, or the feathers of those out there - but it is the way I feel. I have heard too many programmers out there quote huge prices to change like 5 lines of code. I am not a corporation, nor am I rich. But I do want to get this project done, and all I ask is that if the person wants to work on it, that they are willing to keep this in mind when quoting prices or negotiating contracts. I am a mere mortal, whose forte' is network engineering and AS/400 operation - not computer programming.

        shrug I was just telling you what most people would probably charge you.

        I don't even do work for hire. I run a free open source project.

          7 months later

          What do you need done?

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