anyone can start a site. Some for hobby some for do it as a business
It cost me over 60k this year, salaries, lotto, promotions pay jj gold to stay away from the union.
A php forum is free, just need to pay for hosting or get one with free hosting and carry there adverts
Vbulletin, like eog,rx,wol,theopu, cost from 80 bucks to 140 bucks. Which is the best route to go. Why?,. vbulletin has better support
you can go real cheap and dont spend a dime and go with ezboard or proboard
I would not start unless you have money or a following like jj gold has a following and some cash.
Give your customers content and a good product and think out side of the box and learn seo.