Hello all,

I have several questions; I will try to keep it short

1. Can anyone recommend an affordable or open source Social Networking Software? I am planning on building a social network for a niche group of people. And still in this topic, is it better to purchase one of those Software packages that come up in Google sponsored searches or is it better to get an Open source software and then rent-a-coder to customize it?

2. I want to build an online review website for a niche product for a niche group of people. I will want the website to look (not exactly) like one of those Top 10 reviews. What is the best way or best software to accomplish this?

3. Still related to the above question, I have three websites already (all are work in progress) and I have build each with the host provided site builder. I have learnt basic html and understand basic website concepts along the way. I have a couple of sites lined up that I will be building. My question then is, is it imperative that I need to learn and buy a site building software like Dreamweaver or can I continue to get by with host provided site builders and templates?

Your comments are much appreciated.

Thank you and happy mothers day to all the mothers!

I have just installed "elgg" on my website http://wholesalesonyps3.com so you can see it in action.

It does not have all the bells and whistles but it seems to be easy to install and get up and going, and it is completely free, so you may want to check it out.

You can download this free software at : http://elgg.org/

Here is another freebie I found : http://www.boonex.com/products/dolphin/

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I must create a system or be enslaved by another mans; I will not reason and compare: my business is to create.
William Blake

nixwebo,

I checked out your site, but the theme and script look like a standard Wordpress blog.

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It's as plain as it comes, and yes it is the standard install of the app. I think he main difference with this software is it allows you to make friends and such. You should join up even if you don't wanna post I am trying to get some new action there, I would be glad to digg a site for you or post a link on one of my sites in exchange.

Soon I will start working on the look, its gotta change, I know that, but you gotta start somewhere, I just installed it today to show the script to okason.

__________________
Free Webmaster Tools Apps and Templates | Free eBooks For Life | Web Site Traffic
I must create a system or be enslaved by another mans; I will not reason and compare: my business is to create.
William Blake

Nixwebo, thank you for the resources you pointed me to, however it looks that this is more suitable for a blog. I am thinking of getting a paid application like http://www.alstrasoft.com/efriends.htm, I figured at least I will have support and the learning curve is not that steep.

Once again, thank you