I want to Start my own Community

AI-generated summary

CaptainDawud wants to start a community similar to https://community.infinite-flight.com/ but has no coding or technical background. They ask for simple, free steps to get started. techAPJ shares a 30-minute install guide and confirms the software is free under its Copyright / License. CaptainDawud finds the process too complicated. ColdSun explains that while Discourse software is free, hosting is required — options include self-hosting on a server (e.g., DigitalOcean’s $10/month plan), paying Discourse $99 for setup, or using managed hosting like Communiteq for $20/month or Discourse’s own hosting for more support. ColdSun also encourages CaptainDawud to reflect on the purpose of the community, suggesting contributing to an existing one as an alternative. CaptainDawud agrees that clarifying the goal is key.

Hey guys …

I literally know nothing about coding or anything got to do with computer studies …

I just wanted to know how I can start my own community exactly the same as https://community.infinite-flight.com/ !

What are the steps and is it for free ?

Thanks :slightly_smiling:

Also please don’t go into the hard details as I won’t understand

@codinghorror can you please help me

Try our 30 minute install guide:

It is for free ? Sorry for asking

Also it’s too complicated ! Any easier way ?

Yes, it is free (see Copyright / License for more details).

You can sign up for our hosting at Discourse pricing | Discourse - Civilized Discussion

It’s still a Little complicated as I know nothing how to create , code or anything about computers but thanks anyway :slight_smile:

The software itself is indeed free. However, you need a means of hosting it so others can access it (after all, what good is a forum that only you have access to).

If you already have access to a server, then yes, there is a ‘free’ option.
If you do not have access to a server, you will need one that can run something called docker.
DigitalOcean’s $10.00 a month plan can host small communities. Someone can walk you through the installation process or you can do the additional $99 fee that Discourse offers.
Otherwise, you can have Communiteq (formerly DiscourseHosting) host and install it for 20.00 a month, or have Discourse host it and get far more direct support.

Otherwise, you can always jump into an existing community, help out, and help built out that community. I suppose the question at hand is, what exactly do you want to do, and why do you want to do it?

Yes that’s also the question !