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I have a quick question. I want to start a social networking site but haven't the foggiest clue how to do it. So I want something real easy, something my grandmother could figure out.

Now, I know I'm going to need some kind of software for this and being the miserly old bastrard I am, I obviously want to put this online for free either by: Open Source, free software, third party or any other way as long as it is, for free. That's just how cheap I am. If I can get this done for free, I'm a happy hockey fan.

So, whatcha' y'all think? Anybody have a suggestion? It's almost St Patty's day and although I am not Irish I do have a little Scotch in me (that's what makes me so cheap). Anybody anybody????

Edited by canadafred because: attempted to add some humour
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Dani AI

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Short primer for (and the rest of the thread) — quick, practical ways to get a simple social site up without reinventing the wheel.

Two practical routes work well for a low-cost, low-friction build. The easiest route is WordPress plus BuddyPress: it gives a familiar admin, tons of themes, and most shared hosts offer one‑click installs so setup is straightforward. See BuddyPress (WordPress plugin) for community features and extensions: BuddyPress. This is the fastest way to something a non‑technical user can manage, but it will need plugins and care to scale and stay secure.

If a purpose‑built social platform is preferred, look at HumHub and Elgg. They are designed for groups, activity streams, profiles and modules out of the box, so less piecing‑together than WordPress. They tend to require a bit more sysadmin work but give more community features from the start: HumHub and Elgg.

Key realities and a short checklist:

  • “Free” software still needs hosting, a domain and ongoing updates. Expect at least small annual costs.
  • Use a host that supports one‑click installs (or be ready to follow install docs). Enable HTTPS — Let’s Encrypt is free and widely supported: LetsEncrypt.
  • Plan moderation, spam defenses and backups before launch. Those are the real time sinks for community sites.
  • Try demos or local installs first, confirm the project is actively maintained, and check plugin/theme ecosystems.

This gives a practical starting point: pick the easiest tool that meets the feature set, test it, and keep maintenance and moderation in mind. ’s levity is noted, but the path above gets a working community online without pricey custom development.

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Member Avatar for InsightsDigital

Canada Fred - I love it!! You are satirizing the popular threads here. Genius!!!

Member Avatar for canadafred

Canada Fred - I love it!! You are satirizing the popular threads here. Genius!!!

I am? lol, that's great! (I guess I better start digging in the archives then)

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