I was wondering if someone could help me out. there are a few things I need to know so I can create my RPG (role-playing game) forums. I first need to learn how to create a account database for the site to use to keep up with each account created, also so people can actually create an account and start posting in the forums =P. Secondly i need to learn how to create an actual forums without having to get something like vbulletin cuz I don't have any money, so I can't afford anything. It would be a big help if creation of this could all be done via HTML coding. Im not new to html, i took a class in high school. The next thing I could use is knowledge of how to properly create and size my sidebar so as to contain stuff like a user log-in feature, links to different parts of the site, and of course something like a miniature chat box or music playlist. and the last thing I need to learn is how to make a nice looking sub-banner with links to the main pages of the site, all on a RPG themed website template. anyone who can help me out in all these areas deserves all the thanks I can offer and will be much appreciated.

(>^.^)>Shawnjeezie: Runescape Slayer and Strength Expert<(^.^<)

Unfortunately HTML is just a markup language, you definitely can't create a forum using only that. Check out some free forum software like SMF or PHPBB. Here's a list

http://www.nooti.com/develop/forum-software.php

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My Forum (http://www.codyscode.com)

Thanks dude. Much appreciated!