1. get a server: if you have a broadband connection your ISP probably gives you a bit of webspace as part of the package, good place to learn and try stuff out. 2. find some forum software: loads of free open source stuff out there, find one where functionality fits your requirements, this runs on something called Phorum. 3. install it on your server, you'll learn lots about FTP here. That's pretty much it, buy yourself a likely domain name and you're off. You don't need web skills, but you'll certainly have administration and maintenance skills soon after you start. THe hardest bit is getting anyone to use the damn thing, see http://www.westdulwichforum.co.uk/ for details