Starting a website - the business side of it?

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  • Fredman1
    New Member
    • Apr 2012
    • 4
    • 4.1.x

    Starting a website - the business side of it?

    I'm familiar with the technical side of web development, but the business side? Not at all.

    I want to start a site that will be using the vB Suite, purchasing that and installing that is not an issue.
    I have a domain name purchased, and a host provider paid for.

    Now, some of the forums will be paid subscription only, but most will be free.

    After that I am clueless.

    Do I simply use a Paypal link to collect any subscription fees?
    Are there pluses and minuses to certain aspects of Paypal?
    On one hand I like Paypal because it seems to be simple to set up and manage, and I don't need an SSL license.
    Any better alternatives?

    I won't be doing this to make a living so I won't be able to spend all day and all night working on it.
    I would imagine I need to get a TIN, and then open some sort of bank account for paypal to deposit into?

    I am guessing I need to Incorporate and possibly trademark my .COM name/site as a business?

    What else do I need to do to limit liability?

    What else do I need to seriously look at? (from a business or legal standpoint)
    Would I really need an Accountant or a Lawyer on retainer? Someone suggested I will. If so I won't even do this because it's not worth it.

    I was looking for a decent book on the subject, didn't really find a current one, so I figured I would ask here.
    Any advice or pointing me in a direction from the esteemed folks here would be great.
    Thank you
  • steven s
    Senior Member
    • Jul 2004
    • 3722
    • 3.8.x

    #2
    Originally posted by Fredman1
    I won't be doing this to make a living so I won't be able to spend all day and all night working on it.
    I would imagine I need to get a TIN, and then open some sort of bank account for paypal to deposit into?
    As far as taxes go you can use your SSN as your EIN.
    Currently I classify myself as a hobby website.
    I'm also 1099'd from one organization that I maintain their site for and of course 1099'd from advertising revenue.
    Taxes killed me this year.
    ...steven
    www.318ti.org (vB3.8) | www.nccbmwcca.org (vB4.2)
    bmwcca.org/forum | m135i.net
    "I tried to clean this up but this thread is beyond redemption." - Steve Machol

    Comment

    • Fredman1
      New Member
      • Apr 2012
      • 4
      • 4.1.x

      #3
      Originally posted by steven s
      As far as taxes go you can use your SSN as your EIN.
      Currently I classify myself as a hobby website.
      I'm also 1099'd from one organization that I maintain their site for and of course 1099'd from advertising revenue.
      Taxes killed me this year.
      I don't know if using a personal SSN is the way to go, liability-wise, and in this age of sue-sue-sue, I don't want anyone to be able to come after me PERSONALLY as opposed to a shell corporation that has its' own (small) bank account and separate TIN.
      Am I too worried about a member making a slanderous or libelous statement against another member or a company?
      Am I too worried about being sued over the 'right of free speech' if I was to delete a posting?

      I am not concerned about ad revenue at all.
      I figure the site will generate about $3,000/year from subscription fees, but as long as it pays for itself - or close to it - I'd be happy.
      I could also see it generating $15,000/year, or $500/year.
      NO, it's not a porno site, it's a sports site.

      Comment

      • steven s
        Senior Member
        • Jul 2004
        • 3722
        • 3.8.x

        #4
        Originally posted by Fredman1
        I don't know if using a personal SSN is the way to go, liability-wise, and in this age of sue-sue-sue, I don't want anyone to be able to come after me PERSONALLY as opposed to a shell corporation that has its' own (small) bank account and separate TIN.
        Even if you where a LLC, someone can still come after you.
        I'd suggest speaking to a lawyer then. Advice here is worth every penny you pay. ZERO!
        ...steven
        www.318ti.org (vB3.8) | www.nccbmwcca.org (vB4.2)
        bmwcca.org/forum | m135i.net
        "I tried to clean this up but this thread is beyond redemption." - Steve Machol

        Comment

        • Fredman1
          New Member
          • Apr 2012
          • 4
          • 4.1.x

          #5
          ANY advice is useful, it will give you something to think about!

          Comment

          • Fredman1
            New Member
            • Apr 2012
            • 4
            • 4.1.x

            #6
            Steve, read your e-mail/PM.

            Comment

            • Fredman
              New Member
              • Feb 2012
              • 16

              #7
              Nobody else with any thoughts?

              Comment

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