Hello there,

I want to create a site for the brazilian market (I am brazilian living in the US) in the molds of classmates.com, but my main idea is to provide a site to the brazilian population where they can find lost old friends based on some criterias such as city of residence (when they were friends), school they attended together, etc.

Although this is a very long shot, I would like to know if you guys are aware of a solution that would allow me to create such a site with minimum investment (I am bootstrapping)? Or if you know of any design company that would work in exchange for a slice of the profits (if they ever happen, of course)?

Thanks,

I can probably help you with this solution.... I run my own server, hosting around 50 websites (99% uptime over the last 3 years+) . I have an open source content management system (CMS) that I use called Joomla! which has a component available for it called Community Builder (CB). Suffice it to say, it gives you a website that people can log into, with just using the CMS, but with the CB system, it gives you the profiles you want to be able to search.

Joomla! can be demo'd at their site: http://joomla.org
Community Builder's site: http://www.joomlapolis.com

They are both free to use, you would just have to learn how to set them up and configure them both. It's tricky at first - I still install all the sample data as it's even harder if you do not (I just adjust it accordingly).

I have no experience using a thrid-party webhost for the install, as I said above I own my own commercial server, but can't imagine it would take that much to get it installed (there are support forums to help decide on a host). You just need FTP access to install, or server admin access.

One site I manage is for MemoryMan.com. He is so far the only one who needed Member access. You can see how it appears at http://memshop.memoryman.com. The menus appear on the left, once logged in as a member, there is a Member's Only area.

I have not yet used CB myself (I am in the process of setting a site up for a client now), but their website seems to describe exactly what you need.

you can then make the system work how you want/need it to.

We could write a system like this for you. I can give you an estimate if you give me some specs. You wouldn't have the fear of finding someone to update the system when you need to make changes because we'll write and maintain the system for you. We also have our own servers for hosting and offer other web development solutions.... SEO/SEM,Design...etc.

Thank you,
~Aaron
http://www.HighConversions.com

I'm sure there are ready made scripts (PHP) to accomplish what you want.

A search for classmate scripts or something lie that should provide some solutions.

You will need a domain name and web hosting of course. (I can provide both of those) I also can put together a website for you.

~Roland
"bring the world to your door"
http://www.vwebworld.com