I have a client asking me to create a message board system - similar to Craig's List (quick and dirty) that just lets users post potential items for sale - which is something I've never done before, even as a theoretical application. Has to be something where moderators can preview posts before they hit the board, too, to prevent spam and porn.

The trick is that I think I'm going to have to build it myself. The client would like to keep it inside his own domain, instead of redirecting to any of the really nice web sites with pre-existing message board support out there already.

I *know* I'm not looking in the right place, but I'm coming up zeros on developing this from code. All my searches come up with message board services you can join, customize, pay support for... But not much about how to make your own.

Tutorials? Books? Open source code already done and free for use? I'll take any resources you have. =)

Will this be internet based or "intranet based"....

If it will be "intranet based"... what about using Sharepoint?

If it's "Internet based".... don't have any resources for that right this minute....

Sorry I'm not more help,

There isn't going to be one. First, anybody with any development experience at all will be able to break the application down by functions; get input from a web page, display information in a web page, store the information in a database, move the data from web page to database, and vice-versa. Second, if one does not have the ability to break the problem down by functions, then a tutorial will do them no good anyway. A message board does four things, even Bleeping Computer only does four things.

What platform is the client using for a server?

I assume it's going to be windows based. He needs to buy a server, or buy space on one.

My job's pretty much to develop the site. =\

<where'd my edit button go?>

Okay, here's the scoop... Since he wants to get started quick, he doesn't mind paying for software. (He already plans on hosting his own domain on his own server in his own garage, once I create and upload it there. He wants his bulletin board there.) All he wants is a simple message board program that requires pay access to it - a membership.

Goovicus, or anyone else, can you recommend some products and solutions available for purchase and install to a server?

Just od a search for content management systems or bulletin board software. There are thousands, and none that I could recommend since I don't use any.