Large websites with multiple functions? School project

[Maggi315]

HI,
I am very green when it comes to websites, but wondering about how large websites, that have multiple functions work. For example, ones like Mothering or epregnancy.

I am in a masters program (for nursing education) and for my project, one of my ideas is to develop some kind of website that educates about natural birth options and such. I would like to include things like a discussion forum, blogging, articles, a list of professionals, a section for professionals, etc. maybe even ad space, and more.

I have no idea how to even start this kind of thing and need some information on where to look to get started. What kind of places should I look that would host a large website like this? I would be on a very low budget since I'm doing this for school (at first, it would be great if I can continue and it takes off).

If anyone can point me in the right direction, I'd greatly appreciate it. I have two websites now, but both are very small, with easy templates and just a few pages. This would be totally different so I am just lost!

[dogmom327]

I can probably help you some I'm literally signing a contract today for a huge site upgrade for our business. We'll have not only the store function but also a huge content management system to maintain hundreds (someday thousands) of articles, recipes, information, etc. We're also doing a blog, forum, videos, etc. So while my site isn't as popular as MDC in terms of visitors, all the pieces are there

Anyway, I've learned a lot over the last 6 weeks or so as we've shopped around for web designers, etc. I'm happy to share info.

[Maggi315]

Thanks, I got your pm, I appreciate your generous answer and help!

How do you add your own design. For example, I envision having the page look like a room and the main page look like a building (see www.pituitary.org for an example of what I would like to do).

Can you also just add a discussion board to these kind of packages? And what about skype?

I am continuing to search this weekend. I went to the bookstore, but I was totally lost in there, they had a whole section on website design, way, way, way over my head!