Quote Originally Posted by origamikitsune View Post
Well, I don't personally use a service to build the site for the linkshell I am in. We have a basic hosting service, and we use SMF with TinyPortal. It is (mostly) a matter of simply installing the files yourself, but it does require some basic knowledge of the behind-the-scenes stuff. No in-depth coding however, and most of the REALLY cool stuff has to be coded a little bit at least.

A lot of people use Enjin, and that seems to work very well for a reasonable cost. I don't know what sort of widgets and perks the have, but I suspect they will have the basics - like a leve reset timer, shout box, forums, etc. I don't know if Enjin can do live character stats or anything like that. But if all you are looking for is a basic web front with some of the more common stuff, they are probably the place to go.

EDIT: I am curious... Does anyone else use SMF or SMF/TP or SMF/some other portal?
Enjin depending on your build you get 50 modulas ( basic service) unlimited ( 30$ a month) the mods very like if you look at my website i have a box with links to lodestone , our photos , our voice server status ( enjin has mods for mumble,vent,skype,ext.) i can add a updated member list witch shows everyones progressions/stats but i dont use it, there is a htlm mod to add your own html , chat , video , shout , server status , different ffxiv serch widgets. it has a lot to offer i made a website 1st useing .ning.com but it was limited . all i can say is check it out theres a free version if you wanna play with all the options