Need help which way to go to accomplish site I've envisioned

[KnoxWAHM]

I'm interesting in starting a niche site that connects buyers of services with freelancers. I'm not interested in running a lowest bid type site. But had more envisioned it as a place where members could post jobs for and freelancers would post a profile with feedback.

So here's my issue as I look around at technology to accomplish this.

Do I go with a script like Kubelance or ilance that offers job posting, escrowing, profiles and feedback, but no real community feel/forum or, do I go wtih a forum program and find a way to integrate escrowing but leave the set up more like a forum?

I envision having a front page that could have articles, blog content, most recent job postings and freelancers that have joined the community and of course a place to sign up

Not sure if I explained that very well

[alexc]

Tough question. You want to have a community feel to what is more or less a job listing site. You could have two seperate areas, one forum, and one job listing, but the complication there arises with how do you link the forum poster with the job or offered service. I am envisioning a blog on the landing page with articles and info, but no user comments, and from there links to the job/service posting page, and a link to the forums. I still don't know how you'd tie one to the other though.

[KnoxWAHM]

Thanks for your valued input Alex. Glad to know I'm not overlooking something very obvious in my newness. I've checked with aMember and they don't have escrow interegation at this point.

I may just start out with a scaled down version of what I'd ideally like and then, if there is the the interest and members grow from there. Versus trying to start with all the features I would like - and then consequently never being able to start

[alexc]