Hi Mary Lou,
This is a website but it's a certain kind (forum). So it has to use a particular online table software.
I have gone all WordPress for my sites. I have several plus I do our guild's site. I personally think WordPress (or Joomla) is the way to go. Once you get the hang of it, WordPress is really easy to use and sooo versatile.
Previously websites were created using HTML. I used Dreamweaver and Photoshop to create my old sites. But WordPress is a Content Management System (CMS) and it is so much easier to use and flows much better.
Now, with WordPress, many people have their blog and website all in one. So the Flourish Forum actually starts as a blog/website on the homepage. Then the Forum link is the "forum" portion.
I took a fabulous online class called
The Blog Class by Jones Design Company. I knew a lot of what the class taught but the class was definitely worth it. She lays everything out start to finish all in one place. I can't recommend it enough. I am so happy I signed up for it.