I've started modifying the existing board software instead of writing the thing from scratch.
That's how I got started in the BB buisness. I started off as mod team for YaBBSE making modifications that people could apply to add new features to their YaBBSE installs. But I got tired of modying and wanted to help develop YaBBSE... but was denied for various reasons, so I started CBB(
http://cbb.agigames.com). Funny thing is after I started CBB then they offered for me to be a developer... but at that point I said screw it since I had made CBB... ironic... when I wanted to be a dev they wouldn't let me... but when I didn't want to be one they wanted me.
Thanks Chris for all your help so far.
Your welcome, hopefully this stuff actually helped you in anyway even if it's only modifying a board.