Platform on Which to Build an Interactive, User Created Community?

Ideas for system that combines blog and wiki functions

[clearpixel]

I am in the early stages of developing a website that, in the broadest terms possible, could be considered an online community.

The intent is for it to function as an online crossroads of consumers, employees and companies. The goal is to collect and aggregate comments and experiences employees and consumers have had with companies within specific industry classifications. The hope is that companies will want to make use of the information we collect and purchase the data in some form of usable format.

To achieve this, we need a platform that can support a password protected user experience, but one that can also enable a user to participate in an online forum, add their experiences in narrative format, participate in surveys, possibly contact other members through the site, and other similar functionality.

I am considering drupal.org, Macromedia Contribute and Mambo as the primary platform. I would also need to integrate additional functionality (likely PhP based) to address the other functions I mentioned. What suggestions would anyone offer and what experience have those of you out there had?

Thanks, in advance, for your help!

- Matt

[encyclo]

Drupal can certainly do what you want with a certain amount of customization. Realistically, I don't think you will find a package which will do all that you want right out of the box, but Drupal and Mambo both have a good reputation as being very easy to customize. Do you have much experience with PHP?

[AAnnAArchy]

I don't know if this will meet your needs, but the new ExpressionEngine blog software now has a message board module that can be added.