Need info on developing video based web community similar to youtube.

[Wm Paca]

I am in need of information on the production and maintenance of a website that can host the volume of videos and content seen on youtube. It would also need to be capable of handling user created profiles similar to facebook. The concept does not follow these lines specifically; however, I am interested in figuring out:

1) How much memory would be needed and the costs associated with hosting. Is there an online host that is worthy of using or is it better to back up with in house equipment?
2) Where can I find a professional that has the ability to develop and maintain such a project?
3) What would be the industry standard costs associated with the development?
4) Any advice, guidance, or support you feel like offering is appreciated. I have extensive business knowledge, but am too humble to claim any intelligence in the actual development arena.

Thank you for your time and assistance in figuring some of this out!

[wulawula]

The interesting part is that I've a similar idea with you to build a video site.
But what I'm concerned about is how to get traffics. :0

[WebJoel]

You know what, -if you don't have the necessary skill yourself to pull this off and you are inquiring as to '...how much will this cost' then the likelihood is that you're going to next ask someone to code this entire leviathon for you for a 'partnership share' then you and ten-thousand other YouTube ripoff wanna-be's have the same idea. I doubt if this can happen. And, discussion of 'price' or 'cost' for hires is prohibited on the forum. Read the link in my sig for more details.

I wish you luck but I really get the idea that you have no ability yourself, and just want to get someone to build something for you and you 'share the rewards', if any. If you want to pursue this as described, try craigslist.com and post into the GIGS - COMPUTER section. You will finds hundeds of similar requests to '...help me build the next YouTube/FaceBook/ClassMates/whatever video/social-networking etc. community' there. Maybe someone will actually step-up and help. And there, you can post how much you're willing to pay. Here, it will be edited-out and/or removed, per legal. :o