Where do I start??

[wizkidd]

I want to make a site almost exactly like this

I downloaded a million resources on everything from PHP, to CSS, to designing layouts in Photoshop etc.

What Id like to know is where should I begin and what would be the easiest way to build and update a site like that

Are there templates that I could begin with? Is there an easy way of creating a system by which my site can take tutorial submissions that once approved by a moderator would automatically generate a page on my site?

What about creating a system by which the tutorial links are TAGGED and categorized without much maintenance by myself?

[Nile]

I think that the best thing for your situation is www.wordpress.org

[wizkidd]

why is that?

[james438]

Because what you are suggesting sounds exactly like Wordpress. You can customize it and add skins and it is pretty easy to maintain.

If you really want to mimic the site that you saw it looks liek you will have to take the time and effort to learn how to design a site. There are other options. you could hire a web designer to create the site that you want. You could buy dreamweaver program which will do most of the coding for you. For me it was a little over three years to before I felt it was complete.

Web design is a daunting task, but can be very rewarding and enjoyable. I have loved every step of web design. If time is an issue I would stick with what Nile said and try your hand at Wordpress.

[Nile]

You also may want to try some cms systems, maybe:
www.majicko.com It may cost a little bit, but to make a site like this in a snap is work. So I suggest the CMS I posted in this one, or wordpress.

[Medyman]

If it's a CMS you're after, you can't do any better than ExpressionEngine. I guarantee it (unless you're looking for social networking features).

[webdesignernew]

I think wordpress is the best option for you too, it will give you the ability to adapt and will be easy for you to learn the concept.

[wizkidd]

how much do you think someone would charge to create a site like this?

[SjulyN]

Site development from scratch might cost you thousands of dollars as you’ll e doing what has already been done by others. I would advise you to take a look at ready-made solutions that are multiple in the Internet. To make the site exactly the same as in example you gave, you’ll need additional customization work to adjust a standard social networking software and add the special features you need.
Try for example PG Social Networking software as a basis and you’ll save much money.

[JVposter]

I want to make a site almost exactly like this

I downloaded a million resources on everything from PHP, to CSS, to designing layouts in Photoshop etc.

What Id like to know is where should I begin and what would be the easiest way to build and update a site like that

Are there templates that I could begin with? Is there an easy way of creating a system by which my site can take tutorial submissions that once approved by a moderator would automatically generate a page on my site?

What about creating a system by which the tutorial links are TAGGED and categorized without much maintenance by myself?

Stop downloading and start learning
read from w3schols first and hurry to make something practical.

Regards,