I've started and run quite a few websites, but all are content-based,
and have no coding above and beyond some simple HTML and CSS.

I need someone to explain to me in simple terms what exactly I need to
run a website powered by the open source Scoop.

If you're not familiar with Scoop, here's a link to the homepage
http://scoop.kuro5hin.org/

Here is the Scoop Admin Guide
http://scoop.kuro5hin.org/guide/

I have a domain registered with GoDaddy.com, and would prefer to use
their services to host the website.  You can easily view what they
have available by visiting http://www.godaddy.com

What's really confusing me is the "System Requirements" section of the
Scoop Admin Guide (section 1.3).  To me, it implies that I have to
physically own a server to handle the traffic and database.  Is that
correct, or can GoDaddy handle that for me?

To clarify, my question has nothing to do with installing Scoop.

I basically want to know:

1) If GoDaddy's hosting services can accomodate a Scoop powered website.

2a) If not, who?

2b) If so, what GoDaddy service could I use initially to launch the
website, and would I be able to easily and seamlessly upgrade if
visitor traffic increases.

3) How much my costs would be for such a site.  Please provide a few
estimates including initial costs as well as monthly costs based on
initial traffic of 300 daily visitors with 3,000 daily pageviews up to
potential future traffic such as 100,000 daily visitors with 1,000,000
daily pageviews.

It seems to me this project is over your head; that being said here's
what you'll need.

*   *nix server

*   MySQL db

*   Perl/CGI

*   Apache 

*   Shell access


Now, you'll need to look for a hosting provider that will meet these
requirements. Here's what GoDaddy says about shell access "For
security reasons, we do not allow SSH (or Telnet) connections to our
hosting servers." This doesn't surprise me.
http://help.godaddy.com/article.php?article_id=833&topic_id=&&


At olm.net their shared hosting (which will be enough for you; you can
always upgrade at another time) that is greater than e-starter offer
ssh access. here's a link:
http://www.olm.net/shared/ensim/compare.html


you may want to use guru.com or rentacoder.com to set up your site. or
if you have the time, this would be a great project to learn with.
This setup would be classified as beginner level (*nix project).


That's right you wanted more than one site that will meet your requirements:
http://www.bluehost.com/tell_me_more.html
http://www.serverpro.com/plans/compare.htm
http://www.oxxus.net/hostingPlans.htm



--Paul