DIY Websites/hosting for dummies question?

dustino

dustino

Well-known member
I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with one of those DIY cut-and-paste template websites. I'm looking for something that offers some simple templates that I can just plug my files directly into. I know these things kind of suck but I don't currently have the time to learn a web design program or pay a web designer. I just need something super-simple where I can post some photos and clips. I plan to get a "real" website within the year, but I'd like to have something up and running in the meantime.

Also, I know that most of these run on flash so that the text is not HTML and, therefore, can't be searched. I'm ok with that but if anyone knows of a site where the text is HTML based that would be even better. Any help/advice whatsoever regarding cheap websites for dummies would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Oh yeah, anyone have experience with Apple's cut-and-paste software iWeb?
 
Hi,

Depending on what you wanted to do, perhaps a free, blog type platform like wordpress http://wordpress.org/ might work. This is how it works:

1. You need some kind of hosting service that provides a mysql database and Php. We've used hostdepartment for years http://www.hostdepartment.com/ great control panels, responsive live chat support and EXTREMELY cheap like 6 or 7 bucks a month!

2. Download & install the wordpress software to the host. This part can be tricky if you are not familiar with setting up a database. If you can find a friend or pay someone a few bucks to help you it may be worth it. It only takes a knowledgable person 15 or 20 minutes to set up.

3. YOU then use an administration dashboard to build your own site . Plug ins are available to add audio & video. All free.

4. The look of the site can be changed by uploading skins.

Good Luck!
 
I just liiked at the Wordpress support page and they list a few hosts with automatic installs of Wordpress included ....again for 6 7 bucks a month for tons od space & bandwith
 
I learned HTML, PHP, and CSS after playing around with WYSIWYG editors (cut and paste types). Hand coding gives you a pretty big advantage with browser compatability and search engines. If you just need something simple, I would be willing to trade the work for equipment or do it for a discount price to help a fellow filmmaker. Maybe just to get you up and running for now. Below are examples of sites that I have built.

snodart.com
kcbtowers.com
snodart.com/reunion

[SIZE=+0]Also, if you have a host already, there may be some site building templates offered with fantastico (if your host uses cpanel). [/SIZE]
 
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