Reputable Web site hosting

[administrator]

Share ideas for Web site design & maintenance.

[Casual Cottage]

Well, I'll jump in. I have my website hosted by Citymax. Although I really like Citymax and they are great to help me when I need it, I would love to hear from those of you who have designed, or at least maintain your own site. There is a certain comfort level for me in having someone else host and maintain my site, yet I know I give up alot of flexibility. I'm not too html savvy, but learning.

[primrose]

I don't think many people host their own sites since it involves setting up a server on a separate computer - I use Earthlink for hosting. But I designed my site and maintain it. I also took a 9-month web design course at a local university to learn how. And I have a design background besides. I don't think it's impossible to do your own site but I wouldn't call it easy either. You need to learn the program software (Dreamweaver for me). Then maintainence involves a lot of time. Every new item has photos to prepare, a new page to make, updating the main category page, testing the purchase and shopping cart buttons. Because my things are one-of-a-kind, when an item sells I have to remove all links to it. You can see what a problem this would be if had to rely on someone else to do these things for me. I like to tinker with things, too, and doing my own site allows me to fine-tune to my heart's content.

Janet

[Kathy Ann]

I agree... I am a tweaker! If I had to wait for someone to remove sold items and add new ones, or correct the ones already added, I'd go crazy! Not to mention, I have never met a webmaster who's wonky enough about grammar and spelling.

[Cottage Collections]

As a webmaster, I'd have to say that godaddy is one of my favorites to host with. Their tech support is next to none, their pricing is affordable for small businesses and they're really reasonable for purchasing domain names.

I think if you can maintain your own site it's really the way to go. I know it can get confusing, but so rewarding. Of course the advantage of being able to update your site when you want rather than waiting for us to get to your updates is the best part!

If I can answer any hosting questions or make any maintain yourself software recommendations.. just let me know.

[Kathy Ann]

Primrose, it's not hard if they use a host where the site builder tools are right there on your screen. Most of the ad-free options are not too painfully priced, and you can have your own dot-com name redirected right over there. I was a rank newbie when I first started using Trellix (Tripod's choice of site builder) and it went pretty smoothly.

I belong to one online handcrafters' group where people are asking me questions like, is there a limit on inventory at my own "store". I have to understand that some people are too timid to make the leap and do their own website, and they have a lot invested in their "store" at a popular online auction site. I feel that with listing fees and final value fees, they are being robbed.

[PippiKneeSocks]

i use 1and1 for hosting, and they are up there with godaddy as far as price and support.
although, their site is a bit difficult to navigate.

a friend just inlisted me to help her with her site, and i think i'm going to set her up thru godaddy... although, i don't think i'm qualifyed to help someone else build a site! :eek:

[primrose]

I'm working on a site for a friend who is an illustrator. We got his domain name through godaddy and then decided to go with their hosting as well. It's very affordable and customer support seems good, although I haven't had a major problem that I've needed help with yet. I'd say, so far, so good.

[Cottage Collections]

I belong to one online handcrafters' group where people are asking me questions like, is there a limit on inventory at my own "store". I have to understand that some people are too timid to make the leap and do their own website, and they have a lot invested in their "store" at a popular online auction site. I feel that with listing fees and final value fees, they are being robbed.

I agree with you Kathy Ann. Way back when I started my first web site I was motivated by the fact that I was paying a fortune in listing and final value fees. That was 4-5 years ago and I was paying 3-400 a month. I could promote the heck out of my websites, pay for hosting and have money to spare. It's a scary step but an amazing one.

[Cottage Collections]

i use 1and1 for hosting, and they are up there with godaddy as far as price and support.
although, their site is a bit difficult to navigate.

a friend just inlisted me to help her with her site, and i think i'm going to set her up thru godaddy... although, i don't think i'm qualifyed to help someone else build a site! :eek:

I'm not sure how their (godaddy's) build your site software is but I'm sure if you have any trouble at all they'll be happy to help you. I've called them on a Sunday night with a problem and even had the tech person give me their extension to call back if the problem wasn't resolved. In a day when customer service is almost no existent they've won my heart. :p I use them for all my sites and recommend them to all my clients.