Question
I have a problem. For some reason, people who have heard you "sell stuff on the internet" think you know everything about the internet. I know very little beyond some very basic HTML, FTP, and graphics editing. In other words, the minimum you needed to know in order to sell on eBay back in the late 90's.
Now, I've been asked to be in charge of developing a website for my church. I've tried to explain that I know virtually nothing about building a website, but the folks at my church are even more illiterate then I am when it comes to computers and the internet, and they insist I'm more qualified than anyone else.
I'm sorry, I know this is slightly off-topic since I'm not planning a commercial, for-profit website, but y'all are the only people I know to ask.
The church is willing to pay for educational materials, software, etc., so I can learn what I'm doing. They even offered to buy a new computer for me if I need it! (I don't and wouldn't take it from them in any case). But I really don't think they have a clue what they're asking.
I need to start at the absolute bottom and figure it out as I go. In other words, I need resources geared to the dummy level. Any advice? Books I should read? Websites? Software?
HELLLLLPPPPPP! I really don't want to let these people down, but I'm afraid I'm about to get in way over my head.
Thanks in advance.
Pat
Answer
Keep it reeeeeal simple.
1. You need a program that edits photos. You probably have one from your eBay days.
2. Do a little planning. How many pages will you have and what will you name them? The names should be somename.htm. The first (or front) page should be named index.htm. Just keep that in mind for now.
3. Make a New Folder to save all the stuff in. Move all your photos into that folder.
4. Use Word to make the pages. Just make them like you would a regular Word document. Add titles (use Word Art for a little splash). Insert photos. Type text. Make hyperlinks using the page names you decided on earlier. When it looks the way you want, just Save As A Web Page into the folder you made.
5. Then use your FTP program to upload everything in the folder to the web space.
When you type the domain name in Internet Explorer, the index.htm page will open automatically.
6. You can open the pages in Word to make changes. Just make sure to Save As Web Page every time, then upload the changed pages.
After a while, you will want to move on to something more intricate. Meanwhile, have fun!!
Answer
citymax.com....
It's soooooooooooooooo easy!!!...It's like $20 a month and worth EVERY PENNY!....
There's a free 10 day trial, so you can go check it out (FOR FREE!...NO CC registration required)....
I'm building a site for my store and it's a piece o' cake there!!!
Answer
I recommend Godaddy. Domain name and hosting for one year for about $47. Just follow the basic steps Jayne gave you. I built my first website this way. If you have Netscape it has a "composer" you can use. I think Firefox has one also. Just remember help is just a post away.
Mike
Answer
One of the first things you need to determine is WHY they want a website.
Is it just a 'advertising page' with a photo of the church, its address, telephone number, directions and service times?
Is it to keep members and the community updated on various events?
I've seen them 'done' both ways.
Some are simply informative about the church, others are a huge conglomerate of information - order past sermons, sign-ups for various activities (ie. vacation bible school, monthly dinners, etc.) and most fall somewhere in between.
When choosing a 'domain name' try to get one with the entire church name. (That MAY be hard to do, as so many churches are similarly or identically named.)
Answer
Thanks to everyone for your help. For this dummy, it's quite a bit to digest, but I'm going to print out your suggestions to study, then stumble on from there.
I met with the pastor last night, and he actually wants quite an extensive website. Not much "advertising" but lots of research material and other resources, mostly for people who are doing Bible study, etc. Transcripts of sermons, even eventually video of the sermons.
I've checked out several websites that I think might be along the lines of what he is hoping to do and he is taking a look at those out now. I will do what I can, with the help y'all are willing to give me (thank you, thank you!), but I have a feeling after our meeting that at some point he's going to have to look at hiring a professional. Either that or give me time to take a course...or two or three!
Thanks again. I'm going to check out everything you all have said so far but I'm sure I'll be back with more questions.
Mike, thanks for your assurance that my questions won't be unwelcome.
Pat
Answer
Our church is listed at www.trinitybaptistonline.com if you want to take a look at one example...I had nothing to do with it...lol. Actually I did in the beginning but I think they have contacted someone to do it now..not sure who is in charge of it anymore...I can find out if you like what you see. We had limited computer people--(like me) in charge of it at first but it is radically different then when I started....
Answer
Great thread...I just talked to my boss about this yesterday and was pondering coming here to ask (or find a willing person)!
Will Jayne's suggestions work with WordPerfect? I'm pretty much of a whiz at that, but have difficulties and am tons slower with Word as I've rarely used it.
Can it be edited at will, i.e. getting the first page up ASAP, adding the rest later? We are moving, and I'd like to get the new info up soon, but since we are moving, I don't have loads of extra time now.
Answer
P.S. Does email come with a site? xyz*xyz.com? Boss currently has earthlink and gmail, but...it would seem more professional to have one associated with. Thanks.
Answer
If you use Godaddy you get like 100 email addresses. Opt for the cheapest price hosting. I have 5 sites there and haven't had to upgrade any of them.
Mike