I need web love

[Mercutio]

Anyone care to build me a simple web site? I'll pay, of course.
I have decided that I should have something more than, oh, nothing.

I'd like some kind of simple, template based thing for whatever ranting I care to do online, and some kind of password-protected web-based file transfer system.

I could probably learn to do it myself, but given the fact that other people have interest and talent in that area (as evidenced by timwhit's thread in the help section). I'd rather the job get done properly than do it myself, 'cause if I do it, my pages will all be HTML2.0 plain-text on light grey backgrounds.

I'm thinking of using DreamHost. 2.4GB for data + 120GB transfer and IMAP email for $9 a month seems pretty good to me.

Yes, I go through this thought process at least once a year, and then I never do anything about it.

 

[Buck]

Have considered using automated software such as CityDesk from Fog Creek?

 

[Handruin]

What about something like mambo? I could set it up for you if you want. Or give their online demo a spin.

If you wouldn't mind something like a CMS, that sounds like a good fit. It will allow you to write posts in a web driven environment, and you won't have to write any HTML. Several of them (post nuke, php nuke, xoops) all offer file handling modules.

If you're looking for a custom tool, that will take significantly more time to develop.

Invision power services has a nifty file management tool which is web driven. I've set one up in the past and could offer to help you setup their tool on your own domain if you want.

 

[Mercutio]

Both Buck and Tannin seem to have nice, template-based sites. I assume they're both working with CSS or something similar to handle everything.

 

[Buck]

So you wouldn't mind editing an html file to add, delete or change your content? If all you need is layout stuff, I could help out.

 

[Mercutio]

Went ahead and paid for the space.
Now I just need to do stuff with it.

 

[Tannin]

What Buck said goes for me too. If you have a basic template already, adding content is as easy as you like. I'd be happy to help do the template. Or Buck has volunteered too. Buck will be more timely, if I'm any guess, but in my disorganised way I do wind up getting things done. (When I remember.)

 

[Handruin]

I misunderstood your need. I read a template based system as something keeping you away from writing HTML. Those types of systems generally gravitate towards CMS, or blogs.

I would find it hard to make you a template without knowing anything about your site. I could also offer to help create a header/footer/side menu/body classic layout, but would that suite your needs?

 

[Tannin]

I find that a good method is to draw up what you want, any way you can. (Word, Photoshop, crayon and paper, whatever is the easiest thing to make your page look more-or-less the way you want it.)

Post that here, and then let Buck and/or Doug and/or me code it up.

You will find that you can cut and paste different content in very easily, once you have a framework to start with.

 

[blakerwry]

See anything you like?

http://justblake.com/
-basic template I really like and some basic HTML pages combined with "Blog 1.5 beta : Online Journal/Diary Solution"


http://anime-jennie.com/
-images are ftp'd, or could easily be uploaded through web based admin and a php script takes care of all the HTML work for putting the images up and creating the links. Only thing that is edited by hand was the original template and the updates on the main page.

http://anime-jennie.com/beamer/
Very basic site I put together a few years back so my mother could show off pics of her dog.




I'd be willing to design and make a template and stuff for you, could even get the php setup to make it easy to upload content. I agree with Tannin on how to create a template, this is how I have my gf do it and we change her site's layout atleast once or twice a year.

 

[Piyono]

Hey, Merc,

I would be happy to donate a few hours of coding (CSS/HTML) or custom graphic design to help nice-ify your site. I feel like I'm constantly leeching advice from this forum and I'd be happy for a chance to give something back!
Please peruse my credentials, and let me know if you like what you see.

The last 4 sites I created in various stages of completion:


http://www.franksswimschool.com/
http://www.drmazzalandscape.com/main.htm
http://youdonthavetobejewish.com/index.html
http://s93261811.onlinehome.us/sites/joshallen/


Piyono

 

[Mercutio]

Aw, Buck put something together for me.

It's very tasteful.

Now at some point I just need to actually do something with it. Preferably during a less busy time at work.

Thanks to everyone who offered help!

 

[Mercutio]

Does anyone use webbish stuff to customize Windows' active desktop? Ever?

I've seen web developers do neat stuff like set up multiple images in frames as their wallpaper.

I was thinking it might be cool to set up my Windows desktop with a set of text links (I don't like icons on my desktop), either in a frame on my desktop, or overlaying my wallpaper.

 

[Tannin]

You mean use active desktop to do something useful? What a novel idea!