Expert: mrwebber - 1/10/2003

Question
Hello Claris,

I would like to start a website but am at a loss as to what company to use, the prices, etc.  I know many people today get their friends to design their pages, but how much would it run me to pay a web designer, I'm sure this is pretty expensive, depending on the specifics and features of the page.  I'm pretty computer savvy, do you think I could do it on my own w/ the right books? Also, do I have to use the company I register my domain name as the host, or can I use a different host?  Thank you in advance.

Answer
Hi Angela,

If uou just want a personal web page, start with a web page that is
hosted by your internet service provider.   Many ISPs include 5 to
10 megabytes (Mb) of space as part of your monthly service.   
Check with your provider for instructions (call or visit their homepage).

AOL also offers FREE homepages at AOL Hometown:
AOL Hometown gives you a free home page with 12 Mb of space
where you can:
-- Share your interests.
-- Highlight your business.
-- Post a profile with a photo.

Go to:
http://hometown.aol.com/
  and click on the "1, 2, 3 Publish" link on the right hand side.

You'll be using AOL's online web tools to create your page(s)
online in an easy to use interactive way.

If this new web page serves your purposes, you'll be in full
control, and won't have to spend a dime.   It's great for a
personal page that your family and friends can visit to see
what's going on in your life.

If you find that you need more.... you have a business, want
to offer something more, or earn some money -- then you
can pickup some good books at CoolShoppin.com.
Look for good beginner books like "HTML For Dummies"
or "Poor Richard's Web Site: Geek-Free, Commonsense
Advice on Building a Low-Cost Web Site", which can both
be purchased at the CoolShoppin Bookstore:
http://www.CoolShoppin.com
then click on "Books / Media" or click a bookstore link
right from the homepage.

You can upgrade from the free services to the ones at the
Web Store on CoolShoppin.com.

While you're at CoolShoppin.com, think about the possibility
of having a page created there (if your page or site would
be appropriate for an online shopping mall).
You could get the page in exchange for a small commission
on each sale made.   It's important that you offer a money
back guarantee and give the CoolShoppers the best
price available anywhere for your product or service!   

To get started, send a detailed descrption of what you
would most like to have, to:
webmaster@coolshoppin.com

You could have your own store in the CoolShoppin webmall!

Good luck Angela --
:-D MrWebber
president@coolshoppin.com
http://www.coolshoppin.com