I used to write my own website with html and SSIs, but I got tired of updating each page every time I wanted to change it, and then my wife started her photography and that was tough to keep up with too - just got way too clunky for anything other than just a placeholder.

So we switched to using 4 parallel installations of Wordpress and that's working out great for now. Keeps it easy to update and helps target individual customers too. I took some time to learn the Wordpress architecture, and if you know a little php and html it's a very flexible system.

It's not the slickest design, but it's functional: Welcome to Center Street Productions - Video and Photography.

FrontPage 2003. I know you had a bad experience, but the 2003 version was the last version and it got rid of most of the silly proprietary MS add-ons, plus the HTML is useable. I've hung on to my copy because as you found out, there's really nothing like it out there anymore on the PC. I still use it for basic sites. You can flip back and forth between the WYSIWYG and HTML tabs to quickly fine tune stuff. Having said that, RapidWeaver is a good substitute if you have a Mac.

n.b. I wouldn't recommend Microsoft's successor to FP 2003, but I do recommend the 2003 version if you can find it somewhere online.

Thanks to all who recommended Wordpress. Once I got everything successfully installed (not difficult), I can understand how it will be much simpler to update and maintain than a typical Web site authoring tool like DW or FP. I lived with FP for a few years and hated every minute of it. Site updates were a pain. Format changes were a nightmare.

My next step is to figure out how to get the look I want. I guess I'll be spending more time on the WordPress boards.

To all... thanks again. In particular, Josh... thanks for your persistence. And Philip, thanks for showing me what I can do. I'm going to keep some of your ideas as a model. your site is nicely done.

Thanks Tripp. If you get stuck with anything email me - I'm not an expert but I know my way around it a bit.

Yes, the first time you do anything it might be difficult, the second time it's super easy.

I am subscribed to this thread if you have questions.

I should also mention the awesome PodPress podcasting plugin.

Tripp,

You may be underestimating your abilities in the discussion about how to set up a site. I'm impressed with the way you've incorporated Flash into your website. That piece alone shows you have a strong aptitude for all things related to websites and posting video.

The flash piece is what I'm struggling with. I've downloaded Adobe Flash and am having a heck of time figuring out who to put an flv file on my site and make it run/show. Any advice in where to look or how to get my pea-sized brain wrapped around this process? And, yes, unlike you, I really do have a pea-sized brain. :-)

dave

- late to the party -
 

I'll be building [or should say attempting to build a site] with - EzGenerator
Website Building Software: Create Websites without HTML coding. EZGenerator Website builder

Haven't had much time to delve into it yet but they have a ton of free, customizable templates/themes you can download.

Whohoo... Hey, where did all the people go? Well at least the keg is still sorta cold.

So just wanted to add two things:
1. Outsource your CMS template building (sleep better and have more free time)
2. Take a look at Build a Website - Create a Blog - Squarespace

There are many Wordpress savvy independents that can take your cues or design and get you up-and-running fast. Then you can always maintain it yourself.

SquareSpace is pretty unique in that it is a CMS for a site or a blog but it is completely and easily web configurable and is offered as a complete solution including (very) reliable hosting.

George/

Hey Tripp, if you keep up with wordpress and start wanting to post more videos there are a few plugins out there to help. I wrote one and am still developing it.

Simple Thought Productions SFV Plugin

If you use it and have any comments or problems I would love to hear them.

I use wordpress, show in a box is a great video friendly template

Mark
Home at overlander.tv