A Beginner

[PMOH]

I am considering signing up with Hostmonster to create my website. I have a domain parked with Godaddy. How easy is it to set up and manage using this host? I want to keep it fairly simple with a nice template but also need a blog built in so visitors can provide input on a variety of subjects. I was thinking about using the template wizard and then loading Wordpress. My purpose is not to make money, but provide and share information. It is a sports related site. Any suggestions regarding setting it up and which programs to load will be appreciated.

[shadmego]

Ease of use is something of a relative term. It really depends on what you consider easy.

For me, I think HM is one of the easiest hosts to use for webmasters. Others have said it's pretty difficult to understand, but these people usually don't really know what's involved in managing a website.

As far as what you want a site for, I don't think you will have a difficult time if you use a premade script like Wordpress (blog) or a CMS like Joomla! or Drupal. I'm more familiar with Wordpress and Joomla! so I would steer you in that direction, but you should review and research all of them and find one that fits you.

By the way, there are several websites out there that offer demonstrations on the more popular software packages available. If you search for "Wordpress demo" or "Joomla! demo", you will be able to find a site that lets you log in with a demo account and test things out.

~regards, and welcome to the community!

[PMOH]

After looking at Joomla and Wordpress samples it would seem that Joomla has everything I need. I want a place where people can comment on subjects that I post related to sports. I thought I would need a combo of a CMS and Blog software like Wordpress to accomplish having a more traditional looking website with main page and sub pages with a blog too. Maybe just Joomla will accomplish both for me. Any feedback? Not sure I could use both at the same time anyway. As you can see, I am new, and this is my first website, other than simple free websites I have done (eteamz).

[shadmego]

I think Joomla! will be able to handle everythig you need to accomplish with your website.

User Joomla! as the core, Fireboard as the forum. Install the discussbot from fireboard so your users will be able to comment in the forms on articles (content items) you write. That should handle everything you want to do at no cost to you.

I would seriously look at buying a professional template rather than going with a free one. They look better and often come with much greater support and features.

Look at www.joomlashack.com (http://www.joomlashack.com), www.yoothemes.com (http://www.yoothemes.com), and www.rockettheme.com (http://www.rockettheme.com) for a great start on finding the right template for you.

I can also help guide you in the installation of your site as well. I have demos available and am working on a series of video tutorials on installing/managing Joomla! websites.

~regards

[PMOH]

Thanks for your response shadmego. I thought I would just use a free template, I'm not real picky, but I will look at the other choices you mentioned. Money isn't a big issue, but simplicity and ease of set up and use is important since I am a beginner. I actually have not determined how I want the layout to look, I just know I will need a main page, a few other related pages, and pages for specific content, the subject of which I will want forum or blog feedback and comments from readers relating their own experiences. A poll will be nice for various things I want to survey. I also will have links to many other sites with related information. Posting of ads for income are fine, but it's not a big priority for me. My domain is parked at Godaddy, so it shouldn't be difficult to redirect it hostmonster, I don't think. Never did that before. I have a lot to do to get the site up and running by July, I just have to figure the order of steps in the process. Content is not an issue, as I have many ideas and information available. Can the site be built gradually before it goes "live on-line"? Is there sort of a "draft" status for the website as it is constructed. Sorry for so many questions, I have much to learn.