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Chapter Web Site help needed
  • SuperDaveSuperDave
    Posts: 2,379Platinum Member
    Our Orange Blossom Chapter web site has been abandoned. I agreed to take it over but could not make contact with the originator...so I have to start from scratch. I am way over my head. I went to godaddy.com, got a web address reserved, (www.orangeblossomhet.com) but, from that point on I am too ignorant of the process to answer most of the questions. What I need, is for someone to do the basic set up and tutor me in how to administer it. A simple site with a few pictures, links , upcomming events, officer contact info., and maybe a few classifieds. Hemmings offers a free site, but prohibits classifieds. I am not looking for a free ride. I would be glad to pay someone with the knowledge.

    I can be reached by PM or email me at HETdwad1939@att.net. drop the het.

    Thanks, Dave W fl.
  • rambos_riderambos_ride
    Posts: 3,124Platinum Member
    Dave,

    I just sent you a PM...

    Dan
  • admin2
    Posts: 13Hitchhiker
    Dave,



    If you need any help, we are here to assist you if you find yourself still in need of a home. No charge and you can run all the classifieds you want.



    Regards,



    Ted J. Welch

    ClassicCar.com
  • Jon BJon B
    Posts: 4,770Moderator
    Also, Hemmings Motor News will host your club's website:

    http://www.hemmings.com/clubs/hosting.html
  • SuperDaveSuperDave
    Posts: 2,379Platinum Member
    Thanks for all of the suggestions. I will check them all out. Hemmings won't allow any classifieds since that is the business they are in.. can't fault them for that.

    My main problem wasn't finding a host.Primary problem is that I don't speak /read or understand computer langueage so I have/had a problem filling in the blanks on the forms. They may as well be speaking a foreign language. I have to admit that I am having some mental processing problems. Things that were very simple to me in the past (Like digital logic) I find to be confusing. I find myself transposing numbers and letters. Thank goodness for the "backspace and delete" keys. !!!

    Thanks again to all..
  • Jon BJon B
    Posts: 4,770Moderator
    One simple way to handle your website (until you find a better way) would be to create a document (in something like MS Word) and make a PDF of it. Then upload that PDF to the existing website and get someone (the nearest 5-year-old you can bribe with a lollipop, LOL!) to create a link on the site to the document.



    When people get to the existing website they would encounter a message, "Click on this to go to our webpage", or some such thing. As soon as they do that, your document would open up.



    This document would only be that: a document. Essentially like a newsletter. One page would be a calendar of events. One page would have classified ads. One page would contain latest news. Another page would have membership info and give the names of various offices and how to contact them. In effect, a multi-page document, just like a term paper or even a newsletter, but all together in one PDF. It would NOT be a true website because the viewer can't click on a link and go to whatever page he wants. He has to scroll down, as you do in any PDF.



    What it DOES do is to quickly allow you to put together a webpage on whatever word processing program you have, and to update that webpage rather easily (just as you'd change a letter or a flyer for one of your car shows).



    Each time you update your multi-page document, you will give it exactly the same file name as the one already on your website. Then, you will go to your webpage's on-line files, delete the OLD document and replace it with the NEW one, also of the same name.



    Then, the website will "think" that the new document is the old one, and behave just as before, sending everyone who clicks that first link, to the document.



    If you don't know how to upload to the website, bribe that 5-year-old, and get him to write it down on a piece of paper in "1-2-3" form so you can follow it. (Though he might not know how to write yet, even though he's a computer whiz!)



    This is a simple way to do a webpage. It's how I constantly update my "Hudson Repro Parts" page. I just make corrections to my MS Word document, and upload it. Identical document to the previous one, but with the addition of one car part. Takes about a minute to upload. I really know very little about how to do a website, otherwise!
  • admin2
    Posts: 13Hitchhiker
    Its reasonably simple to build the framework to a site these days, but filling it with content, updating it, and using the tools to do it is always the issue with novice users.



    Jon's idea is probably the easiest to work with. It would be best to find a club member that has the basic skills and has a marked interest in working on the site.



    We have the space if you need it.



    Regards,



    Ted
  • SuperDaveSuperDave
    Posts: 2,379Platinum Member
    Thanks, Dan,Jon & Ted. All very helpful information. I am gonna do this..I may die as a result of being a dedicated "do it yourselfer". I framed,plumbed, wired and finished my own house, restored my own cars, overhauled my own engines, built my own business. This is NOT going to beat me..even if I DO have to learn a new language..!

    I actually have manged to get a rudimentary start by posting a small bit of information. The site should be up in the next day or so. Still have to master the input from me to the site..pics and such but I know If other people have done it... so can I.
  • 46HudsonPU46HudsonPU
    Posts: 5,153Moderator
    SuperDave wrote:
    Our Orange Blossom Chapter web site has been abandoned. I agreed to take it over but could not make contact with the originator...so I have to start from scratch. I am way over my head. I went to godaddy.com, got a web address reserved, (www.orangeblossomhet.com) but, from that point on I am too ignorant of the process to answer most of the questions. What I need, is for someone to do the basic set up and tutor me in how to administer it. A simple site with a few pictures, links , upcomming events, officer contact info., and maybe a few classifieds. Hemmings offers a free site, but prohibits classifieds. I am not looking for a free ride. I would be glad to pay someone with the knowledge.
    I can be reached by PM or email me at HETdwad1939@att.net. drop the het.
    Thanks, Dave W fl.

    Hi Dave,
    Sorry, quite a bit here. Put these in any order that make sense to you -

    Before you go any further -
    - Grab some paper and pencils (8x11, landscape);
    - Sketch out what you want to see, and keep each proposed webpage on a single 8x11 sheet (at least to start);
    - Plan for for primary webpage, and each additional page you want and what it will show or do (you don't yet need to know HOW, you just need to know what you want to see);

    I would do at least two versions -
    - Simple, basic;
    - Full blown, what you envision it will become;

    And be prepared to use the eraser to change any or all of it, as you establish ideas and get input from others;

    Don't be afraid to visit other similar websites to look them over and 'borrow' or 'steal' their ideas - ;)

    Document your website, changes and actions. If you don't have access to a scanner, find someone who does, and ask them to scan-in & email your sketches & scribblings to you - it will help, in case you need to get input from others.

    Go back to the godaddy.com website, take some time & read through it all. What you're doing is setting up a very basic website. Look for 'sitebuilder' applications, and other things that will help you establish the chapter's online presence.

    Know what you're paying for, and make sure that anyone assisting you is aware of all the tools, applications, utilities, databases, etc., that comes with that monthly hosting fee...

    If you're going to do it yourself - find the tools that godaddy has to offer (at least the 'free' ones), know what you're paying for & take advantage of everything and anything that you pay for (remember - nothing is 'free' if you pay a 'fee').
    Note: That may even include enough pop3 email addresses for everyone in your chapter! (eventually - if you get around to it - and decide you want to go that far, as it can be a LOT of work and upkeep).

    If you get stuck, don't be afraid to ask for assistance. Remember, Rambos Ride (Dan) does this for a living.

    Honestly, a simple website ain't that hard to establish...
  • 54SuperWasp54SuperWasp
    Posts: 523Gold Member
    HI Dave, Just to tell you that you have all my respect. Reading on what you have done before, plumbing, electricity etc on your house and restoring your own cars and all, and I think the same applies to a lot of Hudsoners who are prompt to give ideas and help on this forum, I think you will be the first to change the "Jack of all trades, master of none" into " Jack of all trades, and mastering everything!" You are an example of Determination. I understand better now why your name is SuperDave... I can't do so much but when I see talent, I like to point at it. And this site is full of talented people, that's why I come more and more often to visit. Hope to be able to help too in the future.

    Have a good day, guys! ( Just hope my English is ok, I am always afraid to write something that I think is good, and that same thing be translated the wrong way. If it ever happens, don't be afraid to tell me guys).:)
  • SuperDaveSuperDave
    Posts: 2,379Platinum Member
    54SuperWasp wrote:
    HI Dave, Just to tell you that you have all my respect. Reading on what you have done before, plumbing, electricity etc on your house and restoring your own cars and all, and I think the same applies to a lot of Hudsoners who are prompt to give ideas and help on this forum, I think you will be the first to change the "Jack of all trades, master of none" into " Jack of all trades, and mastering everything!" You are an example of Determination. I understand better now why your name is SuperDave... I can't do so much but when I see talent, I like to point at it. And this site is full of talented people, that's why I come more and more often to visit. Hope to be able to help too in the future.

    Have a good day, guys! ( Just hope my English is ok, I am always afraid to write something that I think is good, and that same thing be translated the wrong way. If it ever happens, don't be afraid to tell me guys).:)



    Don't get the wrong idea.. I am NOt super! That was a nick name that was hung on me by someone that thought my stock car driving was more like the late night TV character "Super Dave" whose stunts never worked out. I had a series of very spectacular crashes when I first started to drive.. I have a sence of humor, so continued to use the nick name . I would like to change it to Super6Dave, but it's too late..

    You are correct. There is a wealth of knowledge on this forum. I am always learning something..

    By the way, we just got back from a trip up in your neck of the woods. Visited the Plattsburgh area and took a short trip up to Montreal. My wifes Uncle lives in St Albins and mother in Ellenburg The weather was spectacular!

    Your english is great..
  • 54SuperWasp54SuperWasp
    Posts: 523Gold Member
    Well Dave, happy to know my English is ok. Learned it watching old gangster movies with my dad. Starring Edward G. Robinson, George Raft, Humprey Bogart, James Cagney, all very good actors who, at the time, drove old, big and fast getaway cars. I am 3 hours away from Plattsburg but only one forty five from Montreal. If you ever come back this side, e-mail me, and we could meet. I go in Mtl every two week-ends. I lived there for52 years. I'm in the country now. More quiet. Bye!