Site Builders

**DaveMo~** · 03-03-2002, 12:32 AM

Everyone has to start some place when it comes to site design and building. Some have started by learning HTML and some have started with programs like FrontPage.

Let's discuss site builders here. For example, the site builders/wizards by Tripod, GoDaddy, or Homestead.

What's your opinions? pro and con?

Dave

**Craf** · 03-03-2002, 09:02 AM

I dont use their site builders coz im not confident with theirs...

**FHD - Chris** · 04-01-2002, 10:39 PM

I started back in 96 by learning raw HTML. In my opinion its the best way to go. Back then there wasn't much power in the builders but learning the code definately helped wehn I moved to them.

BTW, the first editor I used was Netscape Composer before moving to Dreamweaver, never looked back. Composer is pretty good for beginners.

**thesawmillguy** · 04-17-2002, 04:13 AM

I am still reletively new at setting up websites. I have only 3 under my belt so far 2 of them being for my own business ventures. The third is for my mother's boyfriend. On this site (#3) I have really gotten familliar with HTML, although some of the HTML codes I have tried have not worked I keep trying new things and learning alot. The website/hosting service I am currently using is www.webnow.com
Overall this service is alright, but Tech support is limited to email only.

Toby

**Tiggy** · 04-17-2002, 01:21 PM

IMO site builder scripts are great if you just want to put a few personal pages together real quick for a few family and friends.

If you want to portray a more professional image, then I really can only recommend that you build the site yourself (or at least, not use an auto sitebuilder script)... you'll have more control over the look and the feel, and will not look like just another fill in the template site.

**DaveMo~** · 04-22-2002, 07:52 PM

I agree that the "best" route to go is to build the site yourself. But I don't think that all site builders means that a person is less professional in their field. It's usually the webmaster that will make or break the site.

A person that is professional in his field might not be proficient in html, nor be able to pay for someone that is. So, until that time, there are those sitebuilders that can help him/her get their expertise on the web.

The auto site builders that I have been experienced with were terrible. But some of the templates have been ok to good.

Con's - limiting to what can be done
Pro's - can get people on the web with some decency

Agree or disagree? Making you think anyway...........

Dave

**HeidiLynn** · 04-22-2002, 11:19 PM

Well let's see. I first got online in 1998 I think.

My sister was a contract webdesigner for Agfa and she suggested I try AOL Express.

That was a nightmare and I eventually chucked it out.

That was the only one I really tried I think, I might have tried FrontPage but I really don't remember.

Since then I had been learning HTML, CSS, some JavaScript, CGI installation, etc.

While learning that I also became frustrated with 'finding' graphics so I started learning how to make them.

Then after/during all that I realized that my designs were hideous and started about learning how to design nice sites that won't make people flee in horror.

But to get this back on topic:

I found most editors etc. to be troublesome, hard to figure out and largely annoying.

Homestead's editor isn't too bad but I still don't like using it.

Now though all is lost as I feel I am a code purist and editors etc. put in too much that is not needed creating bloat. LOL.

Heidi

**kline11** · 05-23-2002, 01:53 PM

I created my own HTML generator for others to use for free just for these reasons. But for my own use I use Macromedia Dreamweaver, which is is great, but very expensive, so I added similar features to my FREE HTML generator. Maybe you'll find it useful?

**WandaCox** · 05-29-2002, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by kline11
I created my own HTML generator for others to use for free just for these reasons. But for my own use I use Macromedia Dreamweaver, which is is great, but very expensive, so I added similar features to my FREE HTML generator. Maybe you'll find it useful?

Kline11 your website is a wonderful resource. I've been on your site a while this morning, and am impressed with the 'depth' of the free tools you offer. Very helpful. Will be referring many to your site.

**Perfecthost** · 10:01 AM

Hello all-

I am interested in finding a site builder to offer with our web hosting services. We are always receiving inquiries from super-newbies that have no idea what html is and have no desire to learn it. They just need a site up, fast and easy.

I'm not referring to code generators or FrontPage type software. The software we want has to be online, with nothing to download for the user. No "click here to insert a table", as these folks do not know what a table is. We need something where the user is asked a series of questions, or are give a choice of layouts. Something similar to tripod, geocities, talkcity, etc.

The one tripod uses costs thousands of dollars. That is not financially viable. We have been looking at Site Studio at http://psoft.net/SS/site_studio_demo_page.html (take a look at the demo), but are concerned with it being entirely java-based. In case you do not know, java is very harsh on the load of a server.

Any ideas?

-Lamar

**Perfecthost** · 07-01-2002, 10:14 AM

Anyone have any suggestions?

-Lamar

**ColdFusion** · 07-01-2002, 11:22 AM

I've build one site builder myself. It was my Senior Project in school. Written purely in Visual C++ (CGI) . It was definataly overkill

http://www.businessrockland.com/epc/
Then I was also trying to create something similar , but that idea died

http://www.fromherbs.com/stores/

**WandaCox** · 07-01-2002, 11:32 AM

ColdFusion,
Are we free to promote this to others:
http://www.businessrockland.com/epc/

it's a helpful tool for beginners!

i bet you Aced that project didn't ya?

**ColdFusion** · 07-01-2002, 01:38 PM

2SiteTutor: Sure. That's a free tool. I didn't promote it that much

But I will be glad if that tool could help to other.
And Yes, I did Aced the Project

**TemplateHut.com** · 07-24-2002, 06:46 PM

For building a site I use Dreamweaver and a text editor like notepad. With the two, any design can be made.

**WandaCox** · 07-24-2002, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ColdFusion
2SiteTutor: Sure. That's a free tool. I didn't promote it that much
But I will be glad if that tool could help to other.
And Yes, I did Aced the Project

Thankyou ColdFusion
We'll add this link to our webmaster resource directory within 48 hrs. Way to go on the "ACE"

**TemplateMonster** · 06:38 AM

We are now in developing probably best in the world site builder. It will be accessible in september. I wil invite all WMT members to participate in beta testing.

**Perfecthost** · 08-09-2002, 06:24 AM

Do you have any idea of the price for a server-wide license?

**Zoram** · 08-18-2002, 01:16 AM

Back to the original question: I've never really used the HTML codebuilders. I tried one several years ago but I guess that I am too much a designer at heart (also known as a control freak...) and didn't have enough Control... I started out about 5 or 6 years ago reading a fat book on html that my dad had got to learn the basics... since then if I wanted to do something i tried to learn it.

IMO i agree with what a couple of others have said. For beginers or for someone who just want a photo gallery to show their family or friends I would go with a pagebuilder... But if you want control of your layout and everything else you build it yourself...

I just installed PHP-Nuke on my site and am still trying to figure out how to redesign the look to my own style... if anyone knows where I can learn what i need to do my own theme pm me...