I'm not sure if this is the place to ask this question, but I'm going to throw it out anyway. I'm currently working on my web page using Netscape Communicator, which Ed suggested to me. Now I'm about at the point where I need to publish my page, and I'm confused. I've been told I need to rent web space and a domain name - what is web space, and what companies rent it? The domain name is my .com address, right? Where can I rent that? I guess this is more of a business question than a knifemaking one - I apologize if it's off-topic, but I'd appreciate any suggestions whatsoever. Cyberspace confuses me! Thanks for your help.

Josh Blount

Web space is "space" on a server where you site will be hosted. This space is provided by a web "host" A company has a server (computer connected to the internet constantly) where all of your website information will be housed, like pictures, your homepage, etc. You can use a free server like: www.geocities.com, but i think they have restrictions about commercialized sites. I use www.infinitehosting.com because they're cheap and good people to deal with.

your domain name is your url, or www.-----.com. You can register this name with your hosting site, or through www.register.com, both usually cost the same amount.

You then upload your website to your host after they send you all the connect codes. I like to use ftp to upload (cuteftp is a good program for ftp'ing), but you can use microsoft frontpage to upload too and probably netscape communicator.

All of this sounds relatively easy, is very frustrating the first time, and then becomes old hat after you do it a few times. Your hosting provider should have a free help line and walk you through the process. Infinethosting is very good in this regard, but i'm sure there are lots of other good hosters out there.

The "Computer Center" would be a better place to ask this. The people that moderate the Computer Center are actuall working on this stuff every day. Alex knows everything and Terry and Jeff know everything else. I just got set up on Atlanta Virtual with Alex and he has held my hand throughout the process. Just one more little "stupid Attack" on my part that they need to clear up and I will be done.

Josh, I'm afraid I can't be much help when it comes to websites. I designed my own a while back--put a lot of time into it, trying to learn html language and such. I got it up and running and before you know it, all the "free" web services started charging for space or stopped hosting specific services. I submitted my site to several search engines but got no results for months. Figuring that I enjoyed making knives more than I did shoring up my rapidly crumbling website, I turned to Alex here at CKD for help. He designed and built a great website for me and for a price much more reasonable than most designer/hosting services were charging. If you're just doing your website as a hobby, that's one thing, but if you're serious about doing business from it, I strongly recommend you contact Alex at: sales@atlantavirtual.com

After building my site, he secured my .com domain, listed me with hundreds of search engines--and my site showed up quickly, and he handles all the maintenance, hosting--everything. Couldn't ask to work with a nicer guy, and I can't imagine any more professional service anywhere. The nice thing is, that I've secured enough business through both orders and sales via my association with CKD to pay for the site. It's really worth checking out. There's a link to my site at the bottom of this post. Take a look and see the quality of work Alex turns out.

One other thing--I couldn't help but notice from another post that you're from Wytheville, VA. Well, I'm from Mt. Airy, N.C., just down at the bottom of the mountain from you--less than an hour's drive away. We have a smithing group that meets every month or every other month at my shop to do some hammering, trading, and in general just plain having fun around a forge and anvil. Drop me a line sometime if you're interested and we can get together. My e-mail is on my website.

I will loudly second what Dana said about web hosting. Alex does a great job.

Dana,
Thanks for your advice. I really liked your web site. I'm not sure which way I'll go with mine. I enjoy tinkering with my web page (I'm a do-it-myself type of guy - that's why I make knives!) but my knowledge is very limited. I'm not quite ready to decide yet, though. Being a homeschooled senior in high school, a part-time community college student, and a part-time carpenter doesn't leave me much time for working on my web page.
I'd love to come to one of your meetings. As I said, my time is limited, but I'll keep your address and contact when my school schedule is less crazy. Anyway, thanks for your reply!

Josh Blount

Josh I can't say enough good about atlanta vertial web site service it is the onley way to go, give Alex a call you wont be disappionted
Gib
www.cactusforge.com

Amen to all said.Alex will take the bull by the Ba_ _ and run with it.All the time saved will be worth it. Robert Washburn

Wow ... man, you guy's are pumping up my ego!

Maybe I can talk Ed into framing this post! Whooo hooo :)

Absolutely, anything you need on the web, we're here to help. You can also point the questions to everyone on the Computer Center forum and get all the self-help you need, if you want to try it on your own. We design them, host them and most anything you need, so help, answers or services are no problem at all.

Welcome to the CKD and let us know if we can pitch in ...

Thank you men! It feels good to know that what you do is worthwhile ... it's a tough business, the hours are unreal, but with all the negatives, the positives blow them all away! You guys are a great example of what I'm talking about ...


Alex