Web Design and Hosting

[DarkenedCharm]

I have put up a temporary website on a free hosting site that is dedicated to my latest musical project (-----> http://myweb.ecomplanet.com/WIMA3229/default.htm <-----), but I am hating it. I want so bad to have an actual WEBSITE that I can do with what I want, including a forum, and the whole 9. My problem, honestly is money. I suck at html, otherwise I would design a kickass site and throw it on a free hosting space. And of course, going with the free thing, I have to deal with the rancid url they give me, instead of a more specific domain name. This was the best deal I could find for free, and if I have to keep this, then so be it. But damn, I want something more in depth. This thing is just horrid (Although it kicks Yahoo's GeoCities butt all over the place.).

[SomeDanGuy]

The only tip I've got at the moment is that if you want a slightly cleaner URL, you can get domains at .co.nr for free. Like "WithMalice.co.nr". It's unusual but could be a little shorter than the above one

[Scary Guy]

I've had www.virtualblood.com for years and just started doing a few things with it finally.

I pay for the host space though and the domain name. But I get an e-mail list management system, an SQL database, and a few other things. You could even in theory set up your own server box and do it yourself. but I also get backups and the worry free result of "it just works and if it does't he'll fix it or help me to fix it if I can".

[Homicidalheathen]

I think Dollar Dave does this stuff. You should ask him.

[Jarodaka]

Domain name registration is cheap. It's only about $10/year. Certainly don't pay more than $20/year for it. What you'd be interested in, at the least, is 'domain forwarding and masking.' So when a user goes to, say, www.withmalice.com, they'll actually be looking at myweb.ecomplanet.com/WIMA3229/default.htm, but they'll see www.withmalice.com in their address bar.

[Neptunebaby]

I have been into web design for a long time and though I can't help you with design or hosting personally - because I am so busy that I sometimes can't find the time to simply eat or go to the bathroom - I can give you a great recommendation.

Hosting and design by : Moxie Design Studios at http://www.moxiedesignstudios.com

or Hosting by: BlogOmania at http://www.blogomania.com/ (only does hosting)

and design by: Bona Fide Style at http://www.bonafidestyle.com/

My site is currently hosted by Moxie, but I'm moving to BlogOmania and a designer at Bona Fide Style is currently designing a new skin for my site. Should be up in the next few days.

You can check out the portfolios they have though. They do great work at both places I've listed. You just tell them what you want your site to look like - or give your designer a general idea if you don't know for sure and they will get to work. They will email you links of test pages and you just let them know what you like and what you don't until it fits exactly what you want.

Hope this helps!