I was following the instructions, but I don't want to sell directly, but just want to point to my RM files on Alamy. When I downloaded GitHub which seemed to be needed to get the templates, GitHub nixed FF and I've ground to a halt, as I can't now find the templates, (or I have found them but have no idea what to do with them) and don't know if they're what I need just for pointing to Alamy.
I've got this far http://www.lizworld.com, and have a lot of plug-ins installed (i.e. the recommended ones, although ImageSiteMap is reporting as 'unavaillable' - does that need the Premium Upgrade?), but don't know how to get any further. The step by steps, assume selling RF from your site, so I seem to have run out of relevant (for my purpose) instructions.

You really should take this over to  http://www.symbiostock.org
you'll get much more help over there.
I don't know why you had to download github I certainly haven't and my site is up and running just fine (bluehost).
The templates are included in the Dragonfly child theme.

Very unusual - I've had the occasion single refund - but this seems to be a fraud episode to rival that of iStock.
Just trying to see how widespread it is, or was I the only lucky one.

All these threads on Syms growth and early success makes me want to try and do it myself - the only thing holding me back is my own lack of knowledge and confidence, you see, I am totally intimidated by anything to do with computer programming, seo (yikes), and all that kind of stuff.

However, I am motivated to at least give it a try.

Question:  Does anyone use HostGator for there website? Is this good service or is there a better one?

Any direction is extremely appreciated.
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You should head over to http://www.symbiostock.org you will find more info and help there.

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Most discussions are going on over at our own Forum @  http://www.symbiostock.org

The only person who can answer the question of whether running your own site is worth it or not, is you.
Each individual has to decide for themselves.
Like everything you do in life your mileage will vary.

Is everyone getting sales - no.
Is everyone who has had sales getting regular sales - no.
But some are.

You have to consider this has only been going on for a few months.
I look at this as I'm in it for the long haul.
I bought / prepaid for my domain and hosting plan for a few years.
I didn't and don't expect immediate miracles.

Symbiostock sties will never challenge the top agencies.
But what you can do is get traffic away from sites where you may reach payout every few months.
If you can take a few sales away from the low earners every month there's your win.
You can't challenge the Subscription sites - (and to think they are worried about us taking away their customers is absurd).
Our market is the individual buyers - people who don't want to pay $199 for 750 images they will never use.
Or even $49 for 5 images - when they are only looking for one image.

Frankly having had no code background (the only web site I had ever built before was with MS FrontPage)
I went into this with a lot of trepidation but actually found it a lot easier than I thought.
I haven't done a lot of customization but I think what I have done is good yet simple and has gotten me a few sales.
For those without a lot of web building experience I suggest keeping it simple and follow the instructions in the tutorials.
That's all I did and it works. And honestly I thought it was going to take longer to get set up.
My simple site works with few issues overall.
I do have one small glitch currently but nothing that stops me or the site from functioning.
Is any site glitch-less? iStock, SS, DT, FT - Check their forums there's usually quite a list of issues.

Overall I didn't think the cost of hosting and subsequent paid add-ons were that unreasonable.
And I have learned quite a bit about WordPress, Code and SEO and Web Design.

If you are on the fence about building your own site - wait and see.
If in a year or so you find the network is in disarray and people are dumping their sites, then you were wise to sit on the sidelines.
Then again if in a year most of us are finding things are improving you will be a year behind on joining and getting it set up.