Author Topic: Advice on hosting for Symbiosite - I want to give it a go!! (Read 23636 times)

noodle · « **on:** October 26, 2013, 07:24 »

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.
Modify message

Mantis · « **Reply #1 on:** October 26, 2013, 08:25 »

Quote from: noodle on October 26, 2013, 07:24

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.
Modify message

Same here.

Sean Locke Photography · « **Reply #2 on:** October 26, 2013, 08:48 »

BTW, is there an easy way to promote not-for-sale images, like my portfolio on Stocksy, yet?

PhotoBomb · « **Reply #3 on:** October 26, 2013, 09:08 »

Quote from: Sean Locke Photography on October 26, 2013, 08:48

BTW, is there an easy way to promote not-for-sale images, like my portfolio on Stocksy, yet?

http://ajotte.com/stock-plugin/

PhotoBomb · « **Reply #4 on:** October 26, 2013, 09:12 »

Quote from: noodle on October 26, 2013, 07:24

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.
Modify message

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

cidepix · « **Reply #5 on:** October 26, 2013, 09:22 »

Quote from: Sean Locke Photography on October 26, 2013, 08:48

BTW, is there an easy way to promote not-for-sale images, like my portfolio on Stocksy, yet?

if you mean to just link to images elsewhere without selling them direct on your symbiosite? it is possible out of the box without any plugins..

cidepix · « **Reply #6 on:** October 26, 2013, 09:22 »

btw, I use godaddy for hosting and I believe it's a very good option..

Sean Locke Photography · « **Reply #7 on:** October 26, 2013, 09:23 »

Quote from: cidepix on October 26, 2013, 09:22

Quote from: Sean Locke Photography on October 26, 2013, 08:48
BTW, is there an easy way to promote not-for-sale images, like my portfolio on Stocksy, yet?

if you mean to just link to images elsewhere without selling them direct on your symbiosite? it is possible out of the box without any plugins..

Ok, but I want an eeeeeasy way.

Sean Locke Photography · « **Reply #8 on:** October 26, 2013, 09:23 »

Quote from: PhotoBomb on October 26, 2013, 09:08

Quote from: Sean Locke Photography on October 26, 2013, 08:48
BTW, is there an easy way to promote not-for-sale images, like my portfolio on Stocksy, yet?

http://ajotte.com/stock-plugin/

Oh, yeahhhh.

cidepix · « **Reply #9 on:** October 26, 2013, 09:29 »

Quote from: Sean Locke Photography on October 26, 2013, 09:23

Quote from: cidepix on October 26, 2013, 09:22
Quote from: Sean Locke Photography on October 26, 2013, 08:48
BTW, is there an easy way to promote not-for-sale images, like my portfolio on Stocksy, yet?

if you mean to just link to images elsewhere without selling them direct on your symbiosite? it is possible out of the box without any plugins..

Ok, but I want an eeeeeasy way.

I believe it's easy because you don't have to place the link in the description.. instead there are referral link sections..

in global settings you can enter a "referral label" for all images like "Download this at Stocksy"

After that, you go into every image and just paste the link.. even if it's done manually, pasting the link into the referral box alone, will not take forever..

Shelma1 · « **Reply #10 on:** October 26, 2013, 11:33 »

Quote from: noodle on October 26, 2013, 07:24

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.
Modify message

Step-by-step instructions at http://www.symbioguides.com/getting-started/

noodle · « **Reply #11 on:** October 26, 2013, 13:13 »

2...2...2 threads in 1

thx for the getting started links - definitely will start there, and for your godaddy reccomendation for a host - I will check them out

bunhill · « **Reply #12 on:** October 26, 2013, 14:03 »

i had a domain and hosting with GoDaddy for a few of pages I put up about a property I was selling a couple of years ago.

I did not enjoy the GoDaddy experience - although it did work okay. Navigating their site when I needed to do any sort of administration was confusing. I found the menu system and administration tools to be very irritating - with lots of distracting logos and they seemed to be continually trying to up-sell me on other services.

cascoly · « **Reply #13 on:** October 26, 2013, 14:11 »

and for those who aren't interested in doing the install yourself, there are installation services available:
http://www.symbiostock.org/topic/25/are-you-a-new-symbiostock-member-need-help-launching/

stockphoto-images.com · « **Reply #14 on:** October 26, 2013, 15:11 »

Quote from: noodle on October 26, 2013, 07:24

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

Any direction is extremely appreciated.
Modify message

I am using Hostgator. You can check my Symbiostock site here at www.stockphoto-images.com.

I had no issues whatsoever setting up Wordpress and Symbiostock.

Any challenges I ran into were related to my lack of knowledge or laziness of reading any suggested tutorials

I have no plans in switching to another host. The few times I had to reach out to Hostgator's tech support I was treated with respect and the issues have always been resolved in a very timely manner.

I do recommend Hostgator.

ajt · « **Reply #15 on:** October 26, 2013, 15:17 »

Quote from: noodle on October 26, 2013, 13:13

thx for the getting started links - definitely will start there, and for your godaddy reccomendation for a host - I will check them out

Godaddy offers linux and windows hosting, linux option is better for symbiostock (windows doesn't have imagemagick installed).

elvinstar · « **Reply #16 on:** October 26, 2013, 22:36 »

Linux is the better hosting option, period.

IMHO

Uncle Pete · « **Reply #17 on:** October 27, 2013, 05:50 »

$99 a year annual subscription - real live support and humans who speak to you about the services, and actually help. Not someone reading from a book of answers.

Website Builder –Unlimited Pages
Social Media Integration – Provide visitors with multiple ways to find and interact with your company by incorporating links and icons to your social sites, adding the ability for visitors to “like” or “follow” you, and automatic updates from your Facebook or Twitter feeds.
Email – Unlimited mailboxes
MySQL or MS SQL – 10 Databases
Advanced Web Analytics – Understand how visitors find and use your website so you can make smarter marketing decisions and target new customers.
Unlimited Storage
Windows or Linux Plans
Plus…
Unlimited Traffic, GigaMail, Shared SSL Certificate, 24x7 Phone & Email support

I've been with them since the 90s and very happy.

http://www.gate.com/

noodle · « **Reply #18 on:** October 27, 2013, 18:50 »

well I have my domain name picked out - and I will be getting a host most likely with bluehost , the one that has been recommended, their package seems reasonable, and it seems that it would be the most straight-forward with the setup process, from what I have read.
I only have less than 1000 pics, so I will probably do a very basic package.
One question for those with bluehost - has anyone got the boost seo package they offer? I think it was for about $20/year.
Worth it, or not? I do not spend time on social networks, blogging , etc.

cascoly · « **Reply #19 on:** October 27, 2013, 21:09 »

a definite no for the bluehost SEO -- use yoast (free) and leo's symbio sitemap plugin($15) -- sym sites have had great success in getting images indexed by google - eg, I was getting about 10% thru my smugmug site, but get 70%+ with sym.. sym has been designed with SEO in mind

there are additional threads about SEO & marketing at symbiostock.org

Pilens · « **Reply #20 on:** October 27, 2013, 23:28 »

Quote from: cascoly on October 27, 2013, 21:09

a definite no for the bluehost SEO -- use yoast (free) and leo's symbio sitemap plugin($15) -- sym sites have had great success in getting images indexed by google - eg, I was getting about 10% thru my smugmug site, but get 70%+ with sym.. sym has been designed with SEO in mind

there are additional threads about SEO & marketing at symbiostock.org

+1 - Spend $15 on the plugin (money well spent) and forget about bluehost SEO. SYS theme + sitemap plugin + Yoast plugin are hard to beat

marthamarks · « **Reply #21 on:** October 28, 2013, 00:20 »

Quote from: Pilens on October 27, 2013, 23:28

+1 - Spend $15 on the plugin (money well spent) and forget about bluehost SEO. SYS theme + sitemap plugin + Yoast plugin are hard to beat

I'll just "ditto" that. It's very good advice.

stockphoto-images.com · « **Reply #22 on:** October 28, 2013, 02:17 »

I run on Hostgator and a friend on Bluehost and I would definitely pick Hostgator over Bluehost. Bluehost is rather slow!

ShazamImages · « **Reply #23 on:** October 28, 2013, 05:55 »

I wouldn't suggest BlueHost (and am surprised that it is still the recommended web host). Many of the issues that I see on the forums are from people that use BlueHost.

I use GoDaddy and haven't had an issue with them from day one.

cathyslife · « **Reply #24 on:** October 28, 2013, 08:45 »

Quote from: ShazamImages on October 28, 2013, 05:55

I wouldn't suggest BlueHost (and am surprised that it is still the recommended web host). Many of the issues that I see on the forums are from people that use BlueHost.

I use GoDaddy and haven't had an issue with them from day one.

The only issue i have had is their slowness. As far as setup on bluehost it was a breeze. They did have isssues with servers, but that seems to have been worked out now.

ShadySue · « **Reply #25 on:** October 28, 2013, 10:50 »

For clueless non-techies, I'll just share that getting symbiostock up and running is pretty difficult if you haven't a clue. I'm on JustHost already, and every time I install some other bit for Symbio, which seems to be compulsory, I lose my login and password and have to set new ones. I just downloaded and installed something called GitHub, and it nixed FF; now I've got FF back up but can't get into JustHost at all, and have totally lost access to my emails, and can't seem to now set a new password, so I'll have to get onto JustHost support, which will take a few hours.
Don't try this unless you're very tech-savvy.
NB, I have run four 'normal' websites (flat HTML) and have a simple WordPress self-hosted fun/trial blog, but this is far, far harder.
I accept that a large proportion of the problem is my non-techiness and know that other people have said it's really easy. But OTOH, it beggars my belief that some people can't tell the difference between a goose and a duck or Asian/African elephants. Also, I haven't a clue what's causing the problem with the passwords/usernames - might be a JustHost problem, but I didn't have this with my fun blog.
Funnily enough, I can get into my Symbio dashboard, but not my normal emails.
Well, I was just trying to get my toe in the water when I read about the Alamy plug-in to try to drive traffic to my port there.

Ron · « **Reply #26 on:** October 28, 2013, 10:57 »

I still beg to differ. The whole symbiostock experience for me has been a breeze. Each to their own. There is also a lot of beta testing going on, which may give the impression its a mess to set up your own site.

I am not saying you are not right Sue, its your experience, which is what it is. If you go to the official forum, there will be a lot of people more than happy to help you. Also Leo is offering service to set up your site for you. What takes days for you, takes him 10 minutes.

ShadySue · « **Reply #27 on:** October 28, 2013, 11:34 »

I do accept fully that it's my non-techiness which is the problem. You may remember that I said a while back that I didn't even understand the questions some people were asking on the forums, far less the answers.
To be honest, the main problem is constantly losing the username and passwords (which could be me, or JH, not Sym), and I now don't have the ability even to change them - probably a JH security system because I've done it so often in the past 18 hours, though I'm not getting a message to that effect, just an unspecified error message.

Anyway, I'd better get onto JH's support and I might get into my emails by bedtime, if I'm lucky.
Added: No, the auto-reply I got said to allow "at least 24 hours" :-(

KimsCreativeHub · « **Reply #28 on:** October 28, 2013, 11:42 »

Don't feel bad sue, I've had difficulty too

That said I think the concept just Rocks!! and at some point I may pay some one to set it uproar me.. Question, along with blue host, will I need to subscribe to a "premium word press account" ?

My Very Best

KimsCreativeHub.com

Shelma1 · « **Reply #29 on:** October 28, 2013, 12:05 »

I found it difficult at first because I didn't follow the instructions.

But on my second try it was much easier. I've had a relatively easy time because I haven't added many plugins or extras...just keeping things simple. I think if you want to set up a simple, clean site without a lot of changes it's doable. And I'm definitely non-techie. I haven't had trouble with bluehost, either.

ShadySue · « **Reply #30 on:** October 28, 2013, 12:30 »

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.

KimsCreativeHub · « **Reply #31 on:** October 28, 2013, 12:32 »

I went on the wordpress site:

"Custom design ability" $30yr
"No adds" $30yr
"Domain mapping" $13yr

Would I need to subscribe to the 1st and 3rd and blue host to get this started?

My Very Best

KimsCreativeHub.com

KimsCreativeHub · « **Reply #32 on:** October 28, 2013, 12:41 »

I am going to watch all the videos and then ask questions if I have any

My Very Best

KimsCreativeHub.com

luissantos84 · « **Reply #33 on:** October 28, 2013, 12:44 »

Quote from: Shelma1 on October 28, 2013, 12:05

I found it difficult at first because I didn't follow the instructions. But on my second try it was much easier. I've had a relatively easy time because I haven't added many plugins or extras...just keeping things simple. I think if you want to set up a simple, clean site without a lot of changes it's doable. And I'm definitely non-techie. I haven't had trouble with bluehost, either.

what have you picked when registering the domain? if I choose all of them its gonna be 136.36$ / year

not including hosting I guess

PhotoBomb · « **Reply #34 on:** October 28, 2013, 12:55 »

Quote from: ShadySue on October 28, 2013, 12:30

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.

Ron · « **Reply #35 on:** October 28, 2013, 12:56 »

Quote from: PhotoBomb on October 28, 2013, 12:55

Quote from: ShadySue on October 28, 2013, 12:30
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.

That

Shelma1 · « **Reply #36 on:** October 28, 2013, 13:36 »

Quote from: KimsCreativeHub on October 28, 2013, 12:32

I went on the wordpress site:

"Custom design ability" $30yr
"No adds" $30yr
"Domain mapping" $13yr

Would I need to subscribe to the 1st and 3rd and blue host to get this started?

My Very Best
KimsCreativeHub.com

No. Just bluehost.

cascoly · « **Reply #37 on:** October 28, 2013, 17:18 »

first, you need just the most basic wordpress support, which any host will give you - some even will install wp for you, but if not they really DO live up to thewir promise of a 5 minute install!

re sue's problems, it's worth pointing out that the login/password problems are part of wordpress, which sym uses. also, as she mentions later, from the start she was trying to do something for which sym was not designed (altho it does have a way to do what she wants, and we've also found a way to host & sell videos which is also not in its specs)

bottom line, sym is easier to set up than any other self-hosted system I've tried, and the support is there if you need it. follow the symbioguides.com tutorialsand your site will be running soon. most of the threads are about thin gs people are doing beyond the setup, but which aren't required. if you're truly not interested in doing it yourself, you can have it installed for about the price you'd pay for smugmug et al

marthamarks · « **Reply #38 on:** October 28, 2013, 17:32 »

I'm another who uses Bluehost for my Symbiostock site and has been happy with them. There have been a few problems over the last 5 months, but in every case a call to the tech service team there solved it.

ADDED: I hadn't read the entire 2nd page of this thread before posting the above. So, to repeat, yes I've been happy with Bluehost. I run 2 other sites using Dreamhost and HostGator... and I can't tell the difference.

marthamarks · « **Reply #39 on:** October 28, 2013, 17:48 »

I also am not a techie and have not found it difficult to set up my SYS site. My biggest hurdle came at the very first when I had to figure out how to create a watermark in Photoshop. Beyond that, it's been remarkably easy.

And even when I've had a problem since the watermark issue got solved, either Bluehost support or the wonderful group of Symbiostockers have given me every bit of help I've needed. I'm proud of the site I've created in the last four months... without tearing my hair out.

I'll repeat what I said several weeks ago on this forum and others have said more recently: Conversations like this would be better conducted on http://www.symbiostock.org/ That's where the bulk of the current SYS-related discussion is taking place.

cathyslife · « **Reply #40 on:** October 28, 2013, 17:57 »

Just to provide some balance...
I build web pages in my day job using html and css and I have built 3 other wordpress sites prior to SY. I just purchased a wp theme at work to use for one of our divisions and it is pretty much a breeze to use, compared to SY. But in SYs defense, all of the selling of images and licenses, etc. is way more complicated, so it stands to reason there are going to be more issues with it.

I would say that it was more time-consuming for me than it was difficult. People can help and they do, but not everyone has the same issues, so sometimes it really tries your patience.

I am holding off on upgrading to the latest, because it will be like starting all over again...fixing css, etc. Mostly it is because I just don't have the time now, too many other irons in the fire. Maybe in Dec. I will have more time to tackle it.

Unless you are very knowledgeable with wp, html, php and css, or will just have Leo or someone else set it all up for you, I would never call it easy. On the other hand, I still have hopes that it will all be worth it.

edit: I use Bluehost. I have had no issues with the setup of my site with them. In fact, when I originally installed wp, it installs in a subfolder by default (that's what bluehost told me) and I did not want that so I called tech support and they re-installed it where I wanted it (root). They were helpful on other things too. They had a mass outage a month or so ago because of server issues, but stuff happens sometimes.

luissantos84 · « **Reply #41 on:** October 28, 2013, 18:19 »

Quote from: luissantos84 on October 28, 2013, 12:44

Quote from: Shelma1 on October 28, 2013, 12:05
I found it difficult at first because I didn't follow the instructions. But on my second try it was much easier. I've had a relatively easy time because I haven't added many plugins or extras...just keeping things simple. I think if you want to set up a simple, clean site without a lot of changes it's doable. And I'm definitely non-techie. I haven't had trouble with bluehost, either.

what have you picked when registering the domain? if I choose all of them its gonna be 136.36$ / year

not including hosting I guess

bluehost options, have you guys chosen them all? cheers!

PhotoBomb · « **Reply #42 on:** October 28, 2013, 18:25 »

luissantos84 · « **Reply #43 on:** October 28, 2013, 18:31 »

really? that is exciting!

more thoughts?

marthamarks · « **Reply #44 on:** October 28, 2013, 18:31 »

Quote from: cathyslife stockphotos.com on October 28, 2013, 17:57

Unless you are very knowledgeable with wp, html, php and css, or will just have Leo or someone else set it all up for you, I would never call it easy. On the other hand, I still have hopes that it will all be worth it.

Cathy, I also do have some experience with WP and (less) with html. None whatsoever with php and css. And yet I've managed to set up my site mostly by myself. You and others have provided very useful help at times, but I didn't need constant attention and hand-holding.

I did not have Leo or anybody else "set it all up for [me]". Leo kindly went into the innards of my site one time for a quick upgrade when I was nervous about doing it without an upgraded version of Clean Theme. That's it.

And I'd like to point out that SYS started from scratch just a few months ago and has been growing and evolving right in front of our eyes. If you purchase other WP themes, most of the bugs had been worked out long before they went on sale to the public at large.

Nobody forced any of us to leap into this before it was fully tested and proven ready to go. We chose to do it, and the reward for each of us now is a very attractive, functional website that we will own and control for as long as we choose to do so.

Ron · « **Reply #45 on:** October 28, 2013, 18:36 »

And I will say again, its plug and play from the box. You dont need to know any CSS PHP HTML whatsoever.

Unless you want to CUSTOMISE your site.

KimsCreativeHub · « **Reply #46 on:** October 28, 2013, 18:38 »

Quote from: Shelma1 on October 28, 2013, 13:36

Quote from: KimsCreativeHub on October 28, 2013, 12:32
I went on the wordpress site:

"Custom design ability" $30yr
"No adds" $30yr
"Domain mapping" $13yr

Would I need to subscribe to the 1st and 3rd and blue host to get this started?

My Very Best
KimsCreativeHub.com

No. Just bluehost.

Ooh! Thanks

cidepix · « **Reply #47 on:** October 28, 2013, 18:54 »

Quote from: luissantos84 on October 28, 2013, 18:19

Quote from: luissantos84 on October 28, 2013, 12:44
Quote from: Shelma1 on October 28, 2013, 12:05
I found it difficult at first because I didn't follow the instructions. But on my second try it was much easier. I've had a relatively easy time because I haven't added many plugins or extras...just keeping things simple. I think if you want to set up a simple, clean site without a lot of changes it's doable. And I'm definitely non-techie. I haven't had trouble with bluehost, either.

what have you picked when registering the domain? if I choose all of them its gonna be 136.36$ / year

not including hosting I guess

bluehost options, have you guys chosen them all? cheers!

I use godaddy.. but if you are going to use bluehost, then choose "none"

hosting is enough.. all other packages are waste of money.. at least for the start..

luissantos84 · « **Reply #48 on:** October 28, 2013, 19:01 »

ok! cheers

cathyslife · « **Reply #49 on:** October 28, 2013, 19:03 »

Quote from: marthamarks on October 28, 2013, 18:31

Quote from: cathyslife stockphotos.com on October 28, 2013, 17:57
Unless you are very knowledgeable with wp, html, php and css, or will just have Leo or someone else set it all up for you, I would never call it easy. On the other hand, I still have hopes that it will all be worth it.

Cathy, I also do have some experience with WP and (less) with html. None whatsoever with php and css. And yet I've managed to set up my site mostly by myself. You and others have provided very useful help at times, but I didn't need constant attention and hand-holding.

I did not have Leo or anybody else "set it all up for [me]". Leo kindly went into the innards of my site one time for a quick upgrade when I was nervous about doing it without an upgraded version of Clean Theme. That's it.

And I'd like to point out that SYS started from scratch just a few months ago and has been growing and evolving right in front of our eyes. If you purchase other WP themes, most of the bugs had been worked out long before they went on sale to the public at large.

Nobody forced any of us to leap into this before it was fully tested and proven ready to go. We chose to do it, and the reward for each of us now is a very attractive, functional website that we will own and control for as long as we choose to do so.
[/m]

I wonder why you and Ron like to argue about this so much. I have every right to post MY feelings and experiences. You already posted yours.
Don't take it all so personal.

cathyslife · « **Reply #50 on:** October 28, 2013, 19:04 »

Quote from: cidepix on October 28, 2013, 18:54

Quote from: luissantos84 on October 28, 2013, 18:19
Quote from: luissantos84 on October 28, 2013, 12:44
Quote from: Shelma1 on October 28, 2013, 12:05
I found it difficult at first because I didn't follow the instructions. But on my second try it was much easier. I've had a relatively easy time because I haven't added many plugins or extras...just keeping things simple. I think if you want to set up a simple, clean site without a lot of changes it's doable. And I'm definitely non-techie. I haven't had trouble with bluehost, either.

what have you picked when registering the domain? if I choose all of them its gonna be 136.36$ / year

not including hosting I guess

bluehost options, have you guys chosen them all? cheers!

I use godaddy.. but if you are going to use bluehost, then choose "none"

hosting is enough.. all other packages are waste of money.. at least for the start..

I agree. Start out basic and then add or upgrade later.

Shelma1 · « **Reply #51 on:** October 28, 2013, 19:58 »

Quote from: cathyslife stockphotos.com on October 28, 2013, 19:03

Quote from: marthamarks on October 28, 2013, 18:31
Quote from: cathyslife stockphotos.com on October 28, 2013, 17:57
Unless you are very knowledgeable with wp, html, php and css, or will just have Leo or someone else set it all up for you, I would never call it easy. On the other hand, I still have hopes that it will all be worth it.

Cathy, I also do have some experience with WP and (less) with html. None whatsoever with php and css. And yet I've managed to set up my site mostly by myself. You and others have provided very useful help at times, but I didn't need constant attention and hand-holding.

I did not have Leo or anybody else "set it all up for [me]". Leo kindly went into the innards of my site one time for a quick upgrade when I was nervous about doing it without an upgraded version of Clean Theme. That's it.

And I'd like to point out that SYS started from scratch just a few months ago and has been growing and evolving right in front of our eyes. If you purchase other WP themes, most of the bugs had been worked out long before they went on sale to the public at large.

Nobody forced any of us to leap into this before it was fully tested and proven ready to go. We chose to do it, and the reward for each of us now is a very attractive, functional website that we will own and control for as long as we choose to do so.
[/m]

I wonder why you and Ron like to argue about this so much. I have every right to post MY feelings and experiences. You already posted yours.
Don't take it all so personal.

Sorry, but you've posted this opinion here over and over again, reminding everyone about how terribly knowledgeable you are about "wp, html, php and css," but how awfully, awfully difficult and now time-consuming the whole thing was for you...while the rest of us know-nothings somehow managed to get things done relatively easily.

Now remember, you can't possibly take this personally, because I "apologized" at the beginning. Right?

luissantos84 · « **Reply #52 on:** October 28, 2013, 20:05 »

Shelma, Cathy said what she had to say with manners, you were just rude, sorry

marthamarks · « **Reply #53 on:** October 28, 2013, 20:10 »

Quote from: cathyslife stockphotos.com on October 28, 2013, 19:03

I wonder why you and Ron like to argue about this so much. I have every right to post MY feelings and experiences. You already posted yours.
Don't take it all so personal.

Well, gee. I don't see myself as "arguing" with anybody here. Like you, I have a right to post my feelings and experiences when they appear to be relevant to the discussion.

Jo Ann Snover · « **Reply #54 on:** October 28, 2013, 20:29 »

Quote from: Ron on October 28, 2013, 10:57

I still beg to differ. The whole symbiostock experience for me has been a breeze. Each to their own. There is also a lot of beta testing going on, which may give the impression its a mess to set up your own site.

I am not saying you are not right Sue, its your experience, which is what it is. If you go to the official forum, there will be a lot of people more than happy to help you. Also Leo is offering service to set up your site for you. What takes days for you, takes him 10 minutes.

I have not found it a breeze - not by a long shot. Now perhaps some of that is just bad luck, and some that I was not willing to have my site look the way it would out of the box.

My site is running and I did not have to have anyone do it for me - in other words it can be done without help - but I think it's only fair to let others considering implementing a site hear from a range of us who've done it about how we found the experience.

This isn't blaming Leo or complaining, it's just stating my experience with this (and I didn't dive in back in the early days because I just didn't think I could take on the inevitable issues of things being in beta).

Other users have been incredibly helpful - there's a great group of people to lend a hand when it's needed - but as I've seen it (since the end of August when I got started) just about everyone who puts together a site needs some help getting things up and running.

I would encourage anyone who has questions to use the Symbiostock forums where you'll get more focused help (and there are lots of already-answered questions you can use).

I'm continuing to upload, tailor my site and help others out where I can - so I am on board with the project completely - but I think new folks need to jump in with eyes wide open and a realistic assessment of what it will take.

Ron · « **Reply #55 on:** October 29, 2013, 02:32 »

Why didnt I run into big problems then? I never experienced anything like you or Cathy have.

Something must have been done differently. I dont know what it is.

ShadySue · « **Reply #56 on:** October 29, 2013, 04:09 »

Quote from: Ron on October 29, 2013, 02:32

Why didnt I run into big problems then? I never experienced anything like you or Cathy have.

Something must have been done differently. I dont know what it is.

You must already know more than you think you know; i.e. you've known it so long it's really obvious to you, and you assume everyone must know it too.

Shelma1 · « **Reply #57 on:** October 29, 2013, 05:57 »

Quote from: luissantos84 on October 28, 2013, 20:05

Shelma, Cathy said what she had to say with manners, you were just rude, sorry

I agree 100%.

Ron · « **Reply #58 on:** October 29, 2013, 06:55 »

Quote from: ShadySue on October 29, 2013, 04:09

Quote from: Ron on October 29, 2013, 02:32
Why didnt I run into big problems then? I never experienced anything like you or Cathy have.

Something must have been done differently. I dont know what it is.

You must already know more than you think you know; i.e. you've known it so long it's really obvious to you, and you assume everyone must know it too.

I assume nothing.

I had no clue what I was getting into. I never had WP selfhosted, I never did anything on WP, and all I did was follow instructions, asked questions, and within a day my site was running, within 3 days it was set they way I wanted it, just using the theme, no coding, and within 6 weeks I had my portfolio up (900 images) including SEO.

But I am going to quit this discussion because its going nowhere. If people want to join symbiostock, they just need to do it and find out for themselves.

JoRodrigues · « **Reply #59 on:** October 29, 2013, 12:07 »

Quote from: noodle on October 26, 2013, 07:24

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.
Modify message

Firstly, everyone’s experience is largely singular and anyone who finds fault with a system provided for free with on-going development is being unreasonable.

Is it easy to install and start up a site? Yes, with a few complicated bits depending on your understanding. If you get stuck, someone will try to help you troubleshoot. Largely it is just someone pointing you in the right direction or to the correct option on your WordPress.

Does it take work? DEFINITELY! There are no elves to do the work for you. You are starting out with your own site and business. From actual sign up with a host to a working site can literally be done in a day or two IF you spend time on it.

Do you need experience in HTML/CSS/PHP? No you don’t. This is a ready to run template. As a template it tries to be flexible and allow you some customising without any code knowledge. If you want to make bigger changes that the base template allows then you must either have some knowledge of the code used or be willing to go research it online.

I used BlueHost because it was recommended and I wanted to minimise complications. I would without reservation recommend people with limited experience with the web and code to just go with BlueHost. I don’t know other Hosts by I find BlueHost a decent host. I know some folks are expecting miracles from affordable prices.

Avoid spreading out your potential problems. Get your domain, hosting, and set up all in one place if you are concerned with your lack of knowledge. Why set yourself up with different bits all over the web with different hosts. Unless you are an expert, keep it consolidated and simple.

BlueHost has one click installs and within seconds you have WordPress set up. This was the first time I had ANY interaction with WordPress. While I do have knowledge in designing basic HTML/CSS I can actually tell you that you don’t need it to get a site up and working.

I wouldn’t tick any of the options on BlueHost except perhaps Domain Whois Privacy if it is important to you. As mentioned before, none of those options are needed and are provided by the theme or one of the paid plugins by Leo. I’m not in the mood to spend my days tweaking SEO settings. I got some of the Premium plugins to go with my set up and so far so good.

On a beta note, my site runs the current version which is under development but is nearly on its final release. It is largely bug free. Bugs are not the same as things requiring changes or improvement. I can honestly say that the beta version is almost bug free. That is to say I am not finding any to stop you from trading.

It is also unreasonable to expect the theme to work on every possible variation as some are asking. NO WEBSITE does unless there is a host of site developers that write multiple versions for every platform.

The theme works on EVERY BROWSER on the market and on my Android cell phone. I don’t have a tablet or an iPad but ask yourself this; would you REALLY buy photography on a small device that isn’t capable of running a decent browser the code requires to sell online? I wouldn’t buy photography on a cell phone or a device with too small a screen and most buyers won’t either.

If you follow the installation walkthrough you should get your site up and running without pulling too much hair. I recommend asking on the board before pulling your hair.

http://www.symbiostock.org/

Hair loss may vary from person to person

Jo

marthamarks · « **Reply #60 on:** October 29, 2013, 14:06 »

+1 to everything Jo said.

LesPalenik · « **Reply #61 on:** October 30, 2013, 00:17 »

I agree with Cathy, that it's not that difficult but it can be time consuming to learn all new tricks. After all, you'll have to find your way not only around Symbiostock, but also the Wordpress, and your host's setup.
Having said that, setting up a second site would be a breeze.

As to the host's options, I would recommend to add the site backup. That is usually cheaper than a backup to some cloud service, although you may consider the latter option as your portfolio grows. Having the host doing daily backups for you means that you can relatively easily restore your site and images with a version from an earlier date.

7Horses · « **Reply #62 on:** October 30, 2013, 04:54 »

For the moment I have no plans to direct sell either. Yesterday i finally started my site (after some exercising on a local server on my laptop) and here http://7horses.eu/wp you can see how far I got with the use of ajt's stockplugin.
I only uploaded some pictures till now but the coming weeks I will add more.

The hosting is with an European provider brontobytes.com and the response time here in Belgium seems ok

noodle · « **Reply #63 on:** October 30, 2013, 16:20 »

well I spent all of today going crazy trying to figure this stuff out - and I'm partway through it.

I have ZERO computer skills, in fact I didnt even know what wordpress was until I signed up and started to go through this crazy process - Definitley couldn't hack it as a computer whatever in this field, I would go mental.

There was a couple of times when I felt like dropping on the floor and running around in circles like Curly from 3 stooges. Anywho, my noggin is tired, and I will spend a few hours tomorrow to tackle another bit of my site.

It definitly is far from complete, and there will be a clean up at the end too.

But lmk what you think so far, any tips would be appreciated - and if you do make sure its in regular English, cause I dont know all this computer jargon.

http://jeneimages.com/

PhotoBomb · « **Reply #64 on:** October 30, 2013, 16:58 »

Noodle,

I think you are using the wrong template for your home page.
Switch it to 'Home Page Simple' so you don't have the contact form in the middle of the page.
Everything will format better if you do that.
Having the slider on every page is a bit much too.

noodle · « **Reply #65 on:** October 30, 2013, 17:15 »

Quote from: PhotoBomb on October 30, 2013, 16:58

Noodle,

I think you are using the wrong template for your home page.
Switch it to 'Home Page Simple' so you don't have the contact form in the middle of the page.
Everything will format better if you do that.
Having the slider on every page is a bit much too.

Thx bro I will check on that tomorrow - the bottom half of my landing page is still a mess - thats tomorrow afternoon project.

ShadySue · « **Reply #66 on:** October 30, 2013, 17:55 »

Quote from: noodle on October 30, 2013, 16:20

I have ZERO computer skills, in fact I didnt even know what wordpress was until I signed up and started to go through this crazy process

Wordpress is easy compared to this. I've got a wordpress self-hosted blog which was simplicity itself to get going; but you've got further than I have with symbio. Won't have any serious contiguous time now until Monday, so I'll get back to it then.

Shelma1 · « **Reply #67 on:** October 30, 2013, 18:08 »

Quote from: noodle on October 30, 2013, 16:20

well I spent all of today going crazy trying to figure this stuff out - and I'm partway through it.

I have ZERO computer skills, in fact I didnt even know what wordpress was until I signed up and started to go through this crazy process - Definitley couldn't hack it as a computer whatever in this field, I would go mental.

There was a couple of times when I felt like dropping on the floor and running around in circles like Curly from 3 stooges. Anywho, my noggin is tired, and I will spend a few hours tomorrow to tackle another bit of my site.

It definitly is far from complete, and there will be a clean up at the end too.

But lmk what you think so far, any tips would be appreciated - and if you do make sure its in regular English, cause I dont know all this computer jargon.

http://jeneimages.com/

I think you're off to a great start. In addition to the other suggestions, I'd suggest cropping all the photos in your slideshow so they're all the same height and width and are much wider than they are now, so you don't have a gray box to the right when the photo slides in.

cascoly · « **Reply #68 on:** October 30, 2013, 18:35 »

Quote from: LesPalenik on October 30, 2013, 00:17

...

As to the host's options, I would recommend to add the site backup. That is usually cheaper than a backup to some cloud service, although you may consider the latter option as your portfolio grows. Having the host doing daily backups for you means that you can relatively easily restore your site and images with a version from an earlier date.

but check first what is already there -- eg, justhost's basic price INCLUDES backups - you probably don't need the pro version

I've already had a chance to try the justhost backup service and it worked perfectly

cathyslife · « **Reply #69 on:** October 30, 2013, 19:20 »

Quote from: noodle on October 30, 2013, 16:20

well I spent all of today going crazy trying to figure this stuff out - and I'm partway through it.

I have ZERO computer skills, in fact I didnt even know what wordpress was until I signed up and started to go through this crazy process - Definitley couldn't hack it as a computer whatever in this field, I would go mental.

There was a couple of times when I felt like dropping on the floor and running around in circles like Curly from 3 stooges. Anywho, my noggin is tired, and I will spend a few hours tomorrow to tackle another bit of my site.

It definitly is far from complete, and there will be a clean up at the end too.

But lmk what you think so far, any tips would be appreciated - and if you do make sure its in regular English, cause I dont know all this computer jargon.

http://jeneimages.com/

Oh my gosh, you just made me LOL. That is a perfect way to describe it!

edit: Looks like you are making progress! Hang in there...

noodle · « **Reply #70 on:** October 30, 2013, 21:16 »

I think you're off to a great start. In addition to the other suggestions, I'd suggest cropping all the photos in your slideshow so they're all the same height and width and are much wider than they are now, so you don't have a gray box to the right when the photo slides in.
[/quote]

I must have been so tired that I didnt notice that while I was working on it - but I did notice it a couple hours later when I took a peak at my site ( but too tired to do anything about it)
but thanks for the heads up

its interesting what a different set of eyes can see, or what you can see after a couple hours of being away from it.

JoRodrigues · « **Reply #71 on:** October 31, 2013, 13:30 »

Quote from: noodle on October 30, 2013, 17:15

Thx bro I will check on that tomorrow - the bottom half of my landing page is still a mess - thats tomorrow afternoon project.

I think it's coming along just fine for someone who has no experience with all this!

Jo

JoRodrigues · « **Reply #72 on:** October 31, 2013, 13:32 »

Correction! Your site looks good for anyone (with ot without experience) who just started!

Jo

noodle · « **Reply #73 on:** October 31, 2013, 16:51 »

thanks Jo

beleive me when I say I still dont know what I'm doing - I spent this afternoon redoing the slideshow and trying to figure out how to seperate the login and search areas to the top of the main menu.

The slideshow is still not where I want it to be, and I have to figure out moving some of the things around the bottom half of my landing page. It can be frustrating for someone like me, but I would rather spend the time and make the Home page something that will hold the attention of a possible customer.

noodle · « **Reply #74 on:** November 01, 2013, 15:57 »

OK - I set up a new template as was suggested - the `home simple`one instead of the default. I have set up some of the sliders etc on this page, but I can only view it as a page underneath my home default page.

How would I be able to make this page my main landing page

I have posted this on Symbio forum as well. Thank you for helping me out

PhotoBomb · « **Reply #75 on:** November 01, 2013, 16:15 »

What I meant was change the template of your Home Page not create a new page.
Just make the same changes you made on your new page to your original home page.

cathyslife · « **Reply #76 on:** November 01, 2013, 17:25 »

You can make any page your home page by going to Settings>Reading and the first item you choose which page will be the home page.

noodle · « **Reply #77 on:** November 01, 2013, 17:56 »

Quote from: cathyslife stockphotos.com on November 01, 2013, 17:25

You can make any page your home page by going to Settings>Reading and the first item you choose which page will be the home page.

Cathy - you rock!
Thanks a million, that was a simple solution!
I`m breathing a sigh of releif - on to the next part...

cathyslife · « **Reply #78 on:** November 01, 2013, 19:17 »

Quote from: noodle on November 01, 2013, 17:56

Quote from: cathyslife stockphotos.com on November 01, 2013, 17:25
You can make any page your home page by going to Settings>Reading and the first item you choose which page will be the home page.

Cathy - you rock!
Thanks a million, that was a simple solution!
I`m breathing a sigh of releif - on to the next part...

Great, glad I could help! It's such an easy solution, but they bury it somewhere you would never guess to look!

Jo Ann Snover · « **Reply #79 on:** November 01, 2013, 22:35 »

Quote from: noodle on October 31, 2013, 16:51

...The slideshow is still not where I want it to be, and I have to figure out moving some of the things around the bottom half of my landing page. It can be frustrating for someone like me, but I would rather spend the time and make the Home page something that will hold the attention of a possible customer.

I agree with you - if the front page doesn't grab the prospective buyer, they aren't likely to hang around.

Did anyone else point you to the Symbiostock forums? There are lots of other people who are doing what you're doing there and you might find it easier to get specific questions answered (plus possibly find some answers in the existing posts of others, snippets of CSS you can borrow, etc.).

The only thing I'd suggest based on a look at your site so far is that you should have an image as the first slide in the slideshow. Overlay the text if you want to get the price up front, but I think a site that licenses images shouldn't come up with the first few seconds being mostly text

And you can announce your site here once it's semi-operational - you don't have to get all the uploads done (I'm still working on mine as time permits) prior to getting your site as part of the network.

http://www.symbiostock.org/topic/211/announce-your-sites-launch-it-will-be-advertised/

noodle · « **Reply #80 on:** November 02, 2013, 07:40 »

Quote from: Jo Ann Snover on November 01, 2013, 22:35

Quote from: noodle on October 31, 2013, 16:51
...The slideshow is still not where I want it to be, and I have to figure out moving some of the things around the bottom half of my landing page. It can be frustrating for someone like me, but I would rather spend the time and make the Home page something that will hold the attention of a possible customer.

I agree with you - if the front page doesn't grab the prospective buyer, they aren't likely to hang around.

Did anyone else point you to the Symbiostock forums? There are lots of other people who are doing what you're doing there and you might find it easier to get specific questions answered (plus possibly find some answers in the existing posts of others, snippets of CSS you can borrow, etc.).

The only thing I'd suggest based on a look at your site so far is that you should have an image as the first slide in the slideshow. Overlay the text if you want to get the price up front, but I think a site that licenses images shouldn't come up with the first few seconds being mostly text

And you can announce your site here once it's semi-operational - you don't have to get all the uploads done (I'm still working on mine as time permits) prior to getting your site as part of the network.

http://www.symbiostock.org/topic/211/announce-your-sites-launch-it-will-be-advertised/

Thank you Jo Ann for visiting my site and for your suggestions. I wanted to do the text overlay on some of the images, but I don't think my slideshow plugin allows for that. Sometimes the problem with finding info on how to do something is the fact its not all in one place, like a library, but it seems to be so many places and I usually google the question, and then follow a link.
I also dont like to post questions for every little problem I encounter, I feel that I'm imposing on the time of others for what at times may be very trivial problems, but I do appreciate the kind people who give of their time and knowledge selflessly to help others like myself, who basically have no clue, and just muddle through the process.

BTW, your site is very nice Jo Ann - its the look I'm going - for simple, clean and inviting.

Mantis · « **Reply #81 on:** November 03, 2013, 07:55 »

Quote from: marthamarks on October 29, 2013, 14:06

+1 to everything Jo said.

+2. I am going to hire someone soon to do a complete project for me, end to end, for my work. I simply am a techie, but mechanically, process design, troubleshooting, lean manufacturing, etc, but when it comes to technology, I SUCK!!!!

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