pancakes

MicrostockGroup Sponsors


Author Topic: Advice on hosting for Symbiosite - I want to give it a go!!  (Read 23479 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

« Reply #50 on: October 28, 2013, 19:04 »
+1
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 ;D

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

  • stockcoalition.org
« Reply #51 on: October 28, 2013, 19:58 »
0
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?

« Reply #52 on: October 28, 2013, 20:05 »
+1
Shelma, Cathy said what she had to say with manners, you were just rude, sorry ;)

marthamarks

« Reply #53 on: October 28, 2013, 20:10 »
0
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.

« Reply #54 on: October 28, 2013, 20:29 »
+2
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 »
0
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

  • There is a crack in everything
« Reply #56 on: October 29, 2013, 04:09 »
+1
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

  • stockcoalition.org
« Reply #57 on: October 29, 2013, 05:57 »
+1
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 »
0
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.

« Reply #59 on: October 29, 2013, 12:07 »
+6
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, everyones 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 dont. 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 dont 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 dont need it to get a site up and working.

I wouldnt 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. Im 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 dont have a tablet or an iPad but ask yourself this; would you REALLY buy photography on a small device that isnt capable of running a decent browser the code requires to sell online? I wouldnt buy photography on a cell phone or a device with too small a screen and most buyers wont 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
+1 to everything Jo said.

« Reply #61 on: October 30, 2013, 00:17 »
0
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.




« Reply #62 on: October 30, 2013, 04:54 »
+1
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
 

« Last Edit: October 30, 2013, 04:56 by 7Horses »

« Reply #63 on: October 30, 2013, 16:20 »
+1
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/

« Reply #64 on: October 30, 2013, 16:58 »
+1
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.

« Reply #65 on: October 30, 2013, 17:15 »
0
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

  • There is a crack in everything
« Reply #66 on: October 30, 2013, 17:55 »
+1
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.
« Last Edit: October 30, 2013, 18:43 by ShadySue »

Shelma1

  • stockcoalition.org
« Reply #67 on: October 30, 2013, 18:08 »
+1
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.

« Reply #68 on: October 30, 2013, 18:35 »
0
...

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

« Reply #69 on: October 30, 2013, 19:20 »
0
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...
« Last Edit: October 30, 2013, 19:23 by cathyslife stockphotos.com »

« Reply #70 on: October 30, 2013, 21:16 »
0


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.

« Reply #71 on: October 31, 2013, 13:30 »
0
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! :D

Jo

« Reply #72 on: October 31, 2013, 13:32 »
+1
Correction! Your site looks good for anyone (with ot without experience) who just started!

Jo

« Reply #73 on: October 31, 2013, 16:51 »
0
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.

« Reply #74 on: November 01, 2013, 15:57 »
0
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


 

Related Topics

  Subject / Started by Replies Last post
7 Replies
4464 Views
Last post February 19, 2008, 21:10
by kosmikkreeper
4 Replies
4909 Views
Last post March 20, 2013, 20:23
by Leo Blanchette
5 Replies
3358 Views
Last post December 15, 2013, 18:03
by redwater
13 Replies
5169 Views
Last post November 10, 2016, 05:46
by ShadySue
8 Replies
4854 Views
Last post September 09, 2018, 20:26
by chloehall

Sponsors

Mega Bundle of 5,900+ Professional Lightroom Presets

Microstock Poll Results

Sponsors