Hi,
I figured I would ask here first since I'm not sure where else to ask... Let me start by saying I have no web building experience so pardon my laymans terms. That being said I would like to try and learn how to build my own in order to launch a site idea I've been thinking about. Google, while providing a boatload of information has proven to be a bit overwhelming. From what I understand there are a couple ways of achieving the same end. One being through a template, one being through paying someone else, and lastly doing it from a professional program like dreamweaver. I like elements from all 3 and was hoping people on this forum could clear some things up for me. The needs:
Looking for:
-mainly text website where the majority of information is user generated
-login system...
-statistical rating system (used to rate info users add)
-basic page layouts, nothing to complicated. thinking some background graphics, color schemes, and cool fonts.
-designed in a way I could setup advertising of my choice (whether adsense or an affiliate later down the road)
And the wants:
Would like:
-eventually a box on specific pages providing a google maps location (not needed for the initial site idea though)
-Forum for users to discuss
-cheap and/or minimal time spent to create the site (I know, one or the other, both is a bit of a stretch...)
Soooo, that being said what would be the best option to look into? I would love to learn to build a site like that all by myself but I'm not sure if things like a username and statics would be too advanced for me. Templates seem like a good route, but I would like to advertise on my own and again I'm not sure how usernames and statistics figure into a template. Building with a program sounds like the best option (some thing like dreamweaver or a free alternative) since I would like to build the entire thing on a disc and launch it all at once. Any opinions, advice, links, stories, etc helpful. Tell me what you think is best. Thanks.
-ilc