Seeking advice on website project

[brambram54]

Hello BHW,

I've begun to embark on the journey of IM, and I think I'm well positioned to do so with my niche, having industry experience and connections with the top companies in this niche as well.

What I'm here for is I need a website constructed for me, as my web development skills are not too sharp; I understand a lot, and could probably build it, but it'd be a slow process and I'd constantly worry about security.

Here's an example of what I want: minecraftservers . org

The basic functionality of the site is so simple: the front page is a list (presumably it pulls from a database?), and each item on the list is a banner (typical banner ad size) that users upload. There needs to be a secure login area where people can submit their website to be put on the list, including adding pictures, links, and details about their site. When a user clicks on the banner on the front page list, it takes them to a page that tells the end user more information about the particular website from the list. Other similar sites use PHP, but that's about all I know. It's really that simple, and if there's a wordpress theme that does this... Well, color me elated

I'm not too sure how I should be going about finding a programmer, and properly explaining to him what I need done, and really getting the ball rolling on the whole process... For the website I need, I'm quite sure that (almost) all of those companies that design sites for you would not work out well, as they seem focused more on design, and probably charge exorbitant fees. That being said, what happens when something breaks on my site 6 months later if I had an independent contractor do it for me (who might not even live in USA)?

I'm new at this and still (very) confused. It should be obvious that I cannot just hire a programmer full time to do my bidding, as unbelievably cool as that would be

Thanks to anyone who can offer me some advice and help me get started!

 

[howardmarks]

No need to reinvent the wheel. Use a cms like wordpress, buy a premium theme for 50 bucks and your up and running. Just add content and you can manage it yourself.

unless you want a site thats unique and does something nobody else does

 

[howardmarks]

Double post. Delete

 

[petrovski]

I am not to sure what it is you are looking for, but have you looked at possibly implementing Wordpress/template's?

Wordpress is very flexible and VERY easy to maintain and manage. You can find some kickass templates for FREE in the download section. It maybe a good option for you, until you can get established.

Another option maybe Joomla, I am not as familiar with this option but it is meant to be a cut above Wordpress. IDK, as far as I am concerned Wordpress is great, I can do everything I require.

 

[EMP1R3]

Learn C#, some ASP(x)net, a bit of PHP, some JavaScript, a smidgen jQuery & Ajax, and be fully fluent in HTML5 and CSS3 and you can do just about anything on the web.

Best of luck!

- EMP1R3

 

[brambram54]

First, thanks for all the quick replies guys!

Learn C#, some ASP(x)net, a bit of PHP, some JavaScript, a smidgen jQuery & Ajax, and be fully fluent in HTML5 and CSS3 and you can do just about anything on the web.

Best of luck!

- EMP1R3

Thanks! As much as I would love to do this I believe there's much more that can be accomplished by letting someone who already can (and enjoys) web development.

As for wordpress themes, that would be far and away the easiest way to do it, but I'm not sure one exists for what I need.

Here's an example of what I want: minecraftservers . org

The basic functionality of the site is so simple: the front page is a list (presumably it pulls from a database?), and each item on the list is a banner (typical banner ad size) that users upload. There needs to be a secure login area where people can submit their website to be put on the list, including adding pictures, links, and details about their site. When a user clicks on the banner on the front page list, it takes them to a page that tells the end user more information about the particular website from the list. Other similar sites use PHP, but that's about all I know. It's really that simple, and if there's a wordpress theme that does this... Well, color me elated

Gonna go ahead and edit that simple description into the OP, should have done that from the beginning, lol.

Thanks again all.

 

[buckybrendan]

There is definitely a way to do this using a cms. Pretty sure it can be done in wordpress, if not then joomla or drupal can do it.

As you said this was done with php which is correct. If you discuss with a developer what you are looking for then they will work out all the kinks for you. Thats why you get a developer, for the approach to a problem like this.

nearly all cms allow you to write the background code directly.I think that is what you are talking about. Not sure if there is templates for what you are looking for, but am sure one could be made for your specifications and requirements.

 

[artizhay]

Looks like you're looking more for advice on how to hire an individual/firm to get your site built?

I'm not sure what your idea of "exorbitant fees" are, but your idea is fairly simple programmatically. Don't know what you mean exactly by companies being focused more on design and charging you more for that, but generally speaking, programming/coding is going to cost more than design.

Anyway, you've already outlined well enough what you need by linking to an example of what you're looking for, so any decent firm should be able to take it from there. More info would be needed on the design you're aiming for, of course, but the coding job is pretty straightforward.

As far as repairing or updating down the road, you usually have 3 options:

• Keep the company on retainer (set monthly fee) that usually covers most updates and repairs (unless they are very substantial and would require more work hours than is reasonable or outlined in your agreement; extra fee may be charged at this point)
• If no budget for monthly retainer, pay a one-time fee to do your needed repairs or updates
• Hire an outside contractor, though he may not have experience with whatever code your original firm used

You're welcome to consult with us on your project so we can help you move forward. E-mail me at [email protected] or add artizhay on Skype/AIM.

Thanks,
Patrick