FAQs:

1. Is it expensive to create, install, and maintain a website on the Internet?
No! It can be as inexpensive as free! At the other end, a few hundred dollars will get you a very extensive site.

2. What's the difference between a free site and one that costs something?
Once you create a website, you need to put it on "the big computer in the sky." You need to find a host, which is basically someone you can rent space from.

First, a free host site usually has a long URL ("address"), such as "yourchoice.someoneelsesname.com."
You might be able to find a free host which offers simply "yourchoice.com" as the URL.

For-pay sites usually require you to have your own "domain name," or "yourchoice.com."

Second, a free site almost always posts ads on your site. Their revenue from those who advertise on your site enables them to provide you free space for your site. These ads can be a relatively small banner ad at the top of the page, which isn't too annoying. However, some hosts bombard the viewer with popup ads, which can be very annoying.

For-pay sites almost always provide an ad-free environment for your site. You may add ads if you wish.

3. What are the expenses?
Domain name: If you are a business, you probably will want your own domain name (domain.com) from the beginning. This will help build your on-line identity and avoid any confusion caused by starting out with something else then later switching to your own. Registration of domain names has been steadily decreasing in price from about $18/year to as little as $4.95/year. Some ask $29/year; don't pay it!! I use godaddy.com because they give good service and are the least expensive registrar or reseller I've seen. They even have "sales" on domain name registration! (That's where the $4.95 mentioned above came from.)

If you are creating a personal page, you can get by rather nicely without your own domain name.

Host: The cost is partially a function of how much space you need and how much traffic you will have to your site. I can't envision any LS business or person needing more than the minimum available for the foreseeable future. Many hosts ask $10 to $20 per month. I have one site with a very professional company for which I pay $7.77/month. I have seen other hosts advertised at $5.95/month. I have space available for $4.50/month.

Consultation, design, maintenance, etc.: To hire a professional to do this work can cost hundreds of dollars for a complex site. (My rate is $25/productive hour.)

However, if you are computer literate and are interested, you can create your own site. Or, you may have a friend, grandchild, neighbor, etc., who is capable and willing to do it for, say, a plate of cookies. A bit of guidance from someone more experienced may be needed from time to time.

In real general terms, one could say the cost can be from zero to $100/year, plus creation and maintenance cost --- which also can be zero.

4. Can I start with a free site and "upgrade" later?
Yes, this is an excellent approach. It certainly is acceptable for a personal page. For a business site, your own domain name is recommended (an investment of under $10!) but using a free host can get you started.

5. What are the advantages of owning your own domain name?
First, it usually results in a much shorter URL. That makes it easier to remember and quicker to type into the user's browser.

Second, it is yours and you can host it with any company you choose. If you change host companies, the URL that your friends and customers have been using continues to be the one to use. They won't even know you've changed hosts!

Third, it creates your identity on the Internet—just like your name among friends. It can complement your advertisements, your business cards, your letterhead, your e-mail address and your logo.

Fourth, you can use it for your e-mail and have an address like "me@mycompany.com." One benefit of this is that you can change ISPs (Internet Service Providers) and keep the same e-mail address! That will prevent a lot of work if you do switch ISPs.

6. I'd like a free site. How do I get one?
Just get on the web and find one! Go to "google.com" and search for "free site hosts" and you'll have too many from which to choose.

As an example, you can go to "bravepages.net." They offer host space and tools with which to create a site. This site first hosted the Lime Springs Page. Everything worked fine, however I found the numerous ads quite annoying. It is possible that users of the site did not have many ads, but as I tried to manage the site there were numerous popup ads. Bravepages does offer lots of useful tools, such as counters, guest book, etc.

I discovered netfirms.com after I used bravepages. As a trial, I put oldtowneexpress.com on their site for nearly a year. They seemed to be fine. They have only one small banner ad and you can use your own domain name if you have one. In February, 2004, Old Towne Express enlarged the simple little "sample" site I made for them and now have it hosted on a commercial host to make it more professional looking by getting rid of the ad.

7. What services can you provide, Keith?
First, a free link to your site on The Lime Springs Page will gladly be provided! This is encouraged!

I would be glad to provide limited consultation, perhaps even including a workshop, to help you get started at no charge. "Real" work of creating and maintaining a site can be provided by me or others for a fee. I can provide hosting space for $4.50/month, payable yearly.

My goal is not to sell my services but to put Lime Springs on the Internet map by encouraging and assisting in any way possible.