Hey guys...
So, I'm trying to build the site for my strip (that I've been working on diligently for the better part of a year), and I planned on using WordPress/ComicPress to do just that.
I transferred my domain name to a WordPress friendly host, installed WordPress/ComicPress, and sat down to make my dreams come alive. But after two days of reading how-to's and discussion forums I slowly began to despair, and life became a bitter taste in my mouth.
Then I decided to regain my zest for living, and have someone build it for me. And after a few hours of searching I came up with a few candidates, and a crossroads of sorts: Do I go with a cheaper guy who designs sites as more of a hobby and who's personal sites I don't particularly find appealing, or do I go with a professional WordPress/ComicPress designer and drop $1500 to $2500?
I'm not crazy about my options here. I want someone who is reliable and who KNOWS what the heck their doing, but who doesn't want my firstborn as payment, you know?
A bit more search, and I came upon these two links-
Replies
lol. thanks master crespo! I will make you proud. I will be a jedi one day... I promise!
Thanks for the offer, Sven, but I think I'm gonna give this PageLines a go. Sounds doable, and it's not much of an investment.
I think if I use this drag-and-drop site building method, and keep my page design flexible- that is, modify it if I can't get EXACTLY what I want- I think I can come up with something cool.
And D.L., you've got what they use to call "moxy"! Going to school instead of paying someone is hardcore, man. It's the whole "teaching-the-man-how-to-fish-instead-of-just-giving-him-one" thing... kinda.
...Sorta.
Thanks for the tip, Chris! Blessings!
Drag and drop I like... but you need to find a site that is to your liking. And what you want is something that doesn't require a lot of brainwork but looks cool. So look for that. Find a website that helps you make websites easily. If you can find a site that gives you this then it's better to do it yourself because every time you want to change or update something you will have to pay up. Which sucks.
If not then pay a professional don't go to the hobby guy. It's worth it. You get your stuff done on time and exactly how you want it. Look at the portfolio of various designers and see if his/her style caters to what you want. After that. Knock it out. Also check for different prices.
Overall I prefer to go with my first advice.
With me. Right now I'm debating whether or not to color my own comic or to get someone to color it for me. After I finish inking it that is. But I will definitely hit up a professional company or person because I want my junk done with deadlines met. And by someone whose style is as sick as my art. I can color it myself but I wouldn't mind someone who is equal or better than me when it comes to colors.
I'll send you something in your inbox my man. Hope it helps.
check the webcomic alliance they have been helpful too.
also here is a short tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9q_Ez0Xow9k&list=PL3NKCbtgjB3F0U...
but Sven has been the most helpful to me. I have the site, domain name, but I am still learning how to set this stuff up. It seems they have made it hard on purpose. I would like a drag and drop version of WordPress and ComicPress.
I have been researching this for a month or so. I found that most people just dont understand how webpages work and how to lay them out. I used MS Word and used tables and frames to layout a few websites for fun. It was easy and kinda fun. I found that what makes the site look good it the graphics. I am not a big fan of animations and the flash interactions that some sites have. I think it takes away from what you came to the site for... reading comics. If I wanted to play a game, I would get on my xbox... but I digress.
I dont really have the time to focus on HTML and coding. I though why the heck would I pay someone $2000 for the service when I could pay that much for a certification and be able to do it myself. So, (in true maffett fashion...) I am going back to school this summer to learn how to design web pages. I found Emory University here in Atlanta has a good certification program. Once I get the knowlege... I have no problem sharing it. Because Your tax dollars paid for the classes... The beauty of the GI Bill.. LOL!
I'll do it for free. I've designed the following websites:
http://www.atuprogramtracker.com/website/ - The site was where I was plopping all my comics, and I was working on updating it regularly and working out the kinks, but I got tired and so there are no doubt some errors with it currently (but not due to my ineptitude!). You'll note that it allows for comments and other such things.
http://www.atuprogramtracker.com/ - The site uses a standard database to archive and promote RA programs. It utilizes social media to input the programs into facebook and twitter. It also reads from Google Calendars to get program data from other sources.
http://www.atuprogramtracker.com/oldsite/rdrecruit/ - The site was *not* designed by me. HOWEVER, I did do the javascript for the compass that moves to various links.
http://www.atuprogramtracker.com/oldsite/safety/ - Old site I did for a safety library for my Arkansas Tech Resident Assistants. If you hover over the links and click, a list of fun powerpoints and such appear. Very old and very buggy (I took the library out years ago, so some things don't work - it nevertheless shows my acumen at using JQUERY).
BUT WHY WILL I DO IT FREE, you ask?
Because from what I've seen, my previous comic site models can accommodate whatever you're doing. Further, I feel like I want to do more for artists willing to spread a Gospel message (which I assume you're doing). AND, the strips you've showed us are not Christian superhero comics (which I generally loathe), so I am all for it!
Let me know.