As I have not been established for very long, I am not able to "buy" a domain name, etc. I have set up a site on www.freewebs.com . . . I would like honest opinions on this - is this considered tacky by many in the beading community? If it is shunned by those with more "quality" works or those who are "artistic" . . .

My main reason for "beading" (in whatever direction I go - wire, costume, etc.) is sheer pleasure. Making a buck along the way is an added bonus to me. I truly love what I do and am tickled to death when someone else likes what I've made . . .


I am not trying to be sarcastic or digging at anyone in any way . . .

All opinions are welcome!

Thanks!
Steph

I'll tell ya what, Steph...I've got a domain on Yahoo...(haven't set it up, yet). If someone is so petty as to judge that as bein' tacky or "shun" me or whatever? I just don't give a bloody whack....they can kiss me white patooty...I'd say, "be on ur way, ya pesk!" that would just be my humble little opin-yun....

elly

you ain't right woman! [8D] that's too funny . . . lol

Ha! Welp, it's true...Seriously, if someone is a true "artist," they would understand the struggles one goes through when just beginning in the biz and wouldn't be so judgmental. If they are, well, my original message holds firm...Your site is a beauty, Steph! nuttin' to worry about....keep on keepin' on, my friendly!

elly

I think the fact that you (or anyone for that matter) has managed to get anything up on the web is a big PLUS! I used a free ecommerce store for many times.

Plbt on those who look down from their crooked noses on that stuff.

Yahoo offers $1.99 for the first year on new domain names. Google "cheap domain names"... there are many cheap domain name providers. I like your layout of your site and your work is very nice. You can also check out www.ecrater.com. There are no ad banners and it's free. There are small restrictions due to it being free... but doesn't every free website provider? There is nothing wrong with asking opinions or having a free site. It can limit you on the layout but you did a great job. A domain name isn't always necessary.


Matthew

QUOTE: Originally posted by JewelryArtist There is nothing wrong with asking opinions or having a free site. It can limit you on the layout but you did a great job. A domain name isn't always necessary. Matthew

I quoted in part . . .

Thank you Matthew - I do admire your work . . . and appreciate the input . . .
Steph

QUOTE: Originally posted by firewifeplus4 I think the fact that you (or anyone for that matter) has managed to get anything up on the web is a big PLUS! I used a free ecommerce store for many times. Plbt on those who look down from their crooked noses on that stuff.

Thanks Dawn! Muchas grassy!![(-D] . . .sorry, I tend to be silly at times . . .

btw, my DH is a fireman & the 5-0 as well . . . [;)]

Steph, I am so proud of myself! I got my front page done, only took a week. I'm using freewebs, but the problem is with me being computer challenged. I did find out something I have been reading about in the Dummies book (and other places): use Notepad to write text, copy it and then paste it onto the freeweb pages. I was having trouble getting text and pics to line up on a page. Some of the templates are width restricted and some are not. This can make a big difference in the appearance of your pages.

QUOTE: Originally posted by autumnae Steph, I am so proud of myself! I got my front page done, only took a week. I'm using freewebs, but the problem is with me being computer challenged. I did find out something I have been reading about in the Dummies book (and other places): use Notepad to write text, copy it and then paste it onto the freeweb pages. I was having trouble getting text and pics to line up on a page. Some of the templates are width restricted and some are not. This can make a big difference in the appearance of your pages.

autumnae - I'm so glad you joined on!! what's site name? would love to see it!!

believe it or not, I wrote all my text in a word doc, then copied & pasted . . . didn't know that about the notepad . . . guess it all worked the same? for my price list page, I inserted a table . . . everything lined up in each table just fine that way . . .
I've changed mine from the bright pink that was visually offensive to most to a more neutral "blonde" scheme . . . [;)][8D] and tried to make it less "cutesy" . . . good luck w/ yours! I hope you will have lots of luck!!!
Steph

QUOTE: Originally posted by smath73 QUOTE: Originally posted by firewifeplus4 I think the fact that you (or anyone for that matter) has managed to get anything up on the web is a big PLUS! I used a free ecommerce store for many times. Plbt on those who look down from their crooked noses on that stuff. Thanks Dawn! Muchas grassy!![(-D] . . .sorry, I tend to be silly at times . . . btw, my DH is a fireman & the 5-0 as well . . . [;)]

Well its nice to meet a fellow "family" member! Tell him stay safe. OT: But big prayers to the 9 fire fighters that lost their lives a few days ago. Hits home way to hard to read those stories.

QUOTE: Originally posted by firewifeplus4 QUOTE: Originally posted by smath73 QUOTE: Originally posted by firewifeplus4 I think the fact that you (or anyone for that matter) has managed to get anything up on the web is a big PLUS! I used a free ecommerce store for many times. Plbt on those who look down from their crooked noses on that stuff. Thanks Dawn! Muchas grassy!![(-D] . . .sorry, I tend to be silly at times . . . btw, my DH is a fireman & the 5-0 as well . . . [;)] Well its nice to meet a fellow "family" member! Tell him stay safe. OT: But big prayers to the 9 fire fighters that lost their lives a few days ago. Hits home way to hard to read those stories.

amen to that - Charleston is one of my favorite places to be (only 6 hours away) . . . such a beautiful port! they also have the best open air market! The old slave market is now a place for artisans and the like to peddle their wares . . . it's incredible! If you ever get a chance, you need to visit.

Many prayers have gone up for their families . . .
God Bless .. . .
Steph

Steph..I think your website is great! And having a free one is a plus! I constucted a feebie a couple of years ago (wasn't for jewelry) and for me it was a great learning experience! The only problem is..I cannot remember anything I learned...so now I have my site (under construction) on yahoo and I don't know what the hec I am doing!! trying to refresh what little skills I had before but it's going to be a long time putting this baby up, especially since I refuse to do it until I can master the photo part. BTW, I was on your site and I believe I clicked on something that brought me somewhere else that showed a bunch of pics of you and your loveys...there's one pic of you, I swear that you look just like Brittany Spears! (in her better days..this is a compliment![:D])
And one another thing..I guess it can be obvious when looking at a "free" site because of the banner but I could care less...I have seen many "free" sites that looked a whole lot better than ones that are not. So it really boils down to the content and presentation..a great looking website certainly can be achieved on a "freebie"!

Thanks fenian!! Believe it or not, I have been told that before about the comparison . . . it's crazy!! I don't mind though - in her better days, she was beautiful! Now she's just a freak! [xx(]
Thanks for the wonderful compliments!!! I really appreciate everyone's opinions!! I was just so worried that it would be a turn off to most . . . Good luck with getting your site up!! I can't wait to see it!!!

Steph

I do NOT recommend Freewebs. I had a site there....until:

1. I found out that freewebs uses frames. Search Engines discard websites with frames. I hightailed it out of there ASAP.

2. The support is non-existent. I posted various questions on the forum and never received an answer...they only answer cries for help from premium members, or at least that's the idea I got .

I opted for mister.net, you pay ONLY for the domain name and only US$35.00 for a year. Everything else is free, no monthly fees, and tons of freebies. No frames, no ads, no banners, and support within 5 minutes even on a Sunday.
Happy customer. [:)]