Every chipper needs a website! I know many of you arent real computer saavy..but thats ok, you dont need to be! Please allow me to mention a few things that might just sway my fellow chippers that dont have a webpage just enough to convince them how easy and valuable they are.

There are only three things that are needed to have a website:

1. The html pages that will be displayed.
2. A webhost. This is the server that stores all of your files (scans, animated gif's,html
files, etc.) that are part of your website. The server is also the computers that are accessed to view your webpage
3. an FTP program. This is a program that allows you to upload and download to the webserver. I use Cute FTP, but there are tons. There are tons of free ones available on the web.

HTML Files

These are merely the pages that are in html format that display the different pages. Think of them as similar to a Word or Xcel file that has been saved in a format that enables it to be displayed on the web. In the html files are particular codes that perform different function such as a link to a different page or to center a picture. Obviously this is a simple explanation but you get the idea. But here's the cool thing: you dont need to know all the codes. There are two things you can do to produce these pages. You can use one of the thousand programs that do the webpage for you, such as "MicroSoft FrontPage Maker" or use one of the webpage services that are offered free b y Yahoo, Aol, etc. The other is to duplicate a simple webpage thats already on the web and modify it to your personal tastes. The codes for webpages can be seen for websites by right clicking on the page being displayed and select "View Source" You'll then see the html code that makes the page.

Another is to have a friend get you started. Its pretty simple for a webpage saavy person to whip out a simple webpage for a tradelist. Once you have the starting page its very easy.

Webhosting

Webspace is available for both free and at a price. The difference between free webhosting and pay hosting is just 2 points:

1. Pop-up banners. Free sites (like geocities)usually come with a pop up banners. Some arent a big deal at all and others are downright annoying.

2. Web Space. If you are planning on having huge amounts of large file size pictures then the free webhosting may not make available enough space. But for the typical chipper, there's more then enough.

FTP Programs.

These simple programs are available free or for $$. The free ones are fine normal for uploading and downloading your files.

There are plenty of chippers here that will be more then happy to help out other chippers with their webpages to get them going. Its easier then you think. After all, if 8 year olds can be making webpages then so can you. Theres no need to have huge elaborate site when all you want is to make your trade lists and want lists available.

For those that want some basic help theres a number of free help sites for html. here's just one of many.

http://builder.cnet.com/webbuilding/0-3881-8-5893399-8.html

I hope this little primer helps more then antimidates.