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Old 09-30-2008, 10:05 PM
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Location: Byron Bay Australia
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Default Re: How to change the web host ifr ....

It is interesting how we grow with knowledge over time. I agree that changing hosts is fine because in 6 years styles, needs and the personal ability to manage websites change. You should be able to change hosts without too much disruption and often the disruption creates good outcomes because you may rethink old solutions that yield a better outcome.

It looks like you want to self-manage your website and therefore you need to have a CMS that takes some of the hard stuff of managing website navigation out of the way. You can set up hosting and use a variety of CMS' that are either free open source or paid. Many hosts, like your current one, also offer CMS integrated hosting packages. I use a host for my clients that integrates a built in CMS because it gives them the empowerment to self-manage their websites rather than being locked into working with me for minor changes.

Are you paying too much? I would guess all premium hosting packages that include an integrated CMS will cost more that basic hosting at the cheapest possible location. Perhaps (?) they also offer a little support as well which could more than pay for the extra monthly charge. Still, your monthly rate seems a little high.

If you switch, the content (words and images) should be pretty easy to transfer. The CMS will have templates that will allow you to click to view your content in many forms. You probably won't find the exact same style sheets or templates, but who cares? A little change to websites makes them seem active and interesting.

If you are using clip art from the host, then you may need to take charge and get your own images. Setting up a new website takes a couple of hours, but getting good images is really hard. Assuming this is your website - Beach Theme Home Decor, the images are pretty standard clip art. Youmight need to buy more clip art, or do a deal with people on sites like Flickr.

The shopping cart can be an issue, but it looks like all your e-commerce links go to Amazon or other offsite sources.

I use Burgundysky ::: Do It Yourself Websites for my customers. The hosting is about $15 a month with everything included. Here's an example of a website I have for a region in Australia Great Ocean Road Holidays Guide ::: Great Ocean Road Holiday Guide All works well for me.

By the way, I would look at your page titles and the Blog is not word wrapping for me. In fact, you might find WordPress is a good alternative.
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