My site SUCKS.. Please help!!!

[bossanova]

I have had my site for over a year now and I havent done anything with it because to be honest, I know absolutely NOTHING about HTML, XML, or any aspect of coding or how to even make my site appealing or even noticeable...

All I'm asking is for some help to get my site functional, productive, appealing and noticeable.

Anyone who is willing to help would be IMMENSELY appreciated...

here's my site's URL.

Thank you in advance.

www.weatheraloft.com (http://www.weatheraloft.com)

[Zachery]

Before you worry about design, what is the point of your website? Why should I visit it, why should I register, what is going to keep me coming back?

[bossanova]

Before you worry about design, what is the point of your website? Why should I visit it, why should I register, what is going to keep me coming back?

You bring up a valid point Zach..

My site's premise is the ongoing daily discussion of weather locally, regionally,nationally and internationally as well as bringing together other weather enthusiats to further their weather knowledge or love for weather in general while allowing any and every member the ability to post content relevant to upcoming weather events or to post relevant weather info of the past... I.E weather records, data, photo's... whatever.

See what I'm getting at?

[Zachery]

Yes, but where does it say that on your site. You don't seem to have anything but a basic forum right now. First goal would be to get content, even if its just weather information. Maybe build statsitics, graphs, charts, etc.

[bossanova]

Yes, but where does it say that on your site. You don't seem to have anything but a basic forum right now. First goal would be to get content, even if its just weather information. Maybe build statsitics, graphs, charts, etc.

But therin lies my predicament...

I don't even have the basic knowledge needed to incorporate necessary items like that into my site because of my lack of coding and site development knowledge.

I am a complete idiot when it comes to this stiff...

If I had the money to pay someone to do it I would.

[Michael2]

We can't build the site for you. Maybe you need to learn some basic HTML.
You need to offer your visitors something they can't get somewhere else, otherwise there's no reason for them to stick around. And you need branding, a logo and custom buttons would be a nice start.

[terryfavors]

What does the fujita scale measure? I Don't Know

I tried to register to go look around da board to see what was going on but the question it was asking me I had no idea what that means so I could not proceed. It does take a little money to get about anything accomplished in today's world. I enjoy the weather channel so much I was trying to check out ya board. I'll look again soon as I can. I'm also so super new to this stuff, this board is almost ready for me www.pinoytrail.com (http://www.pinoytrail.com) and it is more Filipino related my wife is Filipino so she more interested in this one, my other site is not ready yet. Between Vbullentin very helpful staff and my host provider all my issues have been resolved and I know crap about a lot of this stuff. I sit here and think I love to watch the weather channel what would make me love to go to your site I don't know yet? In the marketing department you can drive folks to your site but you have to have something to make them return. Just some of my thoughts and maybe they might be helpful good luck and stay at it. Thanks, Terry

[Sarthek]

Before you worry about design, what is the point of your website? Why should I visit it, why should I register, what is going to keep me coming back?
Well, at least you should get rid of this strong blue, as I closed site after 2 seconds, I thought I would get blind.

Until you get into some design basics, use vBulletin default, which is better (kind of :rolleyes:)

But remember - content is KING.

[bossanova]

We can't build the site for you. Maybe you need to learn some basic HTML.
You need to offer your visitors something they can't get somewhere else, otherwise there's no reason for them to stick around. And you need branding, a logo and custom buttons would be a nice start.

I'm not asking for anyone to build my site... What I AM asking for is some inside information from senior members who know WTF they're doing and would be willing to throw some helpful advice and/or tips my way so I can at least feel some semblance of accomplishment at some point otherwise I am just going to give up on this online discussion forum thing and move on to something else.

[Carnage-]

A few tips:

In my oppinion you have too many forums/categories.

My forums for example, have a Notice board forum which contains announcments, rules etc. This is in a category containing all the other andminy type forums, eg the suggestion box and the mod/admin forums.

My suggestion would be to combine a few of your forums under one category so you have something a bit like this:

Sutiable category name
-Board news
-Site rules
-Introductions
-Admin/mods

Additionally, you might like to consider if any forums that are in their own category eg Tropics + Beginners Weather wouldn't be better off in a category with other forums. (even if you need to change the category name slightly.)

As a final point on the forums aspect of your site; instead of having the admin/mod forum pw protected use usergroup permissions to prevent none admin/mod groups from accessing it. Hide it from groups that can't access it to reduce clutter.

-------
Since you don't know any HTML/PHP my suggestion is you head over to vbulletin.org and search on google for some vbulletin skins. Most are avaliable fairly cheaply or for free. Pick one that suits your weather theme (maybe something with blues and grays?) and (purchase it and) install it.

Next I would suggest you install vbadvanced. Its got a bit of a learning curve, however allows you to create a portal page for your site using content already on your forums.

[bossanova]

A few tips:

In my oppinion you have too many forums/categories.

My forums for example, have a Notice board forum which contains announcments, rules etc. This is in a category containing all the other andminy type forums, eg the suggestion box and the mod/admin forums.

My suggestion would be to combine a few of your forums under one category so you have something a bit like this:

Sutiable category name
-Board news
-Site rules
-Introductions
-Admin/mods

Additionally, you might like to consider if any forums that are in their own category eg Tropics + Beginners Weather wouldn't be better off in a category with other forums. (even if you need to change the category name slightly.)

As a final point on the forums aspect of your site; instead of having the admin/mod forum pw protected use usergroup permissions to prevent none admin/mod groups from accessing it. Hide it from groups that can't access it to reduce clutter.

-------
Since you don't know any HTML/PHP my suggestion is you head over to vbulletin.org and search on google for some vbulletin skins. Most are avaliable fairly cheaply or for free. Pick one that suits your weather theme (maybe something with blues and grays?) and (purchase it and) install it.

Next I would suggest you install vbadvanced. Its got a bit of a learning curve, however allows you to create a portal page for your site using content already on your forums.

My site is hosted by a company in Texas and therefore I dont have access to the server to upload logo images or skins... how would I go about doing that as that is one of my main concerns right now....

As you can tell my site is very basic and I want to at least get a logo and skin applied ASAP so it looks somewhat intriguing.

I will take into consideration your advice about condensing some of my subforums....

I also had a tip from someone about editing my meta-tags... whatever the hell those are?

Vb.org is way to complicated for me ( navigation wise ) and therefore I don't use it very often.

[Zachery]

IF you dont have access to upload something, find a new host.

[bossanova]

IF you dont have access to upload something, find a new host.

I'm sure I do but it seems to be a very complicated process for me, I know it has something to do w/ FTP??

Do I just send them the image with a specific file path and have them upload it?

And would I do the same thing for a skin as well?

[Michael2]

Skins are uploaded through the admincp. Images are uploaded using an FTP program. So you'll need an FTP program and some information from your host (username, password, etc). Sorry if I seemed a bit harsh but everytime someone suggests something you say you can't or don't know how. Now that you're asking more specific questions hopefully people will be able to help.

You may also want to check at http://www.theadminzone.com, lots of helpful people there.

[bossanova]

Skins are uploaded through the admincp. Images are uploaded using an FTP program. So you'll need an FTP program and some information from your host (username, password, etc). Sorry if I seemed a bit harsh but everytime someone suggests something you say you can't or don't know how. Now that you're asking more specific questions hopefully people will be able to help.

You may also want to check at http://www.theadminzone.com, lots of helpful people there.

Thx for the tip Michael, I am going to contact my host and get on the FTP issue and go from there...

I just now somehow managed to implement a ReCaptcha verification system... Does that make me an expert now????

J/K

[Carnage-]

your server is running cpanel

if you goto this url: http://www.weatheraloft.com:2082/ you can login with the username/password your host gave you when you signed up. Its version 11 so should have all the nice step by step tutorials on how to do things included.

[bossanova]

your server is running cpanel

if you goto this url: http://www.weatheraloft.com:2082/ you can login with the username/password your host gave you when you signed up. Its version 11 so should have all the nice step by step tutorials on how to do things included.

Would it be the same UN and PW I use to log into my Host's website to access my acct details?

[dodgeboard.com]

I have had my site for over a year now and I havent done anything with it because to be honest, I know absolutely NOTHING about HTML, XML, or any aspect of coding or how to even make my site appealing or even noticeable...

All I'm asking is for some help to get my site functional, productive, appealing and noticeable.

Anyone who is willing to help would be IMMENSELY appreciated...

here's my site's URL.

Thank you in advance.

www.weatheraloft.com (http://www.weatheraloft.com)


I operate a community site for the famous old west town of Dodge City. One thing that we found that was very popular was online police scanners. It's real easy to incorporate using Windows Media Encoder and it's something that we can offer that's unique.

I would think for a weather site, that might be something that would compliment your site as well. Maybe have police scanner feeds from many of the top major cities. Most of them are already available, it's just a matter of setting up a link or using a mod (vBradio) to bring all the channels together.

Good Luck to you!

[Carnage-]

Would it be the same UN and PW I use to log into my Host's website to access my acct details?

Most likely, but not always.

[feldon23]

bossanova,

Have you downloaded FileZilla yet?

FileZilla is an easy-to-use FTP program and it's free.

Put these settings in at the top:

Host: weatheraloft.com Login: (your login) Password: (your password) Port: 21

Your computer is the left side or "pane" of the window.
Your website is the right side or "pane" of the window.

You'll probably see a bunch of folders on the right like _vti_cnf and _private and cgi-bin. Ignore these. Look for the public_html or www folder and double-click it. Now you're looking at the same exact folders and structures that correspond with your website at weatheraloft.com.

For instance you should see a file in the list on the right called calendar.php.
That corresponds with http://weatheraloft.com/calendar.php.

So back in FileZilla, let's open "images" folder on the right. Now let's open the "misc" folder. Now using the left side of FileZilla, which is your computer, navigate to your logo file. Now click and drag that logo file from the left to the right and drop it into the "misc" folder. For example let's say your logo is called logo.jpg.

Now you have a logo on your site at:
http://weatheraloft.com/images/misc/logo.jpg


Now, it looks like you or someone has gone into your forum and stripped out the HTML code that displays a logo, so after you upload a logo, you're going to have to edit the "navbar" template of your forum to display a logo.

You would need to add a line to your navbar template at the top like this:
<img src="/images/misc/logo.jpg">


You'll need to have a logo of course, and this is just basic instructions, not step-by-step on how to modify a template. Check out these detailed links:

FileZilla Tutorial (http://wiki.filezilla-project.org/Using)
Editing vBulletin Templates (http://www.vbulletin.com/docs/html/stylemanager_edit_templates)

[dodgeboard.com]

Bossanova...a word to the wise...

Before you start playing with filezilla or any FTP program, learn to make a backup of your site.

I've seen "drag n drop" bite many a new user in the butt.

[bossanova]

bossanova,

Have you downloaded FileZilla yet?

FileZilla is an easy-to-use FTP program and it's free.

Put these settings in at the top:

Host: weatheraloft.com Login: (your login) Password: (your password) Port: 21

Your computer is the left side or "pane" of the window.
Your website is the right side or "pane" of the window.

You'll probably see a bunch of folders on the right like _vti_cnf and _private and cgi-bin. Ignore these. Look for the public_html or www folder and double-click it. Now you're looking at the same exact folders and structures that correspond with your website at weatheraloft.com.

For instance you should see a file in the list on the right called calendar.php.
That corresponds with http://weatheraloft.com/calendar.php.

So back in FileZilla, let's open "images" folder on the right. Now let's open the "misc" folder. Now using the left side of FileZilla, which is your computer, navigate to your logo file. Now click and drag that logo file from the left to the right and drop it into the "misc" folder. For example let's say your logo is called logo.jpg.

Now you have a logo on your site at:
http://weatheraloft.com/images/misc/logo.jpg


Now, it looks like you or someone has gone into your forum and stripped out the HTML code that displays a logo, so after you upload a logo, you're going to have to edit the "navbar" template of your forum to display a logo.

You would need to add a line to your navbar template at the top like this:
<img src="/images/misc/logo.jpg">


You'll need to have a logo of course, and this is just basic instructions, not step-by-step on how to modify a template. Check out these detailed links:

FileZilla Tutorial (http://wiki.filezilla-project.org/Using)
Editing vBulletin Templates (http://www.vbulletin.com/docs/html/stylemanager_edit_templates)

:eek::eek::eek:
HOLY-HELL !!! are you trying to confuse the hell out of me??? Lol

Ok, I'm gonna have to go through your post again at geriatric speed and see if i understand it all...

also, how would I go about backing up my site?

[Sarthek]

Yes it does, sorry couldn't resist :D

Anyway, content, content, content and design like said before.

[feldon23]

:eek::eek::eek:
HOLY-HELL !!! are you trying to confuse the hell out of me??? Lol

Ok, I'm gonna have to go through your post again at geriatric speed and see if i understand it all...

also, how would I go about backing up my site?
I really did try to avoid using any terminology or jargon.

FTP or File Transfer Protocol is a way of connecting your computer with another computer to transfer files between the two.

It is the primary means of "uploading" new stuff to your website.

You open an FTP program (Windows doesn't come with one), make a connection, upload some new files to your website, and then disconnect.

vBulletin forum is already installed on your website. It is made up of PHP files which are scripts that do the work of displaying and running your website. If you change any of these files, your forum will stop working, so be careful not to delete, rename, or move any of the files already on your website.

The "images" folder that I mentioned above contains all the images that vBulletin uses to display your forum. If you want to add a logo, the best place to add it is in that same images folder.

If you are really stuck after my explanation, I think you are going to have to find an expert to work on your website. Working on a website requires the ability to copy files from one place to another, edit text files, and upload and download graphic files.

[bossanova]

bossanova,

Have you downloaded FileZilla yet?

FileZilla is an easy-to-use FTP program and it's free.

Put these settings in at the top:

Host: weatheraloft.com Login: (your login) Password: (your password) Port: 21

Your computer is the left side or "pane" of the window.
Your website is the right side or "pane" of the window.

You'll probably see a bunch of folders on the right like _vti_cnf and _private and cgi-bin. Ignore these. Look for the public_html or www folder and double-click it. Now you're looking at the same exact folders and structures that correspond with your website at weatheraloft.com.

For instance you should see a file in the list on the right called calendar.php.
That corresponds with http://weatheraloft.com/calendar.php.

So back in FileZilla, let's open "images" folder on the right. Now let's open the "misc" folder. Now using the left side of FileZilla, which is your computer, navigate to your logo file. Now click and drag that logo file from the left to the right and drop it into the "misc" folder. For example let's say your logo is called logo.jpg.

Now you have a logo on your site at:
http://weatheraloft.com/images/misc/logo.jpg


Now, it looks like you or someone has gone into your forum and stripped out the HTML code that displays a logo, so after you upload a logo, you're going to have to edit the "navbar" template of your forum to display a logo.

You would need to add a line to your navbar template at the top like this:
<img src="/images/misc/logo.jpg">


You'll need to have a logo of course, and this is just basic instructions, not step-by-step on how to modify a template. Check out these detailed links:

FileZilla Tutorial (http://wiki.filezilla-project.org/Using)
Editing vBulletin Templates (http://www.vbulletin.com/docs/html/stylemanager_edit_templates)

I downloaded filezilla and tried to login but gave me this response after trying to login....

530 Login authentication failed
Error: Critical error
Error: Could not connect to server


What should I do???

my username is correct but it's not accepting my PW???

[Zachery]

contact your webhost for help with ftp instructions.

[bossanova]

contact your webhost for help with ftp instructions.

Should I NOT use Filezilla????

[Sarthek]

How did you upload vBulletin files then?

[bossanova]

How did you upload vBulletin files then?

My Host did it NOT me.....

My site is hosted offsite.... I have no access to the server at all.....

Host = Siteground.com

[Zachery]

If you're paying for hosting to a company, you have access, you may not know how to use it, but you have access.

You should really take some time and go over the start of the vBulletin manuall and its uploading directions. Also take some time to look over siteground.com's documentation on how to use its sevices. Once you can figure out how to upload a file or two, you'll be ready to start working on your site seriously.

[hitmancode47]

My Host did it NOT me.....

My site is hosted offsite.... I have no access to the server at all.....

Host = Siteground.com

If you have no access to the server, then I dont understand what you paid for your hosting for. Every host ive ever come across gives out details to connect

Also, I just went to look on your board, and you have more staff members than actual members, 99% of your boards population is staff.

[bossanova]

If you have no access to the server, then I dont understand what you paid for your hosting for. Every host ive ever come across gives out details to connect

Also, I just went to look on your board, and you have more staff members than actual members, 99% of your boards population is staff.


99% ???Once again, I do NOT have access to my host's server... If I want to upload anything I have to send it to them and they upload it, that's what I've been told in the past....

At this point I'm just about rerady to throw in the towel and say forget it....

This process is too time consuming and frustrating for me especially when I don't know what the hell I'm doing.

VB's manual doesn't really help me seeing as how ( once again ) I DO NOT know what I'm doing....

Hmmmm ok

[cbiweb]

bossanova... you have two choices:

1. Stop working on your site and let it sit there for now. Then dedicate some serious blocks of time to educate yourself. There is no way someone in your position can make a go of running a website, so you need to step back and LEARN a little about the things you need to do.
I know next to nothing about car mechanics, so I don't even go near fixing my car when it needs work. If I ever wanted to do it myself, I'd have to read some books, do some Googling, ask other mechanics. You seriously need to approach things the same way with your website.

2. If the first option isn't workable for you, then find someone who is willing to hold your hand and walk you through things. If you're extremely lucky, someone will do it for free, but you should expect to pay for it because teaching someone all the things you need to know is time consuming. People are busy these days, and not able/willing to give their time away without some sort of return.

There IS a third choice, actually: Give it up. ...a bit harsh, but if the two options above aren't possible, then the third option is all you have left.

[Carnage-]

bossanova: see my pm; it'll be less confusing to help you with less voices chiming in.

[feldon23]

99% ???Once again, I do NOT have access to my host's server...
I would say less than 1% of the users of vBulletin have physical access to their server hardware. The vast majority of us, including me, use an FTP program like FileZilla to add and remove files from our website. I maintain a dozen sites and use FileZilla to perform FTP activites several times a day. It's just a choice I made to use that program.


If I want to upload anything I have to send it to them and they upload it, that's what I've been told in the past....
I know of no web hosting company that doesn't allow you to upload your own files. I think you have just e-mailed them files in the past for convenience, but I cannot imagine a web host that would not allow you to FTP into their site. I'm just thinking either the host, the login, or the password might be different.


At this point I'm just about rerady to throw in the towel and say forget it....

This process is too time consuming and frustrating for me especially when I don't know what the hell I'm doing.
You get out of your website what you put into it. It will be slow going for you at first, but once you learn, you get faster at it. It's like anything else. Driving a car, cooking, or predicting the weather.


VB's manual doesn't really help me seeing as how ( once again ) I DO NOT know what I'm doing....
The point of a user manual is to explain how to do something you've never done before.



contact your webhost for help with ftp instructions.


Should I NOT use Filezilla????
You should contact your webhost and ask them for the FTP information to your site. Then you should plug that information into an FTP program. I recommend FileZilla. Others might like some other program.

[bossanova]

I would say less than 1% of the users of vBulletin have physical access to their server hardware. The vast majority of us, including me, use an FTP program like FileZilla to add and remove files from our website. I maintain a dozen sites and use FileZilla to perform FTP activites several times a day. It's just a choice I made to use that program.


I know of no web hosting company that doesn't allow you to upload your own files. I think you have just e-mailed them files in the past for convenience, but I cannot imagine a web host that would not allow you to FTP into their site. I'm just thinking either the host, the login, or the password might be different.


You get out of your website what you put into it. It will be slow going for you at first, but once you learn, you get faster at it. It's like anything else. Driving a car, cooking, or predicting the weather.


The point of a user manual is to explain how to do something you've never done before.





You should contact your webhost and ask them for the FTP information to your site. Then you should plug that information into an FTP program. I recommend FileZilla. Others might like some other program.

Motivation is easy to secure when one gets reputable and informative resources and advice ( such as you have provided ) Feldon.

Much appreciated...

Thank you !!!

[EQmandingo]

You may want to try flashFXP, I have used it for as long as i have known of ftp (file transfer protocol)..

to access your site via ftp...

Are you on a shared hosting plan, or do you have a private webhost..

If you own or lease the server you are on....you almost have to have your own dedicated ip address...goto your webhost control panel and check there if you don't know already..or simply put in the domain name in flashfxp under server address..using your webhost username and password...

If you need any help there with flash FXP lemme know ..i will put together a tutorial for you in html (thats what i do);)

[bossanova]

bossanova,

Have you downloaded FileZilla yet?

FileZilla is an easy-to-use FTP program and it's free.

Put these settings in at the top:

Host: weatheraloft.com Login: (your login) Password: (your password) Port: 21

Your computer is the left side or "pane" of the window.
Your website is the right side or "pane" of the window.

You'll probably see a bunch of folders on the right like _vti_cnf and _private and cgi-bin. Ignore these. Look for the public_html or www folder and double-click it. Now you're looking at the same exact folders and structures that correspond with your website at weatheraloft.com.

For instance you should see a file in the list on the right called calendar.php.
That corresponds with http://weatheraloft.com/calendar.php.

So back in FileZilla, let's open "images" folder on the right. Now let's open the "misc" folder. Now using the left side of FileZilla, which is your computer, navigate to your logo file. Now click and drag that logo file from the left to the right and drop it into the "misc" folder. For example let's say your logo is called logo.jpg.

Now you have a logo on your site at:
http://weatheraloft.com/images/misc/logo.jpg


Now, it looks like you or someone has gone into your forum and stripped out the HTML code that displays a logo, so after you upload a logo, you're going to have to edit the "navbar" template of your forum to display a logo.

You would need to add a line to your navbar template at the top like this:
<img src="/images/misc/logo.jpg">


You'll need to have a logo of course, and this is just basic instructions, not step-by-step on how to modify a template. Check out these detailed links:

FileZilla Tutorial (http://wiki.filezilla-project.org/Using)
Editing vBulletin Templates (http://www.vbulletin.com/docs/html/stylemanager_edit_templates)

Feldon.... could Filezilla's port parameter be 22 instead of 21????

[bossanova]

Ok,

I have a question..

I have filezilla and I am trying to incorporate the following skin onto my board but to no avail.

the skin is a free skin from VBSkins.com

Skin is titled... Dark futura

The skin file is titled... Dark-futura.zip.....

How and where would I upload this file for it to be incorporated on to my site?

[Zachery]

vBskins.com should provide you with documentation.

Step 1, extract the files
Step 2, upload the image folder where the instructions tell you to
Step 3, import the XML file in the AdminCP.

[Marv]

Zach,

don´t feed the trolls. Look at his other posts...
Already setup a vBulletin and now unable to manage ftp and skins ?

[Homeworld'sa]

Bossanova.

If you want some help in managing your forum, then you can contact me any time. I have some experience using vBulletin and can help you. :)

[Zachery]

Zach,

don´t feed the trolls. Look at his other posts...
Already setup a vBulletin and now unable to manage ftp and skins ?
Regardless of what you may think of the person, they're requesting help and it is my job to provide it. I see no malice with his request. Many customers have hosts, hire us, or third parties to provide installation services and then are completely unaware of how to manage their vBulletin service.

[Homeworld'sa]

What is wrong with your board is that necessary changes don't seem to be doing anything. Running 3.7.1 PL1 may be the cause, but that's why I cannot get a site logo to appear or even make the vB default style appear.

I cannot help you until you rectify these problems.

[bossanova]

What is wrong with your board is that necessary changes don't seem to be doing anything. Running 3.7.1 PL1 may be the cause, but that's why I cannot get a site logo to appear or even make the vB default style appear.

I cannot help you until you rectify these problems.

Well I would upgrade but my host charges me to upgrade my board...

is there a way around this problem so I can upgrade w/o having to pay?

Can I use filezilla to upgrade my board?

[Homeworld'sa]

Well I would upgrade but my host charges me to upgrade my board...

is there a way around this problem so I can upgrade w/o having to pay?

Can I use filezilla to upgrade my board?
I have never heard of hosts charging you to upgrade something they are hosting.

I would get a new host. Like StartLogic.com. They're very good

[Zachery]

First, stop using your webhost to manage your software. You pay them for webhosting. Cut the cord and start managing your own website.

Yes, you can use filezilla to upgrade your board. Upgrading vBulletin is just a matter of uploading the php files and running the upgrade script from your browser.

Again, i think you need to sit down, figure out the basics and start to work on your own site. Stop paying and depending on other people. Yes you'll make mistakes, but they can be fixed with time and effort.

[dodgeboard.com]

^ yeah, that ^

[Abomination]

Based on your site it appears you may reside in the USA. Regardless, local school teachers/students could also help. Just another idea to get you past the initial learning curve.

It would take only a few minutes for someone to show you in person how to do these types of things.

[Neal-UK]

It takes time and patience. Before your site takes off, take a look and read through the settings for your forum. Fiddle with them and see what happens.

Maybe then perhaps register a few accounts on your website and make some posts about the weather from news sites or something, make it look like people are using your forums. Ask friends and family to register and do the same.

How did you upload the forum if you don't have FTP access?

[bossanova]

It takes time and patience. Before your site takes off, take a look and read through the settings for your forum. Fiddle with them and see what happens.

Maybe then perhaps register a few accounts on your website and make some posts about the weather from news sites or something, make it look like people are using your forums. Ask friends and family to register and do the same.

How did you upload the forum if you don't have FTP access?


My host uploaded the forum for me... I didnt do anything.

Once again... I appreciate the help from everyone but I have decided this is not something I am familiar or comfortable with and therefore I am going to let my license expire and shut the site down permanantly.

The level of frustration is one of which I am no longer willing to tolerate and thus I don't have the patience to deal with this anymore.

It may be simple as alot of you have said but from my POV it is not and this issue is only compounded by the fact that DON'T KNOW WHAT I AM DOING.

Add to the fact that when I ask for help I get so many tips and advice that I fear I am going to make a mistake from which I can not rectify and problems that may arise and I am not willing to take on that kind of pressure and failure tht may result from my own incompetency!!!

[Zachery]

You don't know what you're doing because you haven't tried. I was once as clueless as you as far as all of this tuff goes. 7 or so years ago, I had to take it one step at a a time too. I know how you are feeling, but if you don't start now, when are you going to?

First things first, you have your ftp client yes? Can you connect to your webhost?

[dodgeboard.com]

Not everyone is cut out to be a chef. Likewise, not everyone is cut out to be a forums administrator.

[bossanova]

You don't know what you're doing because you haven't tried. I was once as clueless as you as far as all of this tuff goes. 7 or so years ago, I had to take it one step at a a time too. I know how you are feeling, but if you don't start now, when are you going to?

First things first, you have your ftp client yes? Can you connect to your webhost?


Yes I have Filezilla but I'm not sure what you mean by accessing the webhost???

[Homeworld'sa]

Guys, I think we miught have to go into layman terms (like really low down text) bossanova to understand. These technical words are confusing him.

[bossanova]

Guys, I think we miught have to go into layman terms (like really low down text) bossanova to understand. These technical words are confusing him.

FINALLY!!!!

Someone who is actually paying attention...

It's only taken 4 pages of posts for someone to realize that I don't know what the F*** I am doing......

[dodgeboard.com]

Filezilla is a program that lets you see, delete, and copy files up to your host's computer (upload).

The first step in using it is to setup your connection settings, which will allow it to connect (access) your host computer, where your vBulletin files reside.

Take a chill pill and allot some time to get familiar with Filezilla. It has built in help files and there are all kinds of tutorials on youtube that will help you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yr_u2iKfAt0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-gr0LIWT64

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VROIq95utWs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_ag3SqfADs

Get you a cup of coffee and sit back, relax and watch.

[cellarius]

FINALLY!!!!

Someone who is actually paying attention...

It's only taken 4 pages of posts for someone to realize that I don't know what the F*** I am doing......
And it sure won't help if you start getting rude to those who have been trying to be helpful, no matter how frustrated you are.

Anyway - if it's really only frustrating to you, it might indeed be better to drop the project. If not, bide your time, stay calm and try to do one step after the other. If terms used here do confuse you, use wikipedia or ask concrete questions. Tell exactly what you are doing and what the results are, and if you run into a problem, give as much information as possible.

[cbiweb]

FINALLY!!!!

Someone who is actually paying attention...

It's only taken 4 pages of posts for someone to realize that I don't know what the F*** I am doing......
Wait a minute, cowboy. I told you on page 3 (post #33) what do, because I did realize you don't know WTF you're doing. So how about you paying attention before making blanket judgments like that!

[dodgeboard.com]

We're dealing with a frustrated noob that's ready to ditch vb. We have to be patient too and put on the kid-gloves. Ever teach a family member that has little or no computer experience? It's like that. You have to dig deep into your patience bucket, and bite your tongue...several times.

[cbiweb]

That's understood, dodgeboard, but when that person says that no one has tried to understand him up until now, that's simply not true, and shows a lack of paying attention - the same thing of which he accused the rest of us. It's nearly impossible to teach someone who doesn't want to be taught (would rather have it all done for him).

[cellarius]

It's nearly impossible to teach someone who doesn't want to be taught (would rather have it all done for him).
Or someone who is so sure he is a noob and can't do it that all explaining is fruitless. If someone is sure from the start that he can't do it, he probably won't. Not because he's to stupid or dumb, but because he'll find himself affirmed in this with every little drawback, instead of encouraged by the little successes.

[bossanova]

That's understood, dodgeboard, but when that person says that no one has tried to understand him up until now, that's simply not true, and shows a lack of paying attention - the same thing of which he accused the rest of us. It's nearly impossible to teach someone who doesn't want to be taught (would rather have it all done for him).

I do not want it " ALL DONE FOR ME " but I would like to at least have a better grasp and understanding of the applications devoted to making a vbulletin website more functional and appealing.

If I knew even a quarter of what most of you know I probably wouldn't be asking a million questions, would I?

I have never used VB, FileZilla or any other program before and my knowledge of HTML,XML or any other aspect of web dev is basically non exsitent and therefore that makes me a complete... ( wait for it ).......
I-D-I-O-T!!!!

My apologies to anyone who feels I was rude to them, ( wasn't my intention) but dammit... This is why I dropped out of college... I was actually majoring in Comp. science.... Key word ( WAS )!!!!

[dodgeboard.com]

There's at least some hope for him/her. The OP is asking for help.

Bossanova, Did you watch the videos? Did they help at all?

[bossanova]

there's at least some hope for him/her. The op is asking for help.

<- - - - - - him

[Zachery]

Okay, when I say to access/connect. I mean put the ftp information your webhost gave you into filezilla. Once the information is entered, you should be able to press connect and be connected to your ftp host.

[cellarius]

Since the OP keeps (kept?) up that he had no ftp access I wanted to check where he hosts, but the whois points at DomainsByProxy.com, so that's no help. At least he knows how to cover his tracks...

[R1lover]

But therin lies my predicament...

I don't even have the basic knowledge needed to incorporate necessary items like that into my site because of my lack of coding and site development knowledge.

I am a complete idiot when it comes to this stiff...

If I had the money to pay someone to do it I would.

Then why did you decide to start a forum if you CANT do it?

[bossanova]

Then why did you decide to start a forum if you CANT do it?

Because it was something new and I thought it would be a fun adventure but to my dismay I soon found out that this type of endeavour was WAY too much for me to grasp and with the ongoing updates issued by VB and all the other technical aspects involved in what I assumed would be a fairly easy project And not getting the type of help I am truly seeking and the never ending run around from others NOT associated with VB as to what I should do and how to do it I have become so frustrated with being led and pulled in so may different directions that I have all but given up and I am not the type to quit.

I want to learn this stuff so I can be better and diagnose any problems in the future that may arise so I don't have to come back here and ask a question every 5 minutes about how to do this or that or bitch and complain.

Know what I mean folks???

In response to a post a few back in regards to me " covering my tracks " By no means am I covering my tracks or trying to hide my identity... my domain is with GoDaddy and my host is siteground... so now you know who I am....

I'll reiterate this again... I want to learn this stuff and NOT give up but there has to be an easier way for me to understand what all you good folks are trying to explain to me...

But for the sake of me not having a meltdown... let's tackle this one aspect/issue at a time...

[veenuisthebest]

I want to learn this stuff and NOT give up but there has to be an easier way for me to understand what all you good folks are trying to explain to me...

But for the sake of me not having a meltdown... let's tackle this one aspect/issue at a time...

Thats the spirit, and that is all what it requires. Time and dedication teaches rest.

[cbiweb]

... let's tackle this one aspect/issue at a time...
What's the absolute highest priority for you for your site right now? What is it you want to see happen first? Don't give me a list of things, just give me one thing you want to happen.

[bossanova]

What's the absolute highest priority for you for your site right now? What is it you want to see happen first? Don't give me a list of things, just give me one thing you want to happen.

If I had to do one thing right now at this very moment it would be to change my sites deafult logo to the one I created.

After that is completed I would like to upload a new skin so my deafult skin is no longer visible.

[cbiweb]

I will help you with the logo to start with, at no charge. Look for a PM from me later this evening.

Baby steps....

[bossanova]

I will help you with the logo to start with, at no charge. Look for a PM from me later this evening.

Baby steps....

Thank you, Look forward to it...

[CF2]

Hi Bossanova

if I may - as a newbie myself (my forum has only been up 3.5 weeks) I know how confusing it can all be. Please don't get discouraged. Infact, you've probably done the most difficult thing by setting up your forum. The next most difficult thing isn't all the techie stuff but attracting members.

I had a bit of moderating experience before I set up my site but hardly any real admin.

I think the most important thing that you need is to find a host with which you have a good working relationship. I spent quite a while looking for one, and reading the reviews of different companies. Many were offering large amounts of space, speed etc but the one I settled for was offering real-person assistance. I have talked to them via email and the phone. They even phoned me to ask if everything was going ok!! THAT's what a newbie wants in a host. So if your host isn't offering that sort of help then find one that is.

And don't try to learn it all at once. I went with vB because all the basics are all there for you, already set up. Like you, I have no experience of html, the workings of mysql etc. I nearly decided not to proceed with my project because of the same fears as you. Again, my host were willing to give me the basics, and most importantly, tell me what I should and shouldn't worry about at this early stage.

So, I had an empty board, and I had vBadvanced installed. Then I had to decide what I wanted to do next. First thing was colour. So I had a look around this forum on how to change that. Then I wanted to know about adding a header. So used this forum's search for threads on Headers.

So my approach has been to find something specific I need to know, and then look for it on this forum or ask.

Only now have I started looking at html/coding. Even then, I have found the guys over on vbulletin.org fantastic. My approach hasn't been to look at all the hacks and say I want that, that and that. Instead, I have looked at other forums, the way that they have layed things out and thought "hmmm that looks good, I wonder how they did that". Then I specifically asked on vbulletin.org, and the kind people pointed me in the right direction. And before I make any changes I say a liitle prayer that I won't break my forum (so far so good - amazing how much abuse vB can take)

So, as one newbie to another, stick with it. The most important thing about a forum isn't all the bells and whistles - it's a place for like minded people to interact. The members are more important than just the look. The look can be changed overtime as you gain more confidence.

CF

PS as you can see, my forum isn't the prettiest, nor have I followed some of the "rules" of the more experienced. But I like it, and as I learn more I will make changes. But at the moment I want the forum to focus on posts etc

http://www.cfww2.com/index.php

Some people don't like the bright red so they hav ethe option to use the vbulletin blue

[tonezzz]

Hi bossanova,

Are you really knowing nothing or just making a joke here? Sorry, I've been reading and found it a bit funny.

Not sure if it's proper or not but if you don't know anything about making a website perhaps this is useful. I'm right now learning to use WordPress. I'm a very beginner on it but I think it'll be my core development system soon. You can either purchase a hosting plan that come with WordPress installed or ask your webhosting support guy to install it for you. Then you'll have a complete platform to work on your website without any concern on Ftp.

You'll be able to play around with lots of themes and plugins. there're some plugins about weathers, just search for it.

Hope this help.
(Dear Moderators, if you think my post is not proper, please feel free to remove)

[bossanova]

Hi Bossanova

if I may - as a newbie myself (my forum has only been up 3.5 weeks) I know how confusing it can all be. Please don't get discouraged. Infact, you've probably done the most difficult thing by setting up your forum. The next most difficult thing isn't all the techie stuff but attracting members.

I had a bit of moderating experience before I set up my site but hardly any real admin.

I think the most important thing that you need is to find a host with which you have a good working relationship. I spent quite a while looking for one, and reading the reviews of different companies. Many were offering large amounts of space, speed etc but the one I settled for was offering real-person assistance. I have talked to them via email and the phone. They even phoned me to ask if everything was going ok!! THAT's what a newbie wants in a host. So if your host isn't offering that sort of help then find one that is.

And don't try to learn it all at once. I went with vB because all the basics are all there for you, already set up. Like you, I have no experience of html, the workings of mysql etc. I nearly decided not to proceed with my project because of the same fears as you. Again, my host were willing to give me the basics, and most importantly, tell me what I should and shouldn't worry about at this early stage.

So, I had an empty board, and I had vBadvanced installed. Then I had to decide what I wanted to do next. First thing was colour. So I had a look around this forum on how to change that. Then I wanted to know about adding a header. So used this forum's search for threads on Headers.

So my approach has been to find something specific I need to know, and then look for it on this forum or ask.

Only now have I started looking at html/coding. Even then, I have found the guys over on vbulletin.org fantastic. My approach hasn't been to look at all the hacks and say I want that, that and that. Instead, I have looked at other forums, the way that they have layed things out and thought "hmmm that looks good, I wonder how they did that". Then I specifically asked on vbulletin.org, and the kind people pointed me in the right direction. And before I make any changes I say a liitle prayer that I won't break my forum (so far so good - amazing how much abuse vB can take)

So, as one newbie to another, stick with it. The most important thing about a forum isn't all the bells and whistles - it's a place for like minded people to interact. The members are more important than just the look. The look can be changed overtime as you gain more confidence.

CF

PS as you can see, my forum isn't the prettiest, nor have I followed some of the "rules" of the more experienced. But I like it, and as I learn more I will make changes. But at the moment I want the forum to focus on posts etc

http://www.cfww2.com/index.php

Some people don't like the bright red so they hav ethe option to use the vbulletin blue


Good read and great advice, I appreciate it and will take it into consideration.

Thank you!!!