DIY Tools
Brian’s Comment:I’m big on Web 2.0. Not the buzz word, but the philosophy. Taking the power of the Web, and making it usable for all people – not just the Web developers or those folks with big pockets. In the interest of bringing power to the people, here is a running list of technologies that can bring the power of the Web to those with at least some Web savvy. (However, if you do need expert help, I entirely recommend Tyler Clark with Centric Studios.) |
Free Online Resources:
Amazing, free blogging platform.
Pros:
Free
Very easy to install and update
The standard for blogging platforms
Excellent support community
Lots of useful plugins
Cons:
It’s meant for blog sites – but you can add static pages
A free content management system for building your Web site.
Pros:
Free
Easy to install
Very scalable – good for sites small to large
Lots of useful plugins to add bells ‘n whistles
Great support community
Module based placement system makes content-rich sites easy to do.
Cons:
Backend can be intimidating the first couple of times
There’s a transition in progress from 1.0 to 1.5, and not all plugins have been reworked for 1.5
With 1.5, more of the good plugins are charging nominal fees ($35 – $50)
Still looking for a good blog add-on
Email:
Pros:
A freemium version for lists up to, now, 2,000 members
Great analytics
Fairly easy to create good-looking emails
Cons:
There may be a bit of a learning curve, especially if you’re coming from a service like the ones listed below.
Pros:
Easy to create good-looking emails
Good analytics
Cons:
Some email services (specifically strict businesses) filter it and all bulk email as junk
This bulk email service would be No. 1 if it’s email design customization was like Constant Contact.
Pros:
Bells ‘ n whistles like autoresponders come free with email
Cons:
Need to know html to do more than send a template/customize to your brand
Reviewed/Can’t Recommend
Yes, that’s the Web site address: http://Grou.ps/. It’s a social network platform
Pros:
Seems Easy to set up.
The little things that Ning charges for are free.
Cons:
Hosted solution/How long will it be around?
In Beta as of this writing.
It’s a social networking platform
Pros:
It’s all yours. You run it on your server.
Dive in to creating your own social network (still be researched)
Pros:
Very easy to set up
Fees are set (Kickapps charges per page view)
Pro/Con (depends on your purpose):
A walled-garden
Cons:
ads in free version
Another option for creating your own social network (still being researched)
Pros:
Very easy to set up
Easier to create a
Pro/Con (depends on your purpose):
A walled-garden
Cons:
ads in free version
cost per page view to remove ads
