Reply to: Creating websites for friends

[Sysman]

Install them an online CMS like wordpress or joomla (I recommend wordpress)

Most hosts have 1-2-3 click install processes for them. Tons of free themes or you can design your own one using artisteer.

I've had a similar experience where I helped someone out and then they started constantly asking me to make changes until I stuck them into wordpress - pointed them at Youtube for any questions they might have about using it and now they're self sufficient.

I just tried that idea with Wordpress for a couple of friends. Neither of them can get kick started with it. Having had a look at the latest version I'm not sure where to start either...

[Mich the Tester]

Well yes, I can't envisage an individual asking for testing systems to be implemented. Same goes for Prime Ministers too I suppose. What could Gordon Brown do for you!

I could explain why you're wrong, but I'm afraid that without the right specialised training you wouldn't understand the explanation.

[Doggy Styles]

When I was a young electronic engineer in radar and computers, I kept being asked to fix televisions.

My stepmother, suspicious old boot, never believed me when I said I couldn't. Thought I was swinging the lead. Ironically my dad was brilliant at TV engineering, but she was never speaking to him.

[SueEllen]

Could be worse I suppose. If you were a plumber or a chippie or a sparky, I'd imagine you'd be constantly asked for favours.

My deceased mum's neighbour, a plumber, was happy when all the various regulations came in. He had an excuse to stop helping people as much. Though he did charge for the work but not full wack.

One of my neighbours repairs washing machines and dish washers amongst other things. He is actually happy to help as the majority of his work comes via word of mouth. He only charges for the bits. Though he does recommend appliances to us neighbours that are reliable.

[MarillionFan]

I'm your friend NAT

And I already have a web site

[Saddo]

What could Gordon Brown do for you!

Could be used for testing new drugs? Or live targetting on a rifle range?

[suityou01]

I have solved this problem by having no friends.

I'm your friend NAT

And I already have a web site

[oversteer]

Absolutely, get them into Wordpress or Joomla, preferably on some shared hosting package where everything is done for them including install

Otherwise, you end up as this: Why It's Better To Pretend You Don't Know Anything About Computers - The Oatmeal
And possibly this: How a Web Design Goes Straight to Hell - The Oatmeal

[Jog On]

Steady on, you're getting dangerously close to Training for free there! Another vocation wiped out!

A lot of people don't have the time or aptitude to learn new stuff though - especially IT stuff for some reason.

Wordpress is aimed at the non-IT literate. If you can create an account for and use Facebook, post up pictures and fill out your profile then you can use wordpress.

just saying it's a very easy and quick way to put up a website that a user can just log in to and create/edit their own content.

All the training is on Youtube/google etc - just point them in the direction of it

[MrMark]

Install them an online CMS like wordpress or joomla (I recommend wordpress)

Most hosts have 1-2-3 click install processes for them. Tons of free themes or you can design your own one using artisteer.

I've had a similar experience where I helped someone out and then they started constantly asking me to make changes until I stuck them into wordpress - pointed them at Youtube for any questions they might have about using it and now they're self sufficient.

HTH

Steady on, you're getting dangerously close to Training for free there! Another vocation wiped out!

A lot of people don't have the time or aptitude to learn new stuff though - especially IT stuff for some reason.

[Jog On]

Install them an online CMS like wordpress or joomla (I recommend wordpress)

Most hosts have 1-2-3 click install processes for them. Tons of free themes or you can design your own one using artisteer.

I've had a similar experience where I helped someone out and then they started constantly asking me to make changes until I stuck them into wordpress - pointed them at Youtube for any questions they might have about using it and now they're self sufficient.

HTH

[Support Monkey]

We all get asked to do IT things for free, just make a complete cock up of it, they'll soon stop asking.

I normally make cock ups all day i don,t want to do it in the evenings as well

[MrMark]

I am too specialised for this kind of odd job work.

Well yes, I can't envisage an individual asking for testing systems to be implemented. Same goes for Prime Ministers too I suppose. What could Gordon Brown do for you!

[xoggoth]

We all get asked to do IT things for free, just make a complete cock up of it, they'll soon stop asking.

[Paddy]

I normally only do work for people who can do me a favour in return, builders, plumbers electricians, ect

A great idea! I’ll give the "Thai Happy Ending Massage" a call.