Hey,

Just like most people here people here I'm hoping to start a web hosting company in due time. Just have a few questions and queries while I'm still developing the website.

1. I'm looking to have a host blog as it seems to be the 'in thing' and it'd be good for updates and giving customers an insight into the business from a newbie's point of view. It looks like WordPress is powerful and used alot, justt wondering if there are any other suggestions? Also I want to write other none hosting related content on the blog too, is it possible to set word press up so if you go to a certain URL it only shows articles in that section and either hides the other sections?

2. The design I'm making for the website seems very untechy, I'm worried this may lower my scoring with my audience, but then again I'm aimming for new websites and new comers so maybe it will appeal to them. I'm having mixed views here, go for a friendly not too computer related looking layout, or go for something more technology orientated.

3. Last question, what do you guess suggest as being the best method to give your contact details on a website. I don't want loads of SPAM in my inbox, so I was considering turning my email a phone number into images using a PHP code, but is it really worth it? And anyone know a code that does this? I believe it turns plain text into a png file or something.

Well that's all my questions for now, how I've not written too much thanks again guys :).

1. Other blog options include Geeklog and B2Evolution
WordPress themes and tutorials are more readily available though
Yeah, there is a way set URLs up that way

2. I currently have an unconventional design, which I adore.
But, the more seasoned individuals seem to think a more standard/technical design is the way is to go
Link: http://www.webhostingtalk.com/showthread.php?p=5304215

3. I say a contact form.
You can code one in PHP,
And add a field that requires visitors to type a certain word
to avoid spam

I think forms are ok but would prefer giving my email address up front, some people like myself prefer using our email clients to contact people I believe, feel a lot more like the email will get there I guess :P.

Thanks for the other suggestions will look into them.

Interesting layout, unique and slick I'll give it that.

Any other ideas or suggestions?

Also another quick question, what is more professional and leaves a better impression, AJAX drop down menus such as the ones shown in Dreamweaver as Spry menus or CSS drop down menus?

I think if you're going to have mainly tech related posts, your site should reflect that. Something completely different could disorient users and not fit in with the elements of your site. Even if you're gonna have the occasional 'about life' post, it still won't be bad to have something tech related.

I think for general contact information you can have a contact form, or it can seem more personal if you have an email address listed for them to contact.

Drop down menus are nice, and can add a nice touch, but not really a necessity for an information geared site.

Thanks for the information I think I might use the form, if not, I'll do it the "Facebook/Php" way; does anyone know the piece of code used?
For Blogs - "WordPress" as it's simple and powerful.
The design we're looking for is simple and not too technology -orientated but will still appeal to those into technology.

Got with CSS, sprywidgets are good and can also be used. I would worry more about making it easy to navigate, as a user I think if I can navigate a site and find the information quickly I'm more likely to purchase hosting. simplicity is key.

A nice design stands out but if you have excellent service and good pricing it won't really matter but make sure your site looks professional it doesn't necessarily need to look techy, good luck.

Thanks for the info, so css over sprymenus? It's all a bit confusing.

Regarding the layout, we're going for professional and friendly. Simply but effective.

Oh yeah, are png images a good idea as I design in fireworks?