The Technical

Domain Name Configuration

I've registered and configured domain names through a variety of companies: Network Solutions, GoDaddy, 1&1.com, NameCheap.com and others. I feel comfortable configuring your domain with any of these registrars, and am happy to either suggest one to go with or to work with one that you've already chosen.

Website Hosting

I've currently got a "Dedicated-Virtual" account with Media Temple and a "Pro" account with TypePad. Depending on what kind of functionality you're looking for, you can select from either of these hosting solutions, or I can help you select another kind of service (e.g., Ning.com if you're looking to build a social network).

Dedicated-Virtual features include:

• You can have as many POP email accounts or email forwarders as you'd like
• You'll have webmail access to each of these accounts
• You'll have your own "control panel" with which to create additional email addresses and add/configure features to your website
• You'll be able to FTP files to your website
• You'll have lots of server space and bandwidth
• Hosting fees are typically very low
• It's more difficult to add pages and update the site if you're unfamiliar with HTML

TypePad features include:

• It's easy to add new pages and update existing pages
• Others may contribute to your site by using their own login and password
• Hosting fees are typically very low
• You won't have FTP access
• Your email addresses will be "forwarded" to an existing email address that you might have; POP accounts and webmail will be unavailable

Benefits of another type of hosting service include:

• If you're looking to create a social network like MySpace or FaceBook, I'd recommend going with Ning.com. It's a powerful platform, and allows for a great deal of customization.
• Hosting fees will be an additional expense for you