WordPress vs Website

[Monna Ellithorpe]

Has anyone found that 2 column, versus 3 column makes any difference?

Which do you use 2 or 3 and why?

[angienewton]

When I first started, Lynn recommended the 2 column because a lot of times the 3 column blogs are full of banners and junk and looks too cluttered. I would stick with 2 as a new blogger.

[Monna Ellithorpe]

Thanks Angie. That does make a lot of sense since I want to get mine looking more organized.

[Monna Ellithorpe]

My oh my, how do you decide which theme to use? I have decided on about 10 different ones and then start working with it and then decide it's not what I want.

I am going to be doing this forever

[TraciKnoppe]

LOL Yep, it's tough. What I do is find one that has the layout the way I want it, as that's the hardest thing to change, then the next thing I look at is the color, I choose a color close to what I want. While you *can* change color, if there are any graphics involved, it can be a nightmare to change every graphic on a site to a new color - so not always easy, depending on the theme you choose.

So layout first.
Then color choice.

Header background graphics and even icons and some other images like that are actually pretty easy to change.

[wade_watson]

I found once I started trying out different themes that I would eliminate most as unsatisfactory for some reason. I've never found one I thought was perfect. Be sure to try it out in different browsers and at different resolutions (or page zooming) to see how others will see it. Any theme not updated to WP 2.7 standards will not allow threaded comments. It's best to find as late a model theme as possible.

There are an increasing number of themes, both free and priced, that allow you to change column count and do other layout adjustments from the Dashboard. Magazine Basic and Simple Balance are a couple. Right now I'm fooling around with one called ComicPress that creates a webcomic site. I think I may have to start a comic strip...

[Lynn Terry]

Great thread here!

Just wanted to pop in and say HAPPY BIRTHDAY Monna

[Monna Ellithorpe]

Thank you very much, Lynn.

My I have had so many birthday wishes today from all over.

Sure makes me feel good to have so many internet friends.

[Getagrip]

I am sure this has been asked before but I cannot seem to find the answer.

Say you purchase hosting through Hostgator and you want to use WordPress, is there also a charge for WordPress too?

No, there is not - also, if anyone is interested, I've created some free web design videos which show you how to auto install Wordpress using Fantastico Deluxe, which comes free with your Hostgator account. I also have a video on how to create your own forum and how to create a website using free templates that come with your Hostgator account as well.

[Monna Ellithorpe]

Thank you, I will look them over. Still working on setting things up.