and dont say showit sites, it is not in my budget for the year...not even close.
I have heard SO much crap about Blu, customer service is such a big thing for me. But what else is there? I built my own html site for portraits but it just doesnt seem professional enough for a wedding site. I feel that with having a so-so blog, a website is crucial to get the bookings rolling in.
I am interested in the Charlie template blu has on special right now but I dont have the luxury of throwing away $200 to see no return for 2 months when it is finally convenient for them. Plus, it is so vague as to whether all of the things they have listed to the right of the price is actually included or if they are ust *options* which will incur an additional fee. (the other $100 is because I feel its smart to host it on my own, I want to sever my dependance on them for anything relating to my business.)
Also, does anyone know if you can even host a blu template through Godaddy.com?
Full Version: In a Website Rut...What else is there besides BLU?
video is included. it says so.
look, blu is blu is blu. i have had no problems with them and i have been with hem for over a year.
the special runs out in a few days so grab it while you can. i hve always had my templates within hours of purchasing them.
look, blu is blu is blu. i have had no problems with them and i have been with hem for over a year.
the special runs out in a few days so grab it while you can. i hve always had my templates within hours of purchasing them.
I believe that Brady 
Big Folio
Big Folio
QUOTE(Troy Hill @ June 9 2008, 04:57 PM) 
I believe that Brady Big Folio
Big FolioNot anymore... my affection was moderated...
Funny part is, that I never even used BigFolio, I just like to root for the underdog, which was Erik during the BigFolio blockade
Theresa,
I highly recommend Portfoliositez. I started out with Blu myself. I did get my site very quickly, but then the troubles began. Mainly, my site had problems, and no one cared. After about two months of trying to get answers, I dumped them.
I quickly purchased a template through Portfoliositez and have been blown away by their EXCELLENT customer service. These ladies care about their customers and get the job done. I haven't had a single problem with my site, and any questions I have emailed them with have been answered immediately, even on the weekend!
Another big plus is that Portfoliositez is less expensive than Blu, and their product is equally polished and professional looking. The only downfall (if you would call it that) is their limited selection of templates. But don't discount the ability to customize with colors and whatnot.
I encourage you to check them out!
I highly recommend Portfoliositez. I started out with Blu myself. I did get my site very quickly, but then the troubles began. Mainly, my site had problems, and no one cared. After about two months of trying to get answers, I dumped them.
I quickly purchased a template through Portfoliositez and have been blown away by their EXCELLENT customer service. These ladies care about their customers and get the job done. I haven't had a single problem with my site, and any questions I have emailed them with have been answered immediately, even on the weekend!
Another big plus is that Portfoliositez is less expensive than Blu, and their product is equally polished and professional looking. The only downfall (if you would call it that) is their limited selection of templates. But don't discount the ability to customize with colors and whatnot.
I encourage you to check them out!
I've had good luck with Marathon Press. They're not the cheapest, but they do have great service, and good designers. AND they have limited page templates available at $100!
Clickbooq has done me right. Love them!
http://www.clickbooq.com
Livebooks is also a really nice option.
www.livebooks.com
Email me and I can get you $100 off of a clickbooq site.
Cheers,
Zack
http://www.clickbooq.com
Livebooks is also a really nice option.
www.livebooks.com
Email me and I can get you $100 off of a clickbooq site.
Cheers,
Zack
I really DO <3 Big Folio. lol They are great!
QUOTE(the real tami @ June 9 2008, 01:49 PM)
video is included. it says so.
look, blu is blu is blu. i have had no problems with them and i have been with hem for over a year.
the special runs out in a few days so grab it while you can. i hve always had my templates within hours of purchasing them.
look, blu is blu is blu. i have had no problems with them and i have been with hem for over a year.
the special runs out in a few days so grab it while you can. i hve always had my templates within hours of purchasing them.
+1-I have had no trouble with them at all, and got my template really fast.
I host my Blu site w/ Big Daddy. LOVE Big Daddy...hated Blu. Thankfully, once they got the site up I've only had to work w/ Go Daddy (which has been awesome). But, if you don't host w/ them you pay a higher price...in dollars and customer service. Totally worth it in my opinion...I'd never host w/ Blu
Hey girl,
First of all, lets get together,
Second, I love showit and I cant wait till I can afford it too but until then I have blu and I really like it. I read a lot of bad stuff too but they have changed stuff and it is working good for now. Just till you can afford better like Showit!!
First of all, lets get together,
Second, I love showit and I cant wait till I can afford it too but until then I have blu and I really like it. I read a lot of bad stuff too but they have changed stuff and it is working good for now. Just till you can afford better like Showit!!
photobiz.com
They've been so amazingly helpful. Quick responses to customer service. If you send them an email they call you back. If they miss you they leave you a voicemail, send you an email, then call again. It's almost annoying!
Lots of templates to choose from, low monthly fee, slideshow program included and an optional cart. They're so wonderful.
They've been so amazingly helpful. Quick responses to customer service. If you send them an email they call you back. If they miss you they leave you a voicemail, send you an email, then call again. It's almost annoying!
Lots of templates to choose from, low monthly fee, slideshow program included and an optional cart. They're so wonderful.
QUOTE(Theresa Marie @ June 9 2008, 09:40 PM)
and dont say showit sites, it is not in my budget for the year...not even close.
I have heard SO much crap about Blu, customer service is such a big thing for me. But what else is there? I built my own html site for portraits but it just doesnt seem professional enough for a wedding site. I feel that with having a so-so blog, a website is crucial to get the bookings rolling in.
I am interested in the Charlie template blu has on special right now but I dont have the luxury of throwing away $200 to see no return for 2 months when it is finally convenient for them. Plus, it is so vague as to whether all of the things they have listed to the right of the price is actually included or if they are ust *options* which will incur an additional fee. (the other $100 is because I feel its smart to host it on my own, I want to sever my dependance on them for anything relating to my business.)
Also, does anyone know if you can even host a blu template through Godaddy.com?
I have heard SO much crap about Blu, customer service is such a big thing for me. But what else is there? I built my own html site for portraits but it just doesnt seem professional enough for a wedding site. I feel that with having a so-so blog, a website is crucial to get the bookings rolling in.
I am interested in the Charlie template blu has on special right now but I dont have the luxury of throwing away $200 to see no return for 2 months when it is finally convenient for them. Plus, it is so vague as to whether all of the things they have listed to the right of the price is actually included or if they are ust *options* which will incur an additional fee. (the other $100 is because I feel its smart to host it on my own, I want to sever my dependance on them for anything relating to my business.)
Also, does anyone know if you can even host a blu template through Godaddy.com?
oh and blu is about to launch several more templates so i would wait if i were you...
Out of work photogs can probably open their own web design shop for photogs ... the way this is going.
QUOTE(Troy Hill @ June 10 2008, 01:01 AM)
Out of work photogs can probably open their own web design shop for photogs ... the way this is going.
Sweet -- I have web design skillz!
Trust me stay away from Blu at ALL COSTS! It's not even worth it. Since, I have no issue speaking out about the deplorable service I got - I'm always getting private messages about others experiences. I'm FLOORED every time. Just save yourself hassle.
I've had a very pleasant time with - Creative Motion Design.
http://www.creativemotiondesign.com/
The good about them -
1. Unlike blu - there is no waiting for them to set you up. You sign up, you start working on your site. None of this, it's a month later and your still waiting on Blu to even acknowledge your order.
2. When your ready to go live, they are uber fast on getting it up.
3. The best - yeah it's a template, but it's so much more customizable than Blu. Look at my current site - the little scroll things that pop up. You can add stuff like this. You can do a lot and the designer works with you one on one to do it. You can go way out and make it fully unique over other photographers sites.
4. You CAN host it on your server without a hitch. They moved mine over without a hitch - which was something I FOUGHT about with Blu for over a year to do. It's a fee to do so, but it was so well worth it. No going down when Blu goes down. No call up files on my site and the MYSQL files on theirs. They fully move the FULL site on your server if you want.
5. Unlike Blu, they E-MAIL YOU BACK WITHOUT THE "OH CHECK YOUR SPAM FILTER, THE E-MAIL GOT LOST" excuse, after excuse, after excuse. I've never had them take over 12 hours to get back to me.
I also had some technical things with the way the template was popping up the photos. I e-mailed them. They fixed it.
Over all I've had a very good experience with them.
I've had a very pleasant time with - Creative Motion Design.
http://www.creativemotiondesign.com/
The good about them -
1. Unlike blu - there is no waiting for them to set you up. You sign up, you start working on your site. None of this, it's a month later and your still waiting on Blu to even acknowledge your order.
2. When your ready to go live, they are uber fast on getting it up.
3. The best - yeah it's a template, but it's so much more customizable than Blu. Look at my current site - the little scroll things that pop up. You can add stuff like this. You can do a lot and the designer works with you one on one to do it. You can go way out and make it fully unique over other photographers sites.
4. You CAN host it on your server without a hitch. They moved mine over without a hitch - which was something I FOUGHT about with Blu for over a year to do. It's a fee to do so, but it was so well worth it. No going down when Blu goes down. No call up files on my site and the MYSQL files on theirs. They fully move the FULL site on your server if you want.
5. Unlike Blu, they E-MAIL YOU BACK WITHOUT THE "OH CHECK YOUR SPAM FILTER, THE E-MAIL GOT LOST" excuse, after excuse, after excuse. I've never had them take over 12 hours to get back to me.
I also had some technical things with the way the template was popping up the photos. I e-mailed them. They fixed it.
Over all I've had a very good experience with them.
QUOTE(Sandra @ June 10 2008, 06:10 AM)
Trust me stay away from Blu at ALL COSTS! It's not even worth it. Since, I have no issue speaking out about the deplorable service I got - I'm always getting private messages about others experiences. I'm FLOORED every time. Just save yourself hassle.
I've had a very pleasant time with - Creative Motion Design.
http://www.creativemotiondesign.com/
The good about them -
1. Unlike blu - there is no waiting for them to set you up. You sign up, you start working on your site. None of this, it's a month later and your still waiting on Blu to even acknowledge your order.
2. When your ready to go live, they are uber fast on getting it up.
3. The best - yeah it's a template, but it's so much more customizable than Blu. Look at my current site - the little scroll things that pop up. You can add stuff like this. You can do a lot and the designer works with you one on one to do it. You can go way out and make it fully unique over other photographers sites.
4. You CAN host it on your server without a hitch. They moved mine over without a hitch - which was something I FOUGHT about with Blu for over a year to do. It's a fee to do so, but it was so well worth it. No going down when Blu goes down. No call up files on my site and the MYSQL files on theirs. They fully move the FULL site on your server if you want.
5. Unlike Blu, they E-MAIL YOU BACK WITHOUT THE "OH CHECK YOUR SPAM FILTER, THE E-MAIL GOT LOST" excuse, after excuse, after excuse. I've never had them take over 12 hours to get back to me.
I also had some technical things with the way the template was popping up the photos. I e-mailed them. They fixed it.
Over all I've had a very good experience with them.
I've had a very pleasant time with - Creative Motion Design.
http://www.creativemotiondesign.com/
The good about them -
1. Unlike blu - there is no waiting for them to set you up. You sign up, you start working on your site. None of this, it's a month later and your still waiting on Blu to even acknowledge your order.
2. When your ready to go live, they are uber fast on getting it up.
3. The best - yeah it's a template, but it's so much more customizable than Blu. Look at my current site - the little scroll things that pop up. You can add stuff like this. You can do a lot and the designer works with you one on one to do it. You can go way out and make it fully unique over other photographers sites.
4. You CAN host it on your server without a hitch. They moved mine over without a hitch - which was something I FOUGHT about with Blu for over a year to do. It's a fee to do so, but it was so well worth it. No going down when Blu goes down. No call up files on my site and the MYSQL files on theirs. They fully move the FULL site on your server if you want.
5. Unlike Blu, they E-MAIL YOU BACK WITHOUT THE "OH CHECK YOUR SPAM FILTER, THE E-MAIL GOT LOST" excuse, after excuse, after excuse. I've never had them take over 12 hours to get back to me.
I also had some technical things with the way the template was popping up the photos. I e-mailed them. They fixed it.
Over all I've had a very good experience with them.
yah, but their websites are ugly.
QUOTE(the real tami @ June 9 2008, 09:16 PM)
yah, but their websites are ugly.
Customize it so it's not. At least they don't have a lengthy BBB file like this
OH MY HECK!!! Becka, you are *so* my new best friend!!!!! I would have never found photobiz. THANK YOU!! I am in love, I want to do it RIGHT NOW! And seriously, customer service like that would make me pee my pants. How is Blu even in business?!? These templates are WAY better and the online ordering is spectacular! OMg. I am so getting a new website tomorrow. And can I say undecisive, they make it okay for me to be a woman! Seriously, $125 plus xx a month and you can change your mind as much as you want to!?!? Okay I know I just freaked out but seriously. Becka I love you.
Thanks so much everyone, but even if I could afford the others (I have lots of equipment to invest in) I still think I would go with photobiz, they have EVERYTHING I was looking for and more! But I did check out each and every one of them. Sorry Tami, I dont think blu could pay me to use their templates now. lol
Dawn, we do need to get together. I dont even think Im going to go with showit sites now. lol let me know when you wanna meet up again! : )
Seriously, thanks everyone I REALLY REALLY appreciate all of your time and input! I am so glad I came here and spoke up...I wasnt going to. Thanks a million!!!
Thanks so much everyone, but even if I could afford the others (I have lots of equipment to invest in) I still think I would go with photobiz, they have EVERYTHING I was looking for and more! But I did check out each and every one of them. Sorry Tami, I dont think blu could pay me to use their templates now. lol
Dawn, we do need to get together. I dont even think Im going to go with showit sites now. lol let me know when you wanna meet up again! : )
Seriously, thanks everyone I REALLY REALLY appreciate all of your time and input! I am so glad I came here and spoke up...I wasnt going to. Thanks a million!!!
QUOTE(Sandra @ June 10 2008, 06:18 AM)
Customize it so it's not. At least they don't have a lengthy BBB file like this
if you dig deep enough, your going to find dirt on a lot of businesses out there. no company has 100% satisfaction.
i understand there are a lot of people out there upset about blu's customer service - but i myself, have had rather good service and i have had several templates.
Thanks Sandy, I havent checked them out but Photobiz's already rock without customization...all Im going to have to do is colors and hopefully my damask and Im done. But I sincerely appreciate the consideration!
Becka, is Knight your last name? I can get you $20 by telling them you referred me...pm or email me the name you used for them, your email and phone number and after about 30 days youll have $20 in the mail! Its the least I can do. : )
Becka, is Knight your last name? I can get you $20 by telling them you referred me...pm or email me the name you used for them, your email and phone number and after about 30 days youll have $20 in the mail! Its the least I can do. : )
QUOTE(Zack Arias @ June 9 2008, 02:35 PM)
Email me and I can get you $100 off of a clickbooq site.
Haha, Zack sounds like a pimp (but I wouldn't deny 100 bucks from Zack)
QUOTE(the real tami @ June 9 2008, 11:20 PM)
if you dig deep enough, your going to find dirt on a lot of businesses out there. no company has 100% satisfaction.
i understand there are a lot of people out there upset about blu's customer service - but i myself, have had rather good service and i have had several templates.
i understand there are a lot of people out there upset about blu's customer service - but i myself, have had rather good service and i have had several templates.
I'm with Tami here. I've had nothing but great experiences with Blu.
I don't get photobiz...just a quick look tells my you have to pay $100 per month for 12000 photos. That sounds like a lot but if you do twenty weddings in a year and put private galleries of 600+ photos each up you're over that...not counting any other sessions or your portfolio pics. I didn't take a long look through their site though, so I might be missing something.
QUOTE(the real tami @ June 10 2008, 01:20 AM)
no company has 100% satisfaction.
well, actually. this is not true.
i don't use any company - i have a crappy, home made, rigged up site that loads fast and is (OMG!) html. it is by every account hideous. but my clients love it. and i book weddings. it is for this reason that i appeal to the facts when i say your website need to get your phone to ring, or people to send you an email, not to sell your service - although, sometimes it does.
blu sites are beautiful, and since i don't use them, i make it a point to stay out of the debate. i am too busy to deal with the possibility of bad service, though, so i don't think they'll ever get my dollar.
big folio has amazing service -
i've heard wonderful things about creative motion designs
flosites is fantastic
and if you are really looking of bargain basement, a wordpress blog is free. although you will be SPENDING a lot of time doing it yourself and time is money.
before you decide - ask yourself what matters? ...the look, the speed, the accessibility, the navigation, customer service, responsiveness, tech support. make sure whoever you choose is really good at what is important to YOU.
It looks like the original poster has found a solution for her, so I'm going to threadjack!
Can anyone recommend some good flash template sites for people that want to host their own domain? My boyfriend and I are web geeks - but we just don't have the time right now to design a flash site from scratch. We'd rather find a slick template, pay for it upfront, and tinker with the code and customizing ourselves. We have plenty of web space and are not interested in hosting with the template provider.
I'm not interested in pay-per-month solutions, just a good template site. I've been looking, but nothing has really knocked my socks off.
Can anyone recommend some good flash template sites for people that want to host their own domain? My boyfriend and I are web geeks - but we just don't have the time right now to design a flash site from scratch. We'd rather find a slick template, pay for it upfront, and tinker with the code and customizing ourselves. We have plenty of web space and are not interested in hosting with the template provider.
I'm not interested in pay-per-month solutions, just a good template site. I've been looking, but nothing has really knocked my socks off.
Hi Theresa,
would you not consider keeping going with your own designs?
I had the same thoughts as you - buy a template? Where from? Or jump in at the deep end and spend some time learning what I needed to get the site I wanted, TOTALLY under my control, hosted where I want it to be hosted.
I have also been able to add a blog and a shopping cart within my own design - so no sending the viewer off to Blogger or anything like that.
Anyway, have a look at my humble site, and if you decide to do your own and need any help, I would be more than delighted to assist you.
Good luck.
Hugh
My Homemade Site!
would you not consider keeping going with your own designs?
I had the same thoughts as you - buy a template? Where from? Or jump in at the deep end and spend some time learning what I needed to get the site I wanted, TOTALLY under my control, hosted where I want it to be hosted.
I have also been able to add a blog and a shopping cart within my own design - so no sending the viewer off to Blogger or anything like that.
Anyway, have a look at my humble site, and if you decide to do your own and need any help, I would be more than delighted to assist you.
Good luck.
Hugh
My Homemade Site!
QUOTE(Lynn Bernardi @ June 10 2008, 06:02 AM)
Can anyone recommend some good flash template sites for people that want to host their own domain?
I'm not impressed with a lot of templates and such that are out there. There are places like template monster - but their templates are well - icky. A good place for some great elements is http://www.istockphoto.com has some impressive flash elements, headers, menu's and galleries - full code and xml type things. If you know what you are doing and can piece these things together. You can throw up a site pretty quickly.
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