FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Design
If I have my own template, can you work with that?
Yes. I can work with jpg, tif, png, html, psd, and Wordpress themes.
How long does it take to create a custom design?
That depends on how much information your provide me. If you have a definite color scheme and layout in mind, it will normally be within 10 days. If you need a complete structural, color and layout scheme developed, that may take up to 4 weeks. Design may require discussion of your navigational structure, which can be a complicated process.
If I see a site on the web that I like, can you copy it?
I respect the work of others and I don't copy anything without permission. Sometimes you can get ideas from other sites, which is fine. There are also sites that offer free designs and templates.
What do you mean by "content?"
Content refers to text, or written content, on a site. I do not write content but I can recommend edits for reader-friendly pages and search engine density. If you have a brochure, you can use that as a starting point for your site content.
What about graphic images?
If you have photographs or other images (public domain or your own copyright) you want used in your design, let me know and provide me with the files. Other images can be acquired from image resources, either public domain or by fee.
What's the difference between "tables-based" and "css" designs?
Tables are a good way to organize information. They provide some consistency and manageability of page layout. Code can get complicated once you start putting tables within tables and splitting cells. Later, when you want to make changes to a page, the tables might not act the way you want them to.
CSS, or cascading style sheets, uses a method of dividing a web page into areas called "divs." The way they behave is controlled by a document called a stylesheet. This helps to keep the page code a bit cleaner. It also allows for easier updating in that only the stylesheet needs to be changed, not every page. CSS may run into problems with older browsers (IE versions before 6) but very few are still using those products. Dubbah Design tests CSS layouts in IE6, IE7, Firefox, and Safari.
How soon after the design is completed will my site be "live?"
After you approve of a design and you provide me with content, I will upload a test version of your site to my server, available for review. Once you approve and I receive your payment in full, I will send you all the files. If you want me to upload them to your server, I will need your ftp information.
What is "ftp?"
FTP is file transfer protocol. It's how you communicate with your hosting server. An ftp program like Filezilla or SmartFTP can be used to perform file transfer. Site files are located in a directory called "www" or "public_html" depending on the server.
Maintenance
How do I let you know what I need changed?
Send your updates via email to rob@dubbahdesign.com.
What file types do you accept?
I accept txt, doc, pdf, xls, files. If you have multiple images, please put them in a folder and zip them before attaching. I can accept jpg, bmp, png, tif.
How long before I see the changes?
I try to make updates as soon as possible after receiving the information. When you check your site, be sure to refresh the page. If you do not see your changes within 48 hours, please contact me.
Do I have to sign a maintenance agreement to get help?
No. If your site does not need frequent changes, then signing a contract is not necessary. The time will be accounted and you will be billed.
Hosting and Domain
Do you charge for setting me up with a different hosting service?
Yes, that will be part of the billing.
Can I get my domains at GoDaddy or somewhere else?
Yes. You can manage your own domains. Dubbah Design provides domain registration as a convenience to you.
What if I need a security certificate?
The Dubbah Design server has shared security, which is sufficient for some tasks. Contact support@dubbahdesign for how to use shared security.
If you are going to be collecting credit card information directly on your site, you will want a private certificate for added security.
Private certificates from RapidSSL provide strong 128 / 256 bit encryption, industry standard SSL. Certificates are available for $39 per year through Dubbah Design, with free installation. You will also need a dedicated IP address, which is provided free if you are hosted with Dubbah Design. If you are hosted elsewhere, Dubbah Design can still provide you with a security certificate but an additional charge of $1 per month is required for a dedicated IP address.
Can I store files on the server?
Dubbah Design hosting server is for active site files only. Storage of files on the server is prohibited by the terms of service agreement.
I can get 5 gigabytes of space for $6.95 somewhere else, why are your space limits low?
In reality, because web pages are not large files, the average web site uses far less than 100mb of space. Large hosting companies know this and to attract customers, they offer gigabytes of server space. This allows them to sell more space than is actually on the server. At Dubbah Design, we are familiar with space and transfer usage, and set plans to meet customer needs. It's just a different way. You can start out small and plans can be upgraded when needed.
CPanel
I've never used Cpanel, where do I start?
Manual: Near the bottom left of the Cpanel screen, click the Documentation link. It is also available at CPanel Manual site, http://www.cpanel.net/docs/cpanel/
There are video tutorials available here: Cpanel video tutorials
(http://www.cpanel.net/products/cPanelandWHM/linux/cpanel11/tutorials.html)
Wordpress
How do I install Wordpress?
Automatic installation: You can install Wordpress through the Fantastico autoinstaller. Log into your control panel, find Fantastico. Under Blogs, you'll find Wordpress. Follow the directions. It will automatically set up your database, your database login/pw, and your Wordpress login/pw.
Manual installation: Wordpress can be installed manually, but you will need to know what you're doing because a database will also need to be set up.
Where do I find themes?
Wordpress comes with sample themes. You can find more themes on the Internet at http://themes.wordpress.net/ and other sites.
How do I add Wordpress to my site and make it "fit in?"
Normally, Wordpress would be installed in a subdirectory of your site, like www.yoursite.com/blog. Then you'll need a custom Wordpress theme that uses the same styling as your site. The theme and all the necessary template files are then uploaded to Wordpress on your account. Then your site's navigation menu can have a link added to it.
How do I ....?
For help with Wordpress, visit their support site and forum at http://wordpress.org/support/.
What if I need quick help with using Wordpress, can I contact you?
Yes, I can provide Wordpress support. If you want ongoing support, I request a maintenance fee of $25 per hour.
This would be my first blog, what do I need to know?
Wordpress has an Introduction to Blogging with Wordpress HERE.
What's the difference between wordpress.com and wordpress.org?
Wordpress dot com is a free blog site. It's great for getting your feet wet with blogging. However, it gives you a subdomain and there are restrictions on what you can do.
Wordpress dot org is for independent bloggers and developers. It's where you learn how to dig into Wordpress, find plugins, and support.
Other
Why is the PayPal account in a different name?
When you use PayPal, you'll see the business name "Picture This Photo Art." This is the original name of the business. On your credit card statement, it will say Dubbah Design. If you're curious about Picture This Photo Art, visit ptphotoart.com.