Free (almost) websites for 4x4 clubs

[webmaster@thegatheringgro]

Hey gang,

I'm a 4WD TLC owner (TLCA # 12029, Upstate Cruiser Club) and small time web developer and in Charlotte, NC. I'm not sure if it's cool to "advertise" here, but since this is mostly a hobby, here's my "pitch."

I have built several commercial sites, but have seen a lot of organizations and clubs that have really bad sites due to lack of funds, staff, time or whatever. One of the stumbling blocks is that many clubs choose to use the free websites out there, but don't know how to make the most out of them. Well, I do. Check out the site I built for my Homeowner's Association - the address is http://home.bellsouth.net/Groups-MallardSquareTownhomes (case sensitive, no spaces, don't forget the hyphen). If you click on "Want to Join?" (it's free) and join the community, you will have full access to the site and you can see that we have:

1) Our Newsletter fully online
2) All our pertinent contact information
3) An interactive calendar of events
4) Our Bylaws and Rules (could be Membership info, etc. for a club)
5) A Chat room
6) A message board
7) Individual and group email (and you don't even have to give out your email address!)
8) A Links page and completely automated Help section
9) Photo Albums
10) and more

This site had/has $0 startup cost, $0 domain fees, $0 monthly hosting fees and $0 development fees since I am doing this "on the side" (actually I'm on the verge of having to get another real job - yikes! - my fiance says I should really start charging for development, but for 4x4 guys I just can't do it . . .)

Anyway, once your club's site is built, all I ask is a nominal monthly maintenance fee of $30 per month - not bad for having a custom site built for FREE, then having it properly and professionally maintained. I have yet to build a site for a 4x4 club, but would love to build (or rebuild or beef up) your club's site.

All graphics, pictures, etc. are custom built and I'll help rewrite or layout your site within the specs you require. If your club is looking for a full-blown full domain site, we can discuss that too. Just let me know.

Thanks for helping me stay self-employed! (6 months and creeping along . . .)

Dave "Dave B in NC" Blanton
TLCA # 12029
'83 TLC FJ60 with room for the dogs and gear

my complete portfolio is at: http://www.thegatheringgroup.com/Portfolio (case sensitive, no spaces)

[scouter77]

<IMG SRC="smilies/flipoff.gif" border="0"> HEY MAN! Post in one place! Not all over the board! If you want max exposure post in Gen 4x4 or chit chat. I am not even sure if this is spam. I didnt read it. But its a deadly sin to cross post without being referred.

[webmaster@thegatheringgro]

I am genuinely sorry for the faux pas . . . I always stick to the TLC Talk, so I thought maybe oowners of other trucks wouldn't see the post.

As I said, I do websites more for fun than money, so I wanted to help out as many folks as possible.

Thanks for your advice and professional manner . . .it is appreciated.

Dave B in NC