Complex web site construction

[kansasblue]

I'm looking to build a fairly elaborate website that handles pics. Like a blog but with more use of pics.

automation will be involved to watch incomming emails.

Where does one start? How are sites like DU or Rawstory managed? Do they have a team working? Is there free software?


lost,

kb

[democracyindanger]

1. learn html

and php. Plenty of books and websites on that stuff.

Can't recommend a free html layout editor, but I use Dreamweaver in conjunction with Flash.

DU and Rawstory have staffs.

[mainegreen]

3. I second the php recommendation

Its great for images. Plus has a huge support base.

[LiberalUprising]

2. Try this, it's what I use and it's easy and free

Lots of features including a FTP site manager

Nvu
Finally! A complete Web Authoring System for Linux Desktop users as well as Microsoft Windows and Macintosh users to rival programs like FrontPage and Dreamweaver.

Nvu (pronounced N-view, for a "new view") makes managing a web site a snap. Now anyone can create web pages and manage a website with no technical expertise or knowledge of HTML
http://www.nvu.com/

Nvu Features
http://www.nvu.com/features.html

[salvorhardin]

4. You want a Content Management System

I always recommend Drupal and now that it has integration with Gallery 2 it seems perfect for what you're describing, which is rather vague. One word of advice: wait until Drupal 4.7 is released. There are many changes and improvements between 4.6 and 4.7. Drupal 4.7 Beta 2 was just released so the production release of Drupal 4.7 shouldn't be more than a few weeks away. Both Drupal and Gallery are free.
http://www.drupal.org
http://gallery.menalto.com

As far as learning PHP and XHTML (don't bother starting with HTML - XHTML is nearly the same) this is a good idea. Even though a CMS like Drupal will automate almost everything you want to do you will invariably need to markup small snippets of text and possibly want to add some custom functionality to your site with your own PHP routines.

[BlueJazz]

5. Have you thought about getting your own Domain name and hosting..

...service?
The Domain name will cost about 10 bucks per year and the hosting service will run about 18 bucks per year.

http://www.anfyteam.com/

With that setup you have a LOT more control over stuff and you don't have to mess with sites going down or out of business.
You can use "FrontPage" to easily create sites and such.
(I can help you get Frontpage if to email me...

[kansasblue]

6. I was looking at opensource hosting

such as

http://www.hostingopensource.com/