National Storytelling Network Forum

bmartinez · Joined: 03 May 2007 Posts: 4 Location: Texas

I read with interest Dianne de Las Casas article on Myspace. I setup a myspace account love it. The problem is many schools and public libraries block myspace. What is a good free webpage? I am new to webpages so before I invest in a domain name I want to use the free ones. Also I want the page to be found on a google search.

Thanks

Tim E · Posted: Thu May 24, 2007 2:34 pm Post subject:

Storyteller.net offers a free web page, but the paid version is even better, and a bargain. Although you can't customize the page, it is very Google friendly (as opposed to NSN's directory, which will cost you more and is not accessible by Google).

Here's a tip: wherever you end up putting your page, make sure you include your hometown and a sprinkling of other cities you have performed in. That way, you'll show up when someone who doesn't know you by name Googles "Brownsville storyteller."

_________________
Tim E
http://www.storyteller.net/tellers/tereneta
http://www.myspace.com/storiesbytim
http://storytelling.blogspot.com
http://storytellersunplugged.wordpress.com

TexasMel · Newbie Joined: 24 Apr 2007 Posts: 12 Location: Texas

There are a zillion free sites. I've used (and liked) Bravenet, which has a lovely set of templates. Instead of static web pages, you can set up a blog for free (my personal favorite site is Livejournal.com, though there are hundreds of them.)

All of them can be found (eventually) through googling. Getting a web page found requires a bit of knowledge about making headers and tweaking your page with words that relate to the topic.

(In other words, don't say "I'm a storyteller and grandma" and spend a whole page talking about the kids and the dogs. Talk about tales and tale types and so forth.)

You can combine a blog and a web page for a livelier look.

Which type is best? Well, if you don't have time to do a daily diary, do a regular web page on a free hosting service. Advertise that in your business cards and brochures. Once it's finished, many of these hosting sites have a service that you can submit your web page with.

Do not expect miracles from them, these submissions (but don't make the mistake of paying to "get traffic". 1500 people from China peering at your site probably won't do you a whole lot of good.)

I can go on (and on and on and on) about this since I'm a retired webmaster with 10 years experience. But I don't want to tire folks out. If you have specific questions, please ask and I will be delighted to help you out!

SeanBuvala · Posted: Sun Jun 03, 2007 9:34 pm Post subject:

TexasMel wrote:

There are a zillion free sites. I've used (and liked) Bravenet, which has a lovely set of templates. Instead of static web pages, you can set up a blog for free

Being in a directory or two is a must if you want to get found. Storyteller.net is the best out there and has resulted in a lot of work for a lot of tellers. I invite you to come take a look. You still need your own personal page, but a directory listing is a must. Our pages aren't nearly as static as some. We give you everything you need to get a strong presence established on the Web.

_________________
K. Sean Buvala
http://www.seantells.com
http://www.fulltimestorytelling.com
http://www.storytellingproducts.com