I am created several sites for small business owners using the VSD tool. Once I turn the site over to the customer, does he have to use VSD to make changes? I need to make sure the site could easily be updated by any HTML webmaster and doesn't require the VSD tool. Is there anything special in the VSD code generated that would make it harder for an HTML programmer to make changes or update?

BC

Revisions to VSD created webpages must be made within a copy of VSD. If you want to make changes to the code with an html editor or notepad, I suggest creating the webpages in the CoffeeCup HTML Editor. VSD has a funny way of doing thing. Besides, if you make changes directly to the html pages, those changes will not be available from within the VSD Editor that must use the .vnu file to work with the web pages.

Thanks Tom. Is using a tool like VSD consider "less professional" than coding directly into HTML? I've created several sites in VSD and so far I'm impressed with what it can do. Doesn't seem natural to code directly in HTML.

Although I don't think many professionally employed web developers are using VSD, it is a fine tool for creating webpages. It works well and allows folks without html/css skills to design great websites.

I don't use VSD for the opposit of what you state. I can hand code and get results faster than using a WYSIWYG editor. Some Professionals use Dreamweaver, and some use notepad.

It's whatever you are comfortable with. I own, or have owned, several nice retail web editors but I still mainly use the first free editor I started out with because I'm comfortable using it.

The other question you have to ask yourself is, how comfortable you are letting your client know that used a certain tool to create their website? If you charge them a grand to design their website and then give them a $49 product to update their website, they might take offense to that.

But in the end, it's not necessarily what tool you use as much as the product delivered, in my opinion.

Hope this helps.

Hi William,

Thanks for your question! I was wondering just the same thing! While I CAN code in HTML (or at least that was what I first learned) I find VSD soooo much quicker so don't see the point. I too was wondering if it was 'unprofessional' as thus far I have only been creating sites for people I know.

There are tons of 'set up your site free' tools out there these days - and it's no where as easy as those sites make it sound! You need a good eye and to get the info up there in a pleasing and organized manner. I am thinking of having them purchase the software if they want to make their own updates. Perhaps with an affiliate link. : )

To the coffee cup folk - Is there a way to purchase a copy of the software to install on a computer other than your own? I would think that might be a work around if you didn't want them to know how cheap the software was ... just add the cost to your fee.

Just a thought.

linda in nh

I'm just guessing, but I bet they would eventually find out the cost.

It's not just about ease of use. The code VSD outputs is not exactly what most people would hand code. So any needing to edit the site without the vnu file will be cursing your name.

There a many reasons why I wouldn't use the tool in a professional setting creating sites for other people. But that's up to each individual.

The problem is this. CoffeeCup apps make it easy for the beginner to develop cool websites with cool things like search, flash, chat, etc, without any or little coding knowledge. But, you are limited to the program - and so are your clients. So for every wish list and request you see on this forum, your clients may ask the same. What do you say? Maybe the next release? That's why your "professional" prices should reflect your true ability.

Got to put my two pennies worth in here, as I am a one finger one thumb typist, html illiterate, and a huge fan of CC software

I have now made 5 websites for FREE for acquaintances, and in no way are they PROFESSIONAL

I have a very close friend who 30 years ago was one of those £60.00 per hour programmers

He laughed his head off when he saw my feeble attempts at creating my own CC website, and called VSD a childrens toy actual quote was "toys for little boys"

Two years later i spotted VSD6 in the source code of one of his websites, when i mentioned it , It miraculously went missing,

I bet if i ask him nicely i could get a downloadable copy with no mention of CC in it anywhere (I WON'T ASK HIM, i like to comply with the license terms)

So maybe " SCOTT " (usually gets his attention) CC should do a Pro version of VSD for exactly William's purpose, I am sure others, including me would appreciate it

Viv

CC does like to advertise in the source code made by all their products, that's for sure. Even if you remove the comments, anyone familiar with VSD code can still identify it. Everything single object on the page gets it's own div, so there is a thousand divs on each page.

Interesting thread.
Here's an approach I've taken when discussing price. Most people have done a little shopping around and wonder why some sites are $99 and others are $1000+. I explain that there are many very cheap options, but they're usually templates cranked out with few options for customization. Then there's a custom coded site (made from "scratch") which tends to be the most expensive option. Then there's the middle ground - software that makes it fast and easy to create a completely custom design***, that also allows for lots of additional customization (an easy to use shopping cart? - no problem!) at very little cost. Changes and updates are easy and I can show the client how to do them if he/she wants.
For clients that say they want control of their site, include the price of the VSD program and any others used in the site so you can install these on their computer. I always give them a jump-drive with all their site files on it as well, everything used on their site (graphics, photos, colors and font info).

If the client wants to turn the site over to someone else to maintain, the html pages can be down-loaded and re-worked in an editor, and the client has all the original site elements at hand.


***How about customizing WordPress templates rather than building from scratch - Many pro designers do this (and not all tell their clients the site started out as a WordPress site ).
Just be honest up-front, many clients will tell you they don't need/want some complicated custom creation and don't have the budget for it anyway. They're thrilled when learn they can have the site they want at a price they can afford - especially when they also get the design they want rather than a cheap, over-used template; I don't think too many care what software is used to accomplish this

I commend your approach. Honesty is the best option. Unfortunately, there are some who are not so honest with potential clients and tend to use misleading statements. I think this is when problems occur and relationships sour. People appreciate honesty and will recommend you to others.