If Coffeecup closed up it wouldn't render their software inoperable.

Grogg, any web editor/WYSIWYG will have a learning curve. No way around it if you want to take charge of your site. I'd have a look at VSD's help file for an overview of how things work. Once you know where everything is and what it does, VSD becomes quick & easy.

You're not restricted with VSD to just its in-built functions, with a bit of HTML/JS you can add anything to your basic VSD site.
If you want to move on to writing your own site code, VSD is good for getting the look and feel down fast since you can drag/drop items, try out different fonts and effects, see what size you want your photos to be... Then you can take that information to the Editor and get going without having to write/rewrite a bunch of code to get things how you want them.

Whether you go with Coffeecup or some other software, avoid site builders included with hosting packages and on-line subscriptions. You'll be stuck having to rebuild your site if you change plans/hosts. Better to own your own software and have full control of your site no matter where you host it.

Have you looked at the VSD ot HTML Editor templates? Your site already has a common structure; header, 3 columns and footer. If you go with the HTML Editor, there are some standard templates (several 3 col. layouts) included.
The CC Form Builder can take care of your email situation: http://www.coffeecup.com/mailchimp/
You can also receive payments and donations through it.
You could also use the Shopping Cart to set up your souvenir store.
For your content, a CC Stream on the home page would give you a way to easily keep new info, articles and photos flowing. You can let readers comment if you wish.
SDrive accounts also have some photo/file storage and a simple JS slideshow program included.
(I've used Jalbum with VSD sites as well, here's one: http://www.maryloubarrow.com/gallery.html – so you're not limited to just CC products.)

If you have a look around the forums, you'll see that help is available 24/7 at no cost whatsoever. People here are very generous with their time and knowledge. Eric even started a site to show all the things it's possible to add to VSD (http://progrower.coffeecup.com/). If something isn't on there already, we just ask about it and voila! it appears. I've seen other forum members write whole pages of html-css code for people struggling with their sites, and there are plenty of PHP/JS experts around as well.

You could get a free SDrive account and start building your new site "behind the scenes". VSD, the Editor, Shops and Forms all have a direct to SDrive upload function built in, very easy for changes/edits – just one click.

I've used a lot of different web software over the years; I even have Dreamweaver collecting dust around here somewhere , but I find CC the best option for me. No single WYSIWYG will have everything you want, I like CC's "a la carte" approach. Use what you need, easily incorporate other products, no limits to what you can do.

(Not just spouting off here – I'm currently working on an SDrive site to replace mine when my current hosting plan is up )

Grogg, Ultimately how any software is used becomes an individual ability. There is no magic bullet. But having said that VSD can be used to knock out a professional site in a day or two. I use it to advertise my software I create which for me is pure hobby. However you mentioned tired old content well I believe VSD can deliver on that front.

I create my own themes but if I had deadlines I would consider choosing a theme (Cheap) and building the site around that using much of the content I would have accumulated.

Coffeecup going belly up. Not likely, it has become an industry leader and will be around for many years yet. If you follow their blurb they are already tuning the software to suit Win 8.

If you are serious then you go for the pair as most do VSD and the Editor which go together like Peaches and Cream.

My approach > design in VSD add embellishments in the Editor. Lately I have found that the Editor does an excellent job as a php IDE when combined with Wamp. Why am I so keen. I recognise good, well constructed software that is easy to use in ways that do not lock you in.

These programs are computer games to me, I get a thrill out of using their creative abilities and as it is a hobby I could have chosen any other manufacturers software that exists, but! guess what here I am.

*Points to her lengthy post a few posts or so above which details most all of the programs you would need with their descriptions*

Your CC license entitles you to put it on 3 computers under your control

Being a little flexible, open a new user account in someone elses computer, and instal the program , to use in that account only, now they have it,

Actually Viv, that is not correct. You are not allowed to give the software to others just because that computer might be under your control. The real statement is that it is computers you are using, such as "your" desktop, laptop, work computer. These are to be computers that "You" are using, not that others are using the the CC software on. That would require a separate license.

Thank you one and all for the very helpful information, as well as your personal opinions. I have downloaded the trial versions of VSD and HTML Editor, and will look them over comprehensively to give them a fair shot. I would still like everyone's assessment of what kind of web site they think I have. It's not a blog and it's not a business web site. What is it?

JoAnn i was thinking more along the lines that the other person has it to use for him, locked into a new user account so its personal to him

Would be interesting to see what CC would say, but then with this weeks bargain offer on VSD, its virtually BOGOF but bought through two separate user accounts, and the second user account could be Grogg's as well ?????

UK SLANG, buy one get one free

Would you recommend I look into a photo gallery application available through CC, or would it be a problem using a third party application? I ask because I have a license for jAlbum.

Eric is probably the resident expert on Jalbum integration

However from a VSD point of view, it links CC applications seamlessly, which for beginners is possibly more important

Especially if your using the inbuilt FTP which will then automatically upload your photogalleries for you, putting everything in the right places, to make it work efficiently

CC is all about making it simple, VSD is simplicity for non coders

if your up to doing your own code, then i believe things are very different