Web question

[Bueyehl]

I am wanting to have a website that allows me put my music on the site so customers can download my songs for a cost. I have researched some webhosts sites for my website. I researched e-commerce "shopping cart" type companies. But bottom line is, I don't have a clue where to begin. What do I need to do? I just need to be pointed in the right direction. Thanks for the help!!!

[Anomo]

Do you plan on making the site yourself or having someone else make it for you?

[Bueyehl]

I was going to do it myself with one of the website companies that have simple website building tools but I wasn't sure what type of tools I would need to upload and download the files.

[Anomo]

What I would recommend is either learning ActionScript3 and/or javascript + php. HTML is an obvious language that you would need. Using tools on sites normally result in poor quality sites that are hard to use or just look bad :P

I'm not even sure if you would be able to do what you want to do with their tools unless they have specific tools to do this. But then you wouldn't be asking us XD

With the actionscript you could make the download/buy stuff in flash that is harder to "crack". While with javascript alone it would be easier, but combining javascript and php you should make something that looks fancy and has some security. If you do know HTML, I would recommend the javascript rout seeing that they are quit similar in both the language and the syntax.

Another idea could be investing some money in selling it on iTunes and using a blog/mySpace as your site. It's simple and doesn't have a steep learning curve. I've seen that DatsiK (the DJ, not the martial arts dude) has done the mySpace part. As you can see here, he has a simple setup with the option of listening to songs (could make shorter demos) and some information.

Any ideas so far? If you know what direction you want to go, I could link up some tutorial sites that could help

[Bueyehl]

Looks like Ima have to put my thinking cap on. Not sure what i'm going to do right now. That Javascript seems like it has a pretty steap learning curve. I don't even no HTML. Thanks Anomo for the help. If you have some helpful tutorials I would love to see them.

[Bueyehl]

OH, and I forgot about MYSpace. That could definitely be a possibility!!

[Anomo]

If taught well, actionscript is not hard to learn. (duuh! :P)

Tutorial sites for actionscript:
Actionscript.org
Tutorialized.com

Tutorial sites for javascript:
Tutorialized.com
Recommended to use for fancy menues etc.

I don't have any links to HTML or PHP tutorials (use google, its your friend ) and don't know PHP, but could possibly help with the others if needed.

Honestly, all three languages are quit easy to learn. If you are really dedicated and want this, it should work out fine. Or you can take the easy way out and blog ;P

[strollin]

I don't think this is a good project for a beginner. There's quite a bit to it, especially since you want to collect money.

[Anomo]

Originally Posted by strollin I don't think this is a good project for a beginner. There's quite a bit to it, especially since you want to collect money.

Of course he wouldn't go straight to the money part, but starting gradually until he learns what he needs. He wanted to know where to start