[thelist] Front Page

[Michael Kimsal]

On Thu, 2002-08-01 at 08:53, Nicole P wrote:
> I agree with Sam who told you to start with something simpler.
> An ecommerce site is a complex thing, not to be taken lightly. It goes far
> beyond simple html coding.  If you "don't know big html words", how do you
> expect to handle ASP, VBScript, server-side scripting vs user-side
> scripting, secure transactions and all that?
>

He/she doesn't expect to handle ASP/etc.  He/she expects that there's
FrontPage 'wizard' button to 'add ecommerce'.  Perfectly reasonable
expectation, given all the handholding and 'DIY' attitude which FP
and other similar programs foster and one might say actively promote.

I've lost track of the people we've had contact us regarding
ecommerce or some other 'simple' thing they swear to God FrontPage
can do (secure user authentication from any database, complex ecommerce,
etc.) because a 'friend' said it could be done.

They then proceed to freak out (that's the official term I use) when
quoted a reasonable price for people living in America to
produce a system which meets their extensive requirements.  Usually this
has at least 4 figures, occasionally 5.

Actual conversation with someone after reviewing an extensive
requirements list and providing a 9 page proposal:

Us: "That'll be $27,000 and 12 weeks of work"
Them: "But person X said they could do it for $3800 in 3 weeks!"
Us: "Use person X then."
<click>
<1 week later - phone call>
Them: "Hey, what was that program you were going to use?"
Us: "PHP?"
Them: "Yeah, where can I go buy that?  I couldn't find it at Best Buy.
I need to learn it."
Us: "Why?  Isn't person X handling this project for you?"
Them: "Yeah, but he can't work for another 5 days because
he's being deported back to <country I> so I need to 'get started'"
Us: "But you're a shirt manufacturer, not a database specialist."
Them: "Person X said it's not that hard!"

This post just touched off a nerve - I'm sure at least some
of you on this list have had similar experiences.



> One does not become a web developer by simply choosing the title. There's
> real knowledge here that needs to be developped one step at a time.
>
> Start with an easier first project, you'll have a better chance at success
>
> Nicole
> who after 4 years of web development still won't handle ecommerce.
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Dona" <jobcoach at bellatlantic.net>
> > I am so new to web site development that I am building my first ecommerce
> site using Front Page.  I am using a wizard in Front Page.  I need to know,
> since I am just learning Front Page without a tutorial, if it allows me to
> add a shopping cart or something that will allow customers to order online
> via credit card.  My merchant account is via internet only--well, ok, it
> will be.
> >
> > Also, when I ask for customer response or when they place an online order,
> can I use Microsoft Access to make a data base?  How do I link the things up
> to the web pages on my site?
> >
> > I really need it to be in plain and simple language just like I'm writing
> in right now---I don't know big html words, this is my first time.
> >
> > Thank you for your assistance.
> > Affie

--
Michael Kimsal <michael at tapinternet.com>
http://www.phpappserver.com
1-866-745-3660
1-734-480-9961