My big passion in life is photography. I love it! I have loved it ever since I got my first camera back in the late 1970s. A compact ‘126’ camera (all the rage at the time!).
The thrill of collecting photos from the developer is something I shall never forget. First there was the wait of a few days while they developed my film.
Then going to collect the photos – receiving that envelope, heavy with the smell of print chemicals. And slowly, slowly opening the envelope; pulling the prints out one by one.
Which photos were successes? Which were failures? How did that new technique work out? That anticipation is possibly the only thing I miss about digital photography.
My parents must have been crazy!
As I hit my teens, I moved up to the world of SLRs, and the need for a darkroom grew.
Fortunately for me my parents were crazy enough to let me use the downstairs cloakroom as a darkroom. I spent hours in there; prizing open film cassettes, mixing chemicals, enlarging prints . . .
Time passed. I moved out of home. And the digital camera revolution began.
With the aid of a digital camera and some imaging software I could print my own photos, at home, in broad daylight!
My passion for photography has brought me enjoyment for years (and a little money too!). And then another passion of mine emerged . . .
The internet!
The www effect . . .
I was working at a school when the internet was in its infancy. I was blown away by the internet, even in its basic 1990s configuration. I was amazed at the information available with just a few clicks of the mouse.
I remember one Sunday afternoon clicking away. Afternoon turned into evening, and then into night. I can’t even remember what I was originally looking for. I just remember following link after link, from site to site.
After one bleary-eyed surfing-session it dawned on me (probably sometime around dawn actually), that I loved the internet. I wanted to be on it. I wanted my own website!
How NOT to build a website . . .
So I started looking into it. If you type “build me a website” into Google you will get millions of results. Most of them will produce you a website that, apparently, will make you a ton of money too.
I was sceptical. I wanted a site. And if I could make a little money out of my new hobby, why not?
But they were making some bold claims. And had some eye-watering prices to match!
All I wanted was to combine my two passions – photography, and the internet. Surely it can’t be that expensive?
Anyway, I looked further into it, and found there were many places that could get me a site for just a few dollars. So I bought one. What a mistake!
I was allowed four web pages, and anything extra had to be paid on top.
I had no idea how to write HTML, and there was no help on the site either (well, there was one piece of advice – buy some software. Not particularly helpful).
Anyway, I built my four pages as best I could, and the hosting company uploaded them for me.
I was excited the day my ‘site’ (all four pages of it!) went up on the internet. I thought I would get loads of hits; after all, that’s what the internet does, doesn’t it?
Well, no, actually. Apart from myself visiting my own site I managed the grand total of one visitor in my first month.
I felt a little let down, but thought there must be a better way.
How to build a website. Properly!
And then I found SiteSell.
I was wary of SiteSell. It is another company that will host your site for you, but it cost a few hundred dollars!
They sounded good. They would show me how to get my site on the internet. Show me how to get visitors. Provide me with everything I would need to run my site.
I liked the idea of that – being in control, running my own site. I also liked the idea that they would show me how to make money from it too.
But I’d heard that part before – make money on the internet. Hmmm…! I spent almost two weeks wondering if I should take the plunge.
And, wow! I’m glad I did!
SiteSell were good for all their promises, and then some! I could build my site without having to learn all that HTML. I followed their action guide and ended up with real visitors, lots of them!
Then I decided to look into the money making part. Could my humble website make money? Yes it could! And SiteSell showed me how.
I have not given up my day job, although many SBI!ers (that’s what SiteSell’s customers call themselves) have.
I run my site as a hobby and get a nice little payment each month – helps pay for a few of life’s luxuries!
I am so pleased I discovered SiteSell. Two passions, combined, and a new hobby that more than pays for itself.
I appreciate you reading my story. I hope you continue to enjoy my site. And maybe I’ll see you on one of the SiteSell forums in the future? (did I mention the forums before? No? You’re in for a real treat there!)
If you are interested to find out more, click on the little button below to take a quick video tour:
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