[AustinM]

I'm involved with a group of professional woodworkers/refinishers/conservators. This was my Dad's project/business/dream which he started about 8 years ago. Since he died, I've taken it over.

This group has a website, and our main form of communication is a moderated email list. All message traffic is collected by me each day, compiled by hand into threads, and sent out each night. I spend about an hour a day doing this. We use an email distribution program called GMS to mail messages out. Normally 15 or so messages a night (up to 30), to about 200 addresses. The website isn't used as a storefront or with any mind towards traffic - it's used mainly as a place to put pictures which members send in, and articles of interest, etc. There are some protected areas of the website using basic HTTP authentication.

Also, all messages are archived and that archive is available to members as a searcheable database.

I'm fairly proficient in everyday type geek stuff. I have my own website which I built, I can write HTML although I use a WYSIWYG editor, etc. I'm definitely not a super geek...

The current webhost runs a website design/consulting firm (and he's also a group member). He's done all the security stuff, GMS, the message archiving system, etc. Over the last 6 months, he's become completely unresponsive - won't return a single email.

Here we get to the question:

I want to switch webhosts. I know what type of stuff I need, but I don't know how to do it myself. I'm willing to learn, but I don't even really know enough to know what I don't know (does that make sense). If we do switch webhosts, I need more than a faceless host - I need a geek I can talk to on the phone.

I don't need a website designed or built, but I do need someone to implement the types of things I outlined above. If the group needs to hire a web guy to do this and pay him a couple grand, we can. If it's going to cost $20,000, then we can't.

If I can learn how to do what I need done myself, that would be best...

So... What are my options? Can you recommend a good host? Do I need direct access to the server to implement the types of things I've talked about?

Thanks for any info!

[brendandonhu]

You can probably set this up yourself. How about installing a forum like this one on your site instead of compiling all the email lists by hand?

[AustinM]

The group prefers the format to stay as it is now. Most of the members are older, and prefer the simplicity of email coming directly to them.

[namenotfound]

Usually forum software will often have a feature to allow a user to select to have new posts emailed to them.

[Rockn]

Yea, that clicking on a shortcut to a forum on your desktop is really difficult! A threaded forum like this would be far easier to use. I have tried convincing a local group of tech types that use a local listserv to use a forum like this, but they are pretty set in their ways as well.

It really seems like you don't want to change anything, just change web hosts and move your current system there. If that is the case just find a local hosting company that has the same types of servers (Linux I would imagine) that will aloow you to continue to do the same thing you are doing now. Just ask around, it won't cost anything to ask.

[jiml8]

Originally Posted by Rockn

I have tried convincing a local group of tech types that use a local listserv to use a forum like this, but they are pretty set in their ways as well.

If you really want to have some fun, and convince people to change their ways, do a Joe Job to a listserv.