How to create a membership website?

Question:

I know how to do HTML coding, but I have a few questions before I try to publish a web site.

First, What is the “hosting” that i keep reading about on how-to internet sites?

Also, is there any way that I can create a website that belongs to ME (no commercial site tied to it) for absolutely no monetary exchange whatsoever?

*** F Y I — the site I intend to create will be an archive for unpublished stories of mine and of others. This means that there will have to be a membership/login/”my account” type thing. any ideas on how to do that?

links would be helpful, but I intend to give best answer to the person who explains it in great detail in his/her own words.

Answer:

A web hosting account allows your web pages to be seen on the internet. They are hosted on a web server. When people type in your domain name, your site displays. You have to buy a hosting account and then build a website or install blogging software.

For what you want to do, don’t create a regular website. Use WordPress instead. It already has a secure login system and you can also find some great membership plugins to install that allow members to only view content in certain categories. You then assign your posts (your stories) to that category.

iPage and WebHostingHub to two really good web hosts for WordPress. You’ll find the WordPress software in the web hosting control panel. Once installed and you login to your WordPress Dashboard, click on Plugins: Add New: and search for membership plugins.