Out of my Depth

Hello,

I normally build my own sites using templates and Microsoft Office Frontpage (www.rossmanson.co.uk, www.irishsurveillance.com) I am happy enough with them but now want to do something larger. Do you think it would be possible for me to complete the project with my limited knowledge and frontpage or can you recommend other software to help me?
The site is to for an irish investigator's association.

1) A small free listing can be placed on the site directory.
2) I would have a second directory for vetted members. For a fee I would vet the members and they can then be given a premier listing with logo, full details etc.
3) Vetted members will gain access to a resources site and also be able to join a network.
4) Members of the public should be able to search the vetted member's directory by county, country (I would accept members from abroad) or service provided.
5) I would also have a small shop area to sell related equipment and books.

Similar sites would be www.spiesonline.net www.detectivehelp.com www.ukpin.com

Many, Many Thanks, Ross

honestly, if you rely on fornt page to do all the work for you.. you may run into some trouble.

What you are wanting to do requires that you have some knowledge about server side programming. You could probably find some FREE scripts that will give you a directory, and password protected pages scripts to only allow members in. But this will require a little knowledge of server side programming so that you can choose the right script and set it up.

Actually, what you could use is a content management system, CMS for short.
There are bound to be more than a few that do extactly what you want and need.
All you would need is enough knowhow to set it up.

Here is a link to a website that has many many free CMS's. Take your pick, find the one you think will do the job for you. As well, you will need to know what kind of server side language support you have anabled on your webhost account. PHP is by far my fav, and really easy to use.

Check out:
http://www.opensourcecms.com/index....ask=view&id=133

And this one might be good too:
http://www.opensourcecms.com/index....ask=view&id=175