Step 1 – Domain Name

As the webmaster and head of internet operations for FOOLS International, I am going to explain in a multi-part series how to establish and maintain a website for your local FOOLS chapter. There are several items that you will want to have decided on before you even begin to think about building a web site.

The first item is the Domain Name – your website name. By definition, a domain name is a unique, case-insensitive name that consists of a string made up of alphanumeric characters and dashes separated by periods (example: http://www.foolsinternational.com/ or http://www.ama-assn.org/) that the Domain Name System maps to IP numbers and other information – a unique identifier of a computer or site on the Internet.

To determine if your domain name of choice is already in use, just do a quick search using one of the many domain name search engines available. One of the easiest to use is http://www.whois.net/.

A. When you go to http://www.whois.net/, you are presented with four search boxes. The third box is the one you want to use to enter your first choice for your new site name. Remember, it's very important to keep it simple. The longer the wording, the greater chance for misspelling, which means your site will not be found. Keep it short and sweet.

B. Enter your domain name choice, but make sure you do not add a suffix -- .com, .net or .org -- in the box.

C. You will choose the suffix with the drop-down menu to the right of the box you just entered your text in.

D. Now click the “GO” button and wait for your results.

Two results are going to be returned -- either “domain name is not currently registered” or “we are sorry, but the domain name you requested is not available.”

A. If your domain name is available you now have several options. Most domain search engines offer domain name sales, too. However, before you click the button to purchase your name, make sure you have done your homework. Past experience tells me that getting a cheap domain name is not always the best answer. Most cheap offerings have a lot of strings attached that you may or may not be made aware of. Some of these issues may be as simple as SPAM or as complex as hidden monthly charges that add up very quickly.

B. If your domain name choice is not available, you will be given several other options. Some of the options may be a different spelling, suffix or the addition of a dash (-) or an underscore ( _ ).

Once you have made your final selection and are happy with the spelling and layout of your new domain name, the next few steps are very simple.

Depending on the carrier you will be asked for basic information: name, address and other contact information. To keep everything attached to the local FOOLS chapter it is highly recommended that you use your chapter name and mailing address rather than an individual's name and address. This is done for a couple of reasons: 1) if the member completing the process leaves the chapter for any reason you may not be notified of renewals and or notifications from the domain name host; 2) the member now becomes the legal owner of that domain name and has complete control over it. Situations have occurred in the past where a disagreement occurred and the domain name was held hostage and we have had to intervene and provide assistance.

At some point during this process you will be given the choice to set a user name and password. I suggest that you start a written log that will be kept with all of the other important chapter information. This will come in handy if the member in charge of managing the web site becomes unreachable in the future. Having to get this information from the domain hosting company, without the required information, can be very difficult and some times require legal assistance.

The last step for obtaining your website name involves billing and payment. It is highly recommended that your payment NOT come from a member's pocket to keep this name associated with the local chapter. You will notice that most sites offer some significant discounts for paying several years in advance. This is a choice that your chapter needs to make to ensure it fits your budget. Don't break the bank just because you are going to get a discount.

Steps for Establishing and Maintaining Your FOOLS Chapter Web Site

Step 1 – Domain Name

As the webmaster and head of internet operations for FOOLS International, I am going to explain in a multi-part series how to establish and maintain a website for your local FOOLS chapter. There are several items that you will want to have decided on before you even begin to think about building a web site.

The first item is the Domain Name – your website name. By definition, a domain name is a unique, case-insensitive name that consists of a string made up of alphanumeric characters and dashes separated by periods (example: http://www.foolsinternational.com/ or http://www.ama-assn.org/) that the Domain Name System maps to IP numbers and other information – a unique identifier of a computer or site on the Internet.

To determine if your domain name of choice is already in use, just do a quick search using one of the many domain name search engines available. One of the easiest to use is http://www.whois.net/.

A. When you go to http://www.whois.net/, you are presented with four search boxes. The third box is the one you want to use to enter your first choice for your new site name. Remember, it's very important to keep it simple. The longer the wording, the greater chance for misspelling, which means your site will not be found. Keep it short and sweet.

B. Enter your domain name choice, but make sure you do not add a suffix -- .com, .net or .org -- in the box.

C. You will choose the suffix with the drop-down menu to the right of the box you just entered your text in.

D. Now click the “GO” button and wait for your results.

Two results are going to be returned -- either “domain name is not currently registered” or “we are sorry, but the domain name you requested is not available.”

A. If your domain name is available you now have several options. Most domain search engines offer domain name sales, too. However, before you click the button to purchase your name, make sure you have done your homework. Past experience tells me that getting a cheap domain name is not always the best answer. Most cheap offerings have a lot of strings attached that you may or may not be made aware of. Some of these issues may be as simple as SPAM or as complex as hidden monthly charges that add up very quickly.

B. If your domain name choice is not available, you will be given several other options. Some of the options may be a different spelling, suffix or the addition of a dash (-) or an underscore ( _ ).

Once you have made your final selection and are happy with the spelling and layout of your new domain name, the next few steps are very simple.

Depending on the carrier you will be asked for basic information: name, address and other contact information. To keep everything attached to the local FOOLS chapter it is highly recommended that you use your chapter name and mailing address rather than an individual's name and address. This is done for a couple of reasons: 1) if the member completing the process leaves the chapter for any reason you may not be notified of renewals and or notifications from the domain name host; 2) the member now becomes the legal owner of that domain name and has complete control over it. Situations have occurred in the past where a disagreement occurred and the domain name was held hostage and we have had to intervene and provide assistance.

At some point during this process you will be given the choice to set a user name and password. I suggest that you start a written log that will be kept with all of the other important chapter information. This will come in handy if the member in charge of managing the web site becomes unreachable in the future. Having to get this information from the domain hosting company, without the required information, can be very difficult and some times require legal assistance.

The last step for obtaining your website name involves billing and payment. It is highly recommended that your payment NOT come from a member's pocket to keep this name associated with the local chapter. You will notice that most sites offer some significant discounts for paying several years in advance. This is a choice that your chapter needs to make to ensure it fits your budget. Don't break the bank just because you are going to get a discount.