Thread: Domains for Dummies - I'm the dummy

I registered my domain through Tripod last May. Initially I liked them but they've made some changes & now I'm not so happy. Ive been convinced to try Wordpress, because it's so easy and you can do a lot with it. Is it possible to move it to Wordpress to be hosted there, or do I have to wait for my year to end with Tripod then re-register the domain again & totally rebuild my site?
I'm thinking of changing my domain name, too. If I register the new one as 'bellydanceruya' or 'bellydancewithruya' with Wordpress, can I temporarily point it to the current active website & direct people there while I work on the new site on wordpress?

I hope all this makes sense, feels confusing to me, lol

Tripod registered your domain FOR you, but it belongs to you and you can take it with you anywhere you go, anytime you want.

It might be easiest to just NOT move your domain over until after you've got the site ready on the new server. When you add the new domain name, you can have them both point to the same site until your old one expires.

Ok, that kinda clears up the muddy water for me, thanks Lauren! ..g.:

edit: wait now I have another question - can you just register a domain and then pick who you want to host it later?

Yes. google 'register domain' there are tons of companies who will do that for you.

I get my domain registration free from my webhost though -- make sure the one you're moving to doesn't offer that before you pay.

Aarrgh! Today's my day to be confounded by he simplest business items. Yah I looked at godaddy & it's a lot of hoops just to register without the hosting.

And, dunce I am, I'm also confuzzled by the super easy Wordpress site now. Says I can register with them & they'll host but I don't see where exactly to do that or any other info. I did find instructions on how to go from blog to domain, but I don't have a blog with them - I have to first?

I feel ridiculous. This has got to be really easy but I'm being thrown for a loop here. Maybe it's a sign to leave my domain name alone, lol (not!).

wordpress has two sites.

wordpress.org lets you download the software and create a blog to host on your own server. Not what you're looking for.

Wordpress.com hosts a blog for you and is simple and easy to use. This is what you want.

GoDaddy is primarily a host, so they probably aren't interested in registering your domain if you don't host with them. Try Domain Names, Web Hosting and Online Marketing Services | Network Solutions (just checked they'll offer you hosting options after you select your name, but there's a big grey button at the bottom that say 'continue without hosting' just choose that)

Another note - network solutions is going to offer to point your domain name, you don't need that. and they're going to offer you e-mail, I don't *think* you need that, but if you're only hosting the domain with a blogging site you might? I don't know how that part works, sorry. My web host automatically gives me 10 e-mail boxes at my domain and I can get more through them at any time, but I don't think the blogging sites are set up that way.

Ruya, I just looked. Wordpress will register your domain for $5 and charges $9.97 to map it to your domain. (don't get that, my host it's all free). So it'll be cheaper to register through them if you wait.

I don't see an option for e-mail branded with your domain name there, though.

Hmmm, didn't realize wordpress doesn't offer email if they host the domain. That kinda sucks.

What host do you use? ..g.:

I use Small Business Web Hosting and eCommerce Solutions by BizLand. I've used them for years and years, host four different websites with them and I'm VERY happy with what they offer.


I'm not sure, maybe Wordpress does? I'm not that familiar with them, I've just recently set up a blog there for a client but they host their domain elsewhere.

Word Press is an open source content management system for blogs that can be used on any host. Check for a host with 'Fantastico' installation. (I've used Host Gator and Dreamhost with this function.) You can install it yourself and be on your way. There are plenty of themes out there for it or you can get someone to make you a custom one.

Pointing one domain to another is simple enough, too. When you register your domain, you'll be asked if you want to use it for forwarding.

Personally, I would avoid Go Daddy. Most folks have said their customer service sucks.

Oh, another thing, if you go with a host, most have a deal on registering at least one domain for free with them. You might have to do a domain transfer but that involves you sending yourself a message to your other registrar and then telling yourself it's okay to do the transfer.

Wow, I need to drink more for that to make sense.

My experience: I have a dozen or so domain names registered with GoDaddy that do not have a site hosted with them, and they are always sending me offers to buy more domains if I want them.. GoDaddy's website is complex and designed to sell you stuff, like webspace and emails and etc to go with the domain name. Have you tried calling customer service and telling them you want to register your domain name with them but you don't want to rent web space from them at this time?

*head spins slightly* .w.: ..l;,

Thanks Lauren, I'm going to check them out. Tripod is okay, but they changed their site builder program & unless you can design or pay someone to design something for you, it's super basic & I just really don't like the limited options now. I've had issues with the text font and/or size just up & changing randomly as well & only found out when someone emailed to tell me I should make it smaller/clearer so it'd be easier to read. Ugh.

Pen, I'm going to PM you on fb when we get back from supper in a while. I sort of but not entirely understand what you're saying & besides I think I might have some additional related questions for you, too. ..g.:

For straight-up registration, I go with Network Solutions. But I realized that my host has free registration and, well, I'm now paid up with NetSol for several years.

Oh, dear, don't go into text sizing and fonts because most people don't understand how totally out of their hands those attributes are.

Go ahead and PM me or email me at pen@roguepen.com. Give me a summary of what you need in the way of domain registration, transfers and hosting along with a wish list of site functions and I might be able to point you in the right direction.