Is creating a website like myspace or another type relatively easy? What does one need to know & be aware of?

[digitalblue2u]

Hi....this question often baffles people starting out on the web.
Firstly, there are complex and quite expensive web page compilers like Dreamweaver or free editors like Microsoft Frontpage that are included in your PC package, and free Mac versions.

Open source projects like NVU also provide desktop compilers but what I presume you are asking is for an easy system to build web2.0 websites.

It is possible to create simple dynamic websites without incurring hosting charges and no forced advertising , using a free online service where you can build your site easily on a WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get), drag & drop website builder.

This service, along with the ability to add freely available vector graphics, media players and embedded video has been utilized to create our own online magazine.

However, if you wish to create your own small online community, not huge like myspace, unless you can afford the server costs with a spare million or three ~ I suggest you take a look at the 'Ning' project.
http://www.ning.com

There are thousands of small 'Ning' social networks and the community is growing. What you need to know & be aware of is that in order for the owners to host your site, the owners of 'Ning' will place forced ads on your pages.

It all depends on whether you wish to create your own dynamic website without ads - including a blog & chat room, or go the whole hog with a social network.

Hope this answers your question, if you need to know more, just ask, we are always here to help.