Setting up a free web site is straightforward, but you do need to be able to make your own web pages offline. We are not offering you tools for making web pages, but you do get somewhere to put your web pages, your own web site for free.

The three simple steps

(1) Create your web pages and graphics
(2) Sign-up for a free web site
(3) Load your pages.

Creating Pages

Firstly, you create your web pages offline. There are many tools you can use, including your web browser, MS-Word and Notepad or specialist tools such as HomeSite, DreamWeaver and so on. We don't care what you use to create your pages we can handle them all.

There are a couple of things to note though. Your main page must be called index.html. If you are using graphics, then you can only use GIF or JPG format files.

If you are into creating Java applets and other such stuff, then go ahead, we should support them all.

Signing Up

You must sign up for a web site before you can load it. You can have as many web sites as you like. For each web site we must have the follwing information:

User Name: A single word name for you, must be letters and digits only, no spaces or punctuation, for example Cal

Password: Your personal password, you will not be able to update the site without using this. Use letters and digits, no spaces or punctuation though. Hint: using two words joined together, i.e. catdog, can be easy to remember.

Email Address: your site details (including the password) will be sent to this address. If you forget your details we will mail them again to this address. We will not spam you, nor reveal this address, but it is required for administration purposes.

Site Name: This is a single word name for your site. Your site's url will be http://www.livinghistory.co.uk/homepages/SITENAME. This site name must be unique, you will be told if it is already in use by someone else.

Site Title: This title will appear in our main index, not too long please, but something descriptive.

Enter these details in the Sign Up Form and your site will be ready for loading.

TIP: Use lower case letters (a - z) for your name, password and site then they will be easier to type in.

Loading your pages

Go to Load Pages to add files to your site.

You must fill in your User Name, Password and Site Name from your registration. If these are not correct you will be able to load pages. (Though it will try and load them before you find out!).

Then, you can add up to 10 files at one time. Click the Browse button next to each file label you want to add. Note, your browser might only show you HTML files when you click the browse button, if you have other files to load, then select "All Files".

Although you can only add 10 files at 1 time, you can keep adding 10 files at a time until your site is complete. We don't place a restriction on the size of your site, we are fairly relaxed about this. But if you start putting up huge graphics files or programs then we might object...

Note that our system is case sensitive, that is to say that "INDEX.HTML" is not the same as "Index.HTML" is not the same as "index.html". If in doubt, make sure all names are lowercase before uploading.

If you use the same name as an existing file, it is overwritten and replaced with your new file. There is no need to delete old files before replacing them.

Again, make sure your master page is called index.html.

If you are loading a lot of graphic files, you may need to be patient. Graphics can take a long time to load.

You can remove all the files at your web site (let's say you want to start over), select Clear Files.

If you want to remove the site altogether, and free up the site name, then select Shutdown a site.

If you forget your password or site details, you can ask for any sites details to be resent to your original email address.

If all else fails, and things are not working right, or you've got stuck or something, then contact webmaster@livinghistory.co.uk.

Basically, we are pretty relaxed about what you put up. But there are some basic ground rules:

1. Your site ought to be vaguely related to Living History
2. No porn, programs, virus's, racist or otherwise offensive material.
3. Don't post huge files, it just slows things down for everybody.
4. Don't slander, libel or otherwise insult others.
5. Do not post copyrighted material belonging to others.
6. In the event of a dispute, we'll take the site down first and ask questions later.
7. We are the final arbiters, what we say goes.
8. It's all voluntary, we'll try and help where we can, but this not some contracted business venture.

1. You can post any number of files
2. You have no bandwidth limit (unless you use lots and lots)
3. It's your chance for a bit of fame, glory and recognition
4. Where else can you leave web stuff for your fellow re-enactors?
5. Traders and other sellers of things may use this space (within reason)
6. We won't (normally) exercise any kind of editorial control
7. Societies or individuals, all are welcome.
8. It's free!

Frequently Asked Questions

I've loaded my pages, but I still only see the "waiting" page?

Your main page is not called index.html. This is absolutely vital.

Also, note that our system is case sensitive, that is to say that "INDEX.HTML" is not the same as "Index.HTML" is not the same as "index.html". If in doubt, make sure all names are lowercase before uploading.

I've forgotten my password?

Use the Email Password option on the menu bar above to have your site details sent to your email address. This must be the original email address you signed up with.

But I've changed email address

Oh, for goodness sake! Send an email to webmaster@livinghistory.co.uk detailing who you were, and who you are now. Maybe he'll reset it for you!

How much can I load up?

There is no set limit, we'll let you know if we think you are being greedy. Remember, this is for web pages, not massive downloads, MP3's and the like.

Do you recommend a web page creator?

No, there are hundreds of them out there, try some out, or use your browser.

Can I publicise the web address?

Yes, that's fine, unless something goes truly pear-shaped we will keep your address as you set it up.

What about web counters or statistics?

Not yet, maybe later....