Can anyone help me, a non-techie, with some problems?
I own and run 2 small busineses, separate but related. Each has a website which is maintained by the same web manager whom I paid to create and maintain the websites.
The first website's domain name is owned by me but the web manager arranged the hosting and does the maintenance.
The second website's domain name is owned and maintained by the web manager.
Here's the problem. The web manager has serious mental problems and suffers from a combination of agoraphobia and bipolar disorders. I was aware of these issues from the beginning, and being a soft touch, was persuaded to give her a chance. She assured me that all was well and under control with medication, and indeed everything has been ok.
Until now.
We are approaching the third year. She has become a recluse and there is no communication. My websites needs updating badly but she does not respond to any phone calls or emails.
The domain and hosting of the first website was just renewed prior to her going downhill.
The second website has not been renewed and I accept that I have to eliminate it (what's the right word?) and start afresh with a new domain name. It will be hard but doable since clients are already starting to refer to the business by an abbreviation. However, I need to make sure that the current website is off the air altogether otherwise things could get confusing.
Back to the first website and my question. Being the owner of the domain name, what can I do to reclaim it and pay someone else to manage it?
And for the second website, are there any sites around which allows low-tech-skilled people to create their own very simple websites that they can update whenever they like? I'm not looking for budget sites, just easy ones where I can have complete control over the content.
So, to summarise:
1. How do I reclaim my first website?
2. How do I make sure the second one does not float around in the ether forever?
3. Is there a way that I, non-techie, can create my own simple website?
Thanks for any advice.
I own and run 2 small busineses, separate but related. Each has a website which is maintained by the same web manager whom I paid to create and maintain the websites.
The first website's domain name is owned by me but the web manager arranged the hosting and does the maintenance.
The second website's domain name is owned and maintained by the web manager.
Here's the problem. The web manager has serious mental problems and suffers from a combination of agoraphobia and bipolar disorders. I was aware of these issues from the beginning, and being a soft touch, was persuaded to give her a chance. She assured me that all was well and under control with medication, and indeed everything has been ok.
Until now.
We are approaching the third year. She has become a recluse and there is no communication. My websites needs updating badly but she does not respond to any phone calls or emails.
The domain and hosting of the first website was just renewed prior to her going downhill.
The second website has not been renewed and I accept that I have to eliminate it (what's the right word?) and start afresh with a new domain name. It will be hard but doable since clients are already starting to refer to the business by an abbreviation. However, I need to make sure that the current website is off the air altogether otherwise things could get confusing.
Back to the first website and my question. Being the owner of the domain name, what can I do to reclaim it and pay someone else to manage it?
And for the second website, are there any sites around which allows low-tech-skilled people to create their own very simple websites that they can update whenever they like? I'm not looking for budget sites, just easy ones where I can have complete control over the content.
So, to summarise:
1. How do I reclaim my first website?
2. How do I make sure the second one does not float around in the ether forever?
3. Is there a way that I, non-techie, can create my own simple website?
Thanks for any advice.