subject: Is Your Web Site An Orphan? [print this page] I build web sites and it's a standard practice of mine to upload the web sites project folder with all its metadata tucked inside whether I host it or whether its hosted elsewhere. At least I assumed it was standard practice.
After that conversation though, I started asking other people friends and business associates if they have access to their web sites project file and more often than not, I would get blank stares. They simply didnt know.
So.
Before its too late and while you know how to contact your web designer or your web master, ask them this question. Are all of my project files, including the Photoshop design images and other metadata, on the server with our web site? You may even, as a belt and suspenders precaution, ask for a copy of that folder to be sent to you as well for safekeeping.
That way, no matter what changes you make in your business, or in your relationship with your web master or designer, you have the blueprints. Because, not only is it frustrating to know your site is not current, and be helpless to change it, it can be very costly to fix.
Heres a simple check list of the information and files you must have to ensure your site is truly yours;
1. The name of your domain name registrar.
2. User name and password for you domain name registrar.
3. The name of your web hosting company.
4. The user name and password for you web hosting company.
5. The software used to create your website.
6. A copy of the actual program file (metadata) and all the files required by the project file to allow your website to be update or edited.
7. The renewal dates for both your domain name and your hosting package.
This is not a comprehensive list but will ensure your site does not become an orphan.
Remember the web site is yours and your internet image is property you should take care to protect. Theres no need for your site to ever become orphaned or your online image to be lost.
