Hi!! I'm so glad I found this forum. I've been reading everything I can for the past 3 weeks about building a site with multiple users and it is a little overwhelming. Wow, who knew???

I'm building a store directory site where users will be able to set up a favorite stores page. From what I'm reading I need something like Joomla to do this.

I have a basic 3 column layout design and have found one in Hostgator's templates that looks very close to what I need. But, here's the thing...do I have to use a Joomla template? There is one that I like there, too.

So, what's the story. Do I use the Hostgator template or the Joomla? I just signed up for Hostgator yesterday in part because of all the advice I read here. I've been talking to them via their live chat for a week with ?s after reading the posts here. Thanks! for all the great ?s and discussions.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts and having many discussions in the future. I have 2 sites in place now, one is all template (I'm changing it to a freebie for information only) and one temporary freebie for a not-for-profit I founded a couple months ago and am in the process of figuring out what's needed for it.

I know basic html but this CMS perl Joomla and all has my head spinning.

Any help getting me started in this new venture will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much,
shopgirl