Finally!! 3 Column / CSS Templates Getting Closer

lisa · #1 (**permalink**) 03-12-2009, 09:50 PM

Great news for people still using the block by block builder or people thinking of using SBI! but aren't very enthused with the template options. The SBI! Xpress came out today and we're a couple of months away from the 3 Column/CSS template roll-out.

In a nutshell there will be 3 phases:

1) First phase will roll out in a week or so. This phase is for people who want to get started now and learn the fundamentals of CSS. If you don't want to wait for the templates to launch then this phase is for you.

2) Second phase involves a design contest for SBI! customers. The winning templates will be available in Site Central for SBIers who "Upload Their Own HTML". (The contest will probably run 2 months according the Ken)

3) Finally, the 3rd phase is probably the most anticipated. It's for the people using the block by block builders. They can simply choose a 3-Column template and their site will automatically change over to the new templates.

If you're an SBIer or an affiliate you can read the full details in Ken's own words here in the SBI! forums...

http://forums.sitesell.com/viewtopic...=606087#606087

Xfactor · #2 (**permalink**) 04-02-2009, 06:15 PM

Lisa,

I was looking into AJ's "3-Column magic template", everybody refers to, over in the SBI! forums, that has a price-tag of $95, and was 'wondrin' if you think I should hold off, until SBI comes out with theirs?

Do you think theirs will have one of the same quality, and do you think they'll charge for this xtra luxury?

bobtoday · #3 (**permalink**) 04-06-2009, 07:12 AM

Hi Lisa,

I saw the previous post from Xfactor about AJ's templates and was wondering what your reply was.
Also can you tell me where the link is to find the beta version of the 3 column website?

Thanks,
Bob

lisa · #4 (**permalink**) 04-06-2009, 06:02 PM

I really like AJ's work but have no idea how good the new templates are going to be in comparison. If I were you, I'd just wait until the new templates come out and then decide if you want to go with those or AJ's. AJ definitely does good work.

I've been out of town so need to get caught up by I know nothing about any beta versions. Have you checked the SBI! forums? There's a thread over there that explains all about the new templates. It's my understanding there is going to be a contest (if it hasn't started already) and the winners will have their designs offered as an option in SBI!.

Multimastery · #5 (**permalink**) 04-06-2009, 10:45 PM

Hi Lisa, I really don't want to wait 4 months to make changes. Is there a way that I can implement a 3 column template now. I have the content area down and steady building and I want to spruce up my design now not almost a half-a-year from now. I am trying to decide what i can easily do myself and what I may need to outsource -- but I still want to be able to stay with the SBI content management system.

Edit:

P.S. I just came across your 3 column template tutorial! - http://www.2createawebsite.com/video...nTemplate.html - is there a way i can do this and then easily upload it to SBI or is it more complicated than that. Just trying to explore my options ~ Thanks!

lisa · #6 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 11:31 AM

Absolutely you can. In fact, that's what I did. And to be honest, it's probably best to do your own template anyway because it is my understanding that when the 3 columns come out you will STILL have to use the Block by Block builder so there will be limitations just like now.

In fact, the reason I created that template was for people who wanted to upgrade their SBI! designs. It wasn't too hard for me but I would highly suggest you get comfortable with CSS and HTML (and an editor if you are going to use one) BEFORE you try to make the transition.

Also be sure you follow the SBI! Transition Guide located in Site Central in "Upload Your Own HTML". That will keep you on the right track.

Multimastery · #7 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 11:38 AM

Thanks for your quick reply Lisa! I figured there was a way to do this without waiting. I am fairly comfortable with HTML but know nothing about CSS. Also I don't have the extra cash to purchase an editor like Dreamweaver. Is there cheaper or free route that you can recommend that will not cause brain-swelling side effects LOL

lisa · #8 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 11:44 AM

Sure there is. Notepad!

Won't cost you a thing but you'll have to work directly with the code and honestly it's a very good way to learn. Since my template is already done for you, you can follow along with the video and learn how to edit the CSS file. Trust me. I didn't know much about CSS either but learned a lot through using templates and of course W3Schools, HTMLDog, etc.

You can also try Kompozer. It's free but I've heard it doesn't handle CSS all that well sometimes. There are people on this forum that have used Kompozer to do their SBI! update. http://kompozer.net/

I believe West did for her SBI! site...
http://www.best-baby-shower-planning-guide.com/

Xfactor · #9 (**permalink**) 05-29-2009, 04:41 PM

The idesign contest, for the 2and3 column templates, will be starting soon.

Details here>http://forums.sitesell.com/viewtopic.php?t=117512

lisa · #10 (**permalink**) 05-29-2009, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xfactor

The idesign contest, for the 2and3 column templates, will be starting soon.

Details here>http://forums.sitesell.com/viewtopic.php?t=117512

I was wondering about that. Thanks XFactor! I haven't been keeping up. I have a few friends who are anxious for this to be over so they can start using the templates.

thadaway · #11 (**permalink**) 06-05-2009, 07:22 PM

Hey everyone:
Seems the more I try to read into something the more I get myself confused.
But the three column template layout..not avail at SBI ? ?
Actualy I will be trying for a two col. with one with three ver. rails...

Also picked up Komposer ver 7(?) last night..Hey its free and worthy of a stab at trying it out as well . ...Wanted dream weaver but it is out of reach having other commitments. As far as the css problem it maybe do to the version you download..? There was/is a version out that is still under development....OK for the newbie but the guy with the PHD, the may find the errs before they come out with a patch.....

lisa · #12 (**permalink**) 06-06-2009, 12:12 PM

thadaway, SBI! is in the process of adding more up-to-date templates to their Site Builder. You can use Kompozer to design your own layout but in this thread, I was referring to the templates that come with your purchase.

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