[DigitalEl]

My first experience publishing a website was using the rudimentary .Mac templates. A year later, I "graduated" to Contribute 2 and am putting out some good-looking websites for my kids. Still though, I'm using Contribute 2's templates (slightly modified). I like that C2 is more sophisticated than a simple web-based template, but I understand it's probably not what I'd use if I were a professional, doing websites for clients. So my question is, what's next?

I know there are Adobe vs. Macromedia debates. I'd like to start doing better stuff, but am no artist. I like having templates to choose from (and some of the C2 templates are quite robust, IMHO).

Would trying to learn Dreamweaver or GoLive be the next step? Is it realistic for someone who doesn't have 40 hours a week to put into it? Is it pointless if I'm not looking to do my own custom art for my sites?

Want:
Reasonably priced software for the non-pro.
Reasonably easy to use for the non-pro.
Templates, because I'm NOT an artist.
Publishing ease (like C2's auto linking to your .Mac account).

Where's a good place to start?

[NitzJaaron]

Macromedia Dreamweaver's got everything you are looking for. It costs around $300, although if you are still in school (or know someone who is) you can get it for a considerable discount. Also, most major colleges and universities carry OEM versions of it, and they cost like $15.00. All you need to do is buy it from the "school store".

Additionally, they offer a free 30 day trial. I'm sure that if it really came down to it, you could look around the web and find a way to extend the trial indefinitely. Not that I advocate that, of course..

Either way, check out http://www.macromedia.com/software/dreamweaver/ for more information.