We are changing how Visual Society works from the inside out to give users greater flexibility, more control and better support. This upgrade to the existing Visual Society platform will provide PRO account users with:
- FTP access
- Email accounts
- The ability to upload new WordPress themes
- The ability to add new WordPress plugins
- Access to 24-7-365 support for web hosting questions. We host all sites on the Rack Space Cloud – the Rolls Royce of web hosts using cloud server technology.
- Access to the Graph Paper Press support forum for WordPress-related questions
- Access to all themes on Graph Paper Press
- Access to all video tutorials on Graph Paper Press
To accomplish this, new PRO accounts will now be available through Graph Paper Press in the form of a Pro Web Hosting Annual Subscription. It takes 24 hours for your web hosting account to activate. After your site is active, you will receive your site’s WordPress login credentials, FTP login info, access to the Graph Paper Press system, and access to your web hosting control panel, hosted on the Rack Space Cloud.
How this upgrade effects your site
Simply put, it doesn’t, unless you want to upgrade. Existing PRO accounts on Visual Society will also remain active, but, we highly recommend PRO account users request to upgrade their existing sites on Visual Society to this more flexible platform. Existing free accounts on Visual Society will remain active.
How this Pro Hosting Upgrade differs from existing Visual Society Pro Accounts
Visual Society is currently run off of one WordPress MU installation. All users share the same themes, but, are able to customize their themes using those options available on the theme options page. While this certainly makes it easy to publish and customize, the WordPress MU platform places limits on users that we prefer to get rid of. We think everyone should have FTP access, the ability to edit theme code if you choose to, the ability to create email accounts, and so on.
You will also receive FTP access, email capabilities and access 24-7-365 server support provided by RackSpaceCloud.com. SSH access is not included. Support inquiries related to WordPress, design or general website questions should be directed to the Graph Paper Press support forum. You are responsible for the ongoing maintenance of your site. If you want to customize your site beyond those options available to you on the theme options panel of your theme design, and you don’t know HTML, CSS, or PHP, you will need to hire a developer.
Here is an itemized comparison of the new Pro accounts and the new Pro Web Hosting Accounts:
- FTP access (New accounts have their own server space, including FTP access. The old accounts were on a shared environment and didn’t include FTP access.)
- Email accounts (New accounts have email. The old ones did not.)
- The ability to upload new WordPress themes (You have total control over your WP install, including the ability to add new themes and modify existing theme code. This wasn’t possible before.)
- The ability to add new WordPress plugins (You have total control over your WP install, including the ability to add new plugins and modify existing ones. This wasn’t possible before.)
- Access to 24-7-365 support for web hosting questions. We host all sites on the Rack Space Cloud – the Rolls Royce of web hosts using cloud server technology. (New accounts have access to all content, support, and tutorials on Graph Paper Press. They also have access to 24x7x365 server support. The old accounts only offered support via a ticket system)
- Access to the Graph Paper Press support forum for WordPress-related questions (Old accounts didn’t have access at all. This alone is a $99/year fee that we are including with all new accounts.)
- Access to all themes on Graph Paper Press (Old accounts only had access to those we chose to host for users. With new accounts, you can add new GPP themes, or any themes for that matter. You can also install other software. You are not limited to WordPress. After all, you are purchasing web hosting with a managed WordPress installation)
- Access to all video tutorials on Graph Paper Press (Old accounts only had access to beginner videos)
Site Maintenance
On the new platform, we build, install and configure your WordPress installation and then turn the keys over to you. You maintain your site and upgrade WordPress, themes and plugins whenever you want. While neither Graph Paper Press nor Visual Society is responsible for the ongoing hosting arrangements with RackSpaceCloud.com, we are happy to help out with questions related to WordPress and general website administration. This new platform has all the benefits of a professionally developed and configured WordPress site, minus the cost. Please review our support policy for a full explanation of the scope of support offered on the Graph Paper Press support forum. The support forum is curated daily by three WordPress developers.