Way back when I was first learning about computers, I spent some time learning HTML. Back then is when I started using FTP so I became very familiar with it. I used to hand code my HTML pages and then upload it.

Now with WordPress and Joomla I don’t have to do that. I only use it sometimes when I have a difficult time modifying a theme and want to get to directories that are hard to get to through the interface.

Recommendation with FTP: Create a subdirectory and use that to play around with FTP. Once you get the hang of it it’s not really so bad. However, if your websites are doing well without FTP, then do what works.

When you say you applied for eHow, do you mean through Demand Studios? In order to write for eHow you now have to go through DS. I have a post here about getting accepted for DS.

In the past I used to take sites down when they didn’t perform, but I’ve found that even dormant sites tend to earn enough money throughout the year to pay for themselves.

The Google game is a tricky one, that’s why I write for sites like Suite, eHow, Demand Studios and the like. Sometimes Google loves me and other times not. Similarly, recently Suite has been hating me, but eHow has not. It’s a true love/hate relationship with this online web stuff, but I’ve learned that the longer you stick with it, it eventually balances out.

Margaret, I’d be interested to see how things turn out for you in a month or two from now. Hang in there.