Hi there,

I've been working on starting a hosting business that hides the user from the complexities of setting up the website backend and only providing a dedicated website builder only (based on swsoft sitebuilder)...

MY dilemma is that i'm always thinking (at the back of my head) that I should be using that time becoming more proficient as a freelance developer!

I am currently working as a full-time web developer in asp.net and would like to have a secondary income-stream.

What is more manageable and profitable? freelance developing (part time) or owning a hosting business that only provides sitebuilder functionality for the masses?

Here is my take:

-= Freelancing =-
Advantages:
- i can take on projects when free to do so
- potential to earn alot of money part-time
- will help me keep my development skills in top shape for my fulltime job
Disadvantages:
- tough bidding for jobs against the billion other freelance developers
- can be slow getting new jobs at the start
- active income (have to code at work, than again at home!!!)
- not as many asp.net projects available as i'd like (guru.com, elance.com)
- alot of jobs pay very little, until you build your portfolio which my take ages!

-= Sitebuilder Hosting Business =-
Advantages:
- easy to manage
- easy to setup and start
- passive income (once the customers site is setup, it hums along at $25 a month!
- alot of potential customers... targeted to the masses!
Disadvantages:
- digressing from my core skills
- have to be on-tap for support, is this manageable (and fair to the customer) while having a full-time job?
- will have to help with design change requirements and designing (not my core skillset)
- will have to get alot of customers to get significant returns
- alot of competitors (moonfruit, homestead)

What do you think?