I am having problems with changing the html code to php for the thankyou page. a. Do I have to have this page? b.Is there any reason why I cannot simply ask folks to e-mail me and give my e-mail address?
I am a complete novice but getting there!

Yes, you can ask your visitors to simply email you.
However, using a form makes your site look more professional, and induces your visitors to provide specific info that you need. In an email, they will write what THEY think is useful, or they will even SKIP useful info. With a form, you have a preset number of fields, with the info that you need, as well as a "textarea" field, to allow them to add anything they consider important.

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