Randy, that's definately NOT a stupid question -- indeed the problem may have
a couple of causes.  Here's the first thing I'd look at to maybe solve the
problem:

When you edit the index.html file does your editor delete the file then 
rewrite it?  If using ftp to access the box, does your ftp client do this?

If so, it could be the default umask setting it set to 077 when iyou probably
want it set to 022   Look in your .bashrc your .login or your .profile (or maybe
even /etc/profile) for anything referring to umask and give it a try.  Also 
some fancy web-publishing ftp clients will do a chmod 700 on your files after
it touches them.  If you're using one of these, you might want to check the 
client settings.

With all that said, now you know why it isn't a stupid question -- there is no
simple answer.  Try those things and let us know if you progess!  

	Mike Neuliep
	mike@illiana.net