Bootstrap fluid layout - fixed width of sidebar

Answer 1

I think you are looking something like this:

    this is my fixed sidebar


    

        

            
this is fluid
            
yeah!
            
Awesome!
        
        

            
1 half
            
2 half
        
    

here´s a fiddle for your convenience: http://jsfiddle.net/TT8uV/2/

As as general note:

You don´t need to use bootstrap as your 'main container', so you can place your sidebar side-by-side with a grid system (like bootstrap fluid and responsive). This way you have A LOT of control of the sidebar, without affecting the actual content.

Hope it works for you.