Anyone use a web hosting company to host a website?

BrianH · 01-28-2008, 12:19 PM

I'm trying to start a new business and am working on getting a website posted. I signed up with Startlogic to host my site - found them listed as the top rated company on a rating page. I can't get my ftp to work with their site (I can download their default page, but I can't upload anything). I tried last week to call customer support, and kept getting disconnected. I've been trying all day and end up getting the same "All lines are busy...." message.

Anybody have an experience with this company? Their 24/7 customer support was listed as 5/5, but that has not been my experience so far.

I was able to finally upload my site files, 1 at a time my mind you, with their file management tool, but my site isn't visible. Found something that said their may be a problem with my domain. I registered my domain through them, so what the?

Does anybody have recommendations for web hosting companies? I may have to cancel my account and start over.

Thanks,

Brian H.

Danno · 01-28-2008, 12:26 PM

I worked a web page for a friend's business through Aracnet and had to work through their tech service people and was pleased with the service. I don't know if the rates are competitive anymore. I have a friend that hosts his brewing forum at Willamette.net and has nothing but good things to say about them.

Chromaflage · 01-28-2008, 12:27 PM

PM Sent

river keepers 02 · 01-28-2008, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianH

I'm trying to start a new business and am working on getting a website posted. I signed up with Startlogic to host my site - found them listed as the top rated company on a rating page. I can't get my ftp to work with their site (I can download their default page, but I can't upload anything). I tried last week to call customer support, and kept getting disconnected. I've been trying all day and end up getting the same "All lines are busy...." message.

Anybody have an experience with this company? Their 24/7 customer support was listed as 5/5, but that has not been my experience so far.

I was able to finally upload my site files, 1 at a time my mind you, with their file management tool, but my site isn't visible. Found something that said their may be a problem with my domain. I registered my domain through them, so what the?

Does anybody have recommendations for web hosting companies? I may have to cancel my account and start over.

Thanks,

Brian H.

Try Yahoo buisnes, with site builder[ works great, and has alot of options] just check it out'

JustCallMeDave · 01-28-2008, 12:35 PM

Be wary of web hosting rating sites. Many of them are just sites that have people pay to get those high ratings.

Before you cancel your account, get your domain name moved from them to someone like GoDaddy. That way you don't end up losing your domain to these folks. Also verify that you are listed as the actual owner of the site. I've seen some folks go through all-in-one services like this where they actually don't own their own domain name!

The right web host for you depends on your skill level. There are some great budget hosting plans out there that are great if you know your way around FTP and whatnot. Alternately, there are some great hosting plans out there that cost a bit more but are more geared for the non-propellerhead. Heck, there's even services out there where you can have a web page (note I didn't say web site) and email for free, without intrusive advertising.

If you'd like to know more about this stuff, drop me a note and I'll be glad to help. I've been doing this awhile and have been down many of these roads already.

StrikeFighter · 01-28-2008, 01:02 PM

Dave right...I have had great luck with Go Daddy Hosting my site. They always have someone you can talk to when you need help. Good luck

JustCallMeDave · 01-28-2008, 01:24 PM

I've only used GoDaddy for their domain registration services, and cannot speak for their hosting myself. Usually the majors like them don't let me have the level of control that I can get elsewhere. I like to be able to install my own PHP scripts (Wordpress, discussion forums, e-commerce, content management systems) whenever I want.

Ryan Pultz · 01-28-2008, 01:29 PM

we use godaddy for both hosting and name registration and have never had a problem they are great to work with and there site is easy to navigate rp

JustCallMeDave · 01-28-2008, 01:30 PM

Oh, and in case there's folks out there who are looking to host a simple one-page website and/or host your email, check out Google Apps. They will host your email and a one page web site for free. This is an excellent option for those folks who are running a business but don't have a website yet. So many times I see someone with an email address of theirbusinessname@comcast.net or theirbusinessname@hotmail.com when they could actually have theirname@theirbusinessname.com. Having your own domain name in your email shows more commitment to the business. I use this myself and it's great.

BrianH · 01-28-2008, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustCallMeDave

Oh, and in case there's folks out there who are looking to host a simple one-page website and/or host your email, check out Google Apps. They will host your email and a one page web site for free. This is an excellent option for those folks who are running a business but don't have a website yet. So many times I see someone with an email address of theirbusinessname@comcast.net or theirbusinessname@hotmail.com when they could actually have theirname@theirbusinessname.com. Having your own domain name in your email shows more commitment to the business. I use this myself and it's great.

That is a very good thing to know. My current address name@hotmail.com - which I was hating. Thanks Dave!!!!

Chetco · 01-28-2008, 07:31 PM

I use Voda Host/Blue Voda. It works great.
I made my own site with it and it was easy.
I dont know if I'm allowed to mention my site here, but it's [nope, not allowed]. Everything on that site, including the photo gallery and submit forms were easy to make with the free site builder. It costs $10 a month to have the site live, and I can update it whenever I want (I do several times a week).

fish_on · 01-28-2008, 08:41 PM

I have had real good luck with oneworldhosting.com I have 4 sites with them and have never a problem they didn't fix quickly.

BrianH · 01-29-2008, 12:06 PM

Interesting, I just called GoDaddy's sales and service number and I'm getting a busy signal.

I, I, I just don't know what to think about this whole mess.....

JustCallMeDave · 01-29-2008, 12:58 PM

You should just be able to do everything that you need through their web ordering system, though I caution that the checkout procedure is chock full o' crap that they try and sell you. Proceed with caution.

Jennie@ifish · 01-29-2008, 01:58 PM

I would call on Dave. He's an expert in this field. I have a domain host called VertexHost and I really, really like them!