Although they say that Galaxy-Web is no longer in business and that they just bought the domain galaxy-web.com from GW, I believe it is still the same company run the same person, yes the devil himself, Joe Merkle.
If you notice the traceroute still shows galaxy-web.com, therefore I presume they're still using the same servers/routers/location as GW did, also the DNS server are GALAXY-WEB.COM. The signup form for UltraLink also points to cardservice, which was the same that GW used in it's last months. Helen Cato, supposedly the new owner, was also associated with GW when it was operating as GW.

Beware people, in my opinion it's just one of Joe Merkle's aliases in an attempt to get more people to fall into their trap.

Please, stay FAR away from Ultralink -- It IS galaxy-web!

Researcher, if you have ANY proof (in writing) that Helen Cato was connected with the old Galaxy-Web, I'd like a copy. I have posted a warning about Galaxy-Web and Ultra Internet at one of my websites, and am being threatened with legal action. Hey -- it's happened before! So if I can gather any proof of a connection between the old service and the new (UltraLink.com and 2ultra.com) I can protect myself, and leave the warning online. Please e-mail deb@forumhosts.com. Thanks!

Hello,

For anyone inquiring, Ultra Internet IS NOT GALAXY-WEB INTERNET SERVICES! IF any of you want to contact ME, please do so at(573)369-3300. Unfortunately, no one here (on this message board) had the courage to leave their contact information. I would love to call everyone who has posted an inaccurate message. If anyone would care to read the current issue of Web-Hosting Magazine, the story about MY company is in the front of the book. ULTRALINK.NET (Ultra Internet) is not in any way affiliated with Galaxy-Web. We purchased the equipment from a third party, and then we paid another year of the domain name, so that our local customers (many of them business owners, with that email address printed on their literature) could still use their email addresses. You will not find any proof to the contrary (Deb Suran), because there is none. I find it most interesting, that you are a web-hosting company yourself, which makes your libelous statements all the more damning (as far as where your interests lie).

Thank you,

Helen Cato

I tried to call Ms. Debra Jean Suran, to clear up any confusion regarding my identity (not being Joe Merkle), and my company (not being Galaxy-Web), unfortunately, Ms. Suran opted to quickly tell me to "F***K OFF." I did inconvenience her in that I called her at eleven p.m. her time, not realizing the time differnce between us (although she sounded wide awake). I had just discovered this thread, and simply wanted to clear up all confusion ASAP, before Ms. Suran damages my company and my name any further than what she already has. I have been wrongly associated with another company (and another individual), and will not continue to stand idly by while certain individuals defame me and my company. FYI: Galaxy-Web and associates is out of business. One of my new customers received a letter from their attorney stating the company is defunct. We still have the same DNS because we are using the SAME upstream provider, and equipment as GWEB had (all of this information has already been passed along to MS. Suran, but I am posting it for those of you who do not know). I certainly hope that anyone feeling the urge to post another message regarding my company, would at least show the courtesy of calling me, emailing me, or even coming to see me in person. I would like the opportunity to "prove" who I am, and to preserve my integrity, before anyone else posts messages defaming me and my company, without the forethought of speaking with me first.

Thank you,

Helen Cato

That's pretty interesting, Helen, since ultralink.net, 2ultra.com, and galaxy-web.com all have WHOIS info that points to you, and all have records that were changed within a month of each other. I'm not saying anything about your service(s), as I haven't really researched it just yet (as far as reading reviews and going to Deja), but it does look like you are involved somehow.

Registrant:
Helen Cato (ULTRALINK5-DOM)
P.O. Box 22
Kaiser, MO 65047
US

Domain Name: ULTRALINK.NET

Administrative Contact, Technical Contact, Zone Contact, Billing Contact:
Cato, Helen (HC5871) admin@2ULTRA.COM
Helen Cato
PO Box 22
Kaiser, MO 65047
573-369-3300 (FAX) 573-365-3006

Record last updated on 22-Nov-1999.
Record expires on 15-Nov-2001.
Record created on 15-Nov-1999.
Database last updated on 28-May-2000 02:58:27 EDT

Registrant:
GalaxyWeb Internet Services (GALAXY-WEB-DOM)
P.O. Box 22
Kaiser, MO 65047
US

Domain Name: GALAXY-WEB.COM

Administrative Contact, Technical Contact, Zone Contact, Billing Contact:
Cato, Helen (CH1730-ORG) admin@2ULTRA.COM
Ultra Internet
P.O. Box 22
Kaiser, MO 65047
US
(573) 369-2674
Fax- - (573) 369-3763

Record last updated on 22-Dec-1999.
Record expires on 28-Mar-2001.
Record created on 28-Mar-1998.
Database last updated on 28-May-2000 02:58:27 EDT.

As far as Deb's post goes - I cannot fathom, for the life of me, why hosts go overboard as you have done instead of addressing the issues raised in a rational manner. Deb has not mentioned that she has a hosting company - in fact, she mentioned nothing at all beyond a request for information. The only thing you've done is advertise her service for her for those who are inclined to seek her out. Accusing her of libel is a pretty serious matter. Hope you have proof.

------------------
Annette
Hosting Matters, Inc.
http://www.hostmatters.com

[This message has been edited by Annette (edited 05-28-2000).]

Another interesting WHOIS (take a look at the tech/billing contact email addresses and then the last change date):
Registrant:
GalaxyWeb Internet Services (GALAXY-WEB2-DOM)
Post Office Box #64
Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Domain Name: GALAXY-WEB.NET

Administrative Contact:
Merkle, Joe (JM17357) joemerkle@GALAXY-WEB.COM
GalaxyWeb Internet Services
Post Office Box #84
Lake Ozark, Mo 65049
(573)-365-0001 (FAX) (573)-365-1115
Technical Contact, Zone Contact:
Internet, Ultra Administrator (SAG55) admin@2ULTRA.COM
Ultra Internet
P.O. Box 22
Kaiser, MO 65047
(573) 369-2674 (FAX) (573) 369-3763
Billing Contact:
GalaxyWeb, Billing Dept (BDG33) billing@GALAXY-WEB.COM
GalaxyWeb Internet Services
Post Office Box #84
Lake Ozark, Mo 65049
(573)-480-8618 (FAX) (573)-365-1115

Record last updated on 21-Aug-1999.
Record expires on 24-Apr-2000.
Record created on 24-Apr-1998.
Database last updated on 28-May-2000 02:55:26 EDT.

2ultra.com and galaxy-web.com, as I mentioned in the previous post, are also linked to you, Helen. Do you see how this looks?

------------------
Annette
Hosting Matters, Inc.
http://www.hostmatters.com

Why does something tell me we've got another TrueHosting in the making?

Now, Helen, you wouldn't want the same kind of reputation as Peter from TH would you...

Annette,

This is just a casual observation, but aren't you just battering down every host out there and reasoning that everyone will come to your hosting company as, they figure, as you are complaining and shedding bad light on everyone they will have a better service with you.....

Originally posted by JGross:
Annette,

This is just a casual observation, but aren't you just battering down every host out there and reasoning that everyone will come to your hosting company as, they figure, as you are complaining and shedding bad light on everyone they will have a better service with you.....



From what I see, Annette is simply looking out for others. And let's be honest, the whois info is suspisious...

Originally posted by JGross:
Annette,

This is just a casual observation, but aren't you just battering down every host out there and reasoning that everyone will come to your hosting company as, they figure, as you are complaining and shedding bad light on everyone they will have a better service with you.....



Actually, Jordan, I very much doubt she is doing that.

If you follow up the WHOIS data you will see she is quite correct, and GalaxyWeb et. al. are controlled by the same people.

She is also very complimentary of hosts who happen to have provided good service - ask her and she'll immediately name Alabanza and Valueweb as excellent providers (virtual or dedicated). She also happens to keep up with movements on the hosts front, while the rest of us simply can't, or are unable to.
If you also kept an eye on the Burst posts over the last few weeks, you would also have noted that she was extremy supportive of Burst and VDI - up to a point.

Besides, if she really did try to batter down every host, she would have done my favorite (and current) hosts (Below10Host and Inetdesign2k) by now, and other reputable hosts (WebServePro, Your-site.com)....

So, lay off :mad: ;)

Actually you guys ULTRAINTERNET is another company. When GALAXYWEB went completely defunct the lawyer from the so called company, sent me a letter saying that they are defunct and completely out of business.

ULTRAINTERNET has the domain from galaxy-web because ultrainternet took over dialup clientel in the local area and many of the dialup customers still have email using on galaxy-web.

ULTRAINTERNET also purchased galaxy-web's equipment through a third party. GALAXYWEB had its own noc, and the upstream from GALAXYWEB Repoe'd the equipment to my understanding because GALAXYWEB did not pay.

ANNETTE- you also seem to be a rather newby around this industry. You go around to all the forums and post things off of the top of your head figures, which are in-accurate. I would be MIGHTY careful if I was you.

I will not recommend your service to any of my customers, as I do not like your ethics.


Joe Devore
surfingjoe2000@aol.com

Actually, no, I do not go around bashing just about every host out there. I do make it a point, however, to point out what looks to be obvious lies or misleading information from hosts, or raise questions for those who might not know enough to get further information, as I am a firm believer (mentioned before by me) in personal and corporate responsibility. In addition, I am quite supportive of hosts who show themselves to be upright and honest, and who seem to be more concerned with the welfare of their customers than with the lining of their pockets. I have indicated as much in many public forums.

If, as you suggest, Jordan, I am simply doing this to get business - well, I can't do anything about your opinion. However, such action by me would be in the same category as the other types of hosts mentioned above, and that certainly does not mesh with my ethics. I have (just yesterday in fact) referred someone elsewhere for more research after determining that we could not give him what he needed - surely not the mark of someone just trying to grab business.

Joe - Yes, I am a newbie to this industry only as far as actually running the company. I have, however, had pretty extensive experience with hosts. I have no idea what "figures off the top of" my head you're talking about. Would you care to point to an example? As far as my ethics go - please see above. I'm sorry that honesty and forthrightness in a hst does not interest you. Others don't see it the same way, fortunately.

Regarding the WHOIS info - that was simply pulled as information: nothing more, nothing less. If Helen is not involved with the company this thread was started about, more power to her. I have no comment one way or the other, since I have no idea who she is. The point is simply to provide information and ask the appropriate questions so that issues like this can be cleared up. The information out there on the WHOIS simply looks a bit odd based on what Helen has said.

Unrelated to this specific instance, the point is to give people enough information so that they can find what they need when they need it - this includes answering questions, giving pointers to resources, and pointing out places (like Host Investigator, where, by the way, we are not listed) that they can go for help in making their choices about things. If others see this as some kind of unethical behavior - well, again, I can't do anything about opinions. I think it shameful that some hosts act in the manner they do, with threats of lawsuits and nasty messages when people post bad reviews or question them on things. Judging by the response I've received from my actions, however, most people are appreciative of what I do. Since I demand high standards from people (including hosting companies), and am myself honest almost to a fault, I have no doubt that I will be able to maintain their judgment of me and my business.

------------------
Annette
Hosting Matters, Inc.
http://www.hostmatters.com

Oh, and as a follow-up to BC - thanks, BC, for the support. Yes, I've defended Burst (site5, too, since they're at the VDI NOC) from time to time. I've also mentioned your-site as a host to people, based on the recommendations from the alt.www.webmaster crew. So obviously I'm not all gloom and doom. :)

------------------
Annette
Hosting Matters, Inc.
http://www.hostmatters.com

Annette -

As far as you looking out for the consumers, and making your best attempt to make sure consumers are treated right, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. I try to do that myself.

But as far as pulling information on whois and jumping to conclusions that ULTRAINTERNET is the same company as GALAXYWEB that is inaccurate. Helen has provided substantial information regarding the matter, and rather than jumping to conclusions. If you are really curious and want to know the TRUE facts. Contact her and ask her for her lawyer's information and contact the firm to verify directly.

Or contact the Secretary of State (as I have) and look up ULTRAINTERNET fictious name filing, nothing to do with GALAXYWEB.

GALAXYWEB is also defunct - I checked that out with Secretary of State of Missouri

Annette -

As far as ethics are concerned, I am just concerned about posting information and inferring without actual facts.

Other than that there is nothing wrong with being a newbie to the industry. Everyone is new at one point or another in some type of business, or industry.

Also - another thing referring to that is, try not to be so biased towards the situation. That is another thing which I was referring to with the ethical part. Do not believe everything you see/read, that is a old one in the book, if you know what I mean.

Hi Joe -

I understand where you're coming from, really. But I'm not really biased about these types of things (well, maybe the True Hosting stuff, but that's in another league entirely :) ). More of an interested observer, really.

The information I posted is available to everyone - in fact, if people were curious about those companies and did some research, that's what they would find. I've made no comment on it other than to point out that it seems to be contradictory to what Helen has said - this is how it looks to someone with no other information to work from. I am not jumping to conclusions here - I am simply pointing out that the explanation Helen gave may not be the clearest in the world when compared to information like WHOIS. Believe me, I dislike unsupported claims (both pro and con) probably more than you can imagine.

As I said before, I have no idea who she is, and quite honestly, I don't really care (although I do personally think it rude to call someone out of the blue, late, when it hasn't been requested). It is contigent on all of us to be as clear (and calm) as possible when dealing with issues like this, as it makes it easier to sort things out. It not only aids in resolving specific situations like this - it also makes the hosting business seem less like the shady, ego-driven, scamming industry it appears to be sometimes.

Cheers.

------------------
Annette
Hosting Matters, Inc.
http://www.hostmatters.com

Annette -

I can see where you are coming from as I said previously. I understand the past companys such as TRUEHOSTING and many other's ***** to name a couple, and more. They have done some quite un-ethical things and deserve to be taken off the internet quite frankly.

Galaxy-Web also deserved to be taken off the internet, and the owner arrested.

I have personally dealt with HELEN which is a very nice lady, and have had no problems. Thats why I am defending the fact so much that GALAXYWEB has nothing to do with ULTRAINTERNET besides Ultra took over many dialup customers of GALAXYWEB.

Thats all for now.

Thanks - for trying to understand my debate ;)

Joe - no problem. The two of us are pretty much on the same page, I'd imagine. :)


------------------
Annette
Hosting Matters, Inc.
http://www.hostmatters.com

Hello again,

I just want to clarify everyone's speculations regarding the Galaxy-web domain name. First of all a domain name does not a company make. Secondly, do you all realize how dificult it is to change certain things with NETSOL? The only left to change with NETSOL is the registrant's name with NETSOL. I have already stated that I did indeed purchase the domain name--which had not gone all the way out--so the registrant remains, until I can go through hoops of fire with NETSOL to get it changed. I believe I have explained everything as best I can, and at this point, you will just have to take my word, call me, do your researh, or whatever you feel you must to satisfy your suspicions.

Thank you,

Helen Cato

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Hcato:
Hello again,

Hiya! :)

I just want to clarify everyone's speculations regarding the Galaxy-web domain name. First of all a domain name does not a company make.

True enough.

Secondly, do you all realize how dificult it is to change certain things with NETSOL? The only left to change with NETSOL is the registrant's name with NETSOL. I have already stated that I did indeed purchase the domain name--which had not gone all the way out--so the registrant remains, until I can go through hoops of fire with NETSOL to get it changed.

I've heard horror stories about dealing with NetSol, to be sure (fortunately, I've never had any problems with them myself - lucky me).

I believe I have explained everything as best I can, and at this point, you will just have to take my word, call me, do your researh, or whatever you feel you must to satisfy your suspicions.

Heck, no suspicions here, Helen. Just some observations. Out of curiousity, what kind of time frame are you envisioning to change those dom records? One would think that any sites indicating you were associated with GW would be happy to change the info they have or at least post up an explanation from you of the whole enchilada. Like I said, clarity is good, no?

Have a great day. :)

------------------
Annette
Hosting Matters, Inc.
http://www.hostmatters.com

I signed up with Galaxy-Web last June. My account never did get setup. I still have not gotten my money back.

When I got my order confirmation it said "hcato" as the name of the person it was coming from in the e-mail line.

------------------
What is a signature?

I was with Galaxy-Web in 1997. I had the domain for a month or two and then decided I wanted to switch to another host. We cancelled my account, but Galaxy-Web got angry. On our credit card bill we found over $40 worth of fraudulent charges from Galaxy-Web. After weeks and weeks of trying to stop the charges, we were forced to freeze our credit card. Not only did that take a while, but we had payments going to the other card that were unable to come through.

If this new company really is still Galaxy-Web, I suggest the owner go stick his/her head up where the sun don't shine.

All the information I have posted at my website is part of the public record. The BBB has not removed its warning about Galaxy-Web. The whois information is available to anyone who looks it up (thanks for pointing out the Galax-Web.Net info, Annette). Anyone who makes a business call to a complete stranger at 11:00 p.m on a Sunday night deserves to be told to f*** off.

Deb Suran http://www.forumhosts.com