From all the vast knowledge here in this forum I believe it would be good to post the Top Ten ways to ID a bad host, without using names, for people searching. It is probably one of the most common Q's on here "How is ******* ?".

Just an Idea:)

If the host offers unlimited space/bandwidth/hits. Unlimited HDs aren't coming for a while.

If the host does not use a secured server to take orders. Not necessarily bad, but I'd be very cautious.

If the host seems too good to be true.....99% of the time it is.

If the host copies images/text directly from another host without citing it.....again, not necessarily bad, but be careful!

If the host flames other hosts/companies/people publicly or uses deceiving methods to try and get revenge......once again be careful! <---A certain host beginning with a T and containing the word acid in it, inspired that one :-) MODS: Feel free to edit that one out if you feel it is inappropriate (I think it is perfectly OK):D

although this may not 100% matter for all hosts... but

hosts that have designs that look like its one of those FrontPage template... i definately stay away from those

Originally posted by alpha
although this may not 100% matter for all hosts... but

hosts that have designs that look like its one of those FrontPage template... i definately stay away from those


Speaking of which, one of our members offered up his site at SitePoint for review, using a FrontPage template. I offered a fairly constructive review in which I suggested that he get a professional web designer to design his site because the FrontPage site didn't inspire confidence in visitors (the site was after all, pretty ordinary and was a definite newbie effort). The guy took severe offence to my review (I've still got a copy of it if anyone wants to see it) and complained to all the SP staff, who backed me 100%.....

Some people just can't take criticism these days and just have to run back to their mummys and daddys :rolleyes:



Sorry, carry along....

I believe the "T" is a great example, I have had the "pleasure" :rolleyes: of being host by "T" and it does show what to look out for.:)

Originally posted by BC



Speaking of which, one of our members offered up his site at SitePoint for review, using a FrontPage template. I offered a fairly constructive review in which I suggested that he get a professional web designer to design his site because the FrontPage site didn't inspire confidence in visitors (the site was after all, pretty ordinary and was a definite newbie effort). The guy took severe offence to my review (I've still got a copy of it if anyone wants to see it) and complained to all the SP staff, who backed me 100%.....

Some people just can't take criticism these days and just have to run back to their mummys and daddys :rolleyes:



Sorry, carry along....

ack, im searching for that post at SP but can't find it... mind giving me a link? I want to see! :)

Not alot of people here wish to help others:confused: I know alot of you have some great advise for the new people that are just starting out. It just takes a minute to type it, well, unless you type like me:D


Take a look, almost at 100 views at the time I edited this, people would really like to know the warning signs

Originally posted by akashd
If the host offers unlimited space/bandwidth/hits. Unlimited HDs aren't coming for a while.

If the host does not use a secured server to take orders. Not necessarily bad, but I'd be very cautious.

If the host seems too good to be true.....99% of the time it is.

If the host copies images/text directly from another host without citing it.....again, not necessarily bad, but be careful!

If the host flames other hosts/companies/people publicly or uses deceiving methods to try and get revenge......once again be careful! <---A certain host beginning with a T and containing the word acid in it, inspired that one :-) MODS: Feel free to edit that one out if you feel it is inappropriate (I think it is perfectly OK):D

well, i think akashd did a great job listing all the things that you can look for in a possible "bad" host

:)

One thing I know is answer all questions from prospective customers promptly. I was looking for a cheap yearly payment type host for my GFs website and e-mailed 3 different hosts with simple questions.Only one responded.Guess who i went with?

Originally posted by alpha


ack, im searching for that post at SP but can't find it... mind giving me a link? I want to see! :)


Check your PM alpha! :D

BC send it to me also

My personal top criteria:

1) E-mail the staff to feel out the vibe of the company. This is not 100% foolproof (how many times have we heard about sales e-mail being a LOT more friendly than support e-mail?) but at least you know that if they're surly or unprofessional before the sale, make the crucifix symbol with your fingers and back out the door.

2) Look for misspellings or other sloppiness on their site. Okay, this will piss some hosts off, I suppose, but oh well. Sloppiness in appearance sends the message of sloppiness in service. Professionalism carries with it a certain demeanor and attitude; certainly we can assume that if it is not communicated via the host's own materials, then it ought to be expected that professionalism is missing elsewhere as well.

Please note: the appearance of professionalism can be faked by otherwise bad companies. And surely there are good companies out there who do not have the time or inclination to focus enough resources to maintain a professional look. However, in the otherwise guidepost-less world that is cyberspace, we the consumers must use whatever criteria are available to judge a site; appearances must be considered one of the high priorities before the sale.

3) You get what you pay for. Scope out the market. Find out what the going rate is for certain services, and watch out for the companies that offer way too much for a low low price. I've been burned before trying to save a quick buck -- in the end, when I've tried to cut costs on the promises of a really great hosting plan, it turns out the host has no support and is completely unreliable.

All hosting businesses -- like all businesses in general -- must rely on market forces and the laws of basic economics in order to operate. See a company offer something that falls outside the bounds of common sense, and it might mean that a company is offering much more than it really can afford.

So anyway, those are just some of my thoughts. Take them for what they're worth. But take them in context, too.

Addition to Bigmattyh's list:

Learn enough about web hosting to be able to make an informed decision. I get asked a lot of questions by prospects that basically have nothing to do with the price of tea in china, but are based upon shady marketing statements such as 'unlimited bandwidth' made by some of the less scrupulous providers (aka bad hosts).

Decide what criteria are most important to you in your web hosting, and what your range is:

* Price (do you need it free or cheap, or do you have VC money to burn?)
* Uptime: How many nines do you need?
* Level of support (can you figure it out with web-based support, or do you need someone to talk you through it step-by-step)
* Features needed: do you have specialized needs, or is Basic hosting all you need?
* Amount of bandwidth you'll be using: 2GB? 20GB? 200DGB?

Try this one on for size. ;)

http://www.webhostingtalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12215

Best Regards,

but at least this one was honest about the fact that you ain't getting back any money you give them:

Do you give refunds?

We do not have any active refund policy. However if you can supply a compelling reason to receive and refund it may be granted

What constitutes a compelling reason for a refund? In their minds?

Top Ten List of signs that your host is a bad host from the Home Office in Tempe, AZ

10.They offer 100% uptime. For a few dollars a month.

9. You recognize most of their site's graphics, layout and content from other locations

8. You click the live chat button and a 15 year old boy asks you A/S/L and then wants to know what you are wearing.

7. The only way to get tech support is to post angry messages saying they suck in a public forum

6. Everytime someone starts a thread asking if they are any good, two newbies make their very first posts saying how great they are

5. They've been in business for 3 weeks and they want an annual contract, with payment in advance.

4. They are offering 30GB for 5 bucks a month (or a RaQ for 99 cents)

3. Two words: Guadalupe Milk

2. Refund policy is 'no refunds'

1. Unlimited Bandwidth

8. You click the live chat button and a 15 year old boy asks you A/S/L and then wants to know what you are wearing.

lol :D

Not all 15 year old people are like that though.

Seriously,

I know 40 year old men who do that too :p


Originally posted by 9kdnet


lol :D

Not all 15 year old people are like that though.

lol!!!!!!!!! :D Here's one, err...a couple

Tacid
Shang
*****
Unlimited
Unmetered

You see any of those on a site that don't have the word "sucks" or a similar word right after it....leave!! ;)

Originally posted by Dogma
lol!!!!!!!!! :D Here's one, err...a couple

Tacid
Shang
*****
Unlimited
Unmetered

You see any of those on a site that don't have the word "sucks" or a similar word right after it....leave!! ;)

You forgot to add Guadalupe or Milk. 'Cause sometimes Guadalupe suddenly becomes Guadalupe Wong.

* cheap

Has anyone actually found a host that allows unlimited bandwidth and a huge amount of space / unlimited space? I want to start a mirror for mp3.com on it =).

Originally posted by jic
Has anyone actually found a host that allows unlimited bandwidth and a huge amount of space / unlimited space? I want to start a mirror for mp3.com on it =).

I've got a fiber line that does 1024 terabytes/second and i have twenty 170 Terabyte hard drives. I can set up a server with unlimited everythingfor you if you want........it'll cost you though: $20/year

Originally posted by akashd


I've got a fiber line that does 1024 terabytes/second and i have twenty 170 Terabyte hard drives. I can set up a server for you if you want........it'll cost you though: $20/year

<neo>whoa!</neo>

That's kind of pricey dude, if you can give that to me for maybe 5 bucks a year, I'd like to host a couple of warez sites on it and maybe some pr0n sites.

I'll expect 24/7 live telephone support, 15 minute response time, as well as free script debugging.

Originally posted by akashd


I've got a fiber line that does 1024 terabytes/second and i have twenty 170 Terabyte hard drives. I can set up a server for you if you want........it'll cost you though: $20/year

What about a reseller discount?

You charge for that?

You should be paying us to use the bandwidth.

Best Regards,

What about a reseller discount?

The primary account will be $20/year.
Additional accounts will only be $5/year!.

, if you can give that to me for maybe 5 bucks a year
That's the price of our reseller's account! For $5/year I'd have to cut your bandwidth and diskspace in half....

I'll expect 24/7 live telephone support, 15 minute response time, as well as free script debugging.

All of our services include, 24/7 phone support, as well as in house support-meaning we'll come over to your house and help you out. All our servers come with preinstalled scripts, and our forum contains scripts we have uploaded for members to download. These scripts include VBulletin, Formmail, and AutoHomePage.

As a sign up bonus, we offer complete website design! Pick out any major website on the internet and we'll custom design a similar one for free!

Oh, forgot to mention our URL: http://www.milkhost.com!






As you can see I'm having too much fun with this!:D

Originally posted by akashd

As a sign up bonus, we offer complete website design! Pick out any major website on the internet and we'll custom design a similar one for free!

Oh, forgot to mention our URL: http://www.milkhost.com!

As you can see I'm having too much fun with this!:D

You are a truly sick and twisted individual, I like that about you.

i just did a whois for milkhost.com and found out that it's actually taken! They point to ***** name servers though :rolleyes:

i trust no host with slow loading homepage. there are a lot of them.

also something i've wondered about. host who have banners on their sites. i don't know if its a bad sign but if they making money off of hosting why run banners. i've seen a handful of host who do that.

Originally posted by opus
i trust no host with slow loading homepage. there are a lot of them.

also something i've wondered about. host who have banners on their sites. i don't know if its a bad sign but if they making money off of hosting why run banners. i've seen a handful of host who do that.

I'd be more than just a little worried if a host had to run banners on their site to make money. I haven't seen any professional hosts doing this. Mainly free hosts that also offer paid accounts.

Originally posted by Planet Z


I'd be more than just a little worried if a host had to run banners on their site to make money. I haven't seen any professional hosts doing this. Mainly free hosts that also offer paid accounts.

How about a host with not just a banner ad, but a link-exchange banner ad, on the top of their main page.

Originally posted by Phoenix


How about a host with not just a banner ad, but a link-exchange banner ad, on the top of their main page.

Still sounds pretty desperate. Although, from what I've heard about most linkexchanges, you'd probably be better off with a paid ad (then again, adrates are also pretty low...)

Any web hosting companies called "webhosting.com" are worse than *****. Need I say more?

Originally posted by Planet Z
Still sounds pretty desperate. Although, from what I've heard about most linkexchanges, you'd probably be better off with a paid ad (then again, adrates are also pretty low...)

LOL...no, I was only adding to the prior remark by recounting I saw recently. It gave the whole site a 'hi, I'm a personal home page' look to it.

My impression is that advertising is for content sites, not professional service sites.

Originally posted by bigmattyh

All hosting businesses -- like all businesses in general -- must rely on market forces and the laws of basic economics in order to operate. See a company offer something that falls outside the bounds of common sense, and it might mean that a company is offering much more than it really can afford.


I wholeheartedly agree w/ everybody else that you simply canNOT offer cheap prices and excellent 100% uptime.

BUT i'd like to throw this Q back at all of you,
Have you ever heard of a company that offers cheap hosting b/c they enjoy doing it ? they even offer their customers the Option to be Dual Data center hosted for Free, all for the price of a regular(cheap) hosting account ?

Guys, remember it's not all about money , while most hosts do it for profit but again there are hosts that offer inexpensive hosting b/c they feel they don't need money/the profit.....and still offer the reliability the same as that of the expensive ones :)


cheers,
elijah john