Gang,

Let me start off by saying that I work as a Proposal/Sales Writer. Basically, I respond to (in writing) customer inquiries found on RFPs (Requests for Proposal). I won't bore you with further details of my work. However, I was wondering if I could apply this concept to my "side job" as web administrator for a website. Basically, I want to know your opinion...

Does it make sense to compile a list of 10-15 questions that are critical in my selection of a web host? Questions like :::

***Does a Control Panel come with your hosting plans? If so, please provide an overview (screenshots preferred).

***Do you have tools that will allow our web team to incorporate Voting Polls on our website? Is there a limit to the number of polls we can incorporate?

***Do you have tools that will allow our web team to incorporate password protection of specific folders? Note that this is a critical requirement. Please give details.


The list continues, but these are sample questions. I know a lot of this info can be found on the host's website, but I would prefer to have it IN WRITING and in a format that will be easy for me to disect.

So...what do you think? Will it make sense to compile a list of 10-15 questions and send them to maybe 6 or 7 hosts to see how they respond and where/if/how requirements are met? Will hosts even respond to a request of this nature???

Please advise and thanks a bunch.....

Yes, they will. This was done at SitePoint.com a bit ago and you may want to look. I would suggest to ask as if you were a 'newbie' to hosting, and someone told you to ask these questions. How polite the response is is very important! Also, for your three questions..
1: Lots of hosts use CPanel, and will link to the CPanel demo. Try to ask something specific about it that requires more than a yes/no.
2: Generally hosts with PHP/Perl/MySQL (everyone) will have them, and only about half will limit it.
3: Most control panels have this ability, so it's a general yes.
Try to think of specific questions which take thought to answer and would require the host to take time and answer 'nicely.' :)

I would say it's a good idea -- it's what I used to do -- but with a caveat.

Do check out their site to see what information is offered and how it is laid out. This should be your starting point.

Don't ask questions you already know the answer to. If need be, quote URL and text on anything you want "more" information on.

Asking pre-arranged questions is fine, but if one doesn't even take the time to visit the site and read what is there, what sense does it make to ask questions? If somebody sent me an eMail, asking if Potent Products provides Web hosting, I'd have to wonder why they even sent the eMail. ;)

Thanks for the feedback.

Yes, much of the info is available on the host's website, which of course, I will look at in great detail prior to sending inquiries. Basically, I will be requesting more info...."specifics" if you will.

Thanks again for determining the feasibility. You've been very helpful.