First, I would just like to make it clear that I mean no offense to anyone, and I am not saying that there should be any discrimination on these boards.

I was reading some posts, and looking at threads started by people that have no idea what it means to run a web hosting business at all. I don't think people should be posting, "How do I start a web hosting biz" in the running a web hosting business forum. Notice the present tense there, running. Doesn't that mean it is at least already started?

I think, if you need to ask the question where do I start, you shouldn't be asking it, or at least not here. If you have no idea where to start, I think you have some reading to do. You should read posts all over this board, and even other things like OS manuals, tutorials on different things etc etc etc.

"How do I start a biz" has been discussed on these forums many times. The best place to start for that is the reseller forum, in most cases.

I think this forum should be used for questions from anyone who is actually running a business, or is at least already IN the startup phase. If you just think one day, "Hey, you know what? I should start a web hosting biz... How do I do that?" Then you should figure these things out on your own.

If you are going to run your own business, you need to know how to do it properly, and if you are just hand-fed the answers, I am sure you are bound to make some major mistakes. I think you need to learn things properly, and learn more than just the step to step guide for "Dummies" (reference to the series of books, not calling anyone stupid :) )

Well, I think that is enough to get something started here... What does everyone else think?

Originally posted by NetDotHost
I think, if you need to ask the question where do I start, you shouldn't be asking it, or at least not here. If you have no idea where to start, I think you have some reading to do. You should read posts all over this board, and even other things like OS manuals, tutorials on different things etc etc etc.
Actually I don't object to where these questions were posted, but I do share the same concern as you. Many people likes to jump into this webhosting biz because they think they will get easy money, very easy indeed. And this really concerns me ... It has been discussed several times before in this forum, but I would just express my ranting on this matter. I am not good at expressing my words, but here it is:

I got interested in the web host biz since May of last year ... I did my research, offline/online. In fact, I estimated, I did 400 hours of research before I decided to build my first server and colo it somewhere (December/January this year). During this time, I started from knowing practically nothing to knowing at least enough to know how to build my own rackmount server and where to colo, and to know the costs/other factors involved. But the fact that I am still not (officially) in this biz was due to many factors, perharps financially but more importantly because I think I am still not very techincally capable of running it given on my spare hours.

I am always surprised when a host (not to mention somebody who claims to be able to be a sysadmin) ask how many GB transferred on 128kbps line (for example). If somebody does not even know how to figure this simplest thing out, then that person should not consider going into this biz or at least get a partner who is more technically oriented that will be able to answer him. Many people likes to get a reseller account (nothing really wrong with it) in hoping that they can just sit down and get the money without needing to put attention on this matter. That's really hurting this biz. Some other think that the given Control Panel will make all the sysadmin life become a breeze and that they can get their own dedicated server without even knowing how to admin it.

This is sad, indeed ... I know of a host (or at least a syadmin for a host) who does not even know (probably never use) how to telnet/SSH into a server or other silly things that you need to learn (And do your research) before even considering anything further.

Anyway, my point is ... Out there, there are really people who invest hard (money/time-wise) on this biz, working hard fround zero up to be in this web biz to ensure they are capable of supporting the customers/clients themselves. There are also others who just expect the easy money and does not have the technical qualification to be in this web biz at all ... What makes me even furious was the later group of people seems to have degraded this web biz even worse by offering people low cost hosting (<$5/mo or even $20/year). And even sadder, some former group of people will try to compete with the later group.

cheers,
:beer:

Well, I think in just about any industry, you'll find people over qualified and under qualified, but not every industry has a place like this for you to ask questions, even the most basic question, and get some real help by people who have been there and can help you through the beginning phases.

I don't think you have to know everything about everything to get started, though the more you know, the better off you'll be. I will say however, that it is helpful to at least have the skill of searching for the information, knowing where to look, etc.

When people ask, "How do I become a web host?" I think they get rather good advice from all of you here, which commonly is, to start off reselling.

I don't think its a bad idea to ask such questions here. any newby don't know anything will probably ask such questions. the worst thing is that this question is asked many times by many peoples.

about price war:
the cost of hosting is not a dedicated server etc. the actual cost is 24x7 facilities and advertisement. which I think newbies won't consider or just don't care about it. but there is market for every category, some people don't prefer to host on low prices because they think they will not get proper service and they are right most of times because very few host provide good support on low prices.

anyway, nothing is going to happen after your post since people will post these questions again and again on these forms and they will get replies.

cheerss :cool:

Your all right here... I don't have anything against people asking basic questions, I mean I do it sometimes too. I am not the most technical of all people around here, I run the business more than the server. I do however, have people working with me that have the technical knowledge. I also know how to telnet/SSH into a server, and many other things like that (not that I know what to do once I am in... lol)

I think there should be a page/perminant thread on the main page, or within running a web hosting business about how to start, from the beginning. Maybe there should be a thread titled "Starting a Web Hosting Company" as apposed to actually running one... Oops, this is turning into something that should be in the suggestions forum... :)

I guess the main reason for my post, was that I just wanted to express my feeling about people are too lazy, busy, preoccupied, just don't care, or don't know how, to use resources that are right in front of them properly.

Although, I am sure we all do this.... We just aren't asking quite so simple questions... I am sure I have asked many questions that have been answered before....


I guess what I really want is for more people to at least put a little effort into finding the answers to their questions on their own. Its just those posts that seem to repeat themselves once a week or more that I am a little tired of seeing.

Originally posted by NetDotHost
I think there should be a page/perminant thread on the main page, or within running a web hosting business about how to start, from the beginning.

I had the same thought many times - a FAQ with the 10 top questions asked ("How to start..." and such) and with a explanation for some technical expressions.

Originally posted by Walter
I had the same thought many times - a FAQ with the 10 top questions asked ("How to start..." and such) and with a explanation for some technical expressions. Here's what past experience in other forums tells me would happen: first, long arguments over the validity of the information in the FAQ and the accuracy of the explanations. Then, new users -- who typically, it's clear, don't even read the forum rules and so shouldn't be expected to read the FAQ -- would continue to ask the same questions they do now, but they'd be met with even greater frustration by those who object to those questions now. And from time to time a not-so-new user would start yet another debate over the accuracy of information in the FAQ.

Don't discount, either, the value of the presence of simple questions. New users come to the forum knowing little or nothing. They ask basic questions, and learn the answers. After time, they're equipped to begin answering the same types of basic questions, and that's how they ease into becoming a valuable presence in the forum. Experienced users get tired of seeing and answering the same questions, and stop reading those threads -- but the newer users are there to play that role... until they themselves have learned still more and they move to the next level.

Now, that said, asking a question as vague and sweeping as "how do I start a web hosting business?" is just, in my opinion, evidence of massive cluelessness -- and laziness.

Jay, that's a valid point. Sometimes I am just frustrated about some of the questions...

JayC, thats an excellent way to put it. I think you are very right.

I think I am just getting into that transition stage from the new but well versed user to the not answering those questions.

As for the bit about an FAQ being controversial, I think there should be a forum for "newies", or a sub section in the host biz forum. That way the new users could ask questions there, and the people that feel like answering them can go there. I know I would visit that forum on a fairly regular basis, and I would be happy to answer questions here and there. Its just that I come here looking for threads that will increase my knowledge, and I would like to find more of that.

Now, that said, asking a question as vague and sweeping as "how do I start a web hosting business?" is just, in my opinion, evidence of massive cluelessness -- and laziness.

Yes JayC ...

I don't have problem with cluelessness, but with laziness ... I was pretty much clueless about everything, but at leas I was not lazy to do my own research (not just searching this forum for past answers, but searching online resources for the things I wanted to know, from hardware to merchant account, etc). I can't believe that this same of people will be capable of supporting the clients (in technical sense) if they are lazy to do what they are supposed to be doing.

Anyway, just a little bit of rant from me ...

cheers,
:beer:

Have to admit, I read more than I post on WHT, although I''ve been a 'net addict' in one way or another for about 15 years (it was a net - but not as we now know it ;) ) - because I consider myself to be on a constant 'learning curve' - all to often I gain considerably from the knowledge and experience of others.

I started out after being persuaded by friends and ex-colleagues, having been made redundant from a large corporation. I wasn't convinced and (as others have said here) studied the industry, learned a couple of more skills and prepared a business plan. After virtually 12 months of dithering I decided to take the plunge.

Initial business was purely design work mostly for SME's with hosting services included. My first hosting accounts were reseller deals, which despite having gone co-location, I still retain. During the last 18 months, I (as is the norm for hosts) have spent every available moment of my time sitting in at my workstation. Initially I had to gain extra income to sustain my family, but even though I'm now lucky enough for the business to provide for us, I hardly make any profit. Why? Because after paying my business and living costs, everything else get ploughed back into the business. It's a story I'm sure a lot will relate to, get enough customers - rent a server, and so on.... I have reseller accounts, rented servers and recently collocated ones. Whilst eventually, my aim is to go completely co-location. The income will, for the foreseeable future be ploughed back into to other areas, software for my clients, full time (instead of part-time employees), and better marketing ect etc .......

Where I think a lot of beginners fail, is not just by asking the wrong questions - because they have a misconception of the business. But by thinking that customers will be kicking the door down, they'll rake in loads of cash and all for little effort on their part. It would be interesting to learn how many expired TLD's containing the word 'host' expired after one year, as the 'wannabe start ups' never made enough to renew it for year two.

In essence, I don't object to the questions raised, it's the methodology behind them that concerns me. For me my customers are everything, without them - there is no business. The 'knock on' effect to all of this is the rise in businesses that have no forward planning and no strategy - hence no future! Leaving behind them, an aftermath of angry customers, a misconception of genuine web hosts and industry with prices flattened.

We all on a learning curve, despite our varying degrees of knowledge and experience, but I agree NetDotHost If you are going to run your own business, you need to know how to do it properly, and if you are just hand-fed the answers, I am sure you are bound to make some major mistakes. I have seen posts from so called hosts and designers accepting work - then posting for advice on how to actually do the work - the mind shudders :)

Eladesor.

As this forum is quite 'host heavy' I suppose most of us are used to answering the same questions every day from different people - it's just part of the job. I understand someone who's not used to it feeling frustrated by it though :) All the FAQ's and tutorial won't prevent some people just asking instead of reading.

Having said that, I'm a big believer in trying things before I go for help. While you might get the answer faster, it often 'sticks' better if you nut it out for yourself, and yes, it's a lot more comforting answering questions for end users, than other hosts and designers. :)

Greg Moore

Aloha
well the lazy vs clueless idea is good
as some are just lazy some are clueless
so I do not mind seeing it over and over
everyone has to start somewhere
maybe they have an idea to start doing somethign and just need someone to validate there thoughts so they do not waste time ???

Your right Honu. I agree completely.

I guess I shoud change the subject from "Clueless" to "Lazy"

Does anyone know of a website or file out there that is a How to start a hosting biz FAQ or "tutorial"?

I think any decent business guide will do.. After all, it *is* a business just like any other.

- get your ducks in a row
- use good suppliers that provide quality, and ontime
- work out where to advertise
- work like a dog to get it running
- set realistic goals and work towards them
- know your product, and research it as much as you can.
- know your audience and research them as much as you can
- never mistake customers for income (hosting is a service industry)

Umm, you know.. the usual :)

Greg Moore

Aloha

I have seen a few but can not recall where ??
hmmmmmm :idea:

Greg also hit it business is business


Originally posted by NetDotHost
Your right Honu. I agree completely.

I guess I shoud change the subject from "Clueless" to "Lazy"

Does anyone know of a website or file out there that is a How to start a hosting biz FAQ or "tutorial"?

I was thinking about making a "How to start a web hositng biz" tutorial....

Any suggestions? hmm.... this seems like it needs its own thread...

Aloha
or do a search and get as much as ya can ;)
first
hehehehehe
lazy trying to make everyone post it for ya ;)
hehehehehehehe


Originally posted by NetDotHost
I was thinking about making a "How to start a web hositng biz" tutorial....

Any suggestions? hmm.... this seems like it needs its own thread...