I looked for a good host ever since I registered my domain, but haven't found a good host yet. So, I was wondering if anyone here has ran across a host (or is a host) that I could host my RPG website on.

Iv'e used, "Valueweb", "Nomonthlyfees", "WTFHosting" so far. (guessing from what I've heard, going through only 3 hosts in 1.5 years is good... :) )

I need the ability to run CGI scripts (including custom ones), min 100MB disk space and at least 5GB of bandwidth, PHP, password protected directories, control panel, pop3 email, 24/7 FTP, custom error pages, and no ads... Im willing to pay a max of $ 20 a/mo.

Someone please help... I need to get my site back on a paid provider, my free one isn't cutting it to good anymore. I'm seriously thinking about getting a server and hosting my site in-house.


But anyway here are my reviews for my past 3 hosts... I hope some of you find them useful..

Valueweb (http://www.valueweb.com)- Really good for the first 6 mo or so... Then their upgrading put my site down for a week... Good tech support, both phone and email and really helpful. I'm thinking about going back to them now that their upgrades are done. I used them to register my domain.

Pros: good bandwidth (10gb for standard acct), tech support, and control panel, and very fast. Daily backups
Cons: Odd email configuration. Limited feature support (no php)


No Monthly Fees (http://www.nomonthlyfees.com)- I used their monthly package after trying their 10 day demo. I used them for about 5-6 mo and moved to the next host on my list... Big mistake. I've also thought about going back to them. My offline new site is configured directly for their servers.

Pros: Good features (php, MySQL, python), great control panel, pretty fast, web-based + pop email. Fast tech support (replies within 1.5 hours at 3AM when I did most maintaince)
Cons: Odd business model. A reseller. Occasional problems checking email.


WTFHosting (http://www.wtfhosting.com)- My biggest mistake... :puke: My site was down about half the time I hosted with them, and it appeared they only had 1 person doing tech support, though is was pretty fast though.

Pros: Nice control panel, and fast email
Cons: Site was dead or slow for half the time I was there. Control panel was slow loading. Tech support was pretty quick.

Hmm.... I just checked WTFHosting's website... Looks like they've gone under.

Gee... I wonder if they would sell a server to me??? ;)

Looking at Valueweb's Standard account again looks like they have added a few new features recently...

For what you are willing to pay, a lot of hosts meet your needs when you don't use perl forum scripts.

downtownhost.com (very good support)
aletiahoting.com
below10host.com
tera-byte.com (used to be good. not sure how it is now)
wizarshosting.com

By the way, hosting a server at house seems not a good choice, but you may check it out with the hosting gurus at this forum.

I heard that Aletia were going through some technical issues currently but they may be fixed?

I recommend www.paradise-designs.net and www.smartwebservice.com <- the latter being more expensive yet having excellent service and uptime.

Thanks ebird. That was fast.

I seem to like Downtown Host a bit more... They seem very customer oriented.

aletiahosting (you typo'd on it ;) ) is also got me thinking too.... Its gonna be a tough decision now...


Hosting my site in-house is kinda like my dream idea. But since its my RPG site it really isn't popular or anything, so I can get rid of some major fears. I could prolly build a server cheaper than actually buying one. Though I was looking into a basic "Cobalt" server, since I have used them in the past. But it is still a dream...

I have heard some bad stuff about Terra-byte from some other people.

The others seemed pretty good but I'm partial to either Downtown or Aletia. Hmmm... Now time to think....

Thanks for the reply THe Laughing Cow, we must have cross posted...

Smartwebservice does seem to be a bit pricey... I've added paradise-designes to my 'review' list... i have any good hosts lined up and I'll start lurking around their webistes to see the past issues, tech support, FAQ, etc.

Yes,

Well i have used both of the above in the past. Smartwebservice is generally aimed for the advanced user who NEEDS the excellent uptime genuinly guarenteed and the support when tehy want.

Paradise designs is much the same. Support is top notch and prices are good

lol wtfhosting wtf is short for: what the F**k hosting

hehehe. When I was hosting with them, that was in their FAQ. This isnt exact. its from my memory...

Q. What does "WTF" in WTFHosting stand for?
A. We are asked this question alot, but on occasion we would reply, "What The F**k you think it means?" :eek:

Have you tried Ventures Online? I would recommend them.

Hi Jerry,

The quick response is the least you can get here.:D
I just happened to be online at that time and know the answers to your questions.

I personally have/had experience with 4 out of the 5 companies I recomended. (wizardshoting is the one).

Jorge from downtownhost is always there when I need help. That's the reason I highly recommend it.

Aletiahosting is also a good choice, but some others complained about slower support responses now. Now sure about it, since I have only a domain there for scripts testing and email accounts.

Not sure about below10host now.

Heard some complaints for tera-byte recently.

Downtownhost has a jan special now and you pay less than $11 for 200MB + 10GB transfer. Check it out.

Good luck for your host hunting!

I thought I replied to this again... Looks like my computer didnt want to post it this time.... Lets try this again...

Thats the good thing about an active forum with many members.

Thanks for the people who emailed me. I've pretty much narrowed my choices down to 3 hosts.

Right now I'm looking between.
Aletia
Downtown
Dominet

I originally had a hard time looking for good hosts, now I have 3 I need to look through. All I need now is to get my CC re-activated after some family problems I had and I'll be back on line.

For the curious, here's my site 2 The Xtreme (http://www.2thextreme.org). It is currently on a free provdier.