Hi all,

I've been lurking around on this forum for a while now, and I've learned the fundamentals of running a web hosting biz to the point where I'd like to have my own one day.

What I'm curious is; how did popular hosts such as MCHost, SplashHost, WizardsHosting, HostRocket, etc. start off in the web hosting industry? Did they start as resellers?

I understand many of you recommend people with little or no experience in the hosting biz, to start off as resellers vs getting a dedicated server. But not many take the recommendation into consideration, and just take go for the dedicated instead. Was that a big mistake?

Now, let's say I started off as a reseller, and I get up to 100 clients, would it be easy to transfer them to a dedicated server? If not, wouldn't it be better off if I went for the dedicated in the beginning?

FYI, my Linux skills are limited. Any particular book recommendation to improve my skills besides playing around with the OS on my other computer?

All advices and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I would suggest starting off as a reseller, just to get the basic fundamentals down pat.

If you have the money I would consider just getting the dedicated right away, most starting hosts however don't have the capital yet. Starting as a reseller allows you to build a client base that will get you the money/stability you need to get your first server.

I'd suggest looking for a webhost that offers both reseller plans and dedicated servers. This way, once you've built your business up enough the transfer to your own server won't be as hard since most likely it will be placed on the same type of platform/control panel.

I've got the linux bible (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764536303/qid=1015887604/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_129_1/103-5614536-8795807) on my bookshelf.. it's pretty good. I hardly use it, but I'd say it's worth the buy. One thing to remember.. a hosting company isn't soley built upon the vast knowledge of the OS of your choice.. other very important qualities, such as customer service, play a big role.

Ok, thanks for your suggestions, guys.

Elena: I checked your site, and I wanted to compliment you on the overall design of your site (hostmagik.com)--I like it!

Good luck. :)