Due to many problems lately EARhost has come to the decision to give our customers away to a better company.

The one time fee customers will keep their hosting and we will be able to handle the support for them with no problems.

If any companies are interested in taking these customers let me know, but you must have a good reputation and be able to keep the pricing the same. Just about all of them are on our reseller 1 plan at $13/mo. and their are about 15, and a few odd Reseller 2.

All I want is our customers to be happy again, I regret this whole situation as much as our madest customers. I only hope this will help resolve everything.

I am very sorry this never worked out better.

Regards,

edit: mods, I know this may be considered advertising, but I am not doing this for me but for the clients.

:(

Glad to see you found a solution.

James email me and I will discuss it with you.

monte@techark.com

::nevermined::

Originally posted by fractiousws
We have already decided. The customers will be moved to Insider Hosting. They have a good reputation on here and we wish our clients all the best with Insider Hosting...
How many accounts were we talking about here?

James....

Wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors....I know you made some mistakes...who of us haven't. But, I applaud your openness in responding here and in seeking a solution which at least provides some relief for your clients. I know many who signed "lifetime" and other such deals will remain bitter. However, from my previous dealings with you, I believe you to be a decent person...albeit one who advertised what he couldn't produce. Perhaps a little overcome by dreams or even greed, but we all learn. Just hope you will go forward a little wiser, a bit more experienced, but will go forward and be successful in the future.

I realize the last few days have been rough, but encourage you to put this behind you and life goes on.

Good luck.

Originally posted by Aussie Bob

How many accounts were we talking about here?

He said 15 of his reseller 1 and few odd resller 2 accounts.

Good deal James, insider is a good company, hope these guys all find a home and end up happy. I hope you take care of the lifteime guys too.

Actually, James agreed that the clients would go to us, but then Marc from Mchost contacted him. We had made all the preparations for moving the clients including logging into James's box. Then he all of the sudden decided to go with MChost.

Sucks but what are you going to do.

Steven

Thats cheap and rude, saying something than lying, geez, talk about a waste of time he made insiderhosting go though.

Backing out of a deal at the last minute sucks, and I have a feeling you went with MCHost just to get more money rather than for the benefit of your customers. Rudeness.

Originally posted by Kylecool
Thats cheap and rude, saying something than lying, geez, talk about a waste of time he made insiderhosting go though.

I am rude? You look like the rude one my friend. Don't stick your nose where it doesn't belong. I explained to Steven about everything and he understood.

Please don't judge me untill you are pinned in this situation! :rolleyes:

Originally posted by Kylecool
Backing out of a deal at the last minute sucks, and I have a feeling you went with MCHost just to get more money rather than for the benefit of your customers. Rudeness.

More money? What are you on. I am "giving" these customers away, not selling them. Ask Marc yourself, he isn't paying a pretty penney for these clients.

Also, talk to "ANYONE" that I have been talking to lately about this whole situation. The only thing I want is to have these customers happy again! If I didn't I would just leave them all there hanging.

You sir are the rude one...

Originally posted by Kylecool
Thats cheap and rude, saying something than lying, geez, talk about a waste of time he made insiderhosting go though.

Your kidding! Sorry to hear he did that to you, and I hope at least his customers end up somewhere they are taken care of.

The rest of my post I have just erased as I have learned it is better not to push the submit button when you are upset.

For all our customers, yes you will be transfered to MChost while keeping the same pricing. Also you will recieve 2 months free after you are setteled in.

James, what is going to happen to those customers to got special deals on WHT or paid yearly? Will they be moved over to MCHost? Thanks.

All the custom plans will stay with us. There are not very many and there will be a tech team on the helpdesk in a few days so support will be nothing short of great.

That was quick switch 'n run. Im sorry to hear about him backing out insiderhosting, i feel your anger :mad:

Thanks everyone for the kind words about our company. James did explain to me the reason for the last second switch and I understand where he is coming from. It just would have been nice for the smaller guy to get a chance, but it's just the way the ball bounces so to speak, and I have no problem with that. All that really is important is that the customers are well taken care of, and I have no doubt in my mind that Marc and Mchost will do a great job.

-Steven

Originally posted by Incognito
James....

I know many who signed "lifetime" and other such deals will remain bitter.

I signed a lifetime contract and sent $400 only 12 days ago. According to James... there are only 5 of us. I am relatively certain my deal was more expensive than the other 4 lifetime deals he made. Noone has to be bitter! If James is giving his accounts away to an established host.. the only proper thing would be for the new host (since they dont want lifetimes) to refund this money so we can move on. You are talking a maximum of $2000 probably more like $1500.. this way they get all of James paying clients, Lifetime clients learn a lesson but dont get hurt, and James gets off the hook and gets to move on unscathed as well.

In a nutshell, my solution above benefits everyone and nobody will be bitter. So lets hear it from the established company who is taking over James' paying accounts for free. Isnt what I outlined a fair and honest solution to all this? Thank you

Actually I don't think its mchost's responsiblity to "refund" you anything. You should be after James if you want a refund. He is the one that made the mistake of offering you what he did. It has nothing at all to do with mchost.

Originally posted by fractiousws
All the custom plans will stay with us. There are not very many and there will be a tech team on the helpdesk in a few days so support will be nothing short of great.

For all of those who are willing to stay with this deal with earhost, that only reduces the cost to MChost based on my idea above. All i know is I NEED my $400 back now and I feel that is not asking MChost alot to refund my money for James in exchange for all the accounts he has given him for free.

I have support sites that need stable hosting and had to move on since I was receiving no replies to emails etc. So i went elsewhere and cannot afford to lose this money. Everyone else can stay with you.. but i just cant. And I only paid 12 days ago. MChost.. can you please step to the plate for us?

umm ...James said he was keeping those accounts(people who paid for lifetime) , so why would Mchost refund you ?

James will keep the lifetime accounts, while we will take over the standard plan clients. In addition to this, we will be offering all clients 2 months at absolutely no charge. If after those 2 months they wish to stay with us, they are more than welcome to stay on the plan they have been with EARHost. :)

Originally posted by insiderhosting
Actually, James agreed that the clients would go to us, but then Marc from Mchost contacted him. We had made all the preparations for moving the clients including logging into James's box. Then he all of the sudden decided to go with MChost.

Sucks but what are you going to do.

Steven
Can't see that as any real loss though, Steven. I mean, 15 resellers paying around $12/mth expecting to push through 10GB data transfer/mth. :eek: You're better off without them, IMO. :)

Originally posted by Aussie Bob

Can't see that as any real loss though, Steven. I mean, 15 resellers paying around $12/mth expecting to push through 10GB data transfer/mth. :eek: You're better off without them, IMO. :)

I would agree 100%:stickout

Is this a once off Marc, or are you moving into regular hosting as well now?

Cheers

Gary

Originally posted by Aussie Bob

Can't see that as any real loss though, Steven. I mean, 15 resellers paying around $12/mth expecting to push through 10GB data transfer/mth. :eek: You're better off without them, IMO. :)

Hey Bob,
The clients were not my clients, so I did not lose anything. The thing that I was disappointed in was the manner that which the situation was handled. I guess I just hold people to a different standard where your word is your bond (which is not a bad thing :) .

-Steven

Hmm, he wanted to give away his clients, due to the lack of support, and then he wants to keep the lifetime ones? Hmm, sounds strange to me, becuase you are caught in that bind. If you cared about them, you should give them to MCHost, and since that guy wants a refund, give it to him, it was only 12 days ago. Thats what a person who really cared about his customers would do. :P

Originally posted by Editor
Is this a once off Marc, or are you moving into regular hosting as well now?

These are the reseller accounts we are taking over. We're not moving into regular hosting :)

Originally posted by Editor
Is this a once off Marc, or are you moving into regular hosting as well now?

Cheers

Gary
ahh, these were reseller accounts to begin with.

Yeah, I missed that bit. I figured it was a bit small a number to mess around with and that MCHost would pass them to a reseller. Then it dawned... :)

Gary

Originally posted by Kylecool
Hmm, he wanted to give away his clients, due to the lack of support, and then he wants to keep the lifetime ones? Hmm, sounds strange to me, becuase you are caught in that bind. If you cared about them, you should give them to MCHost, and since that guy wants a refund, give it to him, it was only 12 days ago. Thats what a person who really cared about his customers would do. :P

THANK YOU!! Nice to see someone understands :-)

We all understand you, its just you should be after James for the refund, and not Marc. Marc has absolutely nothing to do with you.

This is my first post at WHT, but i have been an avid reader of this forum for a long time. :)
I recently signed up with EARHOST.COM on 7/6/02 and received nothing less than perfect support up until about the time that James fired the fraudulent tech support team. I realize that he could not handle ALL the support issues himself, and don't blame James entirely for this blunder.
Since signing up, i have had no problem logging in to my Cpanel and WHM and would like to know if I could be one of the few that stay on with James and EARHOST. If this means that I would have to upgrade my reseller account to one of those custom plans, then i would like to know if James would be willing to refund ericv8 for his custom plan and then sell the account to me. This way ericv8 gets what he wants and James essentially doesn't lose another customer; only gaining a different one?

Just a thought, and trying to help my fellow hosters!:D

Originally posted by Bereaved


For all of those who are willing to stay with this deal with earhost, that only reduces the cost to MChost based on my idea above. All i know is I NEED my $400 back now and I feel that is not asking MChost alot to refund my money for James in exchange for all the accounts he has given him for free.

I have support sites that need stable hosting and had to move on since I was receiving no replies to emails etc. So i went elsewhere and cannot afford to lose this money. Everyone else can stay with you.. but i just cant. And I only paid 12 days ago. MChost.. can you please step to the plate for us?

Did James at Earhost ever refund your money? He should. It's the only right thing to do. I'd get away fast, James at Earhost obviously cannot be trusted after the way he did IT Hosting.

davkiz... if genuine, your offer sounds very humanitarian and goodhearted...

...it also sounds extremely naive if after reading everything at this post you don't think you're going to get dumped on by James of Earhost sooner or later...

Nothing personal, James of Earhost... you might be the nicest guy in the world with the best of intentions, but you have shown you can't be trusted... regardless of your reasoning...

I can't help wonder: Did MCHost know there was an agreement between Earhost and Insiderhosting before contacting Earhost? I don't want an answer from anybody. I just can't help but wonder.

If he didn't give you back your money, demand it and get proof that he received it. Then give him 10 days or legal action will be taken. 400bucks is a lot. :)

davkiz, maybe if you make a deal with ericv8? provided that it's ok with James? (good luck contacting James on this matter, though... hehehe :rolleyes: )

Regards,

Virgil V
----------

Originally posted by Kylecool
If he didn't give you back your money, demand it and get proof that he received it. Then give him 10 days or legal action will be taken. 400bucks is a lot. :)

Not a bad idea, but that could be a longshot. Hopefully, bereaved paid for it with a credit card. Ask your credit card company for a chargeback.

Always pay for hosting with a credit card so that you have a chargeback option. Also, pay monthly, unless the plan is $50/yr or less. You'll be less apt to be ripped off if you follow this advice. Now, if the host has a good reputation and has been around for years, such as Futurequest or JaguarPC, the above may not be necessary.

Yes, hosting companies hate chargebacks. So if you must, and this is a last resort.

Chris... no he didnt refund it yet. We spoke earlier at length on ICQ and he promised he will get some money into his PayPal account no matter what and hit the REFUND button tomorrow (today now... cant sleep :) )

Davkiz... if you are sincere and willing to take a risk contact James. I cant speak for him but I would think he would take that deal. Again there is some risk but I really think James will ramp up more slowly now and it could be a good proposion for you, depending on your situation. For me, I had to take action and find a more stable environment for our websites (many of them are mental-health and grief related, and popular, so I couldnt keep risking going on as it was, and now that I am with another host, I need my money back)

Kylecool... I initiated a paypal chargeback request just before this thread was started (when James was still being silent) He promised to refund our money with paypal later today. I believe him... so I will wait til tonight and hope he honors his word

All I want now is my money back so I can invest it in my remaining needs... billing/client automation, a payment processor, and a domain registation reseller account.... I think James will get this all sorted out soon and everyone will be happy

Originally posted by Kylecool
Yes, hosting companies hate chargebacks. So if you must, and this is a last resort.

I don't understand why it should be a "last" resort in this case. I firmly believe that when a host is being honest and working with you that you should give them the opportunity to resolve the problem. Then, if the problem cannot be resolved, ask them for a refund.

However, in a case like this, where the host has been found to be untrustworthy, why should this be a "last" resort?

The chargeback procedure may take awhile. So, I'd go ahead and request it, just in case, he did not refund your $400.

Of course, we're still assuming the guy charged it on his CC. I hope he did.

<rant>
This kind of thing that Earhost has done to a customer really upsets me. It makes the good hosts and the entire hosting business look bad.
</rant>

Chris... "bereaved" is my wife Pam... we paid via paypal and hope tomorrow all this will be done and I can withdraw my paypal dispute.

As far as paying monthly, I PREFER annual, so I can forget it for awhile, plus there is usually a discount for paying annually. (Every bit helps) We went to DynastyHost.com ... they seemed professional, in business for years, offered a great program to us, and Shawn was very professional in setting us up as well... so we feel we made a good choice (and hope time bears that out)

Axiom... James disappeard because of all the hard times he was having... to cope... its hard to reply logically when the answers are not in your control. I think he is back. He told me getting his clients taken care of was a big load off his shoulders. i think he can make it now if he goes more slowly now.. So if davkiz wants to reach him, I am sure that will happen. If he wants the deal from me he can have it, but most likely he would have to go thru James to do any such thing.

Thanks for updating us. I understand that you prefer to pay annually for the same reasons most people do. As long as you understand the risks involved in doing that, then that's your decision.

Good to hear that James is sorting this out for you. Keep us updated.

I'm glad to hear that you've found a good host at DynastyHost. I've looked at their site and they look good, but I hear that "DallasHost" and "JRHosting" are even better.. :)

Thanks for the interest... I expect to provide a good update later today :) Shall I leave word at Southfork with Sue-Ellen??? LOL

He told me he was giving them to Splashhost, not MC Host. I hope everything gets ironed out for Earhost.

Well, maybe I'm wrong, but I don't feel too sorry for EARhost after reading all of those great offers James (fractious) put in the ad forums, and then reading constant customer complaints, and now him telling hosts one thing and doing another.

I sympathize with his customers, though, and hope he does the right thing.

Originally posted by Andyc
He told me he was giving them to Splashhost, not MC Host. I hope everything gets ironed out for Earhost.
Seems most of these 15 clients post here, I'm amazed that they're still hanging in there while they're being palmed off like that. First sign of trouble and you'd think they all would have flown the coup. Talk about loyalty. :eek:

Aussie BOB - (No offence to anyone) who else is silly enough to offer 30 gigs bandwidth at $16 a month!

They paid that much expecting the world, and all they got was battered to another host that has enough of its own 'bad' threads to starts it own forum in WHT.

Its always the customers that suffer, always and it should not be that way... Dump both host involved and go with some one else.. do your own research dont wait to be given away like free candy. You put your trust in james of Earhost look at you now! WOuld you trust his judgement again with the other host he selects to send you to...

And its non of my business anyway but i got a sneaky feeling that a profit for these free customers would of been made by james giving them away anyhow...

Host Wins - Client Lose | Does anybody around here know how to run a business?

I was going to take his customer of his hands for him(no money being paid for them) but i cahnges my mind because they probably wouldnt pay for the server they are and would probably just cause me trouble.

Choppy
while I understand what you are saying, had he handed the clients to Steve as planned I am sure they would have been taken care of, and I doubt Marc is going to do over the clients so I think they at least ended up at a host that will treat them better than they were being treated.

It is their choice to stay or go, but lets face it most of us were too high in price for them anyway. They were looking for cheap not service.

Yeah there are a few of us that still know how to run a business left.

I wonder if whoever is taking over the clients is going to provide the same (profitless) deals?

Peter

Marc said he was not going to raise the price and was giving them 2 months free so I guess we will see.

I wonder if he will get flack from his other resellers knowing there are 20 or so getting such good deals.

Originally posted by fractiousws
I explained to Steven about everything and he understood.


Somehow I don't get that impression from Steven's post.

Originally posted by ckpeter
I wonder if whoever is taking over the clients is going to provide the same (profitless) deals?

Peter

Call it noble, but in this case it wasn't about the money, it was about clients that were being ignored. That kind of treatment gives the whole hosting industry a bad name and leaves a bad taste in the clients mouth. That frustrates me, but I guess it is survival of the fittest. We are already profitable so every account we get is just icing on the cake, but this was about helping out clients. If Earhost had 25-30 clients with those kind of packages I would have never dreamed about it because that would not make sense financially, nor do we have space for that many accounts, but since it was only 15, we had space for them.

I would call it noble. :)

Still, no business succeed by doing charity. Since you are not getting the clients, this is not going to be a problem.

Whoever is getting those clients should make it clear that this is out of coutesy, not responsibility. Otherwise, it would be a mistake to carry someone else's error without even acknowledging it.

Peter

The one time fee customers will keep their hosting and we will be able to handle the support for them with no problems.


James, how can you manage to support the one time fee customers when you have trouble supporting the others.

Originally posted by kbc
James, how can you manage to support the one time fee customers when you have trouble supporting the others.

Because he doesn't need to support as many customers?

I was under the impression that James got out of it because he couldn't handle any techncial support? Otherwise, if he was simply over-worked (instead of under-educated in system admin), he could have hanged in their for a few weeks while seeking other help.

Of course, we'll need James to clarify for us.

Peter

Originally posted by ckpeter
I was under the impression that James got out of it because he couldn't handle any techncial support? Otherwise, if he was simply over-worked (instead of under-educated in system admin), he could have hanged in their for a few weeks while seeking other help.

Of course, we'll need James to clarify for us.

Peter
It looked like a classic case of panic. You need nerves of steel in the hosting business. There were only 15 or so clients there and their issues could be resolved in a matter of minutes [yes, I checked through their forum]. Help was easily at hand. There were numerous offers of help from this forum that James could easily have received.

Tough break for earhost's clients too, but I think James has set a WHT record for the fastest rise and collapse of a host. Correct me if I'm wrong here. ;)

Lessons for all prospective clients - Only choose a host that has at least been in business for 6 to 12mths and has a client base of 3 figures minimum. Actually, that should be a minimum requirement for any host offering services in the ad forums too.

I could have supported the customers but it would not have been good enough to satisfy the customers. Remeber, I did this for the customers best interest. I wanted them to have a better home with a more stable company.

It looked like a classic case of panic. You need nerves of steel in the hosting business. There were only 15 or so clients there and their issues could be resolved in a matter of minutes [yes, I checked through their forum]. Help was easily at hand. There were numerous offers of help from this forum that James could easily have received.


No it was not panic! As I have said time and time again, the customers were not happy and "that" is why I gave them away. And no, not all tickets can be resolved in minutes. Also usually alot of tickets require root access and I was not about to give just anyone root access.


Tough break for earhost's clients too, but I think James has set a WHT record for the fastest rise and collapse of a host. Correct me if I'm wrong here. ;)


Really, thanks... I am honored :rolleyes:


Lessons for all prospective clients - Only choose a host that has at least been in business for 6 to 12mths and has a client base of 3 figures minimum. Actually, that should be a minimum requirement for any host offering services in the ad forums too.


I bet you thought the exact same thing when you just started off also.

Maybe you should take the order page offline to prevent anyone that may not be aware of this from signing-up.

No it was not panic! As I have said time and time again, the customers were not happy and "that" is why I gave them away.

It looked like panic from where I was sitting. You simply got in over your head. No big deal. :)

And no, not all tickets can be resolved in minutes. Also usually alot of tickets require root access and I was not about to give just anyone root access.

I would hope that none of your clients ever got root access. :eek:

Really, thanks... I am honored :rolleyes:

Not a problem. :)

bet you thought the exact same thing when you just started off also.

I never used WHT to get my business off the ground. Don't get me wrong James, I'm not flaming you or having a go at you. I'm just making comments and personal observations. :)

I noticed that to Synthetic - just been to busy packing my bags to post it... :)

Regards

Soon to be holidaying in CYprus...

Originally posted by Choppy
I noticed that to Synthetic - just been to busy packing my bags to post it... :)

Regards

Soon to be holidaying in CYprus...
*making a mean face at Choppy* :stickout

Choppy, enjoy cyprus, make sure you post some pictures when your back :D

Originally posted by Aussie Bob

Lessons for all prospective clients -Only choose a host that has at least been in business for 6 to 12mths and has a client base of 3 figures minimum. Actually, that should be a minimum requirement for any host offering services in the ad forums too.

I cant believe you said that (disapointment sets in) :bawling:
I have no clue how you started out...but from that comment it must've been w 100+ cleints and a ded. server handed to you :rolleyes:

Plz do not throw us all in the same boat (startups) Some of us are taking our time and doin it correctly from the start (as much as we can). Some of us may also have many years in running a small company (even if not exact same arena) business sense is still business sense and can be applied to any business!!!!!

I understand your reasoning behind your statement (and am not tryin to flame you), However that should only be PART of the reasons to/not to go with a host.

I have seen nothin but good about you / from you and have grown to respect your knowledge and business experience.

It looked like panic from where I was sitting. You simply got in over your head. No big deal.

Well you should get a better view my friend. It isn't that I got in over my head, everything was going smoothly untill the techs screwed me!

I would hope that none of your clients ever got root access.

Huh?? :eek: What are you talking about. You said that people offered to help, but when you have to fix a problem with a persons account you need to be able to login to WHM ..."Root Access". You should know that.

I never used WHT to get my business off the ground.

I never said you did, I was simply saying that when you first started out you never said to every prospective client "Only go with companies that have been in business for at least 6 months and at least 100 customers" :rolleyes:

Originally posted by EzSnake
[B]I cant believe you said that (disapointment sets in) :bawling:
I think it's reasonable that hosts should have to prove themselves before offerring their services in the ad forums. Just my opinion. :) It would be hard to police, but it would improve the quality of offers made in the ad_forum and give more protection to folks looking etc.. Just my thoughts...
I have no clue how you started out...but from that comment it must've been w 100+ cleints and a ded. server handed to you :rolleyes:
Hardly. Nothing was handed to me. I have worked extremely hard and grown 1 client at a time.
Plz do not throw us all in the same boat (startups) Some of us are taking our time and doin it correctly from the start (as much as we can). Some of us may also have many years in running a small company (even if not exact same arena) business sense is still business sense and can be applied to any business!!!!!

I understand your reasoning behind your statement (and am not tryin to flame you), However that should only be PART of the reasons to/not to go with a host.
I agree with what you're saying but there is always the other side of the coin etc.
I have seen nothin but good about you / from you and have grown to respect your knowledge and business experience.
No problems. :) I was just putting forth an opinion and the last time I checked, we're allowed to have differing opinions and view. :) That's what makes discussions interesting and lively. :D

Originally posted by fractiousws
Well you should get a better view my friend. It isn't that I got in over my head, everything was going smoothly untill the techs screwed me!
Why do you need these "techs" with so few clients??
Huh?? :eek: What are you talking about. You said that people offered to help, but when you have to fix a problem with a persons account you need to be able to login to WHM ..."Root Access". You should know that.
I thought you were talking about giving your clients root access which was what I said. But folks still offered to help and one or 2 of these hosts who offered help, I would trust.
I never said you did, I was simply saying that when you first started out you never said to every prospective client "Only go with companies that have been in business for at least 6 months and at least 100 customers" :rolleyes:
It's just my opinion that a host shouldn't be able to make offers to the general public through this forum until they have established a track record of performance. It makes WHT look bad. This would stop those hosts from making unsustainable offers and hurting their clients when they can't honour their promises.

I would not be surprised if headsurfer was not already thinking along these lines. The integrity of the ad_forum is paramount. It's not the place for untested hosts to start offerring their services.

Just my $0.02 worth. :)

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

Originally posted by Aussie Bob

Lessons for all prospective clients -Only choose a host that has at least been in business for 6 to 12mths and has a client base of 3 figures minimum. Actually, that should be a minimum requirement for any host offering services in the ad forums too.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bob

While I agree with what you are driving at WHT should not be anyones mommy. If people want to jump on the host with the lowest cost and no track record then they will, be it here or somewhere else.

I once had a profesonal con man explain to me that greed is what makes a con work the more greedy a person is the easier they are to con out of money. They are looking for something for nothing. Same with people buying hosting, how many times do you see in the ad forums people come here looking for 100 Gigs of transfer for $10.00 a month but want great 24/7 service. Most even list service and uptime as their number one priority. But yet they take the lowest price offer because of their own greed then come back a few months later screaming about how badly they were treated, then repeat the whole process over again.

If people want to be a fool let them, there are still plenty out there that place a value on service and are willing to pay for it.
Not too many here but in the real world there is. :D

Originally posted by Monte
While I agree with what you are driving at WHT should not be anyones mommy. If people want to jump on the host with the lowest cost and no track record then they will, be it here or somewhere else.
Yes agreed. BUT, there are already plenty of rules for replying to posts in the request's section. My personal opinion [and the last time I checked, it's still ok to have a personal opinion ;)] is that there should be a minimum requirement for a host to make offers to the general public through the Offer's forum. This would go some way as to protecting folks and ensuring the integrity of the offers forum.

First off I don't want to make an enemy here, I like you and always have. You are a nice guy, but I still have to prove my point.

Why do you need these "techs" with so few clients??

I don't know about you but I don't think I can stay up 24/7/365 :eek: :D

Originally posted by Aussie Bob
I would not be surprised if headsurfer was not already thinking along these lines.

...of not allowing any hosts that are not 6 months old or have 100+ clients on board to place ads...? :confused:

Gary

I disagree with Bob...

:disagree: :disagree: :disagree:

Originally posted by Aussie Bob

Yes agreed. BUT, there are already plenty of rules for replying to posts in the request's section. My personal opinion [and the last time I checked, it's still ok to have a personal opinion ;)] is that there should be a minimum requirement for a host to make offers to the general public through the Offer's forum. This would go some way as to protecting folks and ensuring the integrity of the offers forum.

Not a bad idea, however, it would be difficult to implement and monitor. Who decides which hosts qualify? I know their are plenty of crappy hosts who have been around longer than 12 months, and have a large client base, ie. *****, et al.

Originally posted by fractiousws
First off I don't want to make an enemy here, I like you and always have. You are a nice guy, but I still have to prove my point.
Who says anything about an enemy? This is just discussion - verbal interaction - an exchange of ideas and opinions.
I don't know about you but I don't think I can stay up 24/7/365 :eek: :D
You don't need to when you're starting out. Just have a monitoring service that sends you an SMS if your server is unreachable and respond to your tickets in a reasonable fashion. When your business grows, then you can bring on part-time support staff that can watch things while you sleep.

Originally posted by edude
I disagree with Bob...

:disagree: :disagree: :disagree:
Is that allowed....checks up on human rights.....Yes, that's allowed. :)

Originally posted by Aussie Bob

Yes agreed. BUT, there are already plenty of rules for replying to posts in the request's section. My personal opinion [and the last time I checked, it's still ok to have a personal opinion ;)]

Yes it is OK to have one, but only if it conforms to the forum rules:D

:emlaugh: :emlaugh: :emlaugh:

Originally posted by Editor


...of not allowing any hosts that are not 6 months old or have 100+ clients on board to place ads...? :confused:

Gary
Yes, why not?

Originally posted by fractiousws
Why do you need these "techs" with so few clients??
I don't know about you but I don't think I can stay up 24/7/365 :eek: :D

Then simply don't offer 24/7/365!!!! :rolleyes:
Simply ahear to a 12 hour rule...
this way when ur at PC and respond in 5mins customers are floored... and will be forgiving if you have a appointment and don't get to tickets near that 12 hr mark. You can do just about anything and answer tickets within 12 hours....
key phrase: "just about"

just my 2c :beer:

Originally posted by Aussie Bob
Yes, why not?

More to the/your point...why? :)

As has been stated above, there would be just as many "avoid at all costs" hosts above your threshold as below it. By shutting out the small/startup host you're not going to add to the integrity of an advertising forum whatsover.

Could you imagine if the local paper wouldn't let you place an advert because you didn't have x amount of clients...?

Cheers

Gary

Originally posted by Editor


More to the/your point...why? :)

As has been stated above, there would be just as many "avoid at all costs" hosts above your threshold as below it. By shutting out the small/startup host you're not going to add to the integrity of an advertising forum whatsover.

Could you imagine if the local paper wouldn't let you place an advert because you didn't have x amount of clients...?

Cheers

Gary
:) Please also keep in mind that my comments were of the passing nature. I did not open up a new thread about this very topic. I'm not on some wild crusade here. :D I simply made a passing comment [based around the context of the rapid rise and fall of earhost] on how the Offer's forum should be regulated in some way to stop newbie hosts from jumping in with their untested business models and plans and hurting consumers.

There are always 2 sides to every debate [not just mine or yours :)] and maybe this issue could be thrashed out :D in a separate thread at some point. I gave up long ago thinking that my opinions were right and formed the foundation for universal truths. But they are my opinions though. :D

I do believe that I could present a good argument for controlling who is allowed to make a Offer to the general public through the Offer's forum. You could probably make a good argument as to why this should not be. Somewhere in the middle lies what is right. :cool:

Well I am guessing that all the clients saw this and recieved the announcment, also everything is getting off topic so could a mod please close this thread.

I want a refund.

Please pm me with the details.

I can see what your point is Bob, I just don't understand the how/why. Another day perhaps. :)

Gary

Originally posted by Editor
I can see what your point is Bob, I just don't understand the how/why. Another day perhaps. :)

Gary
Yeah, maybe it will happen in the "Suggestions" forum. It would make for an interesting debate. [not that I like a good debate or anything ;)]

*puts sword back and rides off on white horse to the castle* :D

The tech support issue i suppose could be difficult. 12 hours woulkd be ok, thats what i do but then James is in the US and i am still with him and im in the UK so if he only offered a few hours then it would be hard to get help. So i can see why he wanted 24/7
I don't offer 24/7 ,self but nearly all of my customers are in the UK so we are all awake and using the net at the same time.

And Bob, I agree with what you said about new companies to a certain extent but my company is still less than a year old, and we still have less than 100 clients, we are trying to build up slowly and get a good reputation and from some of the testimonials we have gotten we seem to be doing ok.

I think that James has done the right thing, if he feels that he could not provide the support then letting the clients go was the best thing. However i hope he fights back and once he gets things sorted he can re-open. I screwed up a bit at the beginning, spent far too much starting up, so we have all made mistakes.

Good Luck James

Originally posted by Aussie Bob

Lessons for all prospective clients - Only choose a host that has at least been in business for 6 to 12mths and has a client base of 3 figures minimum. Actually, that should be a minimum requirement for any host offering services in the ad forums too.

What?!?!?! If a host has at least 100 clients (your 3-figure minimum), they will usually have less time for support than a smaller host.

How can you advise this? httpme.com would have no clients if people followed your above advice, 6 months ago when you started out.

Originally posted by chrisb
How can you advise this? httpme.com would have no clients if people followed your above advice, 6 months ago when you started out.
December 2001 to be exact actually. :) If you read the context [I know, spoil your fun], you will see it has to do with hosts posting into the "Offer's forum". I have never posted into that section of WHT.

Originally posted by Aussie Bob

December 2001 to be exact actually. :) If you read the context [I know, spoil your fun], you will see it has to do with hosts posting into the "Offer's forum". I have never posted into that section of WHT.

Yes, I saw that. You respond to the "Request" forum though, and I see no difference. I still think it's a ridiculous suggestion that was not thought out well.

Originally posted by chrisb
I still think it's a ridiculous suggestion that was not thought out well.
And you're quite entitled that opinion. :cartman: Remember, we're talking opinions here. That is unless your opinion here is to be regarded as absolute truth. ??

James,
Do me a freaking favor and stop ignoring your customers. I've asked for a refund twice. This is a real scam. I'm sure this guy will pop up again in a few months, start a company, take the initial months pay, and then dump all the pissed off customers on somebody else. My username is codedcre. Give me my freaking money back.

Originally posted by Aussie Bob


Lessons for all prospective clients - Only choose a host that has at least been in business for 6 to 12mths and has a client base of 3 figures minimum. Actually, that should be a minimum requirement for any host offering services in the ad forums too.


:crap: These are all good points, but how would a new hosting service reach these golden numbers?

Everyone has to start somewhere. ;)

Does anyone know what EarHost is doing with their personal hosting accounts? I pre-paid for a personal account for one year but the account was never set up. Who would I be hosted with?

Or did I just loose my account :(

Newbee - Debby T

DebbyT

I think you need to email James as the ones he gave away were all reseller accounts from what I understand.

If you don't mind saying what kind of account did you get for a year? Space bandwidth $$..

Yes, Aussie Bob, it's my opinion. :) :stickout:

Originally posted by Monte
DebbyT

I think you need to email James as the ones he gave away were all reseller accounts from what I understand.


Good luck getting an answer, though. I'm still waiting refund or account setup instructions 9 days after I signed up.



Virgil V.
----------

James, I think you need to address these clients. You kept saying how you want the best for your clients, but now they are being ignored?

Peter

Originally posted by Monte
DebbyT

I think you need to email James as the ones he gave away were all reseller accounts from what I understand.

If you don't mind saying what kind of account did you get for a year? Space bandwidth $$..


50 MB webspace - ($20.00) per year
2 GB bandwidth
CPanel
Unlimited e-mails
Unlimited Mailing Lists
Remote Access to WebMail
Unlimited FTP accounts
PHP 4.1.2
Private CGI bin
Web stats
Password Protection

This site was in the process of being set up for a non-profit organization. So you are right in thinking that we were looking for the best deal possible.

Out of the above features the ability to host our own opt-in/opt-out email lists, PHP support, and enough email account for all of the primary members and multiple FTP accounts for group editing were key factors in choosing EarHost as a hosting service. That and the price :)

Debby T

Originally posted by axiom7



Good luck getting an answer, though. I'm still waiting refund or account setup instructions 9 days after I signed up.



Virgil V.
----------

Were you on a personal or reseller plan?

Yeah James this is getting out of hand. If you do not have the money at least be up front about it. Your server is still up so there is no reason these peoples accounts should not be set up by now.

DebbyT email me your details and I will set your the account up free, if James will not honor his word.

monte@techark.com

Just PM me, our mail server is down so we can not reply by email so just pm me.

Why don't you bring your mail server back up?

Like Matt said, you should bring up your mail server so that your clients who don't check webhostingtalk.com can contact you.

Peter

Well the mail server isn't really down, just when I send replies to emails they don't go through. We have no clients outside of WHT right now.

Make sure you have the correct entries in resolv.conf, and the mail should go through.

Also I would like to point out that if you did not fill out this form http://www.earhost.com/rs-1.php or something similar your credit card was not charged.

Originally posted by chrisb
Yes, Aussie Bob, it's my opinion. :) :stickout:
and the last time I checked, it's quite ok for you to have one. :D

Originally posted by chrisb


Yes, I saw that. You respond to the "Request" forum though, and I see no difference. I still think it's a ridiculous suggestion that was not thought out well.

Remeber that Aussie Bob's comments were directed at people thinking as consumers. Why is it ridiculous to suggest that a customers looking for a host only consider companies that have a proven track record. I did when I was shopping for hosting. I would never host with some of these company's that advertise on WHT. I wish them well, and I hope they grow, but until they prove themselves, they ain't gonna get my money. I have a few customers that I've gotten the old fashioned way (hard work, good service and face-to-face) rather than posting ridiculous offers on WHT hoping to lure in the unsuspecting.

Aussie Bob's suggestions were not ridiculous in the least. Problems caused by hosts like the one discussed in this topic ARE ridiculous. Just my opinion, and not the gospel truth in any way, shape or form. :D

You misunderstood my post. I believe in going with a host with a proven track record. I usually try to do that myself. The reasons I think Bob's advice was ridiculous was:
1) that the host must have a minimum of 100 customers [you can have a proven track record and have less than 100 customers]; and
2) that he wanted to censor the ad hosting offers forum yet he has solicited the ad request forum when he didn't meet his own advice; and/or
that it'd sounded strange coming from a host that started out approximately 6 mos ago, and didn't have 100 customers either.

Originally posted by Monte
DebbyT email me your details and I will set your the account up free, if James will not honor his word.

monte@techark.com

Thank you Monte,

I have pm'ed James and sent him an e-mail asking what he plans on doing with the account we never got set up. If I don't hear back from him today will your offer be open tomorrow?

Debby T

Just to comment on this, James has made no attempt to keep his customers up to date on this. I have not seen an update on his website, or have received an email.

Its pretty awkward having to visit WHT to see the updates on my web host.

Originally posted by DebbyT


Thank you Monte,

I have pm'ed James and sent him an e-mail asking what he plans on doing with the account we never got set up. If I don't hear back from him today will your offer be open tomorrow?

Debby T

Yes DebbyT

If James will not refund your money or setup your account I will set you up for free.

I am just sick of reading how people are getting screwed over in this thread and then the cyberwings ones.

Good on you Monte. That's a nice thing to do. Here's to ya :beer:

Originally posted by Monte


Were you on a personal or reseller plan?



It was a reseller account. Today I went to mchost's helpdesk and sent a ticket about it. It was replied almos immediately, and I was told by MarcB (guess what?) that my account wasn't setup right, that they'd set it up right and send me the details in a few minutes, and that I had 2 months free. Well, 9 hours later, when I got back home and checked my mail there was no email with my setup data, so I headed to the help desk and found my ticket closed by blessen (?), with no info :( . So I guess it will take another 12-48 hours more to be setup. I now have an account at dixiesys, but still I cannot avoid the stress of it all. I'll try to relax and go out for a change. Regards,

Virgil V.
-----------

Just to comment on this, James has made no attempt to keep his customers up to date on this. I have not seen an update on his website, or have received an email.

Its pretty awkward having to visit WHT to see the updates on my web host.

I was planning on sending out an announcement when all of this was settled and the server was in MChost's hands.

Yes DebbyT

If James will not refund your money or setup your account I will set you up for free.

I am just sick of reading how people are getting screwed over in this thread and then the cyberwings ones.

Acually noone is getting screwed here my friend. Everyone that has requested a refund I have honored, and I am awaiting DebbyT's response with the account info right now.

Originally posted by Monte
DebbyT email me your details and I will set your the account up free, if James will not honor his word.

monte@techark.com

You're a class act, Monte. :)

Originally posted by chrisb
....that it'd sounded strange coming from a host that started out approximately 6 mos ago, and didn't have 100 customers either.
Just for the record. :) We started operations Dec 2001 and have way over 100 customers. :)

Originally posted by chrisb
You misunderstood my post. I believe in going with a host with a proven track record. I usually try to do that myself. The reasons I think Bob's advice was ridiculous was:
1) that the host must have a minimum of 100 customers [you can have a proven track record and have less than 100 customers]; and
2) that he wanted to censor the ad hosting offers forum yet he has solicited the ad request forum when he didn't meet his own advice; and/or
that it'd sounded strange coming from a host that started out approximately 6 mos ago, and didn't have 100 customers either.
Also nice little twist and manipulation there chrisb :rolleyes: I was referring to making official offers likes James [remember - this is the context of the discussion] did when he launched his business in the OFFERS FORUM. I'm not talking about replying to requests. You decided to wrongly add that into the mix of this discussion. Where have I said that it's not alright for new hosts to reply to requests? Please show me.

But as I have already said -
Posted by Aussie Bob
Please also keep in mind that my comments were of the passing nature. I did not open up a new thread about this very topic. I'm not on some wild crusade here. I simply made a passing comment [based around the context of the rapid rise and fall of earhost] on how the Offer's forum should be regulated in some way to stop newbie hosts from jumping in with their untested business models and plans and hurting consumers.

There are always 2 sides to every debate [not just mine or yours ] and maybe this issue could be thrashed out in a separate thread at some point. I gave up long ago thinking that my opinions were right and formed the foundation for universal truths. But they are my opinions though.

I do believe that I could present a good argument for controlling who is allowed to make a Offer to the general public through the Offer's forum. You could probably make a good argument as to why this should not be. Somewhere in the middle lies what is right.
So, the train has been and gone without you. :)

I guess I will jump back in this debate. The simple fact is that it would be very much near impossible to maintain and most people would not go for it.

WHT has helped many people here start and grow their companies. For example; Jeff Hinkle and tranXact global started off with a big boom on WHT and now is one of the big boys.

What if someone came along and said "only companies that have been in business for 1 year, and has more than 300 customers should be considered as having proved themselves".

Just doesn't make sense to me, but you are entitled to your opinion and there is nothing I can do about that ;)

James
You've really amazed me.
Two weeks ago we exchanged 10 messages within 1 hour. I was going to order a reseller account, remember? And I did it. I paid you via paypal. I waited for 24 hours and emailed you to say that I've paid and would like to have any word in return. I asked you when my account was going to be set up. I repeated the question two days latter. I went to your forum and socialized there with other valued customers for a week. Once we all were asked what were we all doing there. What were we doing on a support forum where there were nobody to asnwer a question or explain anything. I know what we were doing. We waited for you to pop up and explain the situation. Our crowd grown a little bigger since a couple of people signed up after me. Then you killed the forum. Ten days after my signup. I can understood that. Why should you face your customers if you don't want to? I decided that I would better off without this reseller account and email you request for refund. Still no answer. And now I've learned that you "don't have customers outside WHT". Of course you don't. I'm not your customer. You can't consider a customer anyone who paid you and asked for refund just 10 days later. My account wasn't set up anyway. I'm not a customer. That's all right. You never answered emails because your outcoming email didn't go through. I assume you don't know about free email services like hotmail, do you? Well they can be very handy if you need to email someone and your mailserver is down.
You didn't hit "refund" button in your paypal account to return me my money. The money I paid for the account that was never set up. That can be understood. Maybe you wanted to steal my money, or you are out of money, or something. Not a big deal.

What I can't understand is your "jumping back in this debate". You are discussing here if it is right or not to advertise startup business in WHT "webhosting offers" forum. You didn't change your nick name or something. You behave like you did everything right. Or like somebody who did nothing wrong. That really amazes me a lot.

Originally posted by fractiousws
Just doesn't make sense to me, but you are entitled to your opinion and there is nothing I can do about that ;)
That's the great thing about living in a society with freedom. :) We can all have differing opinions and viewpoints but we respect eachother's opinion and also have the humility to recognise that our own opinions aren't right, they are are just right for us, right now. Noone can claim that their opinions represent the foundation for universal truths. Anyone who thinks this is seriously deluding themselves. :cartman:

Pls. email the details on the MCHost setup ASAP !
My account is "HolyTraf"
I prefer you have a small mail list of 15 clients email addresses to communicate to rather than using WHT.

Though, I am a member here, I do not visit more than once/twice times a week. Now after your email I come over & see this thread is 125 posts long & I never had a clue that the account was being shifted.

Pls. send me an email with Setup & other details.
I hope MCHost will be a good service provider.

Aussie, you are the one who is attempting to twist and manipulate my statements as evidenced by your chopping up of my response, taking it out of context, and you taking more than one post to reply to my response that you chopped up. People can read my posts and yours, and judge for themselves. No need to argue this further, it is OT anyway, and we've both expressed our opinions. Have a good day!

Originally posted by chrisb
Have a good day!
I always do. :D

Hi everyone..

I to have been asking James for a refund for 2 weeks for hosting that was never supplied. I still wait for a reply. :mad:

I have contacted my Credit Card companie, who say I need to contact paypal for a refund.

I do feel for all you guys who have paid for lifetime accounts..e.c.t and all of you who are waiting for a refund.

I have given James his chance to refund, like he should do, I will be contacting Paypal today. everyone who wants a refund should do the same..

Not a lot of help, but good luck everyone...

Regards
Richy

Originally posted by richy2
Hi everyone..

I to have been asking James for a refund for 2 weeks for hosting that was never supplied. I still wait for a reply. :mad:

I have contacted my Credit Card companie, who say I need to contact paypal for a refund.

I do feel for all you guys who have paid for lifetime accounts..e.c.t and all of you who are waiting for a refund.

I have given James his chance to refund, like he should do, I will be contacting Paypal today. everyone who wants a refund should do the same..

Not a lot of help, but good luck everyone...

Regards
Richy
Please James, do the right thing and refund your clients their money when they ask. You're hurting the industry here. It's not just about you. If you don't have the money, let them know and work out a payment plan or something.

Hi

I have just filled out my complaint to PAYPAL.

For anyone who need to do this and are not sure.

Login in to your account with paypal.com www.paypal.com
and at the bottom of the page you will see ( Security Center )
click there and you can then add you complaint and hopefully gain your refund...


GOOD LUCK..

Originally posted by fractiousws
Just to comment on this, James has made no attempt to keep his customers up to date on this. I have not seen an update on his website, or have received an email.

Its pretty awkward having to visit WHT to see the updates on my web host.

I was planning on sending out an announcement when all of this was settled and the server was in MChost's hands.

Yes DebbyT

If James will not refund your money or setup your account I will set you up for free.

I am just sick of reading how people are getting screwed over in this thread and then the cyberwings ones.

Acually noone is getting screwed here my friend. Everyone that has requested a refund I have honored, and I am awaiting DebbyT's response with the account info right now.
:rolleyes:

Really James seems we are seeing more and more of your customers seeing it a little diferent than you do.

I really hope you step up and do the right thing here. That starts with contacting each customer yourself personally and coming to an agreement with them. Posting to WHT is not comunicating with your customers.

I agree with many of the most recent comments.

It is unfathomable that anyone would not email their clients directly with these issues. Rather for anyone to rather compel their clients to to come to a bbs like WHT to a) find out the company is going belly-up and b) to be informed about indivividual refund information.

To think I would believe anyone who PM'd me that "the check is in the mail" when an e-mail via any number of services is possible is outright insulting. There are places one can host for as low as $2 or $4 a month. You need only purchase one of those accounts, modify the nameserver for earhost.com and send e-mail via that conduit.

Fortuantely I only paid for 1 month, and with a credit card. Though it does appear that I've been charged for 2 orders. I can always issue a charge-back. I was holding off on that because of the impact this has both credit-wise. However, the lack of direct corresondence outside of WHT though has a very chilling effect on me personally. My suspicions are aroused.

You have my phone number. Use it.

Originally posted by fractiousws

Acually noone is getting screwed here my friend. Everyone that has requested a refund I have honored, and I am awaiting DebbyT's response with the account info right now.
Good Morning,

I have been in contact with James from Earhosting. He has indicated that he is willing to set up my personal hosting account. I have pm'd him my account information. I should hear something back in the next 24 hours.

I deeply appreciate Monte's offer to give our coumminity website a new home. I was completely amazed to see how strongly other hosting services pulled together to help the clients of a smaller troubled company.

My complements to every hosting service on this board. Your actions are what make up the backbone of the industry. This has been a true learning experience :blush:

Davidkiz, if you are still reading this thread please get in contact with me.

Originally posted by DebbyT
I have been in contact with James from Earhosting. He has indicated that he is willing to set up my personal hosting account. I have pm'd him my account information. I should hear something back in the next 24 hours.

I have also asked he contact me directly via e-mail and/or phone ... it took some strongly worded messages ... but he did contact me. We're working out what appears to be overcharges.

I just wish he had contacted us all directly first, insteady of using WHT as a condiut. Not a knock on WHT, but I do not think WHT is a service designed to be a secure contuit for legally binding transactions.

Anyone else with a perspective on Jame's refusal to contact his clients directly?

Sad to see James go! :bawling: --- Seems like he had things in order and was rocking!

Yeah go ahead and PM James... his mailbox is full. I've been requesting a refund for 2 weeks via email and the helpdesk (which my ticket was DELETED without a response). I emailed all my account details AND my payment method. So tell me why the hell does it matter whether or not you can reply back? Simply send the refund and the next time I check my paypal account I'll say "Look, James sent the refund".

As for the hosts that say James's clients were wanting the world for $10.00, your wrong also. I signed up, figuring support wouldn't be really fast, but I rarely needed support anyway. In fact I think I entered 5 support requests total, 2 because my clients sites weren't propogating (even though the DNS entries were fine) and 3 because it took you a week and a half to respond to the other 2 and you didn't even fix them.

I cleaned out my PM's and sent you a message asking you to send the message again...

Originally posted by fractiousws
I cleaned out my PM's and sent you a message asking you to send the message again...

Why are earhost customers using WHT as a customer support tool?

Try contacting James via telephone or http://www.earhost.com/helpdesk/

Try to read the friggen posts before you jump to conclusions:


I've been requesting a refund for 2 weeks via email and the helpdesk (which my ticket was DELETED without a response).


Is there any confusion in that statement? He's not responding to emails, but apparently WHT seems to be more important then the helpdesk.

Oh, then please accept my apology :)

Sorry to jump on you like that... This whole situation is pretty much garbage, but I suppose that's why I was smart enough to move a while ago.... ;)