after reading so many posts about people being ripped off by here-today-gone-tomorrow hosts, i've come to believe being a dishonest webhost has got to be one of the biggest internet scams around. a very easy way to take the $$$ and run. i wonder how much people lose to these webhosts annually. :eek:

More like monthly :(

I lost $60 to HostOnce...But that was before I learned about the "biz" and like 9 months before I ever came here.

yeah, they don't stay in business annually. :D

Globally it's probably quite a large number, sadly.

It's a concern for the rest of us, as well as the customers affected. It's difficult enough to get people to trust paying by creditcard online at the best of times, but then to be within an industry that is developing a reputation akin to lawyers and used car salesmen, the task becomes all the more difficult.

There's a serious lack of responsibility and accountability in many facets of the world today, and web hosting is one of those areas where this sort of 'wild west' attitude is too much in evidence.

Greg Moore

Well put Greg (a second time I'd have to agree with him). Too many hosts are out there to make the quick buck and have no care in the world to do anything but sell, sell, sell. Sure, it's why we're in business, however, I always encourage aspiring hosting entrepreneurs to certainly not get into the market unless their willing to be dedicated, committed to their clients and put a serious amount of effort in providing stability for their guests.

Why? BECAUSE THAT is the best way to sell! If a host is honest and provides stability with their guests, soon (and sometimes later than sooner) the guests turn around and brag about their host. It's the most flattering thing in the world, however, it's just an affirmation that you are committed to your clients (at least to that one client in particular)

Its too easy for people who shouldnt be in the business at all (either too young, not enough experience etc.) to hide behind the anonymity of the internet in a business like this, especially when it seems so easy at first with the first few hundred customers because you can handle the support yourself.

-Brendan

Its too easy for people who shouldn't be in the business at all (either too young, not enough experience etc.)
This is a significant problem. Though I know there are some sharp, honest young hosts out there; there is an obvious correlation between youth and irresponsible business practices. Hosts that sell them accounts are, in large part, responsible.

Its too easy for people who shouldn't be in the business at all (either too young, not enough experience etc.)

Yes. And many of the largest hosting companies are run by people fitting that exact description.

Originally posted by Hey It's Me


Yes. And many of the largest hosting companies are run by people fitting that exact description.

"Hey It's Me", LOVE your handle! ;-) Well I would certainly hope not! Although I would not be surprised :-/

One of the issues is that it's a perpetual cycle. Hosting services sell service. They then move into reseller accounts. That begins the cycle. They then move to dedicated or managed servers. That further adds to it.

Marketing reseller and server deals is fine, but many people see that as an opportunity to push the "get rich web hosting" slant.

Sadly, I would have to agree with the general idea in this topic that many hosts are out to grab as much as they can as quickly as they can and then disappear into the proverbial night.

However, I'd prefer to look at this situation in a positive light rather than a negative one. How do I do this? First, by considering that the majority of hosts are reputable, honest, hardworking individuals and companies (and both in some cases) who really do want what's best for their clients. Second, these hosts, who do so, will eventually grow and get the vast majority of business in the long term because their business practices will spread via word of mouth, which is the best form of advertising of all. And more power to those that do this.

Biggie companys that have been around will get you to.
Back in 1997 before I knew a thing about hosting, Earthlink got me for $300.00.
I hosted my first ever site with them for $19.95 per month, 10 megs of space.
After I moved my site, they kept billing me. Banks where not up to date with the net and I had never heard of a chargeback.
Plus I never really looked at my CC bills, do now!
You live and learn, no matter how old you are.

after reading so many posts about people being ripped off by here-today-gone-tomorrow hosts, i've come to believe being a dishonest webhost has got to be one of the biggest internet scams around. a very easy way to take the $$$ and run. i wonder how much people lose to these webhosts annually. :eek:

Yes very true. It is the actions of these irresponsible webhosts, so called, that will eventually bring Government investigation and perhaps regulation to the industry. I would think that the majority of webhosts would prefer that this did not happen. I personally do not have anything against 'young' people from running hosting companies but with this industry there is a need for a extremely responsible attitude and devotion to providing this service. After all, Hosts are dealing with peoples lives and incomes.

While i think it is a bad thing, which it is, it also leaves room for those whom dont rip people off and makes them look like knights in shining armor.

:stickout

I think that at this point, if you know where to look, you can do enough research and find out enough information about a web host to know exactly how reliable they are.

Reading the reviews about the web host on different directories, talking to their customers, checking out how long they've been in business - these factors will show you whether or not the host is worth your time.

Boris