I understand this is a subjective matter, if nothing else, whom should I avoid?

True, this is very subjective. I am sure that each web host would think they are best in their field and rightfully so too unless there are facts which would contradict that. I doubt anyone would run a business striving to be anything but the best.

However, what is best is probably subjective. I believe that each host has their core competence and there are many areas in which 'best' can be applied. One may be good in a certain area but lack in others.

Of course, if you specify what are the qualities you look for and find important, it would help narrow your search down ? There may be those which have excellent uptime, technical knowledge, swift responses, tons of scripts and software, best mb per dollar or best database hosting. Some might have some but not all the characteristics.

Besides if there is only one Best and everyone host with them, what would become of the other best ?

Originally posted by eddy2099
True, this is very subjective. I am sure that each web host would think they are best in their field and rightfully so too unless there are facts which would contradict that. I doubt anyone would run a business striving to be anything but the best.

However, what is best is probably subjective. I believe that each host has their core competence and there are many areas in which 'best' can be applied. One may be good in a certain area but lack in others.

Of course, if you specify what are the qualities you look for and find important, it would help narrow your search down ? There may be those which have excellent uptime, technical knowledge, swift responses, tons of scripts and software, best mb per dollar or best database hosting. Some might have some but not all the characteristics.

Besides if there is only one Best and everyone host with them, what would become of the other best ?

I agree. some hosts are better suited for certain clients. someone who runs gameservers needs to have a different host than someone who hosts a BBS or specializes in small business etc. There are a lot of good hosts out there, and even more bad ones out there. Sometimes that bad host would have been a good host for someone else. That's at least part of the reason you will see conflicting opinions of the same host.

What kind of site are you wanting to have hosted?