I'm with aventuremedia hosting and all I paid for the following:

100mb space
5 gb monthly transfer

First, it took 38 hours for my account to get set up, and then I had to wait a day between each support email as they are very slow with that. I had to email them to enable subdomains even though my packaged said unlimited subdomains were included (and emailing them to get them enabled is standard procedure they say!) so there goes another 24 hours.

So after about a week, my homepage is finally accessible, and then they tell me I can only host ONE website in that space. I use subdomains to separate them, not domains. Anyway, the reason they gave was this: multiple sites use more CPU power and we must charge more for it. When I pointed out that there is no difference between 3 tiny sites and one big one, they just stopped replying or repeatedly stated that I had to pay another $40 on top of my yearly payment of $35. This is just a scam, obviously.

Then I wanted to change my domain and they ask for yet another payoff of $25 so they can "recreate my account with the new settings". I can see $10 MAXIMUM, but $25? For 5 minutes work? Please...

I'm very disappointed with they way they've repeatedly brushed me off and ingored me. I asked for a refund but they said my time was up only after 2 days.

I just thought I'd post this to warn anyone who is considering registering with them. Their servers are fast and their INITIAL prices are great, but the hidden costs and disgusting support are just too much to live with.

I am now with a new host (dktk) and am so far very pleased with the service. They are always on MSN and ICQ and are friendly and fast.

How is this a scam?

So they took a long time to set it up. Maybe give them the benefit of the doubt. Maybe they are a small outfit. Did they state that setup would be sameday?

As good a name as Dixiesys has around here, you still need to create a trouble ticket to activate the unlimited subdomains feature they offer for free.

And to your using 3 domains in the space of 1 domain account - you're in the wrong. If you paid for an account that allows multiple domains, then you have a right to gripe. But you paid for one domain's hosting. If you want more, that's 3 times the work setting up and if they opt to charge a setup fee that's their choice.

They are probably glad to see you gone, because it sounds like you are probably more trouble than a small annual fee is worth. You should maybe look at your attitude before crying about being scammed.

They should refund you and be done with you totally, but that's their call.

-WC-

They are NOT a small outfit. I'm not the only one fed up with waiting 24-96 hours for a reply to a simple question.

And I didn't say I wanted 3 domains on a 1 domain account. I simply wanted to change the 1 domain to another. This shoudln't cost 2/3 of what I pay for the account. How long could it take, not including domain propagation and DNS resolving?

If they'd refund me and be done with me, I'd be more than willing.

And maybe scammed is over the top, but they have hidden costs for everything. Surprised they don't charge for support. They also say I shouldn't complain because all I'm paying is $35 US a year. Well who's decision was it to host for that little? They shouldn't use it as a shield whenever someone needs help or is unsatisfied.

My attitude is fine. I think my frustration is justifiable.

as with most hosts... you get what you pay for.

Originally posted by JeremyV
as with most hosts... you get what you pay for.

Well like I said earlier, DKTK charges $1 less than aventuremedia and I get the same package with superior support. Plus the support people are very open to suggestions for improvements which I found to be a wonderful bonus.

I think for $35 a year that is not bad at all.. I mean there hidden fees suck but for $2.91 a month its really not that bad.. Thats one of the major things you have to watch out for with the cheapo hosts is the hidden fees I mean they have to pay there support people/servers/bandwidth connections somehow..

Well I do have to say first off 38 hours to get a account setup kinda long. Also the money spent is kinda alot too. But I dont know, we set up our accounts 24/7 and I think the longest it has ever taken 6 hours.. The other thing is, "You get what you pay for" is not always true, no matter big or small, you should get good support, also before you sign up with any host, make sure they have Good reviews and also try to go with a Big or Real company.

they tell me I can only host ONE website in that space.

If that's what you signed up for...

Maybe I'm naive, but I'm under the impression that you need a more specific package for hosting multiple domains - such as a small reseller one.

I'd heard good reviews and I knew they were big, but when I payed my bill, I went to the forums and noticed a ton of unanswered questions and people complaining about how long support took.

There are better hosts out there, and I'd rather people chose the better ones than these guys, unless they get their acts together.

EDIT:
Maybe I'm naive, but I'm under the impression that you need a more specific package for hosting multiple domains - such as a small reseller one.

Once again, I didn't want multiple domains. Just 2-3 sites seperated by subdomains (and I am allowed unlimited subdomains).

Well, the "you get what you pay for" is not ALWAYS true, people really need to understand that when you buy something that is really cheap, you might not always get top of the line service and support. I mean, if that were the case there would be no hosts charging 20 bucks a month for the same plan you pay 2 dollars a month for.

I'm just saying, if you are expecting great support and features, you may want to look into a better solution if that is important to you. Do you go to the grocery store and buy the off-brand of a product and get upset when it sucks?

Buy cheap/get cheap!
No tears here!

I think this is a Fair thing to say. "You get what you pay for, when signing up with a reseller" . I am not a reseller, but gzz I have been on the net for 20+ years and I see alot of them all over, you do need to be carefull who you sign up with. Also, resellers are not bad its just a "different" kind of service. I hoep this helps.

definetly a case of you get what you pay for.

Pay for cheap service, get cheap service.

Originally posted by STX-Hosting
Pay for cheap service, get cheap service.

I paid a low price for what I thought was at least REASONABLE service :(

Originally posted by Wizzard005
I have been on the net for 20+ years

OK I recall milnet late 80's & arpnet which was connected to the local state college that I had access to back in 1984 ) what the heck was the text based net back in 1982 that was public/school accessable?

mike

Subdomains create more than one website, but depending on how you do it, you can make them completely seperat, or have them connected in variuos ways. If you are allowed to create subdomains, you should be allowed to keep their content on the server as well, and not have to redirect them elsewhere.

When you wanted to change domain-name, did you already own the other domain, or did you want them to register the new domain for you?

I own my new domain already. I just need them to adjust my account to suit it.

That shouldn't cost a fortune. If they can't do it for you, why not do it through your registrar instead, and use their nameserver instead?

Would that mean I'd have to use some kind of frame setup or redirection?

Not really sure how nameservers work.

The original poster complained about it taking 38 hours to get the account setup. Back in April I unknowingly signed up for the '38 plan' from another host.

It took 38 days to setup, 38 days before the host completely went down and 38 days to get the promised refund after my request.

Originally posted by Gordo
The original poster complained about it taking 38 hours to get the account setup. Back in April I unknowingly signed up for the '38 plan' from another host.

It took 38 days to setup, 38 days before the host completely went down and 38 days to get the promised refund after my request.

All that for the low, low cost of $38 (billed weekly after the host shuts down for 38 weeks! :D)

definetly a case of you get what you pay for.
Pay for cheap service, get cheap service.

I am sorry but I must say, I beg to differ.

Not every host with low prices mean that they will ofer cheap service. It depends on individual.

In the past during my employment, we have changes 4 hosting provider, charging us at US$7.50 - US$15.00 per month. Yet we don't see that they are providing us a quick response and good technica lsupport.

There are tons of web hosting provider in the market today, and price ain't the crux any more. Whereas the service and support counts!

:)

Originally posted by Bin Scammed
Would that mean I'd have to use some kind of frame setup or redirection?

Not really sure how nameservers work.

Nameserver - server with list of domain names and IP numbers and a list of what url goes to what domain name. It's easier to use your hosts nameserver, because updates are faster. (I think this is correct)

Frame setup or redirection - your domain registrar should have info on that one, but you would most likely use redirection and have it point to your www.somethingorother.com/~username

Originally posted by I, Brian
they tell me I can only host ONE website in that space.

If that's what you signed up for...

Maybe I'm naive, but I'm under the impression that you need a more specific package for hosting multiple domains - such as a small reseller one.

This depends one your host. If you want to work on the cheap you can't expect the services of the higher priced hosts. We have one account with Superb and we have 6 domains on that one account. Course we are paying for a virtual server also.

But even with previous hosts we had multiple domains hosted under one account. Instead of using subdomains, we just paid extra for domain pointers to point to individual site folders under the root folder.

However, if that is what you want, you should have asked if it was allowed before signing up. Never assume something is included. If it isn't listed as part of the plan, ask.

But I never expected that. It'd be like buying a burger and them asking "would you like a patty or no patty?"

There's no reason for them to restrict multiple site hosting (with subdomains) aside from their wanting more of my money.

Originally posted by Bin Scammed
But I never expected that. It'd be like buying a burger and them asking "would you like a patty or no patty?"

There's no reason for them to restrict multiple site hosting (with subdomains) aside from their wanting more of my money.

Your burger analogy doesn't really fit here. I want to host a site, no make that 3 sites in one account. Not the same.

Hosts can set their rules how ever they want. Did you specifically ask if you could have multiple site hosting under one domain? If not, you should have. Wisedom dictates that you clarify areas in the service plan or TOS before giving a company money. I've done that with every host I've used over the past 6 years. And I haven't had that problem--other problems yes--but never over features.

I thought they meant I couldn't host friends sites or act as a host on my virtual server. I didn't even think that they wouldn't let me host 2 of my own sites as it just seemed rediculous.

Well now I know. Doesn't really matter anyway, I ran far and fast from those people and I hope anyone else who considers them does the same. My new host is everything I wanted in my old host and then some, so I'm happy.

Good for you!

After reading the threads, I assume its suitable for us to post in response to the customer who has submitted his complaint.

Same as with all webhosting companies, we take everything which enters our inbox as very seriously. We cannot allow customers to host 5 sites in a $35 package, or whatever the cost, we offer alot of features for a very low price, we offer services which other hosts don't offer, and we have always had an excellent feedback from our customers in regards to our services and support.

When a customer signs up, an email is sent which includes the terms of service, a link to the online terms etc. When they are paying they even have the option of selecting "Multi Site (upto 5 site hosting)" for $35 per year, this was not used in this case.

Within our terms are the following, marked out in bold.


The hosting of, reference to or linking to any of the following is not allowed.

- Nudity, pornography, anything of a sexual, or of an obscene nature.
- Violations of any copyright or any other right of any third party.
- Threatening, abusive, harassing, defamatory statements.
- Promotion of illegal activities (info on hacking, cracking etc)
- Hosting or linking to copyrighted files without permission
- Information, instructions, or software containingabout any kind of virus.
- Hate speech or hate propaganda.
- Content that links to content that violates Aventure Medias TOS
- Scripts or systems that cause server performance to decrease or cause a
serious problem with the smooth running of the server.
- Misrepresentation of member's identity, or the impersonation of anyone.
- Collection of personal information for illegal purposes.
- Collection of personal information without users permission
- Content that is deemed by Aventure Media, in its sole discretion, to be
harmful to Aventure Media, another company or organisation, or individual.
- Solicitation or sale of any products or services that are harmful & illegal
- Multiple site hosting within one Virtual Server unless a full reseller account is purchased.





Bandwidth / High Resource Users
Sites are subject to network abuse and high resources.
Any user which uses high resources, or high bandwidth which effects other customers and server performance, may have their site temporarily closed or the [b]owner contacted to resolve the issue.[b/]


If all our customers, and other hosts customers were able to host friends sites with forums, message boards, galleries, mailing lists on a package at such a low cost, servers would be over loaded all over the world. We offer an upgrade of $35 which gives the account holder a reseller account which holders 5 full domains which allows them to modify the contents of each website, select the features and completely customize how their sites act, this we believe is exceptional value for a one year period to host 5 sites on an account.

We are aware of who the customer is, again, no account was suspended in this issue, we always contact our customers, and we have contacted the customer in question when any problem arrised, offering advice, what to do, possible upgrades and solutions, and they appeared to be welcome, appart from this post.

Its unfortunate that the post was made, but unfortunately not all customers can be happy, and there is always one or two who want to exploit low cost packages.

Our support is not 24hrs appart, our average response time is less than one hour. Our support is via 24/7 phone support (not used by customer), ticket system (not used by customer) and email (customer used). Again, it depends how the customer handled the issue and who they contacted, obviously it has not gone through the path which all other issues go through.

In regards to the account setup time, the account details are sent out when payment is verified for fraud, the domains are then entered into the registration system and the details are sent out a few hours after the requested DNS changes. Its probably suspected that the DNS in this case took the 38hrs or so, as quoted, again, we have no control over this, and customers can choose to access their webspace via IP or alternative host names.

Appart from the above, I cannot put any further comments forward as again, everyone has their views and comments about everything in this world, theres always two sides to a story.

I hope this has shed some light on the issue, I welcome any feedback users can share, and send it to me via email to richard@aventure-media.co.uk we always want suggestions and comments about our services, otherwise we could not build as a company!


Richard Kennedy
Aventure Media Networks

Being new to this world of web hosting, I'm not sure why disk space, bandwidth, and CPU consumption are not sufficient to contain everything that a customer needs and a provider needs to charge for. If a customer wants 200 MB of disk space and 5 GB of transfer, and they can fit umpteen billion actual sites in that, then I'm not seeing what the big deal is.

Originally posted by Bin Scammed
I didn't even think that they wouldn't let me host 2 of my own sites as it just seemed rediculous.

Well now I know. Doesn't really matter anyway, I ran far and fast from those people and I hope anyone else who considers them does the same.
That is what it says in the agreement, and I personally don't find it ridiculous (though Rickard already outlined why). Simply put, this host didn't match your needs (somethign people often neglect to consider when signing up with a provider). Other than the account set up time, and email support, you weren't scammed.

trif, hosts give customers a certain amount of space and transfer but customers are expected to follow the TOS. If you've ever wondered why a 500MB/10GB of transfer virtual account is less than a 500MB/10GB of transfer bulk reseller account, it is because hosts realize that resellers are more likely to actually use the allowances of that account. You can't oversell bulk reseller accounts to the degree that you can oversell virtual accounts.

Overselling isn't a bad thing. Too much, yes, but moderate overselling keeps the prices down for the end user and allows the host to offer a very generous plan. As I said, too much overselling isn't good though.

If you sign up for a 500MB account that only permits one site, that's what you should expect to get. Nothing more, nothing less.

IF the account accepts subdomains, are the subdomains supposed to be hosted elsewhere or are they considered as part of ONE site?

Firstly, I haven't recieved anything from AVM so methinks you're thinking of another client :S

Also, when I read that bit in the TOS, I assumed it meant I couldn't host the sites of strangers and run my own little reseller account off my virtual server. I didn't doubt myself on this, as the REAL meaning of it never crossed my mind.

When I found out what it meant, I asked for a TOS adjustment and then maybe if they could make an exception and then I asked for a rebate. Considering each email took an average of 10 hours to be replied to and that I'm not awake 24/7, my 48 hour refund time was long over so they denied it.

Also, the ticket system was introduced AFTER all of this. When it came out, I then used it.

Also, the phone support is only for people in the UK. I'm nowhere NEAR the UK, so I didn't use it.

I'd still be grateful for a refund, as I no longer have any use of that account. It's just 100mb wasted space on your servers as far as I'm concerned.

Hi, posting comments like your topic, isn't a way to go about a refund is it :)

I guarentee that had I not posted this, you wouldn't even consider refunding me as I've asked you before and it was refused.

Also, when I read that bit in the TOS, I assumed it meant I couldn't host the sites of strangers and run my own little reseller account off my virtual server. I didn't doubt myself on this, as the REAL meaning of it never crossed my mind.


As some very intelligent person once said ...
"Assumption, the mother of ALL f***ups"

When it comes to money .. assume Nothing .. get everything on paper and get it all signed ...

Well I didn't doubt myself at all! I read it and thought "ok, that makes sense. I won't go around hosting people."

Who knew it meant I can't even host myself.

How can you not host yourself? Your blowing your problem out of proportion, you simply cannot install all your friends site on the same account. Easy :p

You can't expect everything from an account that's priced below the $10/m entry barrier. You need to read the fine print and know what services to expect and if you don't know what something means, ask. The charge to change root domain names is common and typically priced in a similar fashion. Just because your hosting plan is cheap doesn't mean the host can pay someone less to change your domain name. These servers require manpower as they're not autonomous and people don't usually work for free. If hosts don't set limits on accounts, some clients would abuse their accounts and hurt everyone else on that server or even the entire network. You need to see this from a hosts point of view. You can't expect everything for free. (And no, I'm not a host or a reseller.)

I'm saying I can't host myself because I have 3 sites made by me for me. Sure I can host ONE of them, but I think it's just slimey that you charge more to host multiple ones when there's absolution no reason for it aside from "we want more money"

If you want to go to the cinema and take 4 friends, you buy 5 tickets, not one, correct ? Same thing applies everywhere.

Well aparently you haven't been around as much as I have. I've been on a total of 5 hosts, and NONE of them have had such a rule. My current host practically encourages it, as should any host offering 100mb and 5gb transfer...

Nobody gives a hoot on a small site whether you use a specific domain name or not. Just load up all the files to the same domain/account, link them together as you want, write the few external sites that have linked and be done with it.

Originally posted by aventuregrp
If you want to go to the cinema and take 4 friends, you buy 5 tickets, not one, correct ? Same thing applies everywhere.

And if I buy 5 tickets, and give 4 of them to my friends, the theater doesn't tell me that I can't do it and that I have to use all 5 seats myself.

Originally posted by aventuregrp
Hi, posting comments like your topic, isn't a way to go about a refund is it :)

That comment was unprofessional and unnecessary.

On another note, binscammed already told you that he didn't expect to be able to host his friend's accts.

As far as support goes, I don't believe you (aventure). You seem to say that because the customer used email that it was slower. I don't care if it's email, phone or trouble ticket, the response time should still be within 24 hrs.

I can see both sides of the story. 1. The host does not want to give you 3 accounts for 1 but sub domains should be handled as the same or split the main account usage into 3 smaller accounts. Good luck with your next host and I hope things work out.

That comment was unprofessional and unnecessary.

Agreed.

As far as support goes, I don't believe you (aventure). You seem to say that because the customer used email that it was slower. I don't care if it's email, phone or trouble ticket, the response time should still be within 24 hrs.

Exactly. Even the ticket system took over 4 hours sometimes.

Good luck with your next host and I hope things work out.

Thanks :) Things are great so far.

Originally posted by Gordo
Nobody gives a hoot on a small site whether you use a specific domain name or not. Just load up all the files to the same domain/account, link them together as you want, write the few external sites that have linked and be done with it.

Heh, not sure that's the way to go. As I understand that, you want me to turn all my sites into a network of sorts. In one of the emails AVM sent, they said something about one site meaning all pages share a common layout.

Even if I did do that, it'd still give them reason to suspend me if they did somehow find out. They SHOULD just remove that rule anyway, as it's unjustified aside from them wanting more money for nothing (well, 5 mins work).

Originally posted by avhokie


And if I buy 5 tickets, and give 4 of them to my friends, the theater doesn't tell me that I can't do it and that I have to use all 5 seats myself.

Only one account was purchased with no upgrade, therefore there was no "5 tickets" bought.

In my opinion a host hosts data, not sites. Nothing but binary and/or ASCII data. You're allowed 100mb and 5gb transfer. Do as you wish. Obviously you can't host pornographic images, or any other CONTENT which is prohibited by that host for legal and/or moral reasons. However many sites someone wants should be irrelevant.

Seems to be how every other host I was on seemed to think of it.

I would have to disagree Bin, it is not the same for a host to host 1 site using 5G, or 50 sites using 100M. There is a difference in configuration and dns and may require additional configuration work for the host. However, unless the host's site showed this as a feature, it should not be assumed that this was one of the features of their site. The host has every right to package their business as they wish.

It would be like walking into a convenience store and picking up a 12-pack of cokes and telling the cashier they had to charge you for a 2 liter because they are the same amount of drink.....maybe not an exact example, but you should get the point.

But I'm the one doing the work here. I make the subs. I upload the files. I create the sites. Besides, the site's are separated by SUBDOMAINS ONLY and my accuont says I get unlimited subs so no additional configuration is required on their part. I just make the subs and stuff the folders until the collective data ammounts to 100mb.

No porn. No other bad stuff they don't want.

I don't see how anyone can defend charging more money for something takes no time at all and is completely unjustified. $40 extra simply for permission to host more sites? I payed $35 for my package!

Am I the only one who thinks that this is rediculous?

Besides, the site's are separated by SUBDOMAINS ONLY and my accuont says I get unlimited subs so no additional configuration is required on their part.

Adding subdomains is different from adding new root domains and are typically included as part of a hosting package.

Well, BinScammed I'm only in half-agreement with you.:) There are good reasons that have been pointed out in this thread why a host may not want to offer multiple domains for the same price; and if it wasn't specified, you really should not have assumed that was the case.

I can't believe the host continues to argue with you in this thread though. Must be some kid; a professional adult would know better.

Why is it that no one sees the problems BinScammed is dealing with? He ordered an account with unlimited subdomains. His (old) host is saying that he can not have unique content on each subdomain!!! I'd be very pissed if that were to happen to me. It sounds like this host is saying that he can only have pages that are on the same topic throughout his entire account! I agree he was scammed.

What am I missing? He wasn't asking for multiple domains, but just to put unique content on each subdomain - that is pretty much what subdomains are for, aren't they?

In one of the emails AVM sent, they said something about one site meaning all pages share a common layout.

I think the confusion here is the term subdomain vs domain. If a host offers 'multiple subdomains', then the customer should be able to host the content he wants under the subdomains providing it falls within the TOS/AUP policies. If, however, the customer wants another domain, i.e. www.domain2.com and not subdomain.domain1.com, then there is typically a charge associated with this unless 'multiple domains' are provided on the account. The host and the customer need to talk the same jargon so they understand each other.

I agree with Rick_M.

The TOS/AUP policies allow the host to walk the gray line and try to squeeze a few more bucks about of the customers. That was "cheap"[pun intended] of AventureMedia.

In my experience, US hosts tend to be more flexible when it comes to this kind of stuffs.
============
Bin Scammed,
if I was you, i would be pissed, too. i'm glad you're with a beter host now. I guess you can call that $35 a price for a good learning experience

HN

Originally posted by Alex042
I think the confusion here is the term subdomain vs domain. If a host offers 'multiple subdomains', then the customer should be able to host the content he wants under the subdomains providing it falls within the TOS/AUP policies. If, however, the customer wants another domain, i.e. www.domain2.com and not subdomain.domain1.com, then there is typically a charge associated with this unless 'multiple domains' are provided on the account. The host and the customer need to talk the same jargon so they understand each other.

I've been saying "subdomains" for this entire thread. My host even KNOWS I'm saying subdomain. They just want me to host one site, for example my homepage, and will not allow me to host another site via subdomain which would be about BMXing and whatnot for example. For this, they charge $40. It's rediculous.

I understand the added charges if I were to request another domain. And I actually DID request to be able to host another domain and they said it'd cost $25 bucks for every extra domain I want. Again, I paid $35 for the account. My new host lets me have 20 domains and anymore after that are $1 per month (don't quote me on that, but it is a very low price; I THINK it's $1/mo)

Originally posted by Bin Scammed
I'm saying I can't host myself because I have 3 sites made by me for me. Sure I can host ONE of them, but I think it's just slimey that you charge more to host multiple ones when there's absolution no reason for it aside from "we want more money"

Which is a good enough reason -- it's called business. If you don't like it, move on. You signed up for a single domain account, then you get to host one domain. It's that simple.

Originally posted by Bin Scammed
Am I the only one who thinks that this is rediculous?

Yes

Originally posted by Rick_M
Why is it that no one sees the problems BinScammed is dealing with? He ordered an account with unlimited subdomains. His (old) host is saying that he can not have unique content on each subdomain!!! I'd be very pissed if that were to happen to me. It sounds like this host is saying that he can only have pages that are on the same topic throughout his entire account! I agree he was scammed.

What am I missing? He wasn't asking for multiple domains, but just to put unique content on each subdomain - that is pretty much what subdomains are for, aren't they?


Now that it has been explained further, I agree. While I'm not sure one would say, "...that is pretty much what subdomains are for, aren't they?" - I would say that this is a widely accepted use for them, not the only use, but...

Ultimately it is the host who has to decide what is and what is not acceptable, though this should be clearly outlined in the TOS (acceptable use of subdomains). I'm not sure it is 100%, and Richard seems to have a pretty loose attitude regading the forum guidelines here (and barks at me when we remove his posts), so I have to say I'm a bit surprised he's taken such a hard line on this issue.

If I were the host, I'd give the guy the lousy subdomain or refund his oney, but that's not up to me to decide. Bin's gone elsewhere (I believe) so the point is probably moot.

I would be very pleased with a refund :)

I've already moved my domain and have no plans to buy another so that space is useless to me now, and I'm down 60 bucks Canadian...