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  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2000
    Location
    Chicago, IL, USA
    Posts
    16

    Angry

    This should be a lesson if it sounds TOO good to be true it is NOT TRUE.
    This site worked for about 2 weeks perfect. Then site went down for days at time, wrote found out moving servers..then it still was not working. Then the ftp wasnt working to edit what I had up already.
    I wrote told them I wanted my money back as their policy says... no reply... still NO reply.. I have since moved my site to a different place. BUT no refund... and they wont even write back. I have filed with the BBB I hope that will work.. JUST dont do what I did and loose your money... RUN AS fast as you can... they also have many names they go by.. the parent company is HELPING HANDS in Phoenix. KEEP your money....

    ------------------
    Silly
    http://www.sillyone.com

  2. #2
    Greg Guest
    Most of us don't have to join those places to know it's not true, it's called LOGIC and COMMON SENSE!!


    And there's no such thing as "unlimited traffic" either...I like those hosting places, they are like an IQ test, your dumb, you get burned.


    People like you never read these forums before you sign up anywhere, and then you think your going to come here and warn us later, I would never join a place that has unlimited bandwidth or a one time lifetime payment, plain stupidity.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2000
    Location
    Chicago, IL, USA
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    16

    Exclamation

    [QUOTE]Originally posted by Greg:
    [B]Most of us don't have to join those places to know it's not true, it's called LOGIC and COMMON SENSE!!


    ==============
    True... this is the first time I found this forum. Not for lack of trying.. while searching for a webhost I did some research at these host directories. All of which do carry this hostingplans.com as a client.

    1http://www.hostinvestigator.com//2http://www.hostindex.com/ / 3http://www.webhostdir.com// 4http://www.webhostmagazine.com
    Given the consistent ad and figuring that these were responsible sources of information I went with it.. I dont feel a reason for anyone's anger towards me for trying to tell someone who has done the same research with the same conclusion.
    Haven written to their support team 5 times before I signed up and paid for my site. A reasonable person would think they just stumbled across a great deal.
    This type of forum didnt show up on my searches for information, just showing all the information can be out there.. but does NO good if you cant find it.
    (I stumbled into this one just today)
    ------------------
    Silly http://www.sillyone.com

    [This message has been edited by sillyone.com (edited 05-07-2000).]

  4. #4

    Post

    Unlimited never has and never will be totally capable... heh, thats just the way life is ..

    ------------------
    ReviewDepot - your hosting resource

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2000
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    Not here
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    1,437

    Post

    Silly,

    Greg was a bit harsh and a tad condescending and overlooked something you mentioned. One can look for sites like this one but may not find them in time to do any good.

    You're right. It is a reasonable assumption that one simply stumbled upon a good deal. One becomes much more discerning and skeptical after the first bad experience or two (or more) and being lied to I know someone who has had 18 different hosts and not found a good one yet. (I'll have to let him know about this site tomorrow).

    You've already learned about some of the lies some companies tell, and there are many more. The BBB won't help as it is doubtful the company cares about its reputation. Try the state attorney's office instead. They have clout. The BBB doesn't.

    As you have discovered, those rating sites are worthless. Paid advertising ensures high ratings. My present and soon to be ex-host is highly rated with all of the rating companies I found. I can assure you it is not warranted. They aren't terrible, and could be good. It's just that any time there is a change, they have to do it, and they aren't fast. If they spent the money on a control panel instead of advertising, those ratings might be genuine.

    Use this site (and others like it) to learn and find a good host. There are some out there, though they definitely seem to be in the minority. Most seem like used car salesman {the worst of them), they will promise you anything and everything to get your money, knowing full well they have no intention of honoring what they promise, even if it's in writing.

    Look at the bright side. All this is part of the learning experience and can bring you closer to finding a good host now that you know how.

  6. #6
    tk Guest

    Post

    Silly,
    I too was burned by HostingPlans.com. It too was my first attempt at hosting with a company. I even went so far as to ask some friends that have online businesses about what Hostingplans had to offer. They were impressed and wanted to know what I thought of them if I signed up.

    I signed up, also got burned, and have since learned the lesson. I think what Greg doesn't understand is that there are other people visiting this forum like you and I that need this kind of information. Otherwise, this forum wouldn't need to exist.

    I've since canceled my account with Hostingplans, and disputed the double charges they made to my credit card. I hope you paid with a credit card and not check/money order. At least then you can dispute the charges through your bank. Keep all the documentation on your dealings with hostingplans.

    Duster's response is excellent. The BBB no longer has the clout it once had. The DA for the state (AZ in this case) is your better option. If you go that route and they want more examples, I'd be glad to help. I also have emails from a couple other clients of Hostingplans with similar experiences.

    tk

  7. #7
    Join Date
    May 2000
    Location
    Chicago, IL, USA
    Posts
    16

    Exclamation

    [QUOTE]Originally posted by tk:
    [B]Silly,
    I too was burned by HostingPlans.com.
    ======

    Im sorry you were too.. and thanks for the support by you and Duster. I really am trying to get this internet thing down... meaning how to find sites LIKE this one before I do anything... I have gone through several hosting places including one that my site only showed up on their computers... and when I told them that was far too limited an audience they DID refund my money.. they all have... Its a shame that more people cant find sites like this before they go with something...

    Just wondering HOW when I put in keywords to find good webhosts...or bad ones THIS site does not show up... I dont even know HOW I got here...but Im glad I did... I have this as a link now on my page HOPEFULLY to deter someone from loosing money...

    NOW I did just get mail from BBB from Phoenix saying their contact with Hosting plans (received by BBB May 2) says
    "We will make all the necessary arrangements to refund all those who were not satisfied with the services rendered. W were going through a period of upgrades and changes over in service, so we were slowed in the processing of requests. We will ensure that all parties are given what they requested, and will have everything sorted out promptly.
    Thank you for your attention in this matter,
    Andre Skeete"

    What is amusing about this is.. HOW fast BBB wrote to them.. and they got a reply... where they have no communication with the clients to say this... and STILL are taking sites "up in 5 min" I dont know how they can get away with it? SO I guess they have their standard letter to send to BBB..... but how can they get away with it? but if they dont comply with what they tell the BBB...I guess they will just send another letter? Seems like WE should have some protection from this....

    Currently Im with Burlee.com and service has been very good, I like that my site is up and stays up.. and I can edit it anytime go to use my ftp it works... write to support and within hours I have an answer, and thats all I need in a host! the parts I dont like are they nickle and dime ya with custom error page montly fees/password protection fees/etc etc... but I guess if you want quality thats what you have to do..... it is unlimited...... Laugh... but my site isnt so popular Im gonna get hundreds of thousands of hits...nor do I have thousands of meg of space I use up... but its MINE... =)
    thanks


    ------------------
    Silly
    http://www.sillyone.com

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2000
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    Not here
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    Post

    I'm glad it looks like you may be getting a refund. The Better Business Bureau served a purpose similar to this one long before the Internet was around. When a consumer registers a complaint, the BBB contacts the business and gives them a chance to resolve it. They keep track of total number of complaints and break them down by resolved and unresolved. This is only effective for businesses that care about their reputation, not for the charlatans and crooks, the fly-by-nights. Thus, for the crooked companies out there (off or on the Web), it may be totally ineffective.

    I too looked for sites like this one last year before I changed hosts again, and only found the paid advertising ones. In fact, I was going to start one when I stumbled across this one. I found a few others, though I tend to favor this one. That's partly why I make suggestions about it, since I care about it.

    I've been very successful for my site and several clients with early placement in several major search engines. I may give this one a crack. If they are receptive to adding the coding, it may help other people avoid the truly terrible companies out there by finding this site first and learning the truth.

  9. #9
    tk Guest

    Cool

    Glad to hear things are better, Silly. I wouldn't believe what Hostingplans told the BBB, though. They seem to have an excuse for everything. Here are some others they've told me (not exact quotes but I'll paraphrase):
    - we couldn't respond to your support question becuase we were too busy setting up many new accounts
    - we would never intentionally charge your card multiple times, it must be an error from our billing department.

    What a joke! I have a hard time believing they've got that many people signing up with them. And, if your current customers are less important than your future ones, well...
    Also, billing department, schmilling department. THIS IS A FATHER-SON 'BUSINESS'. Henry Skeete is Andre's Father. They both have several domains (including some XXX). There is no billing department --it's a two man shop, how can they have a billing department!

    Sorry, didn't mean to rant.
    Anyway, I've since moved to VeoWeb.net, and am very happy there so far. (Silly, they don't nickel and dime ya.) So, if you're interested in a new host, I suggest taking a look at them.
    (shameless plug for brownie points)

    I also agree with you guys, this and at least one other forum have been invaluable for getting information about hosts and what to look out for.
    ...How to get the word out....

    tk

  10. #10
    Join Date
    May 2000
    Location
    Chicago, IL, USA
    Posts
    16

    Exclamation

    [QUOTE]Originally posted by tk:
    [B]Glad to hear things are better, Silly. I wouldn't believe what Hostingplans told the BBB, though.
    =========
    No I dont totally believe them.. but I figure if BBB keeps any account of complaints ... it might send up a red flag..and perhaps someone can either close em down... or have them STOP taking new clients before they take care of the old ones.. I filed mine online... just www.bbb.com and no stamp needed.. and you are at the puter already.. if you havent filed already TK you should..groups of people are paid attention to more then one squeaky wheel..

    I think the way to get this type of place out on to the people.. is to have links on our pages to it.. so when our links hit the search engines we bring it with us.
    I have my new page up with this site as a link.. and if anyone wants to help me out by spreading news or their experiences on it.. email me and Ill ad them with your name as information reference.
    http://www.sillyone.com/help4u/webhosts.htm

    Figure WHY not? help people out, and they will do the same for you.... theoretically anyway! <wink>

    BTW I have nothing against porno sites themselves...I hate that irresponcible adults as well as children are exposed to things they have no biz seeing.. and you cant escape it.. I even went to a Tripod site.. and the "pop up" was for porno..and then started getting spam "teen porno" mail... and I was going to a homework help site....needles to say I did not ad that link to my homework help/home school pages...

    I did write to Tripod and the site owner.. neither responded..

    ------------------
    Silly
    http://www.sillyone.com

  11. #11
    Join Date
    May 2000
    Location
    Chicago, IL, USA
    Posts
    16

    Post

    [QUOTE]Originally posted by sillyone.com:
    [B]This should be a lesson if it sounds TOO good to be true it is NOT TRUE.++++++++++++++++*****

    HEY get this email I guess I finally got their attention...Only been requesting a refund since Feb/March of this year...with NO email contact.. NOW they figure out how EMAIL works...

    """Subj: Copyright Violation/Slander
    Date: 05/09/2000 3:01:03 PM Central Daylight Time


    Hi, this message is to inform you that you are in direct violation of the code of conduct concerning the company Hostingplans.com. You have copied their site in it's entirety and have made slanderous remarks against the company with the result of trying to cause them to lose business. This cannot and will not be tolerated. I was informed that you were a former client, and had some problems with us during the time we were making upgrades and changes to our servers. During this period mail was lost, and not recovered.

    Whatever monetary funds you paid for the service from Hostingplans.com will be repaid to you if you send your mailing address. Also this is direct notice that if the pages which are in direct copyright violation and the slander not removed, further action will be taken. As stated whatever you paid Hostingplans.com will be refunded to you since you were not satisfied with service.

    Thank you very much!

    Andre Skeete
    Hostingplans.com Representative""""
    +++++++++++++++++++++++

    Well I figure I will answer this with the SAME attention given to me... and ignore it..if they sue me.. .well PROVE its a lie... that is what slander means after all.
    The counter suit could be interesting TK you interested in some of this?

    ==since he did request my billing addy... I did reply to him...with my addy...and will let ya know if I get my money back...


    ------------------
    Silly http://www.sillyone.com

    [This message has been edited by sillyone.com (edited 05-09-2000).]

  12. #12

    Thumbs down

    I really wish these hosts would learn the difference between slander and libel - especially if they are going to go around making claims like this. Next time tell them to have their lawyer contact you instead of a "representative". BS like this really irritates me about some hosts....

  13. #13
    tk Guest

    Angry

    Funny how now he signs his message as a mere representative, but when you go to:
    (well I was going to put the URL here for their About page, but looks like their server is down.)
    He reports himself as the President and founder.

    The message is probably all the usual smoke and mirrors.
    Annette is right, tell him to have his lawyers contact you instead of sending threating, harrassing emails. By the way, I saw somewhere on one of these forums someone saying something that they welcomed the suit against that person, so they could in turn counter-sue without fees or something like that.

    I would bet, if you told them to cancel your account in Feb/Mar, and sent them numerous emails (since that's the only way they give you to communicate with them!) telling them this and to refund your money, you should no longer be bound by their code of conduct blah blah blah. Therefore he doesn't have a leg to stand on --not that he did in the first place.

    I think he needs a phsycological exam to determine if he is skitzo! (One day he's the president and founder, next he's the billing department, later he's just a representative as if he were a lawyer for himself.)

    Tell him to put his pennies where his mouth is.

  14. #14
    Join Date
    May 2000
    Location
    Chicago, IL, USA
    Posts
    16

    Post

    Originally posted by tk:
    Tell him to put his pennies where his mouth is.[/B]
    WELL I just got an email from him today too.. wow am I ever feeling special now..he told me that my refund was being processed TODAY.....and to take my pages down...
    I did reply to him that I would take my pages down....~~when I received his check.. and it cleared my bank~~ and I will take THOSE pages down...so if this is true and he has sent my refund.. first Ill let you all know.. then when it clears.. (ever the optomist arent I?)
    BUT I will tell all what happened...and the lengths it took to get mine as a warning

    ------------------
    Silly
    http://www.sillyone.com

  15. #15
    Guest

    *

    It might have been a bad idea to give them your address, but I guess they could get it from the whois record anyway if they were clever enough. Hope you get your refund

    [This message has been edited by Admin (edited 05-11-2000).]

  16. #16
    tk Guest

    Post

    Originally posted by sillyone.com:
    BUT I will tell all what happened...and the lengths it took to get mine as a warning
    That's half of why I'm on these forums!
    I have gotten a provisional refund from my bank of the money Hostingplans stole from me, while they complete the investigation. I wouldn't count on Hostingplans to follow through on their promise of a refund, they made me the same promise and have yet to see them actually act on it. The only action being taken is by my bank against them.

    Sure is easy to make empty promises, isn't it! Especially when you don't care about your word.

    By the way, about the address thing, they should have already had it from when you signed up...

  17. #17
    Join Date
    May 2000
    Location
    Chicago, IL, USA
    Posts
    16
    Originally posted by Admin:
    It might have been a bad idea to give them your address, but I guess they could get it from the whois record anyway if they were clever enough. Hope you get your refund

    [This message has been edited by Admin (edited 05-11-2000).]
    WELL long time no hear.. thought I fell off the planet.. well... I think it may be over..very soon... I reported them to the BBB and they wrote back a yeah yeah we are working on it.. gave them 2 months..few emails saying first they sent it, then they were working on it.. got totally fed up and reported again to BBB.. who told me that I should contact the Federal Trade Commission.. WELL... guess what?
    YOU BET YA... I got a check for 200 bucks... and they forgot I signed up for the 300 buck one and are sending me another one for 100! SOOOOO.... perhaps the combo of that.. and the pages I have about them all over the web.. worked... SOOO I wanted to come back here to thank everyone! and let you know =)

    ------------------
    Silly
    http://www.sillyone.com

  18. #18
    Join Date
    May 2000
    Posts
    62

    Post

    Silly,
    Glad to hear you're finally getting your $$$ back. It's just too bad their business practices are such that they'd rather provide extremely poor service and support, spend more time on their *other* sites, and spew more lies about "check's in the mail", than being professional and provide a real product and service.

    Next time we're in Phoenix we should stop by and thank them for teaching us what the bottom of the barrel web hosting companies can be like!


    ------------------
    tk

    Whoops! There goes another $.02!

  19. #19
    Join Date
    May 2000
    Location
    Chicago, IL, USA
    Posts
    16

    Post

    Originally posted by tk:
    Silly,
    Glad to hear you're finally getting your $$$ back. It's just too bad their business practices are such that they'd rather provide extremely poor service and support, spend more time on their *other* sites, and spew more lies about "check's in the mail", than being professional and provide a real product and service.

    Next time we're in Phoenix we should stop by and thank them for teaching us what the bottom of the barrel web hosting companies can be like!


    LOL that would be funny.. I dont think he would get it..if you email me private Ill send you the email he sent me... you wont believe it...especially since someone said he was more interested in keeping the porno sites up?? DONT know if that is true...but a rumor...

    ------------------
    Silly
    http://www.sillyone.com

  20. #20
    Join Date
    May 2000
    Posts
    62

    Post

    I was the one talking about them (he and his father (Henry)) probably spending more time on their porno sites (do a whois on their last name --skeete-- to see the domains) than providing the proper service and support.

    I guess that would also explain why they could afford to give the house away on their hosting plans.


    ------------------
    tk

    Whoops! There goes another $.02!

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