Web Hosting Talk : Web Hosting Main Forums : Web Hosting : Need advice on webhosting; who's good?

[mommie_geek]

I have been doing my homework on finding a reliable, inexpensive (< $10/month) webhost. I posted my requirements in the Web Hosting Request Forum and I got many, many bites. I also picked a few from simply browsing this forum.

I wheedled down the list based on my needs, my wants, my expectations, and various other things (such as website presentation, professionalism of email response, time of response, etc.) Now, I need help with eliminating some of the contenders (if any of them can be eliminated).

What would really help me would be if anyone could tell me if they have heard anything bad about or had any absolutely horrible experiences with any of these hosts; and, if any, what those experiences were. If one of my choices has a known bad reputation, I'd appreciate that input before I begin my second round of investigation and follow up email.

The choices are (listed alphabetically to avoid bias):

Addaction
Axis Host
Detail Hosting
Enhanced Host
Enigma
Excel Webhosting
Gigabean
Hostabox
Hosting Matters
*********
iexpresshost
Insider Hosting
Remedy Hosting
United Hosting

I know that's a lot and I know that a few of these have nothing but rave reviews, but I entered all my choices for fairness sake.

Thanks!

[Coach]

Out of those, I'd go with United Hosting. Good reputation around here and if you ever need to get in touch with them, you'd know where to look since they're always around.

[Curtis H.]

Out of those, obviously not ****** but Hosting Matters has a very good reputation and a support forum where you can get a good idea as to how clients are treated, etc. though I nave never been a client of theirs.

[hostpc.com]

Out of that list, I would suggest
Remedy Hosting

The owner know's his stuff. He's a small company, getting started, with lots of background and experience. He's got the support behind him to make your site a success, and he's small enough to offer personalized support

Just personal preference.

[TheGAME1264]

Out of that list, the only one I'm familiar with is Hosting Matters. It seems to be pretty stable and reliable for fellow member filburt1's website (he's running a web design board just like this one). Mind you, he'd be better able to tell you more about this than I would.

[dark_core]

I will also pick Remedy Hosting, their setup was quick, pretty knowledgeable admin. The best thing about Remedy Hosting is their technical support is excellent! Most of the time, they replied within the same day by email, which is unbelievable.

[mommie_geek]

Thanks all!

I was actually looking for the bad, but apparently I've done my wheedling down quite well 'cause no one seems to have bad to report about any of these guys.

Well it's down to round two of the eliminations and more emails, I'm guessing. . .

Thanks again!

Michele

[TheGAME1264]

If you want, I can write random complaints about hosts I've never used and you can eliminate those hosts based on my unjustified whining.

[Ceo-Web]

<snip>

[Coach]

http://www.webhostingtalk.com/misc.p...on=forum-rules

ceo-web, you seriously need to check out that link before you start posting these posts before you get yourself in trouble. Please edit out your posts asap.

[RossMAN]

Good list and it's encouraging that you couldn't dig up any dirt on any of those webhosts, great job!

Personally I'm considering AddAction.net because with their free 6 months and free webhosting for life (assuming you refer 10 new customers) I think they offer the most bang for your buck.

Have you made your final decision yet?

[hostpc.com]

I would be interested in hearing any details you were able to come up with. It looks like you've really done your homework - it would be nice to share what you've found, and your reasons, for the others here... it would sure answer a lot of questions for first time users.

Joe

[umct2002]

Try www.domainz4less.com

they have great hsting rates with a hassle free 24.7 support, we use them for all our needs, its worht a look.

[mommie_geek]

Originally posted by hostpc.com
I would be interested in hearing any details you were able to come up with. It looks like you've really done your homework - it would be nice to share what you've found, and your reasons, for the others here... it would sure answer a lot of questions for first time users.

Joe

Well, I haven't made a final decision yet, but I will hopefully reach a decision by the end of this weekend.

To begin, I used this forum to eliminate some of the original hosts I was looking at (I started with a list of about 30 - 40 ... thank goodness for spreadsheets!). I combed through the archives for information about web hosts and carefully combed through thread after thread of any containing negative information about a host. If it was very, very bad (ie, they host spammers, they don't communicate, they overcharge, etc) the host was taken from the list.

I also used a newsgroup alt.www.webmaster and alt.webhosting to find host opinions. I didn't necessarily find rave reviews about any host, but the real stinkers stood right out!

My third source of information was from the following website: http://www.forumhosts.com/. It lists a variety of ways to scope out and investigate hosts.

I looked up hosts to see if they were listed with the Better Business Bureau. I looked up hosts by whois to see if they were actually hosts or resellers. I asked on some of the mailing lists and forums that I am (that have nothing to do with webhosting). And, I did a search on Google.com. That might sound odd, but if there are complaints about a host, they'll show up there. (On a good note, praise shows up there as well)

Lastly, I used my contact with the webhosts themselves. I sent each host an email, asking additional questions based on what I read (or didn't read) on their website. I paid close attention to their reply time and how closely they answered the questions I posed. More than 48 hours response time told me that they weren't really interested in my business; either they have too many customers already or they just don't care for that personal touch. (It's actually been more than 4 days, and I still haven't heard back from some hosts - of course these non-responders are not on my list above ) In this email, I also asked some questions that I knew the answers to, just to see if the person answering the email knew what they were talking about as well. I asked for details on things that were general (ie, if the host said "mailing lists," I wanted to know how many and what mailing list software was used).

One of the most important features for me is technical support. I'm a newbie when it comes to scripting and the like, and I know that I will likely need support and help when I begin to execute scripts. If I'm having a problem, I lack patience and want it solved yesterday - especially when I'm paying money for a website. If there was some sort of support for 75% of the day, I'm a happy camper. Email, forum, AIM, MSN, or ICQ, as long as there was support.

I'm in my last phase now, which is emailing follow-up questions on anything I might have overlooked or forgotten my first time through. Some of my hosts from above have been wheedled down because they just don't offer comparable space/bandwidth with other hosts with a plan in the same price range. Some of these hosts are very good, but they aren't what I'm looking for right now.

One thing that I've learned is that if an offer looks too good to be true it probably is. When I narrow my list down to my final 3 (or 5 - this is a really hard decision!), I'll come back here and give my reasons why

Michele

[Coach]

One of the most important features for me is technical support. I'm a newbie when it comes to scripting and the like, and I know that I will likely need support and help when I begin to execute scripts. If I'm having a problem, I lack patience and want it solved yesterday - especially when I'm paying money for a website. If there was some sort of support for 75% of the day, I'm a happy camper. Email, forum, AIM, MSN, or ICQ, as long as there was support.

Michele, just so you know, very few hosts will actually offer support when it comes to actual scripting and coding of your website unless it's on a paid consulting basis, though many will give you some simple pointers and links on where to get some common scripts. When it comes to support, hosts usually limit themselves to website accessibility and server issues, along with email and DNS problems.

You're definitely doing your homework on this one and that's commendable, but don't over-expect on the level of free support that is offered. If you are expecting help with your website coding, make sure to email your potential host and ask if they do offer support in that area and what the terms of that support are.