Web Hosting Talk : Web Hosting Main Forums : Web Hosting : Why would a host refer a newbie customer to WHT?

[HostQuest]

Someone started a thread which stated he was refered to WHT because his host said it's a good source of information, which it is, then went on a crusade to defend this host and disappeared. In that same thread another host stated that they also refer their customers to WHT.

Why would a host take the risk of losing customers by refering them to WHT, specially if there's not so promising threads about them here?

Are they plain crazy, or thought their cousin Cledus could pass off as a happy customer who's hell bent on a crusade to promote them?

Newbie threads defending their hosts from out of the blue, specially if their site isn't online are not credible, but I guess certain hosts which I wont mention here haven't figured this out yet.

[ArtieFishill]

HQ, I believe I made that very point in that thread.

(and does anyone but me think the 90 second rule is bogus? ..well not the word I actually used )

[Martie]

Thats a good question and the best answer I can come up with is what you already know.
They gained a customer from here and then made it a point to mention the forums.
It just doesnt take a genius to figure it out when you read the various posts.
We've been in business since 1999 and I dont think we've gained clients from here that I know of.
Generally speaking though, even happy clients just do NOT go around promoting their host constantly! Why should they? They pay you for the service, you provide it and all is well. End of story.
As far as referring clients HERE.....I dont see the point in that either! Web builiding forums possibly, such as sitepoint, etc. but other than that I dont see that reasoning at all.

[HostQuest]

I think hosts who try to win customers by pretending to be happy customers on a crusade don't realize that they're not dealing with idiots here. If someone is researching here, chances are they can spot a plant as soon as they read the first few sentences of a newbies thread.

[idologicJeff]

Originally posted by HostQuest
Someone started a thread which stated he was refered to WHT because his host said it's a good source of information, which it is, then went on a crusade to defend this host and disappeared. In that same thread another host stated that they also refer their customers to WHT.

Why would a host take the risk of losing customers by refering them to WHT, specially if there's not so promising threads about them here?

Are they plain crazy, or thought their cousin Cledus could pass off as a happy customer who's hell bent on a crusade to promote them?

Newbie threads defending their hosts from out of the blue, specially if their site isn't online are not credible, but I guess certain hosts which I wont mention here haven't figured this out yet.

Its a good question you ask. I think that the rules are structured in such a way hosts shouldn't feel that they can steal clients. If I understand correctly this forum is suppose to be for people in the industry, or an interest in the industry to mutually help each other. It is a great site to come to if you are a host, and if you are looking for one.

Having said that I guess its fair to say that clients looking may be swayed away. Though we neither encourage our clients to come here at Idologic - nor do we discourage them. I feel we have nothing to fear if they do, and therefore we adopt the approach that its none of our business what sites they frequent or not.

Some of our clients do post here, and do so frequently. Admittedly, we appreciate when they do, but if they do its on their own initiative.

Anyway ..
enough rambling

Cheers
Jeff

[ldcdc]

A host could send clients this way if it has a good reputation. That can only build more confidence...

Sending a prospective client here might seem risky, but again, that shows you're confident. If you also have a good reputation...

Why not look at things this way: with so many hosts around and so many hosting directories, if a client wants to leave, he can do it in an instant. It's not like he has no other choice you know... WHT is just another place where you can find hosting...

[HostQuest]

Originally posted by ldcdc
A host could send clients this way if it has a good reputation. That can only build more confidence...

Sending a prospective client here might seem risky, but again, that shows you're confident. If you also have a good reputation...

Why not look at things this way: with so many hosts around and so many hosting directories, if a client wants to leave, he can do it in an instant. It's not like he has no other choice you know... WHT is just another place where you can find hosting...

Yes, you can't stop clients from leaving, but you shouldn't be pushing them out the door!

[Martie]

Originally posted by ldcdc
Why not look at things this way: with so many hosts around and so many hosting directories, if a client wants to leave, he can do it in an instant. It's not like he has no other choice you know... WHT is just another place where you can find hosting...

LOL, thats true. I think there have been many people that joined here, posted once and never to be heard from again. I think alot of us oldies that joined years ago when this place first started there were some great topics going on about the industry as a whole. Now years later you just have to weed out all the smut to get to worthwhile topics...and for some, I would say, just not worth the time.