Web Hosting Talk : Web Hosting Main Forums : Domain Names : Registrar same as host...?

[evergreenshrub]

Okay, I know that generally speaking it is a no-no to have your domain registered with the company your hosting is through. But my question is this: if your host is actually an accredited registrar, does that make a difference, as in more okay?

I'm hosted at DreamHost (I know some people have had issues with them, but I'm quite happy there), and my domains are at GoDaddy currently, minus a free one at DreamHost that's not quite as important as some of my others, though I still like it/use it. I want to get away from GoDaddy (for various reasons), and I'd like the option of free whois privacy at whatever registrar I choose. I spent a few hours searching on here yesterday compiling a short list of registrars I'm considering, but I'm still contemplating the possibility of going with DreamHost. I like their services/support and feel I can perhaps trust them more than an unknown registrar, but at the same time, I'm wary of having domains and hosting with the same company on the off chance something were to go awry. Would it make a difference if I did decide to go with them, but managed my domains through a seperate account (assuming I could do that)?

Any opinions/advice from the many wiser people than I in this area would be much appreciated. Thanks.

[stub]

Never ever put your domains with your host. Transfer them to Name.com for $5.99 instead, even your free one.

[nameslave]

NORMALLY, I would recommend AGAINST using your host for your domain registration. It's true that ICANN CLEARLY states that registrars canNOT e.g. withhold transfer for OTHER billing complications; HOWEVER, if anything goes wrong, having an unfriendly registrar is the last thing you want.

But then, DreamHost is really run by some HONEST people. So if you truly feel very comfortable with it, it may not be *that* bad.

Anyway, I must disclose that, even we have had at the most more than a couple of *free* domain registrations offered in our accountS at DreamHost, we never take advantage of that.

[evergreenshrub]

Thank you both for the advice, it is much appreciated as I've been debating over this whole thing for a while now.

From my research on here and google, name.com (and even domainsite.com, which appears to be their parent company) are cheaper and offer the free whois privacy, so if they are reliable, I suppose I should just go with them and save extra money anyhow. Anyone know how long those two registrars have been in business?

[nameslave]

By the way, if you're interested in whois privacy, Tucows has started offering them TOTALLY FREE since October 2007, so you may want to check out their resellers to see if anyone is passing that onto their end-users.

[evergreenshrub]

Thanks. Is there a list somewhere of their resellers?

[astutiumRob]

Originally Posted by evergreenshrub

But my question is this: if your host is actually an accredited registrar, does that make a difference, as in more okay?

It seems to be a "peculiar" WHT thing sto keep the domain and hosting with separate companies, mostly fueled by the decision factor being one of price rather than service.

If you pick some no-name bucketshop host, then absolutely dont keep the domain with them as well - but dont pick some equally unknown registrar

If you pick a host (or registrar) with zero support then it makes no difference if you use the same one for both, you're still going to go offline.

In *theory* ICANN accreditation (for CNOBI domains) shoudl make a difference, as does them being a Nominet member (for .uk), a CentralNIC accredited reseller (for .com.uk, .net.uk, .qc.com etc) and so forth.

Simple answer - only register your domains through a reputable company thats likely to still be in business when you need to renew the domain in 12 months - if you chose to also host with them, thats your decision, there are pro's and con's for that.

[Dave Zan]

Originally Posted by othellotech

Simple answer - only register your domains through a reputable company thats likely to still be in business when you need to renew the domain in 12 months - if you chose to also host with them, thats your decision, there are pro's and con's for that.

That pretty much nailed it, considering that various registrars are lately focusing their efforts on webhosting rather than domain registration.

[ServerOrigin]

Dreamhost has been in business for 10 years and have over 600,000 domains hosted and registered with them. I am normally COMPLETELY against transferring your domain to a hosting company only but Dreamhost is trustworthy.

[mrzippy]

If you don't trust your web hosting company with your domain name, then you should not trust them with your hosting either. This goes both ways.

In other words, if you think your web hosting provider is too untrustworthy to also manage your domain... then find someone you trust.

<<snipped>>

I find it difficult to understand the "black and white" statement that one should never have their domain at the same place as their host. This isn't the problem. The problem is untrustworthy domain registrars and/or hosting companies.

[nameslave]

Originally Posted by othellotech

Simple answer - only register your domains through a reputable company thats likely to still be in business when you need to renew the domain in 12 months

Originally Posted by mrzippy

This isn't the problem. The problem is untrustworthy domain registrars and/or hosting companies.

Who on earth would go with an "untrustworthy" host or registrar? The truth is, you can't tell UNTIL they go belly up. Of course, there are signs and clues, but very often most people can only tell AFTERWARDS. The point is, by separating domain registration and web hosting, you will not put all eggs in one basket; this is poor man's risk management 101. The bottom line is, the savings and/or convenience (if any) you get from using the same company is simply not worth the risk.

[KarlHost]

I have had many clients have their domain and hosting both with me and i don't really see any problem in it. But that may be because i am a Host. However if you are happy with the service then i would suggest you should go for it.

[stub]

Originally Posted by mrzippy

If you don't trust your web hosting company with your domain name, then you should not trust them with your hosting either. This goes both ways.

In other words, if you think your web hosting provider is too untrustworthy to also manage your domain... then find someone you trust.

We have thousands of customers who trust us for both web hosting AND their domains. We've never had a problem.

I find it difficult to understand the "black and white" statement that one should never have their domain at the same place as their host. This isn't the problem. The problem is untrustworthy domain registrars and/or hosting companies.

I know the sweeping statement to always keep your domain and hosting separate is just that. There are always exceptions to sweeping statements. One size doesn't fit all. However, it is justified in so many instances that I like to call it "insurance". You don't always know who you are dealing with and how they strongly they apply their ToS.

I don't see it as a trust issue at all. It's insurance for the times when your hosting company is not cooperating with your domain registration. For instance, when they decide, or are forced, to go out of business. Or when there is an unresolved hosting billing problem where the host is being uncooperative.

It also removes ANY barrier to switching hosts whenever you like. You are not reliant on anyone else in order to complete that process. This is how it should be.

I understand what hosts have to go thru when dealing with their numerous customers of every skill level. It's hard for them. They have to be strict. One size shouldn't fit all for us also. But that's the reality. Unless a host specifically states in there ToS that the domain belongs to me and that they will cooperate and not block a domain transfer under any circumstances and not use the one sided language usually found in their ToS, I might consider to use them for my domain registration because it shows they've at least thought about this problem. Besides, most hosting companies are only Registrar Resellers. This adds an unnecessary layer to the domain registration transaction (sometimes for the good, sometimes not).