Web Hosting Talk : Web Hosting Main Forums : Web Hosting : Looking for hosting package to launch my forum

[womanizer]

Hello guys! I am looking for hosting package to launch my forum! My requirements are the following: disk space - 2GB, linux based platform, Cpanel 11 (Phpmyadmin2.11.6), unlimited number of MySql 3x databases + 24*7 live chat support is obligatory! It is desirable to have unlimited number of add-on domains and email accounts as well. The more traffic and bandwidth - the better. All suggestions are welcome! Thanks in advance!

[womanizer]

Budget is about $3-5 per month.

[MikeDVB]

Originally Posted by womanizer

24*7 live chat support is obligatory!

Most web hosts generally only use Live Chat for sales and *minor* support issues and use their ticket for resolving larger issues. It is easier to keep track of support trends and issues as well as escalating the issue if it needs solved by a particular department or administrator without having to re-explain everything.

You may find a host that does 24/7 live chat but I'm not sure you'll be able to do all of your support inquiries that way. I would find a host that has a good 24/7 support ticket system.

Best of luck.

[Jedito]

Take in consideration that tech have to be paid, I suggest you to raise a bit your budget.

[Fizzadar]

In theory, you only ever need 24/7 live chat if you're awake 24/7, which, I hope, you're not

As for that, live chat is normally a terrible form of support anyway (nothing is written down, or explained in length, just a ramble of messages. Also it gives no chance to techs to fix, because they're being nagged via chat).

If I were you, I'd look for decent hosts, up the budget a bit, and drop the silly 24/7 live chat requirement

[webenthusiast]

I think it would be best to search these forums for posts of your prospective hosts and see what people have to say about their support ticket response. If they are consistently responding to tickets in a very short time and are resolving the problem every time, day or night, that that is more important than live chat. And as far as your forum goes, it is also really important to find a host with a good upgrade path; because if your forum takes off, you will eventually at least need a solid vps.

[webcs]

A good ticket system that answers your question is always better than a live chat system where your question is not answered or may be outsourced. So try to focus on the combination of the two.

For a forum, if the host is good, you shouldn't have too many problems.

[delcyphr]

Originally Posted by Political Monster

In theory, you only ever need 24/7 live chat if you're awake 24/7, which, I hope, you're not

As for that, live chat is normally a terrible form of support anyway (nothing is written down, or explained in length, just a ramble of messages. Also it gives no chance to techs to fix, because they're being nagged via chat).

I agree. I'm usually busy with other things, and wouldn't want to sit and attend a chat session. For the same reason, I hate talking on the phone.

For me, a ticketing system with fairly prompt responses is preferable.

[oliviakitty]

OP: You're definitely going to have to raise your budget to meet those desires.

HostGator has 24/7 Live Chat

Originally Posted by Political Monster

In theory, you only ever need 24/7 live chat if you're awake 24/7, which, I hope, you're not

As for that, live chat is normally a terrible form of support anyway (nothing is written down, or explained in length, just a ramble of messages. Also it gives no chance to techs to fix, because they're being nagged via chat).

If I were you, I'd look for decent hosts, up the budget a bit, and drop the silly 24/7 live chat requirement

Live Chat is normally a terrible form of Support,
Because inadequate companies allow it to be.
They choose to allow people who not properly qualified to man Live Chat.
Things actually are written down, and recorded,
Because decent Live Chat scripts store chat transcripts.

Your explanation is what's silly.

One does not want 24/7 technical support,
Because one will be up 24/7.

One wants 24/7 technical support,
So that a technician will be there whenever assistance/response is needed.
Even if it's just to say:
I acknowledge there is an issue, and need to look into this more. Let me give you a ticket number

[MH-2006]

No host will do full support on a 24/7 chat. Raise your budget to $8 and you should be able to find a good host with a quick response on the support ticket system

[Sparrow-Sean]

Live chat is really more for Sales Queries and Questions, It is not primarily a support center.

If you really need support then, Tickets and E-mail are the way to go.

[The_Dominator]

as most say live support is more for sales, however, it is a fast way to get a ticket open and if it is a simple problem can be fixed quickly. -
the best way to get support is through a ticket system (email) system

[womanizer]

Originally Posted by oliviakitty

OP: You're definitely going to have to raise your budget to meet those desires.

HostGator has 24/7 Live Chat

Yes, but even their minimal packages are too expensive for me

[MikeDVB]

Originally Posted by womanizer

Yes, but even their minimal packages are too expensive for me

There's always http://www.freewht.com/ if HostGator is too expensive.

[micksss]

Originally Posted by womanizer

Yes, but even their minimal packages are too expensive for me

But what about with a hostgator coupon and or rebate to reduce the cost?