Sep 24
Can You Help Me Find a Good Host?
You may have noticed that sometimes my site doesn’t respond as quickly as it should. I’d say 90% of the time it’s good, but now that I’m on my blog 24-7, that 10% is really killing me.
Even though I’ve been pretty happy with my current host, I’m beginning to think that’s just because my host now is so much better than my last. To put it another way…
I think I can do better.
My Current Digs
I don’t think I’m hurting myself in anyway by revealing this, so if you care to know the situation I’m in now, check out the VPS Linux Plans for WebIntellects. Of course the main reason why I went with their entry level VPS plan was because it was cheap and did everything I needed it to which was mostly PHP and databasing. They also have a swanky PLESK interface which I have grown quite attached to.
This is Where YOU Come In!
I know I’ve said it before, but I really feel good about everyone who is a regular reader of this site. That’s why I’m asking you for help! If you’re really happy with your host and wanna make a quick buck, post a comment with an affiliate link! (And don’t worry, I’ll make sure they don’t stay in the SPAM catcher for long if they end up there). And I’m not saying this is what I absolutely need, but it would be great if this is what your service could provide:
- PHP, SQL (duh)
- Lots o Space, Lots o Bandwith
- CONTROL – I come from a Computer Science background, so I’m not necessarily looking for the easiest thing out there, but most full featured. (Root access anyone)?
- Maybe a PLESK interface? Maybe not.
- Some freebies like SPAM control and the like?
- Ability to host TONS of sites!
So hey, I hope you guys can help me out. I’m not promising I’ll pick one, but I’m definitely leaning towards switching and switching fast!
September 24th, 2007 at 9:54 am
I use bluehost and it works pretty well for me. Go check it out!
September 24th, 2007 at 10:21 am
I use Lunar Pages they have everything you mentioned. They also have a lot of freebies. You can access that by looking under “Fantastico”. Currently I have 13 websites on one of my plans. My business website only has two domains.
They upgrade my storage and bandwidth at least twice per year for free. I’ve written about them on my website at least four times. I’ve been with them for five years. The times I had questions my emails were answered in less than two hours. I think I’ve emailed them with specific questions about twenty times within the past five years. An excellent company that keeps getting better. The last post I wrote about them was here http://veganmomma.com/blog/2007/04/28/another-upgrade-lunarpages/
The Lunar Pages forum is excellent I’ve gone there a few times when I had website issues and my questions were answered fairly quickly. Lunar Pages staff members are on the forums so it is moderated and some people tickets have been resolved because a LP staff was able to assist them.
Their affiliate program is very good. You receive $65 for every new customer that you refer from your website.
September 24th, 2007 at 10:56 am
@Chuck – Are you running multiple sites on them?
@Opal T – How has the speed and reliability been for you? Because like I said, I’m just tired of my site taking forever to load.
September 24th, 2007 at 11:33 am
The speed has been very reliable. I only ran into one issue over the past five years the first happened when they moved servers to another floor. They let everyone know at least two weeks in advance.
Seven of the websites are very active although the past week I’ve been so busy that the only one I’ve updated is vegan momma however I don’t have a problem when all my websites are hopping. Then again a few of those website are hopping whether I write on them or not.
September 24th, 2007 at 12:10 pm
@Opal T – Okay, thanks for the info. I know you have a lot of stuff going on, so hearing this from you is certainly a credit to your host. *nod*
September 24th, 2007 at 12:26 pm
Check out a few hosting, read the reviews, on them by others. Of course you will find most websites that have complaints for a variety of reasons but go with something you are comfortable with. That’s the important thing!
Here’s a link to the top 10 reviews. http://www.prchecker.info/top-10-web-hosting.php In fact that is how I found LP because of a review website similar to this. I checked out a few and LP was in the top 3. I liked that.
When I first started out I was with a very bad hosting company. The downtime was a nightmare. I stayed with them three weeks before I moved.
September 24th, 2007 at 12:35 pm
Your welcome,
I included a link to the top 10 web hosting providers but it looks lik spam gobbled it up.
September 24th, 2007 at 1:14 pm
:c) You are probably experiencing slowness because you are on a VPS. I know it sounds strange to a lot of people, but if you are on a shared server you get to use the ENTIRE servers resources to load your website. On a VPS you get only a small % of the server. So I don’t think it is your plans fault or the server per say, just that you are completely restricted and only guaranteed a small % of server resources on your VPS. Also if you like your hosting company, I mean they are responsive to you, why not bring it up to them? They might be able to help you speed things up or give you other options. The hosting industry is very competitive and I’m sure if they knew you were having problems they’d like a chance to keep you and might provide you with some really good discounts or options to do so.
Now on to my recommendations. I think this depends on what you want? Do you want another VPS account? Because if you do, than you might be looking at the same situation again once the server fills up with accounts and your resources are restricted. How much control is it that you need? I can run my own servers, but I choose reseller accounts for my websites simply because it affordable and the configurations set on the servers are the ones I need. Anyhow, I can ask you a million questions, I’ve been selling all different type of hosting for the past 4 1/2 years so I need more specefics to provide you with an exact solution. But no the less here are my recommendations in my latest hosting post:
http://www.bluejar.com/the-insiders-guide-to-web-hosting-resources/
September 24th, 2007 at 3:39 pm
@Opal T – Thanks for the heads up. I sucessfully retrieved your previous comment from the jaws of SPAM death!
@G-Newt – I appreciate the very thoughtful response there good buddy. And yeah, that makes sense and I understand all that, I guess with this post I just figured that other people HAD to be in the same situation as me hosting multiple websites but they can’t be paying the huge fees like I would if I went to a dedicated server. … On that note though, I may take your advice and try shooting them an e-mail and seeing what’s up.
I will also check out your post later on this evening. Thanks again!
September 24th, 2007 at 5:26 pm
I use Dreamhost. Back in the day it dropped every once in awhile, but lately it has been very good. I host multiple sites on it. They even have domain buying with privacy whois features for $10 a domain.
September 24th, 2007 at 7:07 pm
I’ve been using HostGator for several months now and love it. They let you host unlimited domains for about 10 bucks a month. Right now I have five domains on my account. The best part is that you can get the first month for a penny
September 24th, 2007 at 9:14 pm
Hey Bush,
My friend who provides hosting for me owns two dedicated servers and can probably hook you up with a reseller account for cheap. You know my e-mail so let me know if you want to talk to him and I’ll give you his e-mail.
Much love,
Casey
September 24th, 2007 at 11:58 pm
@Apex – I’ve heard of this Dreamhost before. I’ll certainly add that to my list of hosts to check out.
@Mike – Any problems with HostGator?
@Casey – Hm. That’s good to know and I may inquire a bit on that front. Thanks buddddddd-y. (How about that loss yesterday huh? ugh. How can we not tie the game w/ 1st and Goal?)
September 25th, 2007 at 12:03 am
I’ve recently switch to Host Monster. So far no troubles that I’m aware of. I had hope that after switching that the Feed Medic on Feedburner would have been a little cleaner as I thought my old host was the problem. But alas, it still gives me some errors. However, I don’t have near the trouble I used to have with not being able to access my blogs.
Let me know if you’re interested and I could send you a referral link.
September 25th, 2007 at 7:11 am
I use a local UK firm called NetMotivated, but primarily because I get a friend discount. The service is excellent but I don’t know about the multiple sites hosting discount stuff.
September 25th, 2007 at 9:08 am
Nope no real troubles with HostGator. I had one small hiccup when I first started using it where things were a bit slow, but after submitting a ticket to their support it was fixed within minutes. No troubles at all since then.
September 25th, 2007 at 10:02 am
I use Bluehost. It does have full root access and most of the features you mentioned. For linux lovers like me, it has been great. Basically, it cost me around $100.00 for a year. Unlimited domains and each new one is a one time fee of $10.00. They have great customer service and are one of the highest rated for quality. I will never switch.
September 25th, 2007 at 2:49 pm
Bush I could rant about that forever! I actually attended that game and sat (well more like stood) 6 rows from that particular endzone so watching it was painful. Why Campbell spiked the ball to stop the clock with 51 seconds left when we were right there is beyond me. Must have just been nervous.
September 25th, 2007 at 9:21 pm
@Mark – Thanks for the info, and I will definitely let you know. So many good hosts to go through!
@Pete – … You are useless. j/k Ha ha. I will still probably check them out too.
@Mike – Hm. Good to know. Customer service is obviously pretty important especially since the hardware won’t be within arms’ length for me. *nod*
@Bobby – I think that makes two for BlueHost! (They’re gaining steam quick). Now I haven’t looked at their plans yet but $100/yr sounds pretty swell though I’m not sure if I like the $10 for each new domain. Now I wonder…Is that $10 for setting up a domain on the server, or $10 for registration?…Still, strong endorsement. Thanks!
@Casey – We gotta talk SKINS some more sometime!
September 26th, 2007 at 4:29 am
Bluehost and LP are good choices. Whatever you end up picking, don’t forget to to check out their bandwidth limits.
As to the game, I saw the end of that. I thought they had it too.
September 26th, 2007 at 1:43 pm
@Brown – Thanks for your opinion. Which one do you use?
And what game were you watching before that? (I assumed you joined after another football game was ending)
September 27th, 2007 at 10:21 pm
I had my 1st little problem with Blue Host today. It’s a good problem in a way and a problem you’ll have with any host as your traffic increases.
At 12:00 this afternoon I had 323 visitors on line AT THE SAME TIME!
My server exceeded it’s maximum bandwidth and my blog went off line! I had to upgrade to their fastest server to protect me for those spikes.
This many simultaneous may be nothing to some people but it’s a lot for me. The only actual good thing about using blogspot free hosting is that you never have to worry about that!
BTW: I want to personally thank you for writing such a great review of my site and me on BlogsWeLuv. It has truly made made my whole year!!!!! THANK YOU:)
September 28th, 2007 at 11:44 am
@Bobby – Gadzooks. That’s insane! But it sounds like BH took care of you pretty soon and that’s all you can ask right?
And you’re very welcome on the review. I just I hope I did you justice. *thumbs up*
October 2nd, 2007 at 5:53 am
i would also recommend bluehost as most of my friends are hosted with them and no probs so far
October 2nd, 2007 at 8:09 pm
@Shashank – Bluehost is startin’ to run away with this! Thanks for the input budddddddd-y!