From other discussions on the forum, I’ve learned that it is better to self-host. So, I was going to move my blog to my website on Microsoft Offive Live but it is changing to MS 365. Should I go with it and change with them or is there a better place? I need economical, too. I’ve blogged for over a year so I hope it will “move” easily.

@deairby Do you use WordPress?  I’ve used GoDaddy and HostGator.  Network Solutions, Bluehost, DreamHost, and Media Temple are all recommended by WordPress.

@deairby Yes – if you want to have yourdomain.com and full control of WordPress without WordPress.com, you have to use any of the hosts I mentioned.  Most people will tell you GoDaddy is evil and HostGator is wonderful as that has been their experience, but mine was just the opposite.  HostGator wasn’t evil, per say, but I just have better service with GoDaddy and I find their user interface simpler to navigate, install WordPress, etc.

@deairby They could probably assist you in doing that.  :)

@deairby moving to a self hosted server is not the only way to move WordPress.com from your domain name , you can do it while keep hosting your blog at WordPress.com via the upgrade, however to gain full control, you got to move!

@kristi-hines All hosting companies are evil because they try their best to provide affordable and reliable web hosting solution, which I think doesn’t exists!

Good web hosting is not cheap! simply because you must pay part of the license which cost 1000s of dollars, this explains why you got blocked for whatever reason while you are on shared hosting!

Speaking about support, it’s all about your luck! It depends on the person you will talk to or chat with, so good luck with that!

I recommend having at least two different web hosting services, invest some time, try them out before moving your furniture, this is certainly a personal experience!

hostgator has the most outstanding online customer service available in my opinion!  i have a number of blogs with them.

@deairby When I set up my first Blog Hostgator walked me through the process.  have two Blogsites with them and will soon have a third. I have called serveral times for help because I’m a newbie and have lots of questions. They have been consistently helpful and committed to answering my questions without making me feel like the village idiot! There will be a time when they may not be as helpful when I call but I am completely satisfied right now.

Here is the link with their prices. I have the Baby plan because I have multiple sites.  http://www.hostgator.com/shared.shtml

oh, my, this is getting complicated and I don’t like to make decisions! Thanks for all the input. What is the main reason for choosing the right one?  Is it cost? Is it customer service? Is it reliability? Help!? @melissaagnes @dyanebradley @glengorham @dextereugenio @myathleticlife  @kristi-hines

Ok, obviously I meant “hurt”. Huet just must be my Southern drawl seeping through the keyboard, lol.

@atlantarobin Let’s say that your database is being hosted on a machine with 10 other people.  And suppose that one of those users is testing out some spiffy new app that generates lots of database queries – except they have a bug in their app and it goes into an infinite loop.  Your wordpress site is now screwed because there is a minute long delay every time wordpress tries to access the database.  ie. someone is being a bad neighbor.

…Tim

so glad you are having this discussion! I want to know, too. I don’t want anyone to huet me either! @atlantarobin @myathleticlife

@deairby  @atlantarobin

If you are paying for a lower tier of service at most any hosting company and using a shared resource, it is somewhat out of your control (unfortunately).  In my opinion, the keys are how quickly the problem gets resolved, and how often the problem occurs in the first place.  With Media Temple, they have always been able to resolve the problem quickly.  

I would suggest that you search for reviews of the hosting company and their tech support specifically.  Just be careful as there are TONS of people who have affiliate links to the hosting companies and the happy, glowing reports may not have a lot of validity.

…Tim

 @deairby,

Look at their service plans, look at your monthly traffic now, what has it been averaging? Make sure that if you do have volume you are choosing a plan that will match your needs. Look at amount of storage allowed, email addresses granted. Check it out. For the most part any ISP will be able to create a wordpress install for you if you don’t do one yourself so that is not a huge concern. Often dealing with smaller ISP’s can be a great thing for the personalized service you will get. Sometimes these will be more costly but it is up to you. Local providers are often more susceptible to things like power outages etc so take that into consideration as well. Check out the local scene, find out who is there. Think of it as a good way to get more involved with your community. Though the web is global, think local…

@deairby Thanks for pointing to this thread, so similar to my post in the Small Business Club.

I have a Wordpress blog that I just paid $99 to upgrade but I can’t even get a comment block under my post.  However, I like the graphics on the  theme I picked.  I have my website with Go Daddy and can have a Wordpress blog hosted on there for free.  If I have Go Daddy move it there, what is the advantage other than free hosting? I am new to Wordpress and find it confusing.  I just want a blog that has good SEO and allows some functionality but am not happy with what I have at Wordpress.com  I have until Feb. 20th to get out of my $99 upgrade with them. I need some good advice from all of you Wordpress experts.  Thanks.

@ptwiley Thanks, Paul.  I thought by paying for a wordpress.com site , I had the best functionality.  You gave me some good options.  

and now I’ve run across RackSpace (http://www.rackspace.com/)  that Rich uses