Is This Dangerous?

Sites Offering Free Domain Name Hosting

[spyder_tek]

I've discovered several sites (some non-profit) that offer it's users free hosting for their domain names, usually by filling out an application form. All users/sites are then reviewed for acceptance.

I'm not talking about free hosting services like Geocities, Angelfire, etc. Rather, sites that offer the same services that paid-for hosting companies offer.

So my question is...

Is it dangerous to host your site with these types of services?

For example, what would happen if a site offering this service went of business or suddenly disappeared? Is there a chance that I could lose my domain name? Or could I just change the nameserver info through the registrar, and find a new hosting service?

Thanks!

[Paul_B]

"You get what you pay for"

Thus if you pay nothing - don't expect much. There is of course no guarantee with any host, but if you have serious business why jepodize your chances by skimping on something so cheap as hosting?

And how do free hosts finance their business? If you were running a real store and were offered rent-free accomodation, you'd be very wary...

[kaled]

If the domain name is registered to you, the host can go bust, etc. and the domain name will still be your property.

I have never bothered to look at services that offer hosting & domain registration together, but I am aware that domain names are often not registered to the individual paying for them - in these cases, a legal nightmare could result.

Kaled.

[swoop]

If you own your domain name, and your traffic count is fairly low, and (if they ask for a credit card number) you give a one-time-use virtual CC number, and if they run no ads on your pages, then I'd say "Go for it...and tell me who it is :)"

[treeline]

If it's a service of a group or association you belong to, and it's part of your membership, than it's probably ok since it's really a membership retention service. Some nonprofits help out other nonprofits, and a few hosting companies provide free service to local nonprofits. Probably in the hope of favorable public relations.

But if a "real" business has this as a business model, buyer beware. Are they after your banking info? Is the service so lame you automatically have to upgrade to a higher cost option? Do they own your domain name and exploit that once you're successful? If it's too good to be true...

[Lorel]

I would ask for a list of the clients they serve and then check out their sites--check their WhoIs data and see who the domain is registered under. Of course of this is a crooked company they can falsify a "client list" too.

I had a client receive a "free" domain name a few years back and free hosting against my advice and it was a ripoff--the domain was in their name. It took us a whole year to get the domain in her own name and then they refusd to quit listing the original site after we moved the domain which hurt my clients rank in engines.

I wouldn't touch a free deal with a ten foot pole.