Sort of "free"-- Is doteasy.com worth it?

[jurmeneta]

I've been looking for a cheap host and came across Doteasy.com, which says they will host for free with no ads as long as you register your domain with them (or else pay a transfer fee if you already have a name.) In other words, "bring your own domain." The domain part is pretty pricey ($25 registration; $35 transfer) but I'm willing to pay it if this service is reliable. I am wary of the general unreliability of free hosting but since Doteasy appears to make some kind of revenue from the domain registering (and private email ads to its members) do you think this is a good deal? I have a name registered already but I'll pay the transfer if this means free hosting, no ads, plus my own domain name.

My site is just a personal page I've had on tripod for years. I don't need tremendous space or extensive add-ons, but I would really want my own domain name for a less novice-y look.

Okay-- :) In your professional opinions, is Doteasy a good way to go or am I still better off paying for hosting?

Thanks.
JMU

[Goldilocks]

I'll admit that I know nothing about Doteasy or what is a good price to pay for these things, but I would be more willing to trust a host that IS making a revenue somehow (even if it appears a bit expensive) than one that is offering everything for free. If they are not making money somehow, they are not going to be in business for very long. You don't get much for free these days, if anything. You will either get free hosting but have to pay for the domain name, or else get a free domain name but you have to pay for the hosting.

Spend time hunting around, and maybe get some more opinions, because I don't know if this is a good price, but if it is then why not go for it. It sounds alright to me, it just depends whether what they're offering suits you or not.

[SteveS235]

If you're looking for a basic site with no ads, Doteasy could be the way to go.

The reason they can offer free, no ad sites is because they don't really offer any "frills".

Want CGI/Perl/SSI? You gotta pay extra.
Want FP Extensions? You gotta pay extra.
Want SQL/PHP/ASP? You gotta pay extra.

See for yourself http://www.doteasy.com/Services/WebHosting/

If you don't need all the extra stuff and just want a basic free, no ad site to throw up a few pages, this is might be the way to go.

[jurmeneta]

Thanks everyone. I decided to pass on using Doteasy and go for the more reliable $9.95 a month plan (most likely http://www.addr.com). Although I might not use all the features they offer, I do want to brush up my skills eventually, so I'd rather have those options. I don't think I'm a beginner anymore, but I'm also not an expert either. But who knows, someday? ;)

JMU