Quoting out of another thread, but only to explain the reason for this new posted thread:


I'm not Darksat (obviously ) but his question did make the light bulb go off in my head about how people might get a misconception as to why free hosts do what they do and how they will actually make any money.

To me, this raises an interesting and very important aspect or criteria about how users can separate the real/legitimate free hosting providers from the illegitimate/scammers out there...

It's simple, if you can't see advertising, message boards, required domain registrations, time-limits (as in - you pay for this after 30 days of a free trial), etc... STAY AWAY or at least BUYER BEWARE!!!

Common sense, really, but I'm sure a lot of inexperienced folks have tried the unreliable or illegitimate providers out there and ended up having a bad experience. That bad experience then turns these people off on the whole free hosting experience and that's a shame (IMOHO).

My advice:

• Always consider what you're getting into.
• Read the TOS/AUP documentation and contracts (if you sign/check-off on something).
• Always look for a way that the host in question makes their money. If you can't immediately figure it out, be skeptical and cautious.

How about some other thoughts on this issue? Free providers out there??? Please feel free to weigh in on this issue.

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Mike_FWT | http://www.freewebtown.com
Extending the power of people online

Don't agree to any contracts until your satisfied you know all the catches. Don't divulge real personal info until you know the place is legit. Only use the free services to get an understanding of what's available and to learn how to make a web site; don't use them if you want a permanent web presence (e.g. a business or a site to show your programming skills).

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Common Sense v2.0-Striving to make the world a little bit smarter.

I am also curious.
those services that offer free hosting if you participate in the comunity/forum.
anyone know how they make cash or what the trick is??

I'd have to guess (since it's not a requirement for us) that it enables them more ad impressions if they produce additional messages and corresponding views from visitors seeing their posts.

At least in once sense, it would obviously enrich a site by providing more content and fresh participation by users -- thereby making the free host more interesting and active-appearing in regards to its user base.

Any forums-oriented free host provider out there want to weigh in on this one?

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Mike_FWT | http://www.freewebtown.com
Extending the power of people online