downtime question

DNCarolyn · #1 05-11-2008, 05:29 PM

Hi there everyone :3

I'm considering HostGator's shared hosting (baby plan), but I have some questions. First, a little background.. I'm currently hosted by Surpass Hosting's shared hosting where I pay monthly. I'm very happy with everything about them, except for two things; 1) downtime, and 2) support. The downtime is for a few hours almost every other day, even when I send in tickets. Not only that, but it takes them at least a few hours and a few staff to respond to my tickets. So I'm fed up.

I've been looking here, but I'm concerned with the amount of downtime threads. I don't want to spend an extra $4 a month if my downtime problem won't get fixed. I run fanlistings which can be troubled at any time, so uptime is hugely important for me.

And also, how long is the wait time in general for support tickets? I love the phone line and live chat, but I'm just curious.

Thank you in advance!

GvilleRick · #2 05-11-2008, 05:42 PM

Keep in mind that HG has hundreds of servers and, unlike many companies, allow posts about downtime in the forums. I had an account on a shared server for about a year and only saw the site down a couple of times and then only for a few minutes. HG is pretty aggressive in making sure accounts do not use too many resources so that other users do not suffer.

I've also only had to submit a support ticket a few times and all were dealt with within an hour or so other than a request to have the account transferred which took a few hours.

Serra · #3 05-11-2008, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DNCarolyn

I've been looking here, but I'm concerned with the amount of downtime threads. I don't want to spend an extra $4 a month if my downtime problem won't get fixed.

There is no guarentee that the downtime isn't your fault, so the problem may follow you. However, if you are paying an extra $4.00 a month to move to Hostgator, I suspect you are at a SUPER SUPER discount host. Its likely you'll find Hostgator better. (Since they cheapest plan is $4.95)

DNCarolyn · #4 05-11-2008, 05:59 PM

Thank you very much, GvilleRick! That really helps me :3!

Serra, I have no doubt that it is not me causing the problem. I have nothing that makes a heavy use of resources, I barely use 1% of my bandwidth/space and Surpass has admitted that it is their own server issues. And the extra $4 is going from $6.20 a month to $9.95 a month (I have to pay monthly, and that's how much the baby shared hosting is).

Serra · #5 05-11-2008, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DNCarolyn

Serra, I have no doubt that it is not me causing the problem. I have nothing that makes a heavy use of resources, I barely use 1% of my bandwidth/space and Surpass has admitted that it is their own server issues.

Using 1% of bandwidth isn't an indicator of how much CPU your site is using, but if you say you aren't running anything, then we can blame Surpass for the issues.

No host is perfect, HG isn't either. Its very likely that if you site is as you describe, you'll be very happy here.

I strongly suggest you install OpenDNS on your router or PC so that you can make sure your downtime isn't related to your ISP after you move. Many, many people complain their sites are down, when everyone can see them without a problem. OpenDNS will prevent that issue.