Potential new customer with a barage of questions

[girugameshx]

Hey guys, I am interested in using hostgator as my forum host. However, I would like a few things clarified before I begin. I apologize if these questions are a bit much, since they cover a broad range of subjects. But I'd like to get all my concerns cleared up.

First, I would like to know whether there is still an option to select which version of PHPBB to install via the quickinstall control panel? I've watched a very helpful tutorial you guys provided about installing PHPBB, and I noticed there was a dropdown box that could select the version (for example, 3.0.8). Is this functionality still supported?








Secondly, I would like to know what kind of content you allow. Specifically, I would be hosting a roleplay forum set in a medieval world. Therefore, we would features stories that members write. These stories would feature textual descriptions of:
- Graphic violence (since it's medieval, blood and guts aplenty)
- Slight profanity (damn, *******, the s-word which rhymes with lou, but nothing too extreme)
- Sexual references (for example, growing tension or attraction between characters. Possible intimacy such as kissing and so on. Yet no actual 'sex scenes')

So yes, I am of course wondering if all these above mentioned topics are allowed to be written into stories? There would be no pictures of this graphic nature; it would just be text that features this level of maturity about it.







And finally, this last question might be very silly, but I think it's better safe than sorry to ask. If I pay for a plan (for example, I pay for a 3 year plan), I pay all at once, correct? For example, I'm looking at the 'hatchling' Billing Information just as something to go by. If I select the 36 month plan, it says '3.96/mo'. This means 3.96 per month, correct?

And down the bottom it has a total due of approximately 142 dollars (give or take). So, selecting something along those lines and completing checkout would give me 3 years in advance, guaranteed, correct? Paying that 142 dollar total means I don't have to pay again until my 3 years is up?

Once again, probably a stupid question because its all layed out very clearly, but I want to ask just for peace of mind. :P

[girugameshx]

Sorry for the double post. Felt I should add to my second question. I guess I am asking whether 'mature/adult' content (similar to an R rated movie) in terms of storytelling is allowed.

Thank you in advance for your help.

[GvilleRick]

Legal adult content is allowed. You can read the Terms of Service at the link at the bottom of this page for more information on what is allowed.

If you pay for the plan for there years the price is better and you pay all up front. There is a 45 day guarantee so you can get a refund if you are not happy.

Not sure on the question about PHPBB in Quickinstall but you can manually install whatever version you want pretty easily.

[EarlyOut]

Regarding adult content, if it doesn't violate the laws of the U.S. or Texas, HG has no problem with it. What you've described doesn't sound like it comes even close to the line. Should be no problem at all.

And yes, if you sign up for the 3-year plan, you pay for your 3 years all at once, and don't get billed again for 3 years. However, domain registration is a separate animal, and usually has to be paid for yearly.

[girugameshx]

Thank you for the replies, guys. Good to know.

Regarding the domain name, I actually have one purchased and it's valid for the next five years also. How exactly does hostgator work with existing domains? I guess I'm asking if I need any information on hand regarding how I purchased my domain name?

When I was just going through the checkout process to have a look at it, I noticed you can type an existing domain name. Then that appears in the checkout, obviously free of charge. Seems like there should be some kind of authorization in place (or does that come after step 2 of signup process)?

Again, thank you in advance for your answers.

[justMe]

Your existing domain stays right where it is unless you request a transfer from another registrar.

HG just uses the existing domain name to set up your account. After, you will point your domain at your hg account IP by setting the dns server info at your existing registrar. I believe HG will give you all the info you need to do this in yoru "welcome email".

[satnav]

Most hosting services allow mature content, but not sure about HostGator. You can only be the judge to that. If you think your content will violate any of the rules stated in T&C, then it would be better to not use it at all.

[Ulatan]

I would just pay it month to month, just incase your grow out of your plan. If your forum grows big, it would probably require more resources.

[EarlyOut]

Originally Posted by satnav

Most hosting services allow mature content, but not sure about HostGator.

There is no reason to be unsure about this. HG has repeatedly stated that as long as it doesn't violate U.S. or Texas law, it's allowed. Given the protections of the First Amendment, that leaves things pretty broad. No child porn, obviously.

More to the point, I don't think any U.S. court would find any written material obscene, and therefore not legally protected. There are no banned books in this country.

[GatorJMartin]

Greetings,

I wanted to jump in on this quick as there is proper information present and some back and forth it seems regarding what's true. As long as the content complies with US Federal, Texas/Florida state laws you'll be fine. We definitely always recommend seeking legal counsel though if you're not certain before proceeding. What you described though in your post is of no concern with us. We do appreciate you taking the time to check first though!

Another user noted as well you should pay month to month. That's not necessarily the most sound advice given the 20% off discount you'd be receiving on the first invoice. It's definitely far cheaper to pay for 36 months up front at roughly $3.96/mo then to pay month to month at $7.95/mo. In the even that you do see the site grow and need to upgrade later, we'd simply do that for you on a pro-rated basis for what you'd paid us up front. It's definitely no problem at all though to upgrade later down the road if necessary.

Should you have any other questions or concerns regarding this, please do let me know!

Best Regards,

[skyrim77]

I know a few webmasters who run adult forums on HG so they are ok with it.

[Tommi]

I run a few adult sites no problems at all.

[John G.]

I own an adult forum on HG no problems.

[Kari]

Originally Posted by John G.

I own an adult forum on HG no problems.

So adult is ok great,

[Chimpie]

Originally Posted by Kari

So adult is ok great,

As long as it complies with all laws. You can email sales@hostgator.com for more information.

[EarlyOut]

Chimpie, don't bother responding to Kari. He/she keeps resurrecting long-dead threads, just to make "me too" or "thanks alot [sic]" posts.

[Chimpie]

I noticed that too, but I think about future readers/customers in my responses as well.