Ok thanks to everyone that has posted...
There definitely appears to be many great hosts out there whose customers stand by them which is great to see.
But after hours of deliberation I have decided that my next server will be with PhatServers.
Why did I pick Phatservers?
- Attractive package/price.
- attentive salesperson who got in touch with me via ICQ and made me feel like I mattered even though I am just one more server for them.
- no drama on the boards (that I could find)
- abundance of customers that swore by them on various sites.
Others who were in the running:
PacificRack - was in the running big time with a sweet sounding package and unbeatable price and a good salesperson. But all the drama and some bickering on the boards threw me off. Milan took the time to post "thanks" in this thread to someone else for suggesting them but then never addressed me, a potential customer, at all
. However, I will probably get my 6th server with them if they continue with the great performance and happy customers.
Techiemedia - was suggested alot but they didnt have any prices laid out on their website - you had to send them an email. Even though I posted this thread in the middle of a business day noone there ever actually contacted me.
NationalNet - had instant name recognition with me when they contacted me but fell on the wayside as far as trying to close a deal.
Caro.net - seemed reliable too but their packages werent as enticing compared to others. And I honestly had never heard of them before.
GotWebHost - simply didnt appear big enough for me and few customers suggested them in various threads.
Others such as Mojohost, Cavecreek, Oc3Network were weak in the sales department. Oc3 offered me almost the same server as PacificRack for $30/month more, Mojohost posted "It's hard to say no to Mojo...." in the thread but never offered any packages or contacted me and Cavecreek asked me to email them when I already posted my icq (and later my email) asking for their best deals.
This isnt a slight on any of the above hosts - i am sure they are all great companies. I am just giving my honest account of my decision-making process as a learning experience for all and why I am going with Phatservers.
