Keep it short - what do you think

[Decker]

I really think posting a full plan list should be banned as it makes posts far to big and it's really bad for anyone looking through them too, slows the board and pisses of the client.

Just my 2 cents :biggrin2:

[Bizarre-Host]

There should be a max number of rows to use in a reply to a request..

[Martie]

Yes, I totally agree. :-)
Back in the good old days (which I seem to refer to alot) most forums just wouldnt allow offers or requests of any sorts.
It seems like when one started allowing it, then all forums followed shortly with the same idea.
I actually wish ALL would dis-allow it all together as I believe it takes away from any forum thats intended for "discussion"
I moderate (no, Im not affiliated with webhostdir, but moderate there when time permits)
but the offers/requests forum had to closed due to
1. Abusive posters (mostly hosting companies)
2. A simple request would be posted and a responding host would post every single plan they offered along with UNnecessary info such as network info, stats, etc.
Warnings of course were put in place AND totally ignored. :devious2:

[Martie]

Originally posted by Bizarre-Host
There should be a max number of rows to use in a reply to a request..

LOL, that was also tried at WHD and all hosts totally ignored it and eventually those forums have been closed.

[Jan]

It seems that many hosts just don't care about the requester. They just copy and paste everything they offer and hope for the best. We have edited, tossed, directed them to the sticky, but they just ignore it. We are going to take a tougher stance on it. Discussions are/have been underway for a while.

Could be a few bannings coming up if they continue abusing after that. :chinese2:

[JodoHost]

Maybe there should be a separate requests forum IMHO. Most people are looking for recommendations, not offers.

When I come here and see a request with half a dozen so offers, where companies are fighting to grab a $2/month customer, it makes me wonder what the hosting industry has come to.

[phuckedup]

Originally posted by JodoHost
Maybe there should be a separate requests forum IMHO. Most people are looking for recommendations, not offers.

at WHT they have a web hosting forum and you're not meant to request for space, but people still do. Hosts arn't allowed to advertise themselves, but they still do (but dont get away with it). Instead of just editing posts to display the forum rules, how about imposing a penalty system. First/second time - warning, then if they still dont listen, ban them AND block the website name from the forums

[Jan]

Maybe we should install a warning hack like they have at WHT. Get a certain amount of points for each offence and when you reach a certain threshold, bingo! you're banned! That might bring the point home.

Trouble is the newer hosts get desperate to get their name out there and will try anything to make a name for themselves, even if it is a bad name :confused2

[Decker]

The warning hack is a good idea Jan, it also alerts possible clients of a badly behaved host, so less likely to sign up to them.

[trenzterra]

I sorta dislike (no offence) hosts that cut and paste everything. It shows that they are not very interested in the customer, which doesn't add a personal touch.

[PixelHosting]

I agree. Listing what you have to offer is ok, but listing all cPanel features is overreacting and lame imo. I've seen people listing all their Fantastico scripts! :o

[Jan]

Originally posted by PixelHosting
I agree. Listing what you have to offer is ok,
No, all you need to mention is what was requested. Take this one for example that you replied to:

Hi.. I'm looking for a cheap reliable host with these features for about $5 a month:



near 100% uptime
300+ MB Space
3+ GB Bandwidth
PHP/CGI/ASP
mySQL
Cpanel
GD2
Fantastico? (not needed, but would be nice)

You could have had a nice short post by just stating the features above and your URL.

[Decker]

:-) That info plus a price and the fact that GD2 support is normally included in recent PHP incarnations (info for anyone else looking for similar) would be all that was required.

Short sweet and respect the time your prospective customers may NOT have to read sprawling posts.

[mattsoft]

I think posting a list of plans like that is just an easy way out for the host. just go in, copy and past, done. I put a little time into replying to potential customers :)

[Peo]

Since the last post prior to yours mattsoft, we have implemented new rules of 25 rows maximum when posting an offer. You can see this from the sticky thread at the top of this forum. I'll close this thread now.