What I find fascinating is a lot of paid web host providers use free web hosting forums to advertise.
Thats a good idea to generate potential buyers for solid shared hosting and sometimes over priced servers. The free web hosting community generates as much traffic as the paid - so there is a happy medium - for both. Many of us are secure and do good. The beauty of a small business is the over head is only 2-7 staff, Hosting services, Server Administration and SOHO Solutions (mobile) can be managed from virtually any where. There is a lot of flexibility and the opportunities are non stop.
I encourage those who would like to open a free web hosting service. It's a good ice breaker for self discipline, future business relations and endeavors. Clearly the positives out weigh the negatives if the management is conducted correctly.
Shaun