BlueHost Losing Customers?
I use many dedicated and shared hosting providers for hosting my websites, due to the need of different C-class IP address. Recently I met with a downtime on one of my shared hosting service provider (newwebsite.com) and wanted to move some of my sites (around 20+) from that account to some other more reliable host.
I thought of two options. Hostgator or bluehost. But I already have a set of sites in one account on hostgator, so I thought why not try the bluehost. I heard from some people that it is a good hosting network. So I decided to give them a try (My fault, they suck).
Just after registration, when I tried to add my domains as “addon domains” to the account, bluehost started asking for EPP code for the domain. Now, what the hack? Why the hell in this world a hosting provider need the EPP for my domain? EPP is sort of an authorization code which is required to transfer domain from one domain registrar to other domain registrar. Getting EPP for each of my domain is a pain in the ass as all those domains are registered with various different registrar. It is so time consuming to get each of them. And I am not sure why bluehost even need them.
So, I asked the support why it is required? The answer for “Sir, its for your safety. We wanted to make sure that this is your own domain.” Wow! Great! Support also suggested me that if you don’t want to use EPP thing, you can set the DNS settings for the domains to their DNS settings before adding the domains to my account. Does this support guy even understands that this will cause downtime for my sites? I am not sure.
So, what did I decided? I decided to stay away from them as I have no way to add my sites to their account without having a downtime (which I cannot afford). I asked them to cancel my account with immediate effects. Lets see even if that happens. If not, its a lesson learned for some $$$.
My statement? Bluehost sucks. If you want to move your domain(s) from some other hosting provider, just don’t even think about bluehost. Stay away from them.
Hostgator, you got one more customer.
My other good option is Site5, which provides unlimited web space and unlimited bandwidth for very cheap price.
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Jim Karter on March 20th 2008 in General
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44 Responses to “BlueHost Losing Customers?”
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Ravi responded on 20 Mar 2008 at 11:18 pm #
I have had exactly same problem with them before. I moved as well.
harshads responded on 21 Mar 2008 at 1:38 am #
It’s very sad to hear from you Jim.Thanks for sharing this experience with us,now I will think many times before I will move my sites in future…
Webmaster responded on 21 Mar 2008 at 3:43 am #
Thanks for sharing your experience Jim. I’ve never used bluehost…
Jason responded on 21 Mar 2008 at 4:41 am #
I’ve never used Bluehost, but have heard many people having bad experiences with Hostgator.
Hostican FTW! I just upgraded there to a dedicated server as I’m extremely happy with their services. If you want more info about them, drop me an email mate
Marlyn responded on 21 Mar 2008 at 4:43 am #
I have heard good things about hostgator and bluehost, but never had experience of “moving” the sites. I hope you get your money back. Best of luck. So whome did you choose finally? Hostgator?
Armaan Bhati responded on 21 Mar 2008 at 9:21 am #
I never used it.
I was planning to use it as I heard form many people that they have good uptime.
Better to stay with hostgator
Neeraj responded on 21 Mar 2008 at 10:22 am #
I have two hosting account. Both are with Hostgator. I am satisfied
Joe Richey responded on 21 Mar 2008 at 11:57 am #
I use rackspace.com I love them.. A little pricey but u get what you pay for…..
Martin responded on 21 Mar 2008 at 12:26 pm #
This is one of the dumbest posts ever, have you ever switched hosts? You have to change the DNS to go to any host. Are you expecting to host your website at bluehost with your newwebsite.com dns server?
Chris (Amateur Traveler podcast) responded on 21 Mar 2008 at 1:08 pm #
I completely disagree with you and agree at the same time. Bluehost has been a very good vendor for me and I recommend them. There is only one thing that they do that drives me crazy… and you guessed it, it was the add on domain interface.
What I like about BlueHost is that their fees are good, they have all the pieces I need and other than addon domains the interface works well for me. I also think their support is very helpful and quick usually, especially the chat based support.
Debt Cures responded on 21 Mar 2008 at 2:51 pm #
Hello-
I hate flaky hosts with a passion. I hate having to move a bunch of sites from one host to another. That’s why I try to avoid hosts that have an affiliate program that pays a big commission. I’m not big enough to get a bunch of dedicated servers else I would. I can certainly feel your pain. Good luck.
-Adam
Bluehost Addon Domain problem | Technology Blog by Colbert Low responded on 21 Mar 2008 at 6:23 pm #
[…] my own domains for quite some time now at Hostgator. I have never tried bluehost but it seems that Jim Karter does not like them. He tried to add some domains into his account and he was asked for the EPP […]
Carol responded on 21 Mar 2008 at 7:43 pm #
I think you’ve made a right decision. Don’t work with someone that you are not sure.
Rene responded on 21 Mar 2008 at 8:43 pm #
Hi Jim,
great job that you tell us what is good and wrong so that we not step into the same shit.
Thnx
ps I use : esecuredata
Klajdi Hena responded on 21 Mar 2008 at 9:14 pm #
Hello Jim. Thanks for letting me know that bluehost sucks. I was thinking of getting it, but now I’m having second thoughts.
Greg Stratz responded on 21 Mar 2008 at 11:01 pm #
I have a few sites with bluehost but they have been there a long time. I got them there when I started. Never had to transfer a site. Do not think I will either.
Jim Karter responded on 21 Mar 2008 at 11:06 pm #
@Martin
Martin, either you are a newbie or you don’t know what I am exactly talking about. Please read the post again.
@Chris,
Have you tried moving your domain from other host to bluehost? You cannot change the DNS before moving the files, but you cannot move the files before creating a addon domain, and you cannot create an addon domain without changing the DNS (or entering EPP).
Suraj responded on 22 Mar 2008 at 7:37 am #
Yup, Bluehost suck. I know couple of people who have negative experience. Better go with a better host (like HostGator), or get a decent dedicated server.
Neeraj responded on 22 Mar 2008 at 9:23 pm #
Hi,
In your post, you said that you were moving to bluehost due to the need of different C class IP. But as far as I remember, in pune blogger meet, you only told me that there is no need of different C class IP, it is even confirmed by matt cutt [ as per you]. Did I miss anything?
Crazy Penguin responded on 23 Mar 2008 at 11:41 pm #
Bluehost lost me as a customer.
Bluehost is one of the worst hosting companies on the internet.
Read about my nightmare with Bluehost at http://inetintegrity.com/weblog/?p=1
Bottom line is Bluehost Sucks.
Nesa responded on 24 Mar 2008 at 4:31 am #
BlueHost is a good host as regards to their uptime and page loads, however, I too have noticed this EPP feature. So, basically, if you have a domain that you’ve purchased with Godaddy, Namecheap or any other non-Bluehost vendor, you will not be able to host with Bluehost within 60 days because its non-transferrable in most cases in the first 60 days.
I don’t see the point in this because Bluhost should be able to host a site without requiring this EPP because I have neb=ver come across any other host needing this.
Mayank Rocks responded on 24 Mar 2008 at 9:19 am #
I’ve been with asmallorange.com since long. They are awesome.
Mayank Rocks responded on 24 Mar 2008 at 9:22 am #
There is a problem in commenting. Your details are not saved. And then, it stucks at the time you press submit. Its already submitted but your at the same page. Looks like its loading but stays like that only.
Googlelady responded on 24 Mar 2008 at 11:09 am #
Hey Jim,
How is everything, I want to comment about the C Class IP. Even if you change the C Class IP you need to change the WHOIS of your domain. Google will know that you are linking between your sites to build backlinks.
Jim Karter responded on 25 Mar 2008 at 9:37 am #
@Neeraj
Ya neeraj, actually its not just for the C class IP thing but for the diversification and redundancy as well, as I try to keep an updated copy of my site on other shared server as well.
@Googlelady
I know some people thinks its surely not a good idea interlinking your own sites. But when I know that sites are quite related to each other (same niche), I still link them (one way). I have been doing it from always and as of yet, never got any sort of penalty.
Gary Singh responded on 25 Mar 2008 at 5:32 pm #
I just tried webhostingpad.com and amazed with service and smooth transition. I paid $93.65 for 2 years. This includes hosting and free domain.
Balend responded on 25 Mar 2008 at 11:18 pm #
From the many reviews I’ve read, Bluehost is really good. I’ve been trying to decide on a host for a while now and it’s between Bluehost and Servage. Hopefully Bluehost stays positive.
Tech blog responded on 01 Apr 2008 at 9:33 pm #
Thats really suchs..
I think go for hostgator again or try their seohosting if you are worried about ip.
SEO web hosting responded on 03 Apr 2008 at 7:50 pm #
Jim, I’d heard the same thing about Bluehost. As noted above asmallorange is good and their data center for shared hosting is in Atlanta so you’d likely end up with a new IP range (207.210.XXX.XX).
Daniel responded on 07 Apr 2008 at 11:03 am #
Bluehost do not suck just because of one small domain hitch. It appears that you do not understand how the process works. I recently opened up an account with them, and I was never asked to enter the EPP code. I was simply instructed to change the DNS of the domain to them, which is normal practice for any hosting service. You are only required to enter an EPP code if you choose to physically transfer the domain to them - which again, is normal practice for every domain transfer process! It is required by ICANN for security. I suggest you read how the process works, and the history of domain theft.
To stop people from steering away from BlueHost just because of one silly misunderstanding, I would like to say how great their service has been to me so far. After moving away from Network Solutions (which I recommend if you are looking for a host to rant about), BlueHost is a sigh of relief with excellent support, reliability, uptime and speed.
Daniel.
Jim Karter responded on 07 Apr 2008 at 12:32 pm #
Daniel, I think you did not read the post completely. Read it again. I am hosting my domain which is registered at somewhere else (godaddy). And they ask for EPP. When hosting the first domain its never a problem.
Imagine this:
1. To host you need to move DNS or enter EPP
2. To move DNS you need to have your site setup with them, else you will get downtime.
3. To setup your site with them you need to move the DNS or enter EPP.
Do you see it now?
For new site, its fine to move the DNS first, but for existing you cannot do that because it will bring in downtime.
Next time you comment, please read the post.
Thank you.
areide responded on 08 Apr 2008 at 10:32 am #
Hi, Im a happy hostgator customer, their customer support is the best. Another good one is pulse support expecially for big websites, becuase their vps and dedicated cost less than other place, and the owner call you wherever you are instead of sending just an email just for tell you about a news or ask you how is going with your website.
medical videos responded on 03 Jul 2008 at 11:28 am #
thanks for sharing jim you can see this host
cirtexhosting.com
Michael responded on 01 Nov 2008 at 1:50 pm #
Blue host and their customer service is the shittiest funniest thing I have ever seen or heard. What a joke.
Marvin responded on 05 Nov 2008 at 11:15 pm #
Not in any offense, but is it just me or what?
You don’t use the services and you say they suck because they wanted to take security measures? I mean?…. Damn.
I don’t understand how you can judge a hosting company by just ONE thing. I’ve been with them for 6 months, and the past other two company’s (Dot5, and Gisol - DON’T USE THEM) I’ve been scammed, ripped off, had my domains stolen, NO customer support.
Bluehost is the only hosting package I’ve signed up to that actually speaks English in the Live chat thingy. And they use there own words two.
Meh, it could just be because I’ve been with worse companies before.
Jim Karter responded on 05 Nov 2008 at 11:40 pm #
Marvin,
Have you ever moved a working website from one host to the other? Can you move your DNS setting before moving your content to the new location? No. Because it will make you at-least 24 hours of downtime. That, in some cases, means loss of hundreds if not thousands of dollars of loss.
They asked me to move the DNS first to the site and then only I can create the “add-on” domain, which was simple bullshit I would say.
But now somebody told me that they have enabled a new featured to upload some file to your existing domain to verify your ownership. Which is a good step I would say. But I still don’t like it.
I am buying a hosting with them and who they are to monitor the domain registration for me. Sorry.
Robert W. responded on 11 Dec 2008 at 7:45 pm #
I’ve never had a problem with bluehost as far as adding domains. All you have to do is change the nameservers of your domains you want to addon, and then simply choose addon domains from the cpanel. Type in your domain, and it’s a done deal, all you have to do is go to the bottom of that page and click OK. I’ve been a happy bluehost customer for 3 and a half years.
Jim Karter responded on 11 Dec 2008 at 9:32 pm #
Robert, you also seems to be a newbie. How can you change a nameserver for an established site without first moving your complete site to a new server. This shows that you have never moved any of your existing sites to bluehost.
Best of luck.
Guest responded on 15 Jan 2009 at 4:06 pm #
I currently use Bluehost.com (Not Bluehost.net, based in Hungary) and so far have not had any issues. Practically no downtime, fast. Intel processor, 8GB ram. Server running CentOS, based in Ohio, CPanel. Reasonable price. Unlimited domains, unlimited bandwidth. What not to like?
ZK@Internet Marketing Blog responded on 05 Feb 2009 at 1:17 pm #
I was with hostgator but they has a recent change on their servers that could not handle some of my PHP scripts on my site…I had to move to hostmonster and I am happy with them
AvoidBlueHost responded on 08 Feb 2009 at 1:42 pm #
Avoid bluehost like the plague. Or, if you want your site to experience downtime 365 days of the year, go for it.
It’s my experience:
Everyday, my site goes down at least several times. It’s up, then down, then up, then down again.
It will hurt your business.
Seriously, Stay Away Form Bluehost.
THEY SUCK.
Josh responded on 09 Feb 2009 at 5:27 pm #
Running about 12 sites on Bluehost for the last 2 years. Not a single minute of downtime. Extremely friendly and helpful customer support 24/7; Speak real English. Great C Panel. Have referred friends. Not a single negative feedback. Writing this to be fare and give credit where due.
Kevin Koch responded on 09 Apr 2009 at 12:45 pm #
You’re all stupid if you make your decisions on whether to use bluehost based on the post of some moron who doesn’t know what he is doing.
Point your domains at Bluehost’s DNS IPs — go into the control panel and add the domains and select parked or addon and you’re done!
Simple as that — am not bluehost, but have been with them for over 3 years AND THEY SPEAK ENGLISH (24/7 Toll-Free Support - duh!)
I don’t know who the moron is that posted this, but BH should sue his butt for sure!
LATER!
Marvin responded on 09 Apr 2009 at 12:55 pm #
I’m sticking with my original post.
The best hosting company out there %100! Not one downtime in 1 whole year, and customer service reps on live that USE THIER OWN WORDS when replying, and type instantly.
Awesome, awesome, just pure awesome. I currently have 7 domains on 1 package.