Blog - quick question.

apeZ · 3 Jan 2010 at 21:51

I'm looking at starting up a blog, going to go with Wordpress.

However there is 1 thing I can't get my head around. If I go to Wordpress.com , it is 100% free - they host it for me and everything.

If I go to Wordpress.org, I have the option to download the software myself and configure everything manually. I have a domain registered with 123-reg, and I can buy 3 months hosting from them for £30.

My question is, what is the difference between buying the hosting and letting 123-reg set up the blog (they have a script to enable Wordpress, apparantly) and just going the free way through Wordpress.com?

Just curious, what would be the reason for buying the hosting + domain yourself if Wordpress is free?

PS: Sorry this is in GD, but thought I'd get a quicker reply.

chrisxuk · 3 Jan 2010 at 22:08

If you go with wordpress, you would have to have a URL like http://apeZ.wordpress.com

but if you went elsewhere, you could get a URL like http://www.apeZ.com

apeZ · 3 Jan 2010 at 22:09

chrisxuk said:
If you go with wordpress, you would have to have a URL like http://apeZ.wordpress.com

but if you went elsewhere, you could get a URL like http://www.apeZ.com

But I already own a domain, so couldn't I just redirect it?

Is that the only difference?

V4NT0M · 3 Jan 2010 at 23:11

You could redirect it but that's not the best solution, redirects are only trouble, do you have hosting for yourself? If not get some cheap ass hosting.

apeZ · 3 Jan 2010 at 23:15

I suppose I can do, but once again, what advantage does that give me other than the small change in url?

Also, any recommendations for UK hosts?

V4NT0M · 3 Jan 2010 at 23:17

You can install whatever plugins, skins or modifications you want.

UK hosts idk, go with dreamhost, perfect for blog hosting, they're not the quickest but they are pretty cheap. I think I pay £5pm for unlimited everything.

LordSplodge · 3 Jan 2010 at 23:21

SquareSpace.

As for hosting on Wordpress well it just doesn't look good and limits what you can do. Either get a domain (from someone like Just Hosts, Go Daddy or so on!) or go to SquareSpace.

Job done.

apeZ · 3 Jan 2010 at 23:32

Got some space from DreamHost (promo code 777 gives you a 92% discount on a years hosting!), so thanks for that advice Skyfall.

Got to wait for the DNS and everything to come through, so hopefully I can set it up tomorrow. Its stuck on 'Account pending approval' at the moment.

apeZ · 4 Jan 2010 at 18:17

Still stuck on pending, can't understand why it is taking so long...

:/

daz · 4 Jan 2010 at 18:20

LordSplodge said:
As for hosting on Wordpress well it just doesn't look good and limits what you can do.

Recommending Squarespace and then saying Wordpress limits what you can do?

daz · 4 Jan 2010 at 18:21

apeZ said:
Still stuck on pending, can't understand why it is taking so long...

:/

Because if you search on the internet for Dreamhost reviews (hell, just read the blog or look at their status page) you'll find they're a pretty sloppy company overall.

apeZ · 4 Jan 2010 at 18:36

daz said:
Because if you search on the internet for Dreamhost reviews (hell, just read the blog or look at their status page) you'll find they're a pretty sloppy company overall.

Just seen, and cancelled. Looking at alternative hosts now.

Found some good deals, but I want to be billed monthly, don't like paying for a whole year/2 years immediately.

apeZ · 4 Jan 2010 at 19:21

Looks like I have a problem with my debit card, most transactions are being declined :/

Argh.