Help! I might have to close my website down! (The unplannedpregnancies one)

[Rhubarb]

I can't afford it anymore!

When I signed up with the guys hosting it, they only charged £20 per year as it was a none for profit organisation. I did all the hard work, i.e. I designed the look of it, the images, the content etc, all they had to do was host it.

But when I moved I lost Dreamweaver and so gave them charge of the site. Since then they 'lost' the site and I had to re-build it using their templates that I was not happy with. I found the old site using google's waybackmachine and I have asked and asked and asked for them to get the old look of the site back up and running, but their excuses have been varied, from going to hospital, contracting MRSA and wives having brain tumours. All of these may be true but that doesn't detract from the fact that they have done no work on my site and my requests have been ignored.

They have now given me a bill for a year's hosting of £100! I can't afford this, my site is not run for profit, it's there to help people. This is a huge increase from £20 and tbh they are not giving the service to justify that.

All other host services I've looked at are also in the hundreds. I just can't do it! Does anyone have any ideas for me?

[Rhubarb]

Anyone?

Cheap hosting companies? I dunno, anything!

[fannyannie]

I don't know how much MB you need for it - but have you had a look at Mortinc DH used them for the business and they really were very good. They were known to personally sort out problems we'd emailed about at 10pm at night!

[mrsflowerpot]

what about this ?

you design your website with their package so you could get the look you want and they host it for you - starts at £2.99 per month.

[zephyrcat]

Rhubarb I don't know an awful lot about web design and hosting but your site really helped me last week (and still is) (I still need to email you actually! ) and I would be more than happy to help you out with the running/upkeep/costing if need be to keep it going.

[zippitippitoes]

lycos one click is cheap..1.99 per month with web based software

or isn't the free space with your isp enough?

[Miaou]

Rhubarb, my dh hosts websites at a very low price (and maintains them too). CAT me if you are interested and I will get MrMiaou to let you know what he can do for you.

[Rhubarb]

Thanks fanny, I've emailed them.

I'd hate to shut the site down as I still get emails from women who've found it very helpful or who need advice. But I just can't afford to pay these fees. You'd think it would be cheaper these days to have a website, not dearer!

[Rhubarb]

Aw, didn't see these messages! Thanks very much everyone!

Miaou I'll email you but I don't want to put anyone out, I don't want your dh to make one rule for me and another for his other clients.

When I first started it was with freeserve but their banners and pop ups were often inappropriate for the site, REALLY inappropriate iykwim, and they charge you for the priviledge too. I don't want other ISPs doing this.

[Rhubarb]

What's a proboard? I know I can buy a name for it but I need the webspace too.

[zippitippitoes]

here

[Miaou]

I'm sure he won't rhubs, he works on the principle that most hosters overcharge for what they actually provide. He doesn't do it as a commercial venture, more to help friends etc. (You count as mate!)

[SenoraPostrophe]

rhubarb email me and I'll give you a proper hosting account for nowt. don't go for cheap hosting: it's usually a bit rubbish.

[Rhubarb]

I think I would need the fiver a month one, but that works out as £60 per year. I really can't afford any more than £25 per year.

[Rhubarb]

Senora, would it not cost you to provide me with hosting though?

[SenoraPostrophe]

only in terms of my time. we have our own servers you see.

[Rhubarb]

Do you mind if I find out what Miaou's dh says too? Have a look at the site here , it is quite a large site, but this is how it used to look and I was very happy with this design.

So have a good look at it and think about it. I'll CAT you too Senora.

Thanks very much for your offers of help, I wish I had come to Mumsnet before!

[SenoraPostrophe]

oh right - didn't see miaou's post. don't think most hosts overcharge though - they just under-provide!

[Rhubarb]

I have CATed you both. Maybe now you know I have another offer you won't feel obliged to say yes when you see the site! Although I'd be buggered if you both said no!

I am really bloody pleased at these offers of help, I really really am! I've had the site running for 6 years now and I'd hate for it to die a death when it is still very much needed.

You are all wonderful people!

[MrMiaou]

Hi Rhubarb

As the boss said I'm quite happy to host it for you, I run my own dedicated server, and can provide anything you want. Can't do more than 250 GB of banswidth per month for free, but very few websites get anywhere near that.

Can also do a good easy to manage forum for you if you wanted (fully integrated into the site).

I don't mind which way you leap, I'm sure SenoraPostrophe will also provide a very good package for you. Which ever way you decide feel free to ask for help with the site if ever you need it.

[gothicmama]

I love it when people pull together onMN Rhubarb I wish I had known about your site

[VeniVidiVickiQV]

Oooh I forgot about that! I hope you manage to keep it running rhubs.

[Rhubarb]

I got a reply from Miaou and it looks like they might be able to salvage the original site!

Thanks again everyone!