I ran into a bit of bad luck this weekend. After switching web hosts to A Small Orange and being impressed and excited by their amazing support and the incredible number of backend utilities they offer, I logged in to my new control panel to see that I’d already consumed 12.5% of my monthly bandwidth. In two and a half days. I realized that, at that rate and assuming no large visitor spikes, I would run out of bandwidth with ten days left in the month, leaving me no room to grow. Frantically, I contacted ASO, explaining my dilemma and accepting responsibility for my own mistake of not paying attention to how much bandwidth I’d been consuming at my previous host. They very graciously allowed me to cancel my account and refunded my year’s subscription.
I’ve since completed yet another move (you think I’d be getting better at this) to my new home at Dreamhost, a host recommended to me by Matticus. Their bandwidth (and space) was MUCH more generous and, while I haven’t been as impressed with their backend, it’s still quite functional and far and away better than what was available through my intial web host.
With Resto4Life finally (hopefully) settled, I spent a portion of today revamping some of the site’s layout and graphics. I’ve completely redone the right sidebar, abandoning the collapsing menus that initially attracted me to this theme. This has allowed me to provide greater visibility to the blogs I feature as well as to more prominently display a link to my RSS feed. I’ve also burned a copy of my comments feed for those who would like to be able to keep up with the discussions on various topics. My top menu has been greatly improved and overall, I think the site just feels “friendlier” than it did before. If you happen to be reading this article via an RSS feed, I encourage you to come take a look and let me know what you think!
One other addition worth mentioning is a new page featuring different ways that you can help support Resto4Life: by making a PayPal donation, signing up for Dreamhost webhosting (via a special promotional code that will save you $49), and by spreading the word to your friends and guildmates. I realized when plonking down the yearly hosting cost at Dreamhost that allowing those who were interested in volunteering their help to do so wouldn’t be the same as showering visitors with unwanted advertisements. Or rather, Mr. Phae glaring over my shoulder while I flipped over my credit card to find its CVV2 number made me realize this. Anyway, don’t feel pressured; it’s just there if you feel the inclination. I’m not going to stop blogging by any means (at least not due to webhosting costs)!
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@Graylo: Oh, my mistake!! I’ve adjusted the description to be more clear.
January 17th, 2008 at 8:01 am
I’m sorry to hear that! I hope this new host finally works out for you. ^^
January 17th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Hmm…maybe I should check my bandwidth too…just out of curiosity if for no other reason.
I have always liked this layout, Phae, and I like the expanded sidebars even better!
But…here’s the best thing! Apparently your hosting URL is not blocked! by my corporate firewall!! W00t!!
January 17th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
@Bellwether: No worries - I think I will end up being happier at Dreamhost in the long run. If nothing else, they’re large enough to be around at least as long as my blog!
@Kestrel: I’m so glad you like the layout changes! I even managed to fix the issue with my Flash logo requiring a preliminary click to activate before it can be used (stupid IE). And I’m tickled that your work isn’t blocking my site now. That’s excellent news and that alone was worth moving since I’m sure you weren’t the only one affected by it. =)
January 17th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
I’ve heard lots of good things about Dreamhost. I haven’t used it myself, but I think it’ll end up being pretty good.
February 6th, 2008 at 1:50 am
Dreamhost treated me well in the past; I used to host a small jewelry design site there back in college.
I AM looking to reset up there (with my abysmal knowledge of website workage), and if you need me to input any promo codes or whatever that’ll help you out, let me know. I’ll wait a few days before I sign up again.
February 6th, 2008 at 9:49 am
Glad to hear that you’ve had such positive experience with it. I’ve really liked them so far. For such a big company, their support has been excellent!
As for Promo Codes, I set up one called RESTO4LIFE that will save you $49 and save me $48 if used — if you’re interested.
Thanks!!
March 21st, 2008 at 10:55 am
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