Domain or not?

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

Do you think a forum should have a proper domain name (.com .net .org etc) or does that even matter?

 

[DanteX]

Yeah, I think so. Other than just being easier to remember, it shows that someone is committed to the forum's success.

 

[Corleone]

Yes, along with a host. If you use a free host or a free domain name, they probably own your content and contribution towards your community, even if you don't know it. If they go under, you go under. It is best to start out with a domain/host, because it gives you full responsibility and management over your site and community. Too many limitations on free domains and free host that provide you with a domain.

 

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

Yes, along with a host. If you use a free host or a free domain name, they probably own your content and contribution towards your community, even if you don't know it. If they go under, you go under. It is best to start out with a domain/host, because it gives you full responsibility and management over your site and community. Too many limitations on free domains and free host that provide you with a domain.

And thats coming from the ex support staff member of a popular free host.

 

[Corleone]

I offered support, not advice.

 

[TayneC8]

A domain and a real host tells that the forum is going to be good and its going to last a while. forums with sub-domains on free hosts are going to last a few weeks in my opinion.

 

[Joseph]

I think it attracts more members and makes you look better. But I don't recommend getting a domain on some crappy, small site, that will never become big.



It's just a waste. Most people wont just join because of a domain name.

Ever seen Darkops? Thats got major statistics an doesn't have a domain name.

 

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

I don't recommend getting a domain on some small site, that will never become big.

I bought a domain for this forum before I even opened it or set up the forums

You cant tell the future.. The largest forums on the internet started with no members and were small.

 

[Skillet]

I think it is the best 20 dollars you can spend. It does wonders. I have only every joined 1 site that was not its' own domain. Looks much more professional, and it also shows that the administrator (probably) cares more for the site, as actual money went into it.

 

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

$20 seems a bit much for domain..

 

[Skillet]

Domain and hosting. =]

 

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

huh?

 

[Skillet]

For my domain and hosting it was around 20.

 

[Nebulous's iconNebulous]

Hosting for how long?

 

[Skillet]

A year. It was about a buck a month. Needless to say, it only gave me 4 GB bandwidth/month

Lawl, guess I better put that when my forum got big, I needed to switch to a $6/month plan or so.





But if your sites new, and you don't expect to get many users, it's really inexpensive. Try different hosts too!