# What is the best place to host a relatively simple website? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 11, 2020, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-place-to-host-a-relatively-simple-website/853610 "2020-05-11T22:15:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![CCitizen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4af34b/32.png) [@CCitizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CCitizen)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2020, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-place-to-host-a-relatively-simple-website/853610/1 "2020-05-11T22:15:32Z")
The site will have some of my politically controversial articles, and a Zoom meeting group. I hope to start hosting regular Zoom meetings. The site will have links and schedule. ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2020, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-place-to-host-a-relatively-simple-website/853610/2 "2020-05-11T23:55:03Z")
You got a URL (web address) in mind? If so, go see if it’s available and how much the current domain holder is charging. I’m “squatting” on the URL that spells my I.R.L. meatspace name for around ten or twelve bucks a year, I believe. Got it through the [name.com](http://name.com) folks, but of course, GoDaddy is the big name. They have a fairly simple interface and good customer service. ---
**Author:** ![Reply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/reply/32/15952_2.png) [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2020, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-place-to-host-a-relatively-simple-website/853610/3 "2020-05-12T00:01:13Z")
> **[Your website, your business, your future｜Wix.com](https://www.wix.com/)** > > It starts with a website. Build on a platform that gives you the freedom to create, design, and grow online exactly the way you want. > **[Website Builder — Create a Website in Minutes — Squarespace](https://www.squarespace.com/)** > > Create a customizable website or online store with an all-in-one solution from Squarespace. Choose a website template and start your free trial today. > **[Weebly is the easiest way to create a website, store or blog](https://www.weebly.com/)** > > Weebly’s free website builder makes it easy to build a website, blog, or online store. Find customizable designs, domains, and eCommerce tools for any type of business using our website builder. > **[WordPress.com: Build a Site, Sell Your Stuff, Start a Blog & More](https://wordpress.com)** > > Create a free website or build a blog with ease on WordPress.com. Dozens of free, customizable, mobile-ready designs and themes. Free hosting and support. Take your pick. They all let you choose your own domain name ([whatever.com/org/etc](http://whatever.com/org/etc)). ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2020, 12:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-place-to-host-a-relatively-simple-website/853610/4 "2020-05-12T00:04:25Z")
The domain name in the URL doesn’t host anything, though. For your simple static data, you could put it on Amazon, Microsoft, Google, or similar. ---
**Author:** ![CCitizen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4af34b/32.png) [@CCitizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CCitizen)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2020, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-place-to-host-a-relatively-simple-website/853610/5 "2020-05-12T00:35:56Z")
> [@purplehorseshoe](#): > > You got a URL (web address) in mind? If so, go see if it’s available and how much the current domain holder is charging. > > I’m “squatting” on the URL that spells my I.R.L. meatspace name for around ten or twelve bucks a year, I believe. Got it through the [name.com](http://name.com) folks, but of course, GoDaddy is the big name. They have a fairly simple interface and good customer service. I apologize for my illiteracy. During Time Immemorial, there was a site called http:\www.geocities.com\*\*\*\*\index.html Any Username could host a small site there. My site will mostly consist of Zoom meetup announcements. ---
**Author:** ![CCitizen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4af34b/32.png) [@CCitizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CCitizen)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2020, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-place-to-host-a-relatively-simple-website/853610/6 "2020-05-12T00:37:11Z")
> [@Reply](#): > > [Wix.com](http://Wix.com) > [Squarespace.com](http://Squarespace.com) > [Weebly.com](http://Weebly.com) > [Wordpress.com](http://Wordpress.com) > > Take your pick. They all let you choose your own domain name ([whatever.com/org/etc](http://whatever.com/org/etc)). Thanks. Will be building a site. ---
**Author:** ![CCitizen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4af34b/32.png) [@CCitizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CCitizen)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2020, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-place-to-host-a-relatively-simple-website/853610/7 "2020-05-12T01:01:50Z")
Wordpress of course. Mostly about Zoom meetings. ---
**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2020, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-place-to-host-a-relatively-simple-website/853610/8 "2020-05-12T03:36:31Z")
**Moderator Action** What is best is going to be a matter of opinion, and IMHO will allow folks to share both opinions and personal experiences. Moving thread from GQ to IMHO. ---
**Author:** ![Jumpbass](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jumpbass/32/147_2.png) [@Jumpbass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jumpbass)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2020, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-place-to-host-a-relatively-simple-website/853610/9 "2020-05-12T15:33:22Z")
DON’T USE GODADDY! I went there to check the availability of a domain name and they automatically claimed ownership of it. I’ve heard other bad things, too. I’ve used Weebly. It works well, super easy. ---
**Author:** ![Reply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/reply/32/15952_2.png) [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2020, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-place-to-host-a-relatively-simple-website/853610/10 "2020-05-12T17:23:10Z")
> [@CCitizen](#): > > Wordpress of course. Mostly about Zoom meetings. Out of curiosity, why are you suddenly so obsessed with Zoom? You’ve posted a few threads about it this month. I mean, I get that video conferencing is a way to talk to people who are stuck at home, but what precisely are you trying to do with Zoom and the website? Might it be easier to make a webinar series instead, or…? ---
**Author:** ![CCitizen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4af34b/32.png) [@CCitizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CCitizen)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2020, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-place-to-host-a-relatively-simple-website/853610/11 "2020-05-12T18:45:20Z")
> [@Reply](#): > > Out of curiosity, why are you suddenly so obsessed with Zoom? You’ve posted a few threads about it this month. I mean, I get that video conferencing is a way to talk to people who are stuck at home, but what precisely are you trying to do with Zoom and the website? > > Might it be easier to make a webinar series instead, or…? 1. I am very very very very lonely – I had no friends for over a decade. 2. I am an Aspie. 3. I am proud of 2). I want to change 1). 4. Zoom seems to be much easier then Discord. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2020, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-place-to-host-a-relatively-simple-website/853610/12 "2020-05-12T20:19:20Z")
> [@CCitizen](#): > > The site will have some of my politically controversial articles Hate to say this, but you are creating a needle to toss into vast field of needlestacks. ---
**Author:** ![CCitizen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4af34b/32.png) [@CCitizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CCitizen)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2020, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-place-to-host-a-relatively-simple-website/853610/13 "2020-05-12T21:08:59Z")
> [@Darren\_Garrison](#): > > Hate to say this, but you are creating a needle to toss into vast field of needlestacks. Now I am more interested in finding like-minded friends just to talk to, and help each other then in creating any fame or controversy. I am not trying to build a website with wide reach and audience. [Help!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Q_ZzBGPdqE) ---
**Author:** ![markn\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2020, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-place-to-host-a-relatively-simple-website/853610/14 "2020-05-12T22:36:58Z")
> [@Jumpbass](#): > > DON’T USE GODADDY! > > I went there to check the availability of a domain name and they automatically claimed ownership of it. I’ve heard other bad things, too. I’ve been using godaddy for domain name registration for a couple of decades with no problems at all. What do you mean “they automatically claimed ownership”? If you search for an unregistered domain name, of course they are going to quote you a price for them to register it for you. That’s their business. ---
**Author:** ![Reply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/reply/32/15952_2.png) [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2020, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-place-to-host-a-relatively-simple-website/853610/15 "2020-05-12T23:18:41Z")
> [@CCitizen](#): > > 1. I am very very very very lonely – I had no friends for over a decade. > > 2. I am an Aspie. > > 3. I am proud of 2). I want to change 1). > > 4. Zoom seems to be much easier then Discord. > [@CCitizen](#): > > Now I am more interested in finding like-minded friends just to talk to, and help each other then in creating any fame or controversy. I am not trying to build a website with wide reach and audience. > > [Help!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Q_ZzBGPdqE) I see, thanks for explaining and satisfying my curiosity 🙂 I hope you find to connect to! Loneliness sucks. > [@markn\_1](#): > > I’ve been using godaddy for domain name registration for a couple of decades with no problems at all. > > What do you mean “they automatically claimed ownership”? If you search for an unregistered domain name, of course they are going to quote you a price for them to register it for you. That’s their business. A few years ago (and maybe still), some shady registrars were temporarily registering domain names (but without finishing the process) based on customer searched, leaving the real customers “locked in” to that registrar until that temporary registration expired due to non-payment or non-completion or whatever. To other registrars it would look like that domain was taken for the next 24-48 hours, and the customer would be stuck with the first registrar who would then mark up the prices. I can’t find the right keywords to bring up the news stories about this, but I distinctly remember reading about it a while back. I also don’t know if GoDaddy was one of those people doing this… I doubt it, though. They’re [total dicks for a whole host of reasons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GoDaddy#Controversies) but I don’t believe they were involved in this particular scam. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Crap](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.crap/32/3131_2.png) [@Dr.Crap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Crap)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2020, 9:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-place-to-host-a-relatively-simple-website/853610/16 "2020-05-13T09:17:08Z")
If you haven’t spent money yet, I’d take a look at [Blogger](https://www.blogger.com/about/?r=1-null_user). It’s free, easy to use and there’s plenty of people on the platform to interact with. Also, [Jitsi](https://meet.jit.si/) is even easier than Zoom. It requires no accounts, no subscriptions and no software to install. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2020, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-place-to-host-a-relatively-simple-website/853610/17 "2020-05-13T14:12:07Z")
> [@CCitizen](#): > > Now I am more interested in finding like-minded friends just to talk to, and help each other then in creating any fame or controversy. Your “controversial politics” seems to mainly be being a hard-core MRA. Have you tried [the Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/MensRights/)? ---
**Author:** ![Dorjan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dorjan/32/12440_2.png) [@Dorjan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dorjan)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2020, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-place-to-host-a-relatively-simple-website/853610/18 "2020-05-13T15:13:25Z")
If you have a Google account, just use Google Sites. I can’t think of an easier platform, and you don’t have to bother with domain name registration and webhosting. ---
**Author:** ![Jumpbass](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jumpbass/32/147_2.png) [@Jumpbass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jumpbass)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2020, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-place-to-host-a-relatively-simple-website/853610/19 "2020-05-13T15:23:58Z")
> [@Reply](#): > > _snip_ > > A few years ago (and maybe still), some shady registrars were temporarily registering domain names (but without finishing the process) based on customer searched, leaving the real customers “locked in” to that registrar until that temporary registration expired due to non-payment or non-completion or whatever. To other registrars it would look like that domain was taken for the next 24-48 hours, and the customer would be stuck with the first registrar who would then mark up the prices. > > I can’t find the right keywords to bring up the news stories about this, but I distinctly remember reading about it a while back. I also don’t know if GoDaddy was one of those people doing this… I doubt it, though. They’re [total dicks for a whole host of reasons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GoDaddy#Controversies) but I don’t believe they were involved in this particular scam. This right here. ---
**Author:** ![CCitizen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4af34b/32.png) [@CCitizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CCitizen)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2020, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-place-to-host-a-relatively-simple-website/853610/20 "2020-05-13T20:38:36Z")
> [@Dr.Crap](#): > > Also, [Jitsi](https://meet.jit.si/) is even easier than Zoom. It requires no accounts, no subscriptions and no software to install. Thank you. Bookmarked. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-place-to-host-a-relatively-simple-website/853610.md?page=2)