Do we have to use Host Gator?

[buffykins]

Hi Guys,
Having fun here. I just have a question.
Is it acceptable to use a different hoster to get your domain name and hosting besides host gator?
Will it make any difference in the long run?
Thanks!
Liz.

[mmeadwolfe]

As with everything in the Challenge, no you do not. You may use any host that you desire.

Will this make a difference? Yes, it will. Changing any of the recommended products from the Challenge will mean you will see things slightly differently, as well as having to face different obstacles than the other challengers. Other hosts will support different technologies and this may benefit you, or it may hinder you. Following the recommended host will mean more people on the forums can help as they may find the same difficulties.

That being said, the biggest issue as of right now that I can point out is Wordpress Direct (WPD) support. WPD does not support all hosts, as pointed out elsewhere on the forum. Check out this post on WPD support forum for a list of supported hosts: http://ask.wpdirect.com/question/159...-support-.html

Hope this helps

[Jackie]

No, but its the best as they say.

[mpossoff]

I agree if you are serious about the challenge why would you use a product that can possibly alter or are not on the same page?

Marc

[Ryan]

You do not have to use Host Gator but I HIGHLY recommend it. By far it's the best service that I have used. A+ customer support that is above all others. For additional reference (in case you do not want to use WP Direct in the future) Host Gator also has CPanel and Fantastico which makes Wordpress installation a breeze and wonderful to work with.

[akalafr]

I agree if you are serious about the challenge why would you use a product that can possibly alter or are not on the same page?

Marc

Well for me I've recently spent over a $100 for a years worth of hosting through bluehost for an existing site I have. This was long before I new about the challenge and hostgator. So for me I'd rather use my existing hosting that I can add unlimited domains to than pay for another host.

Had I not already paid for bluehost I would definitely go with hostgator. If I find I'm having problems with bluehost working with WPD and the challenge, then I can change over easily enough.

[buffykins]

Thanks for the help guys! Think I will stick with Host Gator!

[Caro :-)]

As a Mod, I can give you an 'official' answer

You don't have to use Hostgator.

You MUST use a cpanel host.

We recommend Hostgator.

Now as a 'regular person' to share a philosophy: I am someone who likes to 'play it safe' when I am a keen student and do exactly as I am taught - as I figure if I want to get results for myself like 'they' have got - I should replicate it exactly as 'they' have. And then when I have the skills myself - I might develop my own take on something....

Plus in this environment - online - there are never any guarantees, even when testing a keyword phrase that seems good 'on paper', there's no guarantee you'll get the traffic suggested you would etc. So I also figure - well given that, I am going to make sure I do everything to help myself get the result in what is an uncertain environment.

Best

Caro :-)

[Bart Vyvey]

You MUST use a cpanel host.

Why is this so important?

Regards,
Bart

[Wyze]

cpanel makes it so easy to manage your hosting account. For example, it comes with Fantastico Deluxe, which allows you to setup over a dozen of scripts, including wordpress blogs, forums, CMSs, etc. with a few clicks. Without having to manually create databases, edit configuration files, or upload anything.