Website ownership - Appreciate your opinion

[Justin]

A few years ago I bought a website package from a local company. It was basically a template and they supplied me with to an online control panel to allow me to customise it to my requirements.

I paid £1250+vat so it wasn't cheap but worked well. On top of this I was paying £20+vat per month, I thought this was for hosting and access to the admin interface but it looks like it was just (expensive) hosting.

I havn't really used the site for quite a while, it's just sat there. Recently I wondered about changing it's use and contacted the company to discuss moving the hosting. I was told that they couldn't provide me with the website data as it had to be updated by their own interface. I've asked on numerous occasions for them to clarify exactly what I bought in the first place but they ignore my emails. I've had one response from them telling me that I could have the site moved to a 'preview' host so that the general public couldn't see the site, only me.

I would appreciate any comments as to whether this sounds like common practice. I don't really want to just cancel the site as I'll lose all that money I've paid to them but on the other hand I won't be held ransom by 'having' to use their overpriced hosting.

Justin

[PhoenixRisen]

Hi Justin

It sounds to me as though you are being taken for a ride. I think you should get some clarification on exactly what you are paying for and what you are permitted to do. I'm building my own site - it might be ongoing for some time yet - and my domain name cost me initially £5-00 for 2 years, and my hosting is costing about £50-00 per year. I have full access to my web space to do what I want of it. It sounds like what you have is a Content Management System, tweaked by your control panel.

Think of it like an 'Etch-a-sketch' preprinted with whatever design and colouring. Your host keeps hold of it and only lets you twiddle the knobs.

What may cause a problem is if you have database access, and that is the data they are saying is difficult to move.


I may be wrong but that's what it sounds like. I'm hosted by Fasthosts so if you have a look at their website that could give you an idea on what you can get.

Mal

[Justin]

Cheers Mal. I know the hosting is very high, I accepted that because I liked everything about the package. The database will be very small and I had intended chaning the site to a different subject matter anyway, so no problem there.

Tried to get everything clarified by them on several occasions, I guess I'll just have to try again Maybe a registered letter is the next stage. I think they've lost interest now as they no longer make any ongoing money from me. They tried to charge me £30 for web 'preview' space but I told them to whistle.

Thanks again.

[JSR]

You need to check what it says in your contract to see what you paid £1250 for. If there's no contract, there must be some form of "Terms & Conditions" you agreed to that will tell you what you own and what their responsibilities are.

Sadly, some years ago, the internet was awash with people who took your money and tied you into using their service. These unscrupulous people would often charge through the nose for a domain name and then prevent you from switching to someone else.

That changed awhile back to make it easier for people to switch hosts and registrars. That's why the price of domain names came down and services improved. If the company isn't making much from the domain name registration then they won't be bothered if you switch to someone else. If they are making loads of money, then they'll do their best to prevent you from moving.

Personally, I don't see why your local company doesn't just give you all your files on a CD or something. They've clearly made oodles of money out of you already and you've made it clear what your intentions are. They must know they're not going to get any more money out of you. Surely it'd be far better for them if they helped you. But, then, that's common sense. Where does common sense come into the equation of greed?

I've handled a few moves like this in my time and you can always tell who the respectable companies are. They will help, not hinder. As a result, if someone asks me to recommend a host then I'm more than happy to recommend the ones I used to use because I know they will help.

[Justin]

Just been through all of the paperwork and there's no written t&c's. I'll look through their website. I've asked for these to be emailed over but again I've heard nothing.

They're a very reputable company with a very good reputation which is why I'm so surprised by all of this

Time to try and phone them again.......

[Justin]

Well, after months of trying I've finally reached an agreement! Managed to speak to someone on the phone and they have reduced my hosting to £25 per annum from £282 per annum! They said they've rather work with me so I've given them another chance.

This means I can leave it where it is (moving didn't look like being an option anyway)

Fingers crossed this is going to work out ok for the time being. Thanks for you input guys.

Justin

[draig]

Word of caution, although likely speaking to the converted. GET THE AGREEMENT IN WRITING, and not just take the word of someone on the phone, it's all to easy for them to deny everything.

[Justin]

Wise words, everything's on it's way.

CHeers,
Justin