Rob -- Does that mean that we could sublet pieces of our server to other users, like what Kristen is offering, and thus bring down the $129/month cost even further?

It looks like the control panel is set up for exactly that sort of thing. I sent a email asking if the iStrata terms of service allow it.

I think the $99/month dedicated server would be plenty for Phoenix.One of the $29/month virtual dedicated servers might even do the trick, since we'd still have complete control over the configuration of the virtual server, including Apache and MySQL configuration.

I feel safe leaving this decision in Stompy hands, and I'm also willing to make a significant donation to the moving fund if it's needed. This place is certainly worth it to me.

Chiming in to say this is me as well. Plus, I have not contributed money up to this point, because there didn't seem to be a need. But I am all about contibuting fundage on a regular basis. Thank you smart stompies.

I would love to see the board have more stability and am certainly willing to donate for the cause.

I have no issue with leaving this in the hands of those with more technical prowess than IO. Also, this is precisely the kind of issue that I think voting should not be used for. I believe in those of us who have more technical know how and therefore abdicate my usual desire to vote to those with more knowledge.

eta: And the fact that the board ate my post three times before showing up... t waves cash at problem It could work.

[link] also offers the same kind of virtual dedicated server plan Rob mentioned, where we have full access to Apache, mysqld, and so on. It looks like the $27.95 plan fits our usage level.

I'd hate to see us spending $200 a month if it isn't necessary.

I'm with Kat as well, in both the leaving it up to the stompies, and in thinking Kristen has been really great through all of this.

I'm good with the Stompies deciding.

I am thrilled with how wonderful Kristen has been. love love love her.

We have discussed setting up affiliate accounts with retail places before - has that ever happened? I'd buy all my online Holiday purchases via a Buffista affiliate link if one existed and that would begin to generate a constant flow of funds.

It looks like the $27.95 plan fits our usage level.

We've come close to their 16 Gig transfer limit recently. I can't imagine our bandwidth usage will go down over time. Also, do you have any experience with them Amy? I'd much rather go with Rob or Kristen since they both have had long term happy relationships with their providers. And Rob's place also has a VPS option for a similar price.

I've been with Westhost for years now. Never had any problems, although my usage is nothing compared to the board's.

Have you had any dealings with their customer service? It seems like both Rob & Kristen have good relationships with the people who work at their providers.

I've actually been shopping for a dedicated server host for one of my clients, and I maintain quite about 10 Web sites, some with hosts I chose and some with hosts the client chose for reasons ranging from "part of a good telephone and e-mail package" to "run by a relative." I'd like the emphasize that this is really a Stompy decision and that price is not the only consideration. Working with a Web host can be simple or a nightmare. The choice needs to be a company and a server setup that they think will cause them the fewest headaches now and down the road. The dedicated server prices I'm getting from companies that I think have sufficient backups and user support are ranging from $200 to $350 a month.

I personally would never consider maintaining my own server. It would be like adopting a baby.

I will be happy to send money. Perhaps I should go do that right now.