All websites reach a point where the owners have to make a choice. Stay with shared hosting or go with a dedicated server. HMTK.com is about to hit that choice.
I started HMTK.com about six years ago, it was June 22, 2002 to be precise when I first purchased this domain. In the early days it was just a collection of statics HTML pages. I cobbled these pages together after my previous Geocities webpage was gobbled up by Yahoo. Anyone else remember those days? The Geocities page is still out there, wonder if you can find it!
I chose the domain name HMTK because HMCG.com was already taken. What does HMTK stand for?
It is a software application I wrote back in 2001 that started out as HMCG (HackMaster Character Generator) but was changed to HMTK because HMCG was in use for the HarnMaster Character Generator! I should have purchased the .net domain name too but I messed up. Someone else now owns that domain.
About two years in I moved HMTK.com to a server that I ran off of my DSL line in my basement. I saved money and I learned a lot about how to run a webserver during that time span. I also learned how unreliable my DSL line was and that the cost savings was not worth the loss of reliablity. For the last few years I have been using shared hosting for HMTK.com.
Shared hosting does save you money but it is not always reliable. All it takes is for one other "shared domain" on the server to suffer a massive influx of traffic and everyone goes down. This has happened too many times to me. In fact it is currently happening to a few of my other websites right now!
Because my sites are now doing well enough to afford for me to pay for a dedicated server I'm now investigating dedicated server options. Because I will be hosting multiple sites off of my dedicated server I am willing to help out those of you who wish to join me on my dedicated server.
I know it seems strange for me to sit and here and tell you how bad shared hosting is and then offer to sell you the same thing but there is a difference. The difference is that I do not want any of my sites to suffer due to a server problem. Like the guy from the hair club says, "I'm not just the owner of the server, I'm also a client."
I will post more details after I sign the forms and begin the move. Suffice to say that a lot of the load-time and lag problems that I have had on this site should soon be a thing of the past.
-- HMTKSteve
Image is CC by flickr user gu_britvic
The load times here do kinda agitate me at times, but the wait is worth it. The content here is enlightening, and entertaining. Keeps us updated if you happen to move the sites url.
Plus, if you have other sites for us to check out, leave us some links. I mean, I’d love to see what else you have out there.
And one more thing. I happen to be a student in graphic design, and if you’d like some redecorating, I would love to contribute. I’m know appearances isnt what this site is about, it is about eeasy to navigate content, but if you would like any help graphically, Id be more than happy to help.
The URL will stay the same. Do you know how expensive four letter domain names are these days?
Graphic design student you say? What do you suggest I do with Artist War? It may or may not be up right now due to a shared server problem.
It is not up right now.
But I did check out some of your work with websites on the HMTK main site. You are fine at layout (god knows i suck at html), but i could sweeten it up a bit with some flashy logos, designs, and graphics. I am not sure the blog needs it though, merely because blogs arent primarily used for flashiness… It could be distracting.
It’s not up? Hence my need to get a dedicated server!
I’ve never been one for designing user interfaces, hence the “no frills” part of my software. You can download a free version if you follow the HMTK Software link on the main page.
I have a mirror of it running on HMTK.com.
Sell the domain, buy a server, and maybe a new car. Four-letter domain = 6 digit payout. :P
The thought has crossed my mind… It would have to be a large payout though.
Hey I know that you saw and commented on my Cost And Benefits Of Running Your Own Server, but I didn’t know that you done the same self-hosting before. I must be at that place where I’m enjoying learning about running my own webserver and what it takes. However, I am also using my DSL line, and I am finding (well I already knew) that it’s rather testy at times. It’s a combination of a line that doesn’t play well with my wireless router. All in all it’s rather unfortunate because it’s a pretty good solution for hosting a small site.
Anyways, I appreciate your post since I have been someone who has had to deal with the joys and hardships of hosting their own site.
I still say that self-hosting is just great. It will be interesting to see what kind of rates you find for dedicated hosting in comparison to perhaps an upgrade in your personal connection + electricity.
Being able to reach over and reboot the server was great. Being on vacation and having a storm take out the power in your neighborhood is not so great…
I have been using http://www.sprintserve.net for almost 4 years now with nothing but great service. Have had everything from shared to dedicated machines with them.
Steve, I do need to expand to more class c IP blocks, so I may be in the market to lease some space from you depending on the datacenter location and who admins the server.
I don’t see any prices on their site…
The server I am looking at will be based in California.
Contact them via the website. Chow, the owner, is great and they seem to have 24 hour support as I haven’t had to wait at all for responses. They do custom quotes on all servers per needs. I know they have space at many DC’s.
I still don’t get why HMTK is the acronym Steve’s No Frills HackMaster Toolkit. :)
It is a nice four characters domain name regardless.
HackMaster ToolKit.
Look at the caps!
Funny thing is I got the server setup email this morning and then my current hosting company goes down for three hours!!!
who did you end up going with?
Once I get the server up and running I’ll blog about the proccess.