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Phillip Smith

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Phillip is the "Simplifier of Technology" at Community Bandwidth, a Canadian consulting practice that works with non-profits and social-mission organizations to explore the thoughtful use of technology toward creating a more just and sustainable society. You're currently reading entries from Phillip's blog on non-profit technology, social innovation, and independent media.

QOTW: Should I use XYZ company for Web hosting?

Submitted by phillipadsmith on November 17, 2006 - 10:47am.
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This will be the first in what is hopefully an ongoing series of “Question of the week” posts. I get a lot of questions from clients, friends, and peers that seem to require a similar answer every time. So, in an effort to beat you to the punch (and to save myself from repetitive strain injury), I’m just going to try and post a summary of my most common answers here.

This week: Should I use XYZ company for hosting?

I get this one so often that it actually hurts (well, not really, but I feel like a painfully broken record). It usually goes something like “I just received our bill for the our Web site, and it reminded me that someone suggested such-and-such hosting. They seem like a cheaper alternative…”

Of course, in passing conversation, there’s nothing wrong with a question like that. But, when that hosting is for a values-aligned organization — an environmental group, a social-service organization, a social-mission business or social enterprise, an NGO, etc. — I feel that the decision should carry more weight.

For example, what if I asked my environmental colleagues a question about buying tissue products? Should I switch from 100% post-consumer recycled to the forest-destroying alternative just because it’s cheaper? Gosh: I hope not! So why is it different when we’re talking about Web hosting?

So, here’s the run-down: if you’re an ethically-guided person, make the ethical choice — shop local, buy organic, have as little impact on the environment as possible — by taking the time to look for a Web hosting company that matches your values. Here’s a few to get you started (and remember, the more we ask for alternatives, the more we’ll see):

Local and/or independent

Green, environmentally focused, or ethically guided

(UPDATE: there’s a growing list of other options in the comments below. If you know of other eithical, green, local, or social-mission hosts, please pop them in the comments below!)

Question
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on December 16, 2006 - 2:01am.

Hi Phillip,

Thanks for this helpful blogpost! Just one question: Isn't Web Networks extremely expensive? What's up with that.

Thanks,
-L

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Green webhosts don't seem to be functioning properly
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on January 12, 2007 - 5:25am.

Hi,

I checked out the various webhosts suggested and unfortunately 2 of the 3 environmental/ethical ones don't really seem to work as you click through their sites and the third one (Ethical Host) doesn't give an email contact or company address, which doesn't give much transparency.

It'd also be nice if they gave some history (how long they've been around) or some other insurance that they're going to last and my money won't go down the tubes.

Of the independents, 3 seem workable, but one is costly, and another seems very techie (seemingly uncommon control panel for web admin or none at all).

Just some thoughts. I/we would love to use an environmentally-responsible or ethical webhost.

Thanks for posting this article.

L

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It's not easy being Green
phillipadsmith's picture
Submitted by phillipadsmith on January 24, 2007 - 10:44pm.

Hi there L,

Thanks so much for you comments. I’ve updated the list of Web hosting companies (and will continue to do so as I find them). The Eco hosting and Ethical Host links still work for me.

As far as Web Networks go (or any progressive hosting company for that matter): I hear what you are saying about cost. However, more-and-more, I am asking organizations that I work with to stop thinking about hosting, and to start thinking about support contracts for their sites. Content management systems are a great example of a critical piece of software that quickly can get out-of-date and leave an organization very vulnerable to security problems — having a competent technical organization do the updates and upgrades for you is (more often than not) well worth the investment.

Also, there’s the question of solidarity: much of our culture is about the “best deal” and market competition, but that’s not what always best for the environment, our communities, or our long-term option to have support from a values-aligned organization. As an example competition and market pressures haven’t done much to help our health care system, or social services in Toronto.

I think my previous post captures my thoughts on the choices that progressive organizations make around purchasing technology. Hope that helps + good luck with the search! (And, if you find other resources, please post them here.)


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More eco-hosting possibilities...?
Submitted by L (not verified) on February 11, 2007 - 6:51am.

Hi Phillip,

Thanks as always for your great insights and holistic, empowering view on all things techie.

Found some more green webhosts, but don't know how good they are:

http://www.ethicalhost.ca (you've listed above)
- Canadian
- Powered by Wind

http://www.greenhosting.org/
- Canadian
- Powered by Wind

http://www.HostItGreen.com
- Canadian + USA Partner
- 100% of income goes to producing renewable energy

http://www.spinhost.ca
- Canadian
- Powered by Wind

Btw, the Eco Hosting site doesn't work beyond the homepage.

Thanks and best wishes

L

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Ethical Host Contact info
Submitted by John MacKenzie (not verified) on March 6, 2007 - 11:21am.

To the poster that was wondering about contact information on my site, it is all there on the "Contact Us" Page (linked form the very top of the site), phone, address, and email. as well email contacts are listed on the support page as well? hope that helps.

Also to address your other concern, I have been around since May '06 but have been in the hosting business for over 8 years now. I also don't plan on going anywhere either.

Thanks for your interest.

John
www.ethicalhost.ca
1 (888) 315-4678

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Thanks for the update
phillipadsmith's picture
Submitted by phillipadsmith on March 6, 2007 - 5:51pm.

Hey there John,

Many thanks for taking the time to post an update. Much appreciated.

Phillip.


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