How to choose a domain name

Almost every time I have to pick a domain name it is always on the spot. I go out and investigate the best hosting deals, and they always seem to come with this free domain name that I do not need. I've picked up at least 4 domain names just trying out different hosting.

A good rule of thumb is choose something short, but sweet...something that's easy to remember. In my opinion, I think a .com name should always be the first pick...only take a .net, .org, or other web extension if the .com name you want is taken.

This time when I went with Dreamhost, I just used the domain for storing files...I don't want to be dependent on too many domain names. Because Dreamhost hosts unlimited domains for free, I can move all of my websites onto one server. I still have a couple more sites to move, but my first hosting migration went pretty smoothly. I hope I can say the same when it's all said and done.

The whole Dreamhost referral / promo code thing...

Here's what I've gathered. You can make your own codes for less than $97 and pocket the difference on referrals. Say you make a promo code for $50 off, and someone signs up with it. You get $47. Not bad. There's a catch though. There are a gazillion Dreamhost $97 off promo codes out there. What do I get from someone who signs up using my $97 off Dreamhost code? Nothing. Nada . Zilch. UNLESS that person refers someone else, then I get 5 beans. Woohoo!

The two codes below do work and do not expire:

promo code: EIGHTY9 - Gives $89 off an L1 plan. $89 goes to you in the form of money off your plan....that would make it $30.40 for the first year of L1)... and $8 would go to me(which really goes towards my next bill though!).

If the NINETY7OFF code was used then all $97 goes to you, and $0 goes to me(unless of course you refer someone else, then I get $5 off my next Dreamhost Bill). Get it? Pretty nifty!

So far so good. No noticeable downtime yet either. If there is, you will hear it here first.

EDIT 10/21/06
Apparently I had my referral settings at 10% for referrals and 5% for secondary referrals forever. When someone used the 'NINETY7OFF' code, it obviously automatically switches that particular referral to the one time $97 off deal, leaving me with $0, BUT once the secondary referral came in, it was chalked up as 5% of that person's revenue forever...but since they probably used a $97 off code, it left me with $0 unless they renew next year, whereas I get 5% of what they pay...interesting. Long story short, it knocks me back to zero, with a potential 5% next year(if they renew). Needless to say, I switched back to the one time 97/5 option.

My First Dreamhost Review

OK, had a slight problem tonight. Went through the Dreamhost email support, and got a response within 45 minutes. I was expecting much longer. Anyways, it turns out I had a box in my cpanel checked to limit my storage. Unchecked the box like the customer rep told me to do, and it actually worked. (I just passed 1000 megs by the way, and climbing!) woohoo!

$97 OFF Dreamhost 'NINETY7OFF' Code

Use our Dreamhost Promo code "NINETY7OFF" for $97 off ! This code does not expire

Just go to www.dreamhost.com and use our promo code: "NINETY7OFF" to get an entire year for $22 TOTAL($97 OFF). That comes with a free domain name and 2TB/month bandwidth...You won't find a better deal for that space and bandwidth. Anyone that offers less is pocketing the difference!

This is my Dreamhost Blog, in which I will update my hosting experiences w/them, good or bad.

Here's my current referral score(updated 10/20/06):

Referrals: 7
Secondary Referrals: 1
Total amount made: $5


$97 OFF Dreamhost 'NINETY7OFF' Code

Get 2TB bandwidth, 200GB storage
Free Domain Name
$22.40 for the entire first year! (Choose L1, Plan 1)
promo code: NINETY7OFF

That is the maximum discount allowable.

Need a cheap webhost that offers 200 GIGS of storage and 2 Terabytes of traffic?

Just go to www.dreamhost.com and use our promo code: "NINETY7OFF" to get an entire year for $22 TOTAL($97 OFF). Their "L1" plan comes with a free domain name 200GB webspace, and 2TB/month bandwidth. You won't find a better deal for that space and bandwidth...and if anyone else offers a code for less money off, they are pocketing the difference!