Earlier this morning, my Web sites went black. No Web site, no email, no back-end access. Turns out, my hosting provider claims I violated their terms of service. Rather than contacting me to resolve the issue, they yanked the account without warning. All my sites disappeared in one fell swoop.
What did I do to deserve this? Here’s what happened: about a year ago, I began using an automatic FTP backup utility to store backup files on the unused space my Web host provides. Before I set this up, I checked Bluehost’s terms of service to be sure the storage of files was allowed. It was.
Six months ago, they changed the terms of service. The new terms specifically prohibit storing of non-website files. (It’s near the bottom, just under “child pornography” and “other illegal activities.”) To be fair, the terms have always included a clause about “these terms could change at any time,” and they have also always specified that a violation of terms of service might result in immediate suspension.
But I’m upset. And I think I have a right to be.
The good news is, the folks at Bluehost have restored my Web sites. The bad news is, it could happen again — without warning, the next time the TOS changes.
POSTSCRIPT: I am told that a pre-disable warning system is in the works; however,they can’t say when it will be ready. (This should be easy, so I assume that they haven’t started yet.) Sadly, I was also told that since they have over two million customers, they can’t be contacting people about problems that occur. (Translation: we’re too big to trouble with you.) Why not? Isn’t that why we pay for the service?
September 22, 2008
Dang TOS – glad you resolved it… -this time! I had no idea you had this great blog – until you posted this entry on facebook – good example of using your own advice from your Feb 13 entry! You have really sound advice, thanks for sharing!