In the first part of this interview with Pinny of BrowseHosts I was able to get the perspective on other Web hosting directories and the Web hosting world in general. Pinny is truly an innovator in a business that needs a few more idea folks running around.
Mitch: Earlier I noted that you have expanded into some other areas of Web hosting. What are some of the bigger projects you are looking forward to rolling out in 2005?
Pinny: Well, Mitch… I could tell you, but then I’d have to kill you. No, we aren’t that secretive about our projects, but we do maintain some level of surprise to keep the competition on its toes. I will say however we are in the midst of adding four sites to our network that will greatly expand our market share in the hosting industry, as well as give us rights to plenty of content. We have also been seeking ways of refining our existing properties by adding features, such as your well-written articles, and integrating several sites for added continuity.
Mitch: What does it take to be a real voice in the world of Web hosting? With so many voices, and so many people wanting to be heard do you find it hard to let people know how established you are in the business?
Pinny: I believe the voice needs to be consistent, unbiased and unrelenting on honesty in the industry. The hosting industry needs more people who are committed to making it great, instead of just seeking a few quick bucks. We have been able to let people know how established we are by sending our current member base newsletters each time we have some new features or great news for them. This keeps the buzz going, and has gotten us MANY word of mouth referrals.
Mitch: Where do you see the state of the Web hosting industry in the next two to three years?
Pinny: It was my prediction in August 2002 that we would see a feverish dash by the hosting industry through the mid to late 2005. By that time I assumed that all of the customers who had been left stranded by the fall of many large hosting companies would have settled into their semi-permanent hosting homes. While the hosting industry will be big for the foreseeable future, due to increased interest in e-commerce and the internet as a learning tool, I don’t think that some of the same opportunities that we have seen in the last three years will exist past that point. But then again, I’m confident that new opportunities will form during that time.
Mitch: Do you think people are too picky when it comes to choosing a Web host, or not picky enough? If so, either way, why?
Pinny: I don’t believe most people are picky enough when choosing a host. It is very easy nowadays to throw up a “hosting site”, bid on hosting phrases in Google Ad Words, and get yourself a “hosting company”. Regrettably, that is something I don’t think the general public understands yet. I won’t go into too much detail here about how to find the right host, because you have written some excellent articles on it, and that would be like bringing coals to Newcastle.
Mitch: With both blogs and podcasting rising in popularity Online, how do you think the Web hosting industry will or should change to meet the demand of the people?
Pinny: We are seeing an increase in hosting sites that offer plans tailored to image hosting, so I see no reason why we shouldn’t expect mainstream hosting to pick up blog hosting or podcast streaming and run with it. It might take a bit more time for them to feel it is profitable, but it will surely show up as these two forms of expression grow in popularity.
Mitch: Such as BrowseHosts is with the world of Web hosting directories, what areas of the Web hosting industry would you like to establish yourself as a leader?
Pinny: I have always been a customer first and a business owner second. What this means is with each business decision I make, I try to envision what it will actually do for my current or future customers first. Then I try to find a way to make it profitable. Top notch customer service is something you don’t see often in today’s world, and especially in certain areas of the hosting industry. At BrowseHosts, we practice it every day. On a final note, I hope I haven’t painted the hosting industry in a negative light.
There are many hosts (some of whom I speak with every day) that are honest, work hard, and try to offer the best service they can. We generally don’t hear much from them, and often they don’t get nearly enough recognition, but they definitely deserve it. After all, it’s hard to be competitive while being ethical in an industry where it is so easy to get away with dishonesty.
I’d like to thank Pinny for taking time out to have a few words with me. If you have any feedback, comments, suggestions or ideas make sure you send them my way. Also, be sure to go visit BrowseHosts.com as well as the BrowseHosts Forums. Tell ‘em Mitch sent you!
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