B.D.'s Links
Before I started Burori's Insane I would study other sites, looking at how the layout was done, seeing which company's counter they used, etc. And, if you're like me, it really peeves you when you can't figure out which counter, message board, and web host to sign up with. So, below is a list of companies that I use and/or recommend. I hope they help in your search for your utopian web site.
Web Host Services
Crosswinds.Net Free web space. I have an account here, but I never use it. Occasionally, I won't be able to log in and/or view my web page. Their servers seem to be rather unpredictable even if you pay to have the ads removed.
TopCities.Com This is my old web host for B.I. TopCities also offers free accounts with the option of paying to have the ads removed. Because I had a free account, everything was deleted (no warning, nothing). But, before this, I considered TopCities to be a very reliable host. If you give them a try, keep a back-up copy of all your important files and images in a secure location.
Accessories
Hosted Scripts This company is similar to CGI for Me with many of the same free services. I'm currently using this host for the message board and feedback form on Current Obsessions.
The Counter.Com Free. Dependable. Not very customizable. They used to be very flexible with their designs, but now that service has a fee. I used this counter for B.I. on TopCities. Now I've reset it and am using it on Current Obsessions, my personal web page.
Yahoo!GeoCities If you have a GeoCities account you can get a counter, guestbook, and a few other items (no message boards). You can customize them a bit, but there are limitations.
FastCounter A free counter that still isn't very customizable. I'm currently using this one for B.I.
Domain Names
Direct NIC This is where Stellarbeams bought her domain name. She likes it, although she tells me that the renewing process was a bit confusing.
You want to know more? Use the Feedback Form, the Message Board, or contact either myself (B.D.) or Stellarbeams in the Fanatics' Directory.
Yahoo!GeoCities This is my current web host. I have the option of paying to have the advertisements removed from the site. I've had this account since June 2000 and have yet to lose any files, be deined access to the File Manager, or to find my web page down due to a problem with the servers. So far, GeoCities has been very dependable.
CGI for Me This company hosts B.I.'s Message Board, Free For All Links Page, and Feeback Form. It's a free site and it offers a bunch of nifty stuff in addition to those three: counters, clocks, voting booths, random links/banners, spam protection, even a search engine for your site. And did I mention it's free? Also, if you know html, you can customize a few of these options, like the Message Board and FFALP.
Bargain Name This is where I bought my domain name. I wouldn't recommend it because it's not very user friendly for the first-time buyer. There are two fees: the registration fee and the URL redirection fee. Although it's not expensive, it's not a "bargain" either.
