SmooveNET are currently re-enabling SFC so I can put this page up there – but not the rest of the site at this time. Meanwhile, I’ve just had this email from them:
Hi Moogie,
Seeing that you’ll be paying in advance, we may be expediting the creation of the new server. Every bit of referral helps, especially new Premium members. Plus you get free domain renewals for each referral that you make. Nevertheless, we will try to get the new server up and running for you as soon as possible. Thanks! 🙂 –CE
Since I’ll be paying a year in advance, that’ll help speed up getting the new server 🙂
Also, as was pointed out in the email, if more people want to sign up with them, that would also help get funds for the new server, and make it more economically viable 😉
So, if you need site hosting or are thinking of changing hosts, I urge you to consider SmooveNET. While you may not like that they had to disable SFC, it does go to show that they really won’t allow anything to compromise the stability of their servers (remember, it was a favour to me to try to get the site running on their existing server – they weren’t absolutely certain it could handle it and I was aware of this at the time). Their packages are certainly better value than elsewhere, and many of their hostees post at their forums, so you can enquire more about their services and get opinions from those who use them!
Their standard package is just US$5.75 per month, and includes a whopping 20GB of bandwidth! Most hosts charge at least double that, and won’t offer such feature-rich hosting, flexibility and dedicated support for fansites on a budget. Their premium package is US$25.00 per month and allows even more space and bandwidth for your site – for less than I was paying with my old host, I get three times the bandwidth – 150GB!! Well worth it 🙂
Not only will you be getting a great deal for your site, and saving money, you’ll be helping SFC get back up and running 🙂 For more info, visit their site and feel free to ask questions at their forums – they’re quick to reply, friendly, knowledgable and helpful!
If you choose to sign up, feel free (but not obligated) to mention you were referred by Shining Force Central – it’l lhelp keep the SFC domain registered too 🙂