Does hostmonster OWN my site/domain?

[maharet]

It was pointed out to me that if I purchase an account with a hosting company (and get a free domain), then the website and/or domain may be "owned" by the host. So if I wanted to switch hosts, or host my own website int he future, I'd run into problems:eek:

Is this true with Hostmonster? Is my website's domain really mine to keep, even if I were to cancel the hosting service?

[RDM]

No. The free domain is registered in your name and you own it.

If you switch hosts, you can transfer it, but you will have to pay the continuing renews fees.

If you were to cancel before the year is up, you will pay the $10 registration fee.

[guidom64]

Dear RDM:cool:

I was having the same doubt as my domain shows up as "not transferable".

But this might be like you told. HM keeps the domain HOSTED, to get the yearly fee , even if I switch Host - about the same if you buy a domain at GoDaddy and redirect it to HM, your Web Host.

But what is this WHOIS thing. What do cover the 20 cents exactly. And does the Free Domain at HM has a Whois ?

Thanks for explaining

[RDM]

As long as you have hosting at hostmonster, your main domain is free. If you cancel hosting, you can transfer the domain where ever you'd like, since you own the domain and you will then pay for the registration.

You cannot transfer the domain with hostmonster whois privacy on. You will have to turn that off and then you can transfer it.