Setting up a domain

[fantanoice]

Okay, I'm starting to really consider getting a domain for my forum, but the problem is, I'm a little confused about how to do it.


Firstly, what's a good place to get the domain from? GoDaddy seems to be pretty cheap, but I've heard they like to place ads all over the place. I've considered using AdSense for a domain as well, but don't really know much about it (and of course AdSense would put ads everywhere, but at least those ads would go into my coffers).

Secondly, how do you go about actually paying for a domain? Do they require credit cards, or something similar? I have a debit card, which acts as a credit card, so if that's the case, could it be used to pay for one?

Also, because my forum is hosted on Zetaboards, they have their own little 'domain registration' thing. So, let's say if I bought a domain from GoDaddy, how could I get Zeta to 'accept' that's its been purchased?

Also, which sounds more appropriate and 'flashy' for a forum? A .net or a .com? Those are the domains I'm mainly looking for, because .info/.me/etc don't really seem to give a better impression than the el-cheapo .co.nr I have in place at the moment. I also considered a .com.au/.net.au because I'm Australian, but I don't want it to seem like the forum is limited to Australians.


I know these are probably really dumb and obvious questions, but hey, when I'm paying for something I want to know exactly what I'm paying for. If somebody can answer these or provide links to some sort of tutorial to help me out, that would be appreciated. 🙂

 

[hcfwesker]

LOL! GoDaddy will NOT place ads on your forum.

Yes. you can use a bank issued debit card, so long as it is a mastercard, visa; or any other brand they accept.

I'm not sure how zB's works. Even if you can't "mask" the new domain over your url, your paid url WILL still redirect to your forum 🙂

I prefer .com ; it's more generally known on the internet, and easier to remember. Don't add the .au on the end. Will make it too confusing.

 

[fantanoice]

Thanks for that. It kinda sucks that .com isn't on sale anymore. =/

Any other tips?

Also, is this in $US? I'm going to need some sort of conversion to get in $AUS if that's the case...

 

[hcfwesker]

Well, still. $10 is a good price for a custom domain for a year. I think you get your 2nd year half off, plus i get tons of coupons by email i nver keep up with 😀

I can explain more once you have the domain paid for. If i try to explain more, It'll get too confusing, until you can actually access your GoDaddy account, and see what I'd be talking about.

It's confusing your first go at it; but there's plenty members here who were once in your shoes, and will help guide you your way.

Plus, GoDaddy has 24/7 customer service, even 1-800 numbers. I even called, and I thought they'd laugh at me, cause i needed help to get it to work my little brawl forum

But they were cool, and knew exactly what my problem was.

 

[Snorki]

Hey fanta I got you a promotional code that's good until August 31st.

cjc749fat - $7.49 .COMs (exp 8/31/09)

You can get a domain for $7.49. Congratulations on finally getting a domain, and enjoy!

 

[Nathan]

Alright.

1. GoDaddy or namecheap.com are probably the best and cheapest domains, GoDaddy is cheaper then namecheap.com but namecheap.com offer free whois protection, if you want an example just whois http://www.promotion-source.com.

2. As stated above aslong as your card is accepted you can use it, or you can use paypal, which is easier.

3. Ive never used zeta boards before but im sure they'll allow you to use your own domain, even if it's just ask a mask you'll still be able to access it through whatever your domain name will be. If they don't then tell them to shove it 😉.

4. It's up to you, whichever you think sounds better you go for. Sometimes .com sounds better and sometimes .net sounds better, it really depends on the actual domain name and if .com or .net isn't taken already 😉. Don't add .com.au or .net.au, it's more expensive to do that and it'll make your forum seem like it's just for us Aussies.

Their not dumb questions, their only because your new to buying a domain, hey when we all didn't know this stuff we asked to, i know i did for sure and im sure hcf, mhw everyone even did, so don't sweat it mate.

Good luck and if you need anymore help please don't hesitate to ask!

 

[fantanoice]

Wow, thanks a lot everybody. You've all been a great help. Rep for everybody. x]

How do I use the promocode?

 

[Snorki]

After you are about to buy everything it will say if you have a promo code to use. Just type it in. 🙂

 

[fantanoice]

Oh okay. Thanks.