WP Super Host

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RossSivertsen

Verified purchaser

Deals bought: 382Member since: Apr 2019
4 stars
4 stars
Sep 17, 2020

Almost There -> Still a Good Deal!

I loaded up on three codes...
I was really excited to see a LTD hosting deal. I host on my sites on a combination of AWS (EC2 and Lightsail), and Bluehost; just so everyone understands my frame of reference.

My observations:
1. IMO WP Superhost was not prepared for the launch (ironic given their name), I'll let go of the fact that I purchased 3 codes, immediately tried to redeem them unsuccessfully, and it was several hours before I could even log in to create my first site. Really poor opening experience. They didn't anticipate the response, ok.

What concerns me about it is; are the problems with the launch endemic of something else in the organization? Were they not prepared because they had no inkling to what an AS launch looks like? Did they not understand the AS audience (sumolings) reaction (based on observations of other AS Launches)? (AS at least gave them a forewarning, and even if AS didn't forewarn them, they could have easily done a little homework by reading the public information)? Did they just not do their homework? I won't say they don't care; however, there was a critical breakdown in the process that could have been avoided from the start, including waiting because they just weren't ready to launch.

It's that critical breakdown from the git-go that makes me scratch my head and think "Hmmmm..." Not sure I like the lack of foresight and problem anticipation, especially when it comes to a hosting provider.

2. The provisioning process takes quite a while longer than I expect (compared to spinning up a service using Lightsail); again it could be an issue of scale so we'll see.

3. I like the ability to provision separate dev-test-prod environments w/o eating in to my total instance allotment.

4. The performance appears on the surface to be snappy... though I'm not clear on the visitor count given that I don't have a site published.

5. The analytics are lacking, they mentioned they will improve them, so again, we'll see.

6. It would be helpful to not tie a domain to an instance until it's ready to be published... providing a separate domain name that we can point to until we're ready to make a DNS zone entry.

Overall I gave it 4 tacos, because I see they're trying in anticipation of coming changes, what would make me give 5 tacos is adjusting usage policy as compared to codes, a public roadmap where we can see progress, and continued improvements and stability in the platform.

Founder Team
Neil_Emeigh

Neil_Emeigh

May 9, 2024

Ross,

Thank you for your thorough review.

We completely understand the justifiable concern surrounding our lack of preparation for this launch. There's nothing we can say at this moment to convince you otherwise other than: 1) we're sorry 2) take 6 months - if you're not happy, then refund!

Unlike other LTD hosts out there, we are in this for the long haul. Right now, we must look forward to understand:

- What DID happen? We missed the mark in many areas, and now it's time to retro on those mistakes
- What do we need to do to get the *current* customers live on the platform and be able to provide them the quality they deserve

This will all take time which is why we need until Q1 to guarantee any kind of results. My hope is that those who are patient with those codes in their pocket will reap the long-term, lifetime, rewards of our commitment to the product.

Thank you again,

Neil

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