Ripoff #1: When I initially signed up with IPOWER, I was sold a SSL certificate for $99. I didn't need one as my site isn't transactional. Unfortunately, at the time I didn't know any better and someone at IPOWER preyed on my obvious inexperience. As a result, I learned a hard and very expensive lesson.
The SSL certificate has been a huge headache. My site had to be redirected to the secure server... Which I didn't know how to do. They reluctantly redirected the site for me after much complaining on my part.
What they failed to explain to me was that when you move your site to their secure server, you can no longer monitor your site traffic. Their monitoring tools in their v-deck control panel don't work on the secure server. And, if you use a third party monitoring site, the code causes a pop-up window every time someone loads a page, cautioning users that there are "secure and non secure objects on the page", etc., which doesn't exactly leave visitors with a positive impression.
For a short while, despite my initial headaches, and inability to see who was visiting my site, my site operated well.in about 12 months I acheived top search results for my site in Google and Yahoo for my business name. That's all changed now, all because I tried to cancel my SSL certificate...
Ripoff #2: SSL Certificate Cancelation Headaches
What should be a simple procedure had turned into 30 days of prolonged agony. Although my site is live on a non-secure server, noone at IPOWER (despite many requests) has redirected traffic from the old HTTPS address. And, if you follow the link provided by Google to get to my site, it points you to the HTTPS address... And it brings up SOMEONE ELSE's SITE! Noone is tech support at IPOWER has been able to resolve. And, as a result, my search results in Google and Yahoo are seriously messed up.
Ripoff #3: Cancellation of Account
Resolving not to be pushed around any more, I decided to cancel my IPOWER account and go elsewhere. After doing a little research, I set up an account with another hosting site that offers superior customer support. Just one small problem... I can't access the domain administration tools needed to change my DNS record pointing people looking for my site at its new home. Why? You guessed it... IPOWER tech support "deactivated" those tools because they are transitioning me to their new hosting platform. I've requested that they reactivate these tools immediately, but as per the norm, they have not responded to my request. I'm in limbo indefinitely here until they send me my epp code, or reactivate my domain administration tool.
IPOWER is effectively holding my website hostage. Furthermore, they are ruining my search results and my reputation as a consultant. My advice, if you are looking for a web hosting service, my recommendation is to stay far, far away from IPOWER.
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