Benjamin Clark

E-mail solutions for 'benclark.com' I have investigated thus far:

Network Solutions
$20/yr for 1 POP3 e-mail account w/ access to SMTP
100 MB storage, 3 aliases, unlimited forwarding
Pros: No need to transfer domain regstrar; reasonably affordable; I trust Network Solutions to not be a 'fly-by-night' operation
Cons: I cannot manage my DNS through DynDNS

GoDaddy
$9.95/yr for 1 POP3 e-mail account w/ access to SMTP
25 MB storage, catch-all address
Pros: Very cheap; if I transfer the domain at the same time, I only pay $3.99 for the transfer; GoDaddy is where I registered 'metajournaling.com/.net/.org'; I can manage my DNS through DynDNS
Cons: GoDaddy makes me uneasy, what with their spam-like name and really low prices

DynDNS + Gmail POP3
$29.95/yr for DynDNS mail forwarding; use ISP's SMTP
1 GB storage, excellent web-based interface
Pros: I trust Gmail to be around, in some capacity, in ten years; Gmail can automatically keep a copy on the server, and with 1 GB of storage space that I can access anywhere, this is helpful for the man on the go
Cons: Most expensive choice, and a bit of a hack, really

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I sent an e-mail to Network Solutions that basically asked them what they offer in the way of value-added services that justifies the cost differential. Obviously, I'm leaning toward the GoDaddy solution. It makes the most sense: it's the most flexible (I can use DynDNS zone management if I want, for instance) and I can add on extra years to my registration for a very low per-year cost. Still, I've been loyal to Network Solutions since 1999, and this is why I'm giving them a chance to justify themselves.

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Update:

Dear Benjamin Clark,

We have received and reviewed your e-mail, however, we we will be needing additional information.

In order for us to assist you please send the domain name or account involved to: customerservice@networksolutions.com

Your continued patience is appreciated.

If you have any questions please contact Customer Service at customerservice@networksolutions.com or by phone at 1-888-642-9675 within the U.S. and Canada or at 1-703-742-0914 outside the U.S.

Thank you for choosing Network Solutions.

Sincerely,

Maria019
Network Solutions Customer Support