How to get a free website?

[rimjet]

The reason that free webhosting goes down so often is because they just don't generate enough funds to keep running. So when considering free webhosting you have to remember that if it's a site that's 100% free you always want to have a way to back up your files. Normally webhosters that are going out of business give you a month or so to pack your bags and move but you always want to be careful! Really, the best way to be safe about free webhosting is to pick a service that offers a paid option. The people that decide to pay are going to help keep the webhosting afloat so they won't go out of business!

Though I guess it also depends on what you want from a website. If you only want to post reviews/drawings something like tumblr or blogger might be easier for you. It also depends on how html savy you are. If you want to spend time really designing and building a website, go for the webhosting. If you want something on the simple and easy side, go for blogger or tumblr.

As for suggestions, I've used http://www.blackapplehost.com/ before and they're fantastic.

[neilencio]

Can any of the sites made with the free hosts be monetized? I mean, google adsense doesn't allow sites that are not top level domains, but I've also encountered free hosts that forbid ads (probably because they want to put their own ads on the site)

[Jimmy Yakapucci]

I have a photo blog that I had to create for a photography class that I took in college. It is hosted on blogspot.com. You can monetize them, but I have no idea how well that works since I didn't do that for mine. I have looked into making my own web site but haven't really pursued anything yet. Others have mentioned Wordpress and one nice thing about that is that they provide free hosting for your blog or you can host it on your own domain. Also, you can start with your blog hosted by Wordpress and then transfer it to your own domain later if you wish.

[rimjet]

Can any of the sites made with the free hosts be monetized? I mean, google adsense doesn't allow sites that are not top level domains, but I've also encountered free hosts that forbid ads (probably because they want to put their own ads on the site)

Well, without ads, the website is going to have a hard time generating revenue for the host. So it does make sense that the host is going to want to put ads on your site if it's a free host.

I can't think of any examples aside from the one already listed. Your best bet would just be to read around and check the faq. Also, don't hesitate to call a webhosting site to ask questions. It's a good way of finding out how reliable they're going to be if something goes to crap later on.