I’m not sure about you guys but if your like me who writes on multiple blogs, you tend to become more Dependant on external services like web hosting companies.

Like many bloggers online who spend hours and hours fine tuning their personal or professional blogs and websites. Developing engaging content to keep visitors entertained and amused. We tend to glance over these technical issues like web hosting and adopt a “it’ll be fine for now” attitude. But if it the content that brings these visitors the website should be protecting it?

What happens when your web servers crash and all the hard work is lost because you decided earlier on to save a few dollars per month on hosting.

The reality is many bloggers out there aren’t protecting their most valuable assests, their time and content. While a 2 dollar hosting plan may seem like s a sweet deal, your missing out on some great features like daily backups and load balancing.

When considering a hosting package you really need to compare features with other web hosting services online to find the best deal.

Identifying the best web hosting, can be an overwhelming task, I recommend searching Google for “compare web hosting” which should provide you with a variety of web hosting comparison services that allow you to compare hosting features and prices.

Another non-bank moves into the banking arena after retailer Woolworths signed a deal with HSBC to issue the Woolworths’ credit card, due for release later this year.

The deal was a result of a global tender process undertaken by Woolworths’ financial services team last year.

“HSBC is a global leader in credit cards with world class technology and expertise,” Michael Luscombe, Woolworths’ CEO, said.

HSBC has long-term successful partnerships with large retailer card programs overseas, such as, Marks & Spencer’s in the UK and Saks in the USA.

“HSBC manages over 125 million credit cards worldwide, with established co-branded and white label alliances with over 100 of the world’s most respected companies, “ Stuart Davis, chief executive of HSBC Bank Australia, said.

Luscombe noted, “HSBC’s experience makes it a perfect partner for Woolworths to leverage our unique distribution reach and customer base in Australia.”

Woolworths stores process 114 million transactions or 11 per cent of all credit card transactions in Australia each year.

The companies are expected to sign a formal agreement by the end of first quarter 2008.

source [Full article here]

The new David Jones American Express card will be launched in time to capitalize on the busy Christmas trading period, which last year generated sales of about A$36 billion.

David Jones’ financial services business will deliver at least 7.5 percent earnings before interest and tax growth (EBIT) a year over fiscal year 2008, it said in the statement.

More on the David Jones Credit Card

Running an online blog can be very liberating and cathartic experience but at the same time it be very frustrating when having to deal with web hosting and domain registration issues, more so if you have your blog or website hosted overseas.

If your not so tech savvy, its a good rule of thumb to select a web hosting provider or domain registra that be available to your beck and call in your timezone. Last thing you need are issues that can be resolved or priority accelerated after a simple call drag on for days as emails fly back and forth through there ticketing system.

Unlike webhosting, the domain registration process usually is a fairly simple process where even non tech savvy bloggers like myself can feel like professional at the end of registering a domain. You won’t need to have a web hosting plan to register your domain name, it’s usually a good idea to register the domain first as there may be other people looking to register the same domain as you.

Once you’ve developed enough content for your blog then you should start to consider your webhosting package.

It’s looking bad for over 350,ooo Victorians who are juggling more than 3 credit card or charge cards at the same time. Finance counselors are seeing people who can’t afford to pay off their credit cards debts by taking out more credit cards to pay off the debt of the initial credit card and subsequent cards.

” It’s not unusual for people we see to have six or more credit cards.” - Jan Pentland : Australian Financial Counselling and Credit Reform Association.

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