Burning Shoutcast Questions

Lately I have been getting swamped with shoutcast providers in SL spamming me about how great their service is and how I should change from my current provider to them. Quite honestly I have used many different providers in SL that are terrible both in the server category and in the customer service category. Currently, I rent a server for 50 listeners for 1500L from a reliable provider (so far). I get a lot of spam from other providers who offer the same for 1k and in some cases, even less. Many say they offer up to 192k and are less priced.

Now, before you ask if I am doubting my provider. No, I'm not. I asked my SL provider a series of questions before I rented from him and he answered each question. He even gave me a demo to use for a full week (only 3 listeners) before making my mind up. This was 4 months ago I also chose this provider because they sell streams in RL, so it made me feel like I wasn't dealing with a fly by SL provider. Also, one of his server locations is very close to where I live I will add that during the "demo" mode the provider spent a lot of time (we're talking hours) with me because I was dense in how I set up my SAM. He did this during DEMO time - all for the glory of 1500L? His service has been impecable and it shows by the number of streams you can see he has rented out of his store. I am very happy with the service and am looking at others only because they claim to have something "better". Oh by the way, I will add that my current provider was actually in-world when I rented. Most places don't have a soul around to ask questions of. You have to send them a notecard then wait days in some cases before you get a reply.

So, my first question is simple:
How can these providers offer shoutcast streaming for so cheap in SL? They are marked down drastically from RL prices. My provider tells me that most providers in SL oversell their servers and that is why they sell them cheap. They will load up anywhere from 100 - 250 servers on a "low-end" dedicated server and hope you never use your full allotment of listeners. Is this true?

My next question is:
Why are providers reluctant to tell anyone where their datacenter is? When I get these spam messages, I usually go, look, then ask the potential provider where the datacenter is, and who runs that datacenter. For me it's impotant. For what it's worth, I refuse to use any provider that uses BurstNet, FDC, iWeb or ServerBeach as their datacenter (or reseller). I've had bad experiences with these companies with lots of down time. But in most cases I wouldn't know. because the provider in SL won't tell me.

Next question:
Why don't most providers in SL offer free demo (and I mean FREE, not 5L or 1L or anything)? It shouldn't be hard to get a small server for 3-5 listeners for a 24 hour period minimum. They claim that they have the best, but aren't willing to let anyone test it out. I certainly can't work at a club with just a 3 listener server.

Next question (this comes from a friend that uses a different provider):
Why is it that most providers in SL are never to be found, or when you ask a question, they have no concept of what you ar talking about? My friend got a reply once of "we just rent out the server, we don't do any of the technical work." So my friend asked "who is your provider?' they replied, "That is our private business." I chatted with my provider yesterday on this. He never said anything bad about any other providers, but he did add that if you have a good datacenter, you should be willing to boast about it. Right or wrong, I tend to agree.

My last question:
What is a good price for 100 listeners or 50 listeners? Some say I am being ripped off, yet I have seen other providers charge MUCH more than what I am currently paying. In SL standards, does "cheap" price mean "cheap service" or "best service"? From my travels in SL it seems I am paying the "average" price for a server.

Anyway, if you have any input, let's hear 'em!

Krista

I am not a technical guru, a dj, or a live musician, so my opinion is just that.

Everything you are talking about seems to be the "you get what you pay for" saying.

Sounds like your provider is top notch, and is there for you when you need them. What good is a service if you are having problems, and can't get a hold of anyone to fix it. Would you put up with that with your dsl/cable provider? Can someone give you comparable service for less money? Almost certainly. Is it worth all the time and effort to look for an alternative if you are happy with what you have? for 10 bucks a month, i doubt it.

I have been using SL Shoutcast providers since 2005. The ones that charge a higher rate usually deserve it. The ones that sell cheap usually oversell their bandwidth and hope that their customers don't all use them at the same time.

The professionals will always advertise where their data centers are. I have seen some shoutcast providers advertise test streams - but it is not common practice. I use 5 listener streams for my school, but had to make a special arrangement to get them.

Some of the low-cost server providers can charge what they do because they own their servers and charge what they want. You have to hunt to find the ones that are really good at customer service. I like the guys that include the Shoutcast HUD. At the Moment I am using digistreams and Musecast.

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hi Lias. I was referred to you not too long ago by my provider (one of the ones you mentioned). However, he walked me through my problem and all was fine. however, he spoke very highly of you and your schooling. If I need to brush up on my SAM skills, I'll be looking you up.

Krista