[cobalt-users] Web Hosting

["Paul" <paulbentz@xxxxxxxx>]

This does not relate to Cobalt products, but being that the vast majority of
us are involved in the Web hosting business, I think this discussion will be
beneficial.
I deal with several businesses that have little to no experience with
computers in general, and most do not have a Web presence before I start
working with them.
Frequently I get asked something like "Why do I need a 'web host'? I've
already got [DSL, cable, dial-up God forbid] internet access. Why do I have
to pay you X dollars per month for 'hosting'?"
Without getting into a long-winded technical discussion on "hosting," I made
an analogy of hosting to television. Anyone can buy a TV for relatively
cheap, turn it on anytime and watch programs.
However, to provide content for television, you would have to buy a studio,
and fill the airwaves 24/7 with your content. Or, you could rent out a
studio.
I then explain that the "studio" is my Web server, on and accessible 24/7,
ready for people to "tune in" with their "TV's" (Internet access) and view
the Web site. The cost of "broadcasting" Internet content is very expensive,
as it is in television, but the cost is lowered because there are several
other sites I host on the server.
This analogy seems to work most of the time, but some still have a glazed,
blank look on their face. I'm sure some of you have been placed in this same
situation, how do you handle the question of "why do I need hosting"?
Thanks,
Paul