Specifically excluding grgoups whop purchase a domain with commercial web space, for those sites that don't,, but still have a memorable domain name for their site, tell us how you do it and let others share in the wealth of your experiences (while saving on cost as well).

I have some clues but the horses mouth is better.

We currently own both http://www.adlingtonmusicandarts.com and http://www.adlingtonmusicandarts.co.uk the .co.uk address forwards to the .com and the address bar will change to show .com.

Before we purchased commercial space, we were using the space that came free with an ISP account. In the options for the domain names, there was an option to shadow the re-direct.

What this means is that the person would type http://www.adlingtonmusicandarts.co.uk into the browser address and in the back ground, the real page that would load was a much longer URL.

The address bar would always say http://www.adlingtonmusicandarts.co.uk no matter what page I was on but with a simple java script I was able to effectively hide the fact that the site was on a free server.

The javascript was used to hide the URLs that are displayed in the status bar at the left on the screen.

Where did you get this service?

Not being a "webbie" I don't know if this applies - but I've just had the web address www.saucyjack-guildford.co.uk aquired to host a show specific website. It cost the princely sum of ?9.99 for two years - although I understand that the actual pages will be stored on my own ISP where I have 50mb of webspace. Don't ask me how it works though as I haven't got a clue

Looks like you hit the nail on the head there Martin, you effectively hide the fact that your site is a free site.

I first bought my domain names through simplynames.co.uk but have since chosen easily.co.uk who are far better. I don't think they are the cheapest but I have had no complaints to make about their excellent customer services.

Again the domain name costs ?9.99 and you have a little control panel where you pick where the URL should be re-directed to!

There is usually a shadow option as well!

Ah ha. I c. Some of the sites on the web ring use a tiny frfame to basically keep you on the homepage (everything else is framed content) so the address bar never changes.

I got mine through http://www.123-reg.co.uk/

Allows me to point my URL to anywhere I want...
Free other otherwise

They are offering 9p per UK Domain name..

amadrama.co.uk and amadrama.com very easy control pannel to change things.

I've not had a bit of trouble with it..

Just so this is clear to the less technical visitors here, if you have a website, possibly hosted on a free homepage internet service provider, it is possible to have your own domain name for the web site (something that uses your society name perhaps) VERY cheaply.

If you have questions about this then post them here. If you want to see some examples we can arrange to post some here as well (or if you already do this then post your own).

Let everyone benefit from the cheap solutions you've found!!

Cheap hosts that have been recommended to me:

www.oneandone.co.uk

www.fasthosts.co.uk

I found this when browsing! If your group is a registered Charity, it may be of interest! Even if you are not a Registered charity, they seem to be offering free hosting for 1 year!

The web address is http://www.ukfreehosts.com/index.html

We can all do our little bit to help charity. At UKFREEHOSTS, we have decided to offer ALL registered charities FREE hosting for life. Simply place your registration number in the box on the 'signup page' and you will NEVER be charged for hosting.