Date: 10/20/05 (Web Development)    Keywords: html, web, hosting

So, there is a project I've been hinting at in this space.  I'm close to launching it, and I need help in finally choosing a web hosting service for it.  I need a host that will provide me with a page I can load up with a few links and a moderate number of pictures at first, then some streaming video or .avi movies, say up to ten minutes long, later--not much fancy content, in other words.  I would also embed a LiveJournal community or two in the page.  So, low on graphics, but able to handle very high traffic without crashing, exceeding bandwidth allotments, or costing me a fortune.  Essentially, I want low start-up costs with infinite scalability.  If the New York Times mentioned my site on its front page two days in a row, I would want to be able to handle the slashdot effect no prob.  Some tools to help the beginning htmler would be nice, too.

(Please don't bother telling me these aren't realistic expectations for a startup website.  I've thought this through thoroughly, and if it all crashes down, I can fall on my face without anyone else's help, thank you.)

Here are the services that have been recommended to me so far:

http://www.uplinkearth.com/
http://dreamhost.com/
http://www.micfo.com/
http://www.fatcow.com/fatcow/index.bml

Any opinions?  Any others I should consider?  Reasons for one site over others would be very helpful, as opposed to just naked suggestions.

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/webdev/259102.html