What is Dotster Connect?
Dotster Connect is a white-label online user community platform, designed specifically for business. A user community is a group of Internet applications designed to help connect friends, business associates, or other individuals together using a variety of tools. “White-label” refers to the fact that the product can be seamlessly integrated into a current website with the same branding, look and feel.

Who would use Dotster Connect?
Dotster Connect can be used by business of all sizes. Available at a variety of price points, the product can scale to fit the needs of small business as well as enterprise customers.

How does the process work?
The creation of a community is very similar to that of a standard website. It involves planning the site, design and development, populating the site with content and inviting users to join. Dotster can help you with every step of this process. For more information, see How to Get Started or 15 Tips for a Successful Community.

How much does it cost? What is included for the price?
The price for Dotster Connect starts at $899 plus $199 a month for the Silver platform. Included in that is site design, up to 10 hours of customization as well as hosting. Dotster's other packages are priced individually based on the number of features, complexity of design and amount of customization needed.

Will Dotster manage the hosting?
Yes, if you wish. Dotster Connect can be a hosted or non-hosted solution. Dotster offers hosting packages that scale as the community grows.

How many users can I have in the community?
There is no limit to the number of users you can have in your community. However, the Silver platform is limited to 5,000 members. As the site's membership grows, you may need to upgrade to a more robust hosting plan to keep site performance optimal.

What are the options for showing ads?
Some customers use ads on the site to help offset the cost of maintenance. Ads can be displayed in a variety of ways. Dotster can create customized banner or flash-based ads, or create widget-based advertising. You may also use Google ads.

Does Dotster Connect support other languages than English?
Yes. The standard website is designed in English. Multiple language support is limited to Enterprise customers.

How many days will it take before the site is live?
Website development takes between three weeks and three months, depending on the platform and the amount of customization required. For example, a simple site with little or no customization takes approximately three weeks. An enterprise-level site will typically require three months.

What features does the platform offer?
Dotster Connect has over 400 features available. To compare features and packages, click here.

Is the product scalable?
Yes. For example, with the hosting plan provided, the Silver Package will scale to approximately 5,000 users. If the site grows much beyond this Dotster would recommend upgrading to a different hosting plan. Hosting for Gold, Platinum and Enterprise will be tailored to fit your anticipated number of users and can expand over time.

Can I upgrade my site to a larger platform at a later date?
Yes. During the initial scoping and consultation, Dotster will make every effort to help you choose the platform with the features your site requires. However, if over time the community requires a larger feature set, it can be upgraded to a more robust platform.

Who creates the layout?
You can or Dotster can. Site design and layout can complement your current site or be completely unique.

Can my site content be customized?
Yes. Dotster Connect is a very flexible, customizable platform. Customization can include design, additional features, and the actual content of the site. Many customers populate the site with content themselves. Others use Dotster-contracted writers.

What does the moderation tool do in Dotster Connect?
A moderator is a person granted special permissions to enforce the rules of a community site. Moderators can edit or delete posted content, close discussions, edit or remove inappropriate pictures, etc.

Does Dotster offer moderation services?
Yes. Many clients use their own moderators. Others contract part- or full-time moderators through Dotster.

What does the control panel look like?
The control panel is menu driven and provides complete flexibility for the web designer and/or moderator. For a demonstration of the control panel, please contact Dotster directly.

Can Dotster help me market my new site?
Yes. Dotster can provide recommendations and/or marketing services to help promote your site.

Describe Dotster's customer service and technical support.
Dotster has a team of highly-trained customer service and technical support staff. Standard support hours are between 6 AM and 6 PM Pacific. You can contact Dotster in the following ways.

Phone: (360) 449-5900.

Online: Visit our Online Support.

Email: Click here to send an email. Your email will be answered within 24 hours.