Hi all,

I purchased a domain from Google Domains earlier this week.

I'm in the process of starting my own blog as a personal project: Nothing complex I think; blog posts, some media postings, would appreciate the occasional ad? (I think there's some amazon affiliate business ad thing?)

I don't mind making the investment for a host or overall quality but I am seeing conflicting messages everywhere and I figure I'd just ask the question out right here:

1. I'm hearing news about "he-who-shall-not-be-named" (EIG) and to avoid this company like the plague. However, my good friend has had his blog hosted on Bluehost for the past few years with no problem. Is EIG really that taboo?

2. Siteground has the constant complaint for high price renewals? I assume after the 12 months expire of the special price you get charged the $11.95? (only seems a few dollars higher than other hosts)

3. Is there a difference between web hosting and wordpress hosting?

4. Any first-time tips/recommendations that I should pay attention to?

5. If the above two are going to receive hate (which they likely will), does anyone have some recommendations for me to investigate?

Let me know if I can provide additional information to help facilitate discussion.

Thanks!