What does everyone think of the free hosting sites that come with free website design templates. Honestly, I have never seen much value to them. They do not seem to have any positive merits to me. Then again, I have only seen a handful of them. Can anyone recommend a decent free host service?

I am not satisfied with free design sites. Most of them have a common template which is slightly above basic. For a webmaster who wants advanced features they are of less use.

I have used them often, but I am now going to paid. You would not believe the change in what you can and cannot do.

I think with places like geocities working wihtin the FTP parameters makes for a better abilkity to design.
Granted templates maybe limiting but geocities has an immense variety.
PLus FTP abaility to design on another program and upload.

Its really what you amke of it at times that makes or breaks free webhostings look.

julie

I've been paying for server space for over 5 years, and even my "placeholder" site that I put up while I design my site looks better than the templates you get on the free hosting sites.

If it is going to be your first site then you could try with blogger.com as they offer their service free of charge.