Yesterday morning, I received an automated email to inform me that the WordPress version that I use on DomainInvesting.com was automatically updated. A short time later, I noticed a major technical error on my website, and I snarkily tweeted to GoDaddy about the situation, as this website is hosted there:
Dear @GoDaddy Thanks for automatically updating WordPress for me without advanced notice. It broke my website.
— Elliot Silver (@DInvesting) April 21, 2015
When I noticed the error, I immediately emailed my account executive Deron Ruse with information about the error and a screenshot. He couldn’t immediately reproduce the error, which told us that it was only happening to logged in users (me) and visitors couldn’t see the error. We exchanged a couple of emails, and we quickly figured out that it was related to the automatic update.
Deron and his team spent the next hour or so troubleshooting the error, and they were able to relate it to a plugin that was incompatible with the newest version of WordPress. They deactivated the non-essential plugin after further testing, and DomainInvesting.com was running once again. My developer was able to fix the plugin in the afternoon, so all is well.
I later learned that WordPress issued a “critical security release” and urged all WordPress users to update their websites immediately. Although it was a bit of an inconvenience to have the website updated automatically without warning, there’s a good chance I would have forgotten about updating the website and the outcome could have been worse.
I appreciate the fact that I can reach out to Deron and his team about various issues with my blog and that the issues will be investigated quickly. I owe it to my advertisers to ensure that my blog is up and running without interruption. I appreciate that GoDaddy is able to help me on issues that may go beyond hosting.
It’s not a GoDaddy issue. WordPress does auto updates of minor releases automatically, as a service to you. They also roll out releases for security issues to protect you and your users.
Only my wordpress websites hosted by Go Daddy were automatically updated. My others were not updated automatically.
My domains hosted by HostGator are also auto-updated.
Be careful when using plugins that aren’t dependable in general, some might also expose your web site to vulnerabilities. In this case WordPress released an update to patch insecure code, some of which was inherited to plugins.
godaddy can be great if you have a dedicated rep.
The reason I host my WordPress sites with Godaddy managed WordPress hosting is that they automatically do WordPress updates, and take care of other security issues.
Hi Elliot. I am glad that you are still eligible to have your own account manager at GD. If you ever decide that you want to try another solution provider for domain reg and hosting, please let me know. I continue to carry on the same tradition with my current company, identical to the division I created at GD that they call Premier Services (Executive Accounts)
Scott – what is the name of the company you work with now? Would like to connect with you. Thanks. Robert
Hi Robert,
My company is ecommerce llc. We own HostExcellence.com, IXwebhosting.com and cloudbyix.com
I was with GoDaddy for 6 years and created the premier services department. I used to manage Elliot Silver’s account, along with some major players in the domain investor vertical. I strive to go way above and beyond for my clients and I do so with vigor.
Feel free to contact me at your convenience. 614-534-1886
We are just getting ready to launch our “at cost domain registrations and transfers” along with our bulk management tool. Now that I don’t have to worry about my non-compete with GoDaddy, I can communicate with my former book of clients and work with everyone that wants the highest level of service and best pricing.
It will be good to bring account management for accounts of all sizes back to the way we used to do it.
Hi Elliot,
The wordpress allows you to disable automatic updating.
If you want, ask your developer.
I am glad for You Elliott to learn you are happy with Godaddy, it must be because you have a dedicated person taking care of your business but there are SO many people not happy at all with Godaddy that I am not sure your article is that useful for them….
You should check messages all over the Net from unhappy customers running away from this company….
I figured I would come back and mention that we have officially launched our at cost domain registrations and transfers. Everyone moving or buying 50 or more domains gets a free unlimited hosting plan and whois privacy is nearly free as well.
In addition to that, you will get an assigned account manager to look out for your best interests.