Question to marketers

8 replies
I just built an Xfactor-type website builder which delivers the website in a zip file. I've been building sites with this and it occurred to me that I could save a step by getting the ftp username/password and have the website builder deliver the files directly to the target host instead of download zip, unzip, ftp. My brother said that a lot of people would be worried about security by giving out their ftp password. My counter was that I already have the contents of their website in my database, so they would not be giving me access to anything I don't already have access to. So the question is would you mind storing your ftp password in my database? I think most hosts allow you to setup multiple ftp accounts with very specific access; I know at least Hostgator does.
#marketers #question
  • Profile picture of the author Andyhenry
    I usually set up a separate ftp account when I need others to install things and I close them when they've finished so I wouldn't have a problem with your proposition.
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    nothing to see here.

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  • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
    Banned
    I wouldn't want my ftp info stored in your database ... but that's just me.
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    • Profile picture of the author Carl Donovan
      Originally Posted by sbucciarel View Post

      I wouldn't want my ftp info stored in your database ... but that's just me.
      See? One no, one yes. So far , that's 50/50
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      • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
        I wouldn't give you my ftp password on a bet, a dare or a gun to my head.
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        • Profile picture of the author Carl Donovan
          Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

          I wouldn't give you my ftp password on a bet, a dare or a gun to my head.
          I'm one up on ya!
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          • Profile picture of the author marcdonovan
            Maybe I left something out of the explanation...

            These are mini-niche sites. There is nothing on the hosting account other than 4 pages of content that my site spits out. What is there to protect? Why lock the house when there is nothing inside? Granted, I would be able to vandalize your site, but why would I do that?

            I guess I will just make it optional to save the password and see how it goes.
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  • Profile picture of the author theplanet
    yeah if it is just ftp login info for a single account its not that dangerous. The most anyone could do if they got the info was mess with the files in that folder.
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    • Profile picture of the author Carl Donovan
      As the brother in question, I'd like to take an opportunity to clarify my point on the subject. It's not so much a question of is it safe or unsafe to send your FTP out into the ether. Rather, it's would the end user feel comfortable doing so?

      To extend Marc's analogy, would you try to sell a house without locks on the doors? Sure, the bad guys can just break a window, but people expect locks, even if the house is in BFE.

      Why not just put the locks on and sell the dang house?
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