Which file host do you use - and why?

Unless something changes with Rapidshare, I can see where the new point system they have in place is going to eventually force me to move a ton of files to another host. RS isn't that cheap and definitely slow for the money they charge.

So far, I'm looking at Megaupload and their lifetime membership for $200. I'm not thrilled with MU and their apparent scam of offering points for downloads which no one ever seems able to collect on, but I would think a single $200 hit and not having to worry about renewals would be a good thing.

Anyway... I'm asking people here what host they prefer and why. I don't need any "Brand X rocks!" testimonials - I'd like to know what it is about your preferred host that makes it preferred.

Another method you can use.

Upload all files to a RS collector account and create a new premium account (if you have enough points of course) with the so achieved points (don't upgrade the collector account!)

Don't move the files from the collector to the premium, use it for download only.

If it expires (1 month later), create a new premium account again. If you don't have enough points, wait until you reach a certain amount.

You don't need to store files in a premium and if you do it this way, there's no need to extend anything.

MU is fine, but I use it infrequently.

Others I've tested (as downloader):

hotfile = nice download speed, if you use a DL manager
netload = limited dl speed for free users, files die very fast (reports)
depositfiles =

Monkey D. Ruffy

I appreciate the input, but there are a couple of things I don't understand.

For one, I never have understood what a Collector account is for. The FAQ on RS doesn't explain it. For that matter, I've never understood why there are buttons to transfer files to a Premium account when I already have a Premium account. The FAQ on RS doesn't explain that either. Just more reasons to go to another less complicated host.

The other, if I'm reading you right, seems kind of self-defeating. Setting up a new premium account either costs points or money. On points, I'm good through August and, even with the trickle of points coming in at the new rate, I should get another month or two past that. If I have to put money into a new account, I'm definitely getting rid of Rapishare. It's too expensive and they seem to play with the rules way too much.

Oh and your "no comment" on Depositfiles was no surprise.

I use RS com because that's where the files I want are hosted. The DL speed is very good most of the time. As for what I don't like about RS I try not to get upset about it.
If Megaupload had the material I want I would get an account there. There are nice things about them.

For upload, I don't do very much of that.
Also RS deleted everything I had in storage.
Mostly it was not porn. I don't know why that happened but someone did have access to my account for a few days and could have made a mistake.

RagingBuddhist wrote:

If you upload a file for free (and it's not allocated to a premium or collector account), it can downloaded only ten times. No more.
Therefore if you upload it to a collector account, you get points and it stays alive.

RagingBuddhist wrote:

Example: You have a collector account (400 files) and gain roughly about 8,000 points/month.
It's not enough for a new premium, but two months later (16,000 points) it's enough.

You convert 10,000 points for a new (one month) premium (don't upgrade the collector account!) and use it only for download (no files hosted there!).

One month later, the premium expires, you loose no uploads (no files hosted) and your collector account has 14,000 points total (6,000 previous month, 8,000 new points).
Time to create a new premium (old one is expired).

I've used many other file hosters as downloader :

mediafire.com = So,so.
uploaded.to =
uploading.com =
letitbit.net =

Monkey D. Ruffy