Costs of operating a domain

Most people think websites are for big guys with unlimited pockets and the ability to expend all they want for a site.  The truth is it's dirt cheap.  How much do you think it costs to run an actual .com site?  Well forget it because it can be as cheap as $4 a month.  Most big named companies (godaddy) charge between $4-13, a month for the site.  You can do anything with that.  There aren't hidden costs for extra features unless you want a merchant site.  The reputable guys give you unlimited bandwith whatever you paid, meaning the cheap sites still get the same service.  Unless you want SSL service or extreme hosting options, it stays this cheap. 

Now, sometimes your name for your site will already be owned or parked by someone.  In this case, you will have to buy it from them...or come up with a new name.  That it the only case where you should spend lots of money on a site.  Usually that won't be the case though since your idea is original and personalized, like daveshangout.com or something.  And just because your first choice name isn't available, doesn't mean your site will suck.  Just come up with a witty new name that your viewers will both relate to and find easy to type.  You don't want a domain name with contractions or twenty letters.  You don't want to use acronyms for words or phrases in your name, as this can be confusing.  It should be short, three words max, and nothing too hard for the normal people to spell.  Keep it simple and original, not as hard as you think...if you're thinking it's hard.  If it's just your site to talk about your day, try putting your name in it and then and adjective about something you like to do, or what the site's about.  There are no limits but some bounds you shouldn't cross.  Keep it politically correct, keep it polite.  Follow these rules to make people find your site attractive.

Good luck, and remember it is cheap!