Just in your opininon, would you merge with another hosting company with an owner that you don't know?

The short answer, No.
There are far too many intangibles that need to be dealt with to trust to someone you don't know.
There are far too many shady dealers out there.

I would personally be very leary of joining forces with anyone unless I had first thoroughly investigated them, and run them through the mill. After all, by association, you will now share the same reputation, the same history, the same public face.

Due diligence is essential.

[edit - damn, blue, you're so fast! :x )

Vito

I'd have to agree with Blue.

If you don't know them, then you have no way to know the type of person you're handing your business over to.

Heck, I even advise people not to sell a business to people they don't know, so merging would be a big no-no in my opinion.

Simon

What do you mean by 'don't know'? Obviously you shouldn't do a thing like that with someone you can not trust... as far as just knowing them online, it depends.

Yeah, I didn't think so. It was just a thought that crossed my mind because someone had proposed me an offer. Thanks for all the replies guys!

I personally think it takes time to trust someone, and when you feel like you trust them....give them more time to let you down.

Before any corporate sale, purchase, partnership, or merger, you really need to know the company with whom you're doing business.

Any good merger, etc starts with a good friendship, or at least a good base of knowledge of what you're getting into, and who you're getting into it with.

Let me ask you this...

Would you give a copy of your house key, or car key to a stranger?

Yes, as long as he has absolutely no idea who I am, what he could do with the keys and he lives 10,000 miles away.

haha good point

Well, you did say that someone dropped you on offer. Depending ont he type of offer and how it would benefit you... you might want to accept it. It all depends on the precise situation really.

dubs is asking if you would do business with someone you don't know.

Frankly, I don't care how good the offer is, if it's with an unknown entity, you're playing with fire.

Then again, if Russian Roulette is your game, have at it.

Vito

yup, i declined, thanks guys

Glad we could help you out with your decision. Good point Vito!

Knowing someone is more then just talking to them on MSN/AIM 10-20 times. Knowing someone is meeting them in person. Most people will meet someone on the internet and talk to them for 30 seconds and then consider them a good friend.

Bottom line is, as Simon said, no.

Not a good Idea at all, unless you personally have known the person.