I need some suggestions on this one if its okay. What type of host should I look for?

"warez" are illegal last time I checked.

Well, I don't want to sound like a do-gooder and believe me, I'm not. Avoid starting a warez site.

Firstly, you ask for a host suggestion. I haven't come across a host that allows you to put illegal content on their servers. Think about it, they are the ones that can get sued for having the content. So if the host finds out that you've put illegal content on their servers, you will get banned or possibly a warning.

But maybe you are not going to host the content, just have links. That is sort of legal, but if you are giving people whole files, say an actual movie or an album etc, that is considered more against the law. Streaming a music video can be done through youtube, so you can listen to it. But youtube doesn't give you the source file. That makes a huge difference with companies looking to stop these sites.

So I don't think you will find a decent host which allows that sort of stuff.

Secondly and most importantly, warez sites don't do as well as legal sites. Again, just have a think, the biggest directory (DMOZ), doesn't allow illegal sites to be in the directory. So you will not be able to promote your site as well as other sites. People generally will avoid warez sites and opt for iTunes.

So I suggest have another idea to make a site on.

I admit, I did think about making a warez site, but I soon realised how wrong I was. I am now making a legal site as people can stream and watch movies and listen to music. This uses loopholes to be legal as people won't be able to download a high quality version, just average. So clearly, the experience of free websites isn't as good as iTunes, but what do you expect for free. Have a look at alluc and other good sites in that area. You'll understand what allows them to run without companies actually doing anything.

Good luck and DO THINK HARD!

Thanks for the comments and clearing me up guys.

I think you should look for off-shore hosts if you are going to host warez.

This uses loopholes to be legal as people won't be able to download a high quality version, just average

The quality of the video/audio doesn't mean there's no copyright infringement. The protection you can have is to have your users upload the content, in which case you will have to remove the files when reported, and the user will be responsible for the illegal act. However, you could eventually be sued for providing the means/encouraging the breaking of the law. These are really murky waters that one should stay away from unless he's got the backing that Youtube has.

What do you mean by off-shore hosts?

But not all off-shore hosting allow warez. Read their TOS.

Th only possible loopwhole I would see would be not hosting the warez yourself. Linking to them, or a video on youtube (or something of the like) isn't going to get you into too much trouble. If anyone was REALLY concerned, they wouldn't waste their time with you nayway, and simply take down the source.

Dan, however, is on to something aswell :P. Make yourself seem like the good guy, and let your visitors do oyur dirty work for you.

What a dumb idea, warez sites will get u shutdown in no time, use whats already there!

Try not put other people down, especially when you're looking to create a name for yourself and are brand new to the community.

Warez sites are not allowed at Webmaster-Talk. Besides, I think the OP is now clear on the subject. For that reason, I'm closing the thread.