Paying for web log files?

I am in the process of getting a traffic analyzer for my school. After doing some research I decided to go with 123LogAnalyzer. The reasonable price fit the limited budget I’d been given.

After purchasing the software, the people at 123LogAnalyzer instructed me to obtain access to my web log files from our Internet Service Provider, speakeasy.com. When I asked speakesy.com for the web log files, they said I first must accept their web statistics package, which costs $15 a month. But if I accept that package, 123LogAnalyzer becomes redundant and obsolete.

I intentionally chose not to go with our ISP’s web stats package because it was more expensive than 123LogAnalyzer. 123LogAnalyzer says they’ve never heard of an ISP charging for access to web log files. They also said, “remember, you own that information and have a right to access it. You shouldn’t have to pay for that access at all.”

What’s the protocol for getting web log files from an ISP? Do ISPs usually charge for that information.

Please feel free to expound liberally on your views of this matter. I plan to read any answer I get from this forum to the folks at my ISP.

Although I would personally agree with the 123LogAnalyzer rep - business is business.

If the ISP wishes to charge for the logs I suspect it is their right to do so.

Moving hosts might get their attention - since they stand to lose money from you (rather than making extra).

I agree, a host can offer as few or as many services as they want to their clients - and charge whatever they please.

The bottom line however is keeping clients happy and if they fail to do that, either through service or price then the client is free to leave.

You are not powerless as the client, in fact you are in the driver's seat. Feel free to ask for what you want - especially if other ISPs offer the service. And if their offer does not come through at reasonable price just be honest with them that you need the service at competitive price. Any host who wants to keep your business should try to help you as long as a reasonable profit can be made.