[Vince]

I care. If a little money is invested in a host and a proper domain, it gives me a sense of longevity, or in other words: the server likely won't die within the month. Realistically, people can't tell if you use a free or very cheap host unless that host forces you to put their branding in your server name or on your website *ahem* Ultra-Host *ahem*. But a proper domain name is an absolute must. A forum or site with a .tk or .gs or .some-free-host.com or whatever just screams "amateuristic".

I also want to add that you don't need a credit card to purchase (most) goods and services online. The only real exception being Amazon. I'm almost 25 but I don't have a credit card and I don't plan on getting one in the near future, either. I have my bank account linked up to my PayPal account. Transactions are deducted automatically from my checking account.