When I commissioned a Web service provider to help me create a new site, one of the first questions I asked was: what happens if you go out of business or the relationship just doesn't work out. Can I somehow migrate the data? A "no" answer would have been a deal-breaker.

It wouldn't so much be about the money as the hassle. It would be a HUGE investment of my time and energy to collaborate on the site, and I would cry if I had to start all over.

Now, think of what a homeowner must endure to get a good system up and running. Must they go through it again if the plane goes down?!