Ok, I changed my mind about domain names...

[James81]

I used to say that you should just register your domain name through the host you have. And, if you have Bluehost then that advice still stands because they were awesome...you register your domain and it's immediately propogated onto your server account (duh, because that makes sense).

Hostgator, on the other hand, is a gigantic pain in the ass. I'm not even sure where my newest domain name was registered and now I'm gonna have to jump through hoops to find it because it doesn't automatically propogate onto your server when you buy it through them.

Ugh. Yes, this is me being annoyed that something that should be simple is like hugely difficult.

Moral of the story: If you have a Hostgator account, use Godaddy for your domain name.

[Lucidism]

Yeah, I've always just managed my domains with GoDaddy. I agree it's best to keep it independent from your host.

[Lil Chris]

Can I say I told ya so? (just kidding).

I learned that several years ago, the whole time I just wanted to punch someone in the face.

[CoolBee]

It's a right royal pain in the proverbial if you have your domain name registered with your host when your host disappears overnight without warning! Always keep 'em separated in my view - if the worst comes to the worst, you can always slap up a free blog saying you're having a technical hitch or 'undergoing site maintenance' and repoint your domain name until you get a new host and your files reuploaded.
(Because you do all have a back up of your site away from the host don't you boys and girls )