My host said that something with my wordpress (either a plugin or code) is creating a firewall
That doesn’t make any sense whatsoever. If that’s really what your host said and you didn’t just get it wrong or something, find a new host. Preferably one who knows WTF they’re talking about.
To put it another way, if a hosting provider told me what you just posted, then, after I stopped laughing, I would cancel my service with them and demand an immediate refund of all my money.
Gotta agree. Sounds like they’re just throwing technical words at you to throw you off.
How did this come up anyway?
well its blocking trackbacks and refuusing some link directory pings.
That’s probably because your host is blocking outbound port 80. They have to specifically allow it in most firewalls.
Happens with the Akismet call outs as well.
and what is a cURL error? Cause I tried to join Bumpzee and it says i have that error and that my url is invalid.
Curl is a piece of software code that a lot of programs like WordPress and some plugins use which allows them to get webpages.
Think of it like a web browser, but one that your website uses internally.
If it’s blocked, then it’s your host doing it. It likely means that they’re blocking outbound port 80 requests. You have to tell them that and ask them to either a) disable it or b) give you the correct proxy information to use. Option A is preferable. Option B is problematic and difficult, but technically workable.
My advice is still to find a better host.
is Bluehost reliable? they dont have problem like this do they?