how to properly configure owner writeable directory on shared hosting?

[hellothere]

what is the best way properly configure owner writeable directory on shared hosting?

File system | drupal.org

"Ensure that the new location for the path is writable by the web server process. To grant write permissions for a directory named uploads, you may need to use the following command from a shell or system prompt (while in the installation directory):
chmod o+w uploads

"

I can't follow the directions above with the access I have... so I get this error

warning: is_dir(): Stat failed for sites/default/files/css (errno=13 - Permission denied) in /usr/blah/blah/000000/webspace/httpdocs/example.com/includes/file.inc on line 888.

when i change the dir to 777, then it works... however,

"changing chmod to 777 isn't a good idea,... as it allows anyone to write and execute to the folder."

so... what is the solution on a shared hosting system?

is there anything i can do? or is this something i write a ticket for?

[blacknight]

I'd recommend you contact our helpdesk if you haven't already done so