Besy way to file a trademark?

I need to file a trademark, but I'm not sure where to start.

i found http://www.uspto.gov/,

but its quite pricey. I don't mind paying the price, since it looks pretty legit, but I can't tell if someone just made a fancy site with a .gov at the end. (after being on blackhatworld, i'm paranoid of every site, u guys kick ass lol)

There is cheaper alternative that cost like $70, but it's so much cheaper I feel like i'm getting scammed. Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

You don't have to register a trademark with the federal government, but that gives your trademark the highest and cleanest recognition. You can register a trademark at the state level, or not register it at all, just start using it (attach a 'TM' to the item you control) and take care of paying a government fee later.

"It can be an expensive and drawn-out process to register a trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, but you are not legally required to take this course. To establish your common-law trademark for free, you need to simply start using it."

http://yourbusiness.azcentral.com/ways-trademark-paying-10440.html