DARK SHADOWS FORUMS

General Discussions => Testing. 1, 2, 3... => Topic started by: Mysterious Benefactor on July 26, 2002, 05:06:16 AM

Title: The Reason There Have Been Access Problems
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on July 26, 2002, 05:06:16 AM: Well, there's good news :) and bad news. :(

The good news is the forum is a VERY popular place online. (http://www.dsboards.com/YaBBImages/thumbup.gif)

The bad news is the forum is a VERY popular place online.(http://www.dsboards.com/YaBBImages/thumbdown.gif)

Today I learned from our forum's host that the reason there have been problems accessing the forum for the past few days - but particularly today - is that over the past 25 days the forum has surpassed the host server's high resource limit of 10GBs and our share of the server's CPU usage passed 10%.

Our host does offer us unlimited bandwidth, but apparently the forum has been using server resources to such an extent that we're jeopardizing server performance and resources for our host's other customers. Therefore, access to this domain has been severely curtailed to different high traffic areas of the country, like the East Coast, or the domain has been shut down outright, as it was earlier today.

So, what does this mean for those of you who are reading this post? Well, hopefully not much because you're all registered members. However, for the time being I've completely shut down guest access to the forum so we can judge how much bandwidth guests are generating. Frankly, I suspect it's a whole lot because typically our access log shows that guests outnumber registered members anywhere from 3/1 to 5/1. I hate to have to do this. But our main priority has to be to provide the best service to the people who support us most - and that's all of you. [thumb]
Title: Re: The Reason There Have Been Access Problems
Post by: Maria_Merriweather on July 26, 2002, 05:25:33 AM: I miss this board when I can't get to it! :'( I guess that's what happens when you have too much of a good thing. By the way, I like the board's new look.

Yes, I'm trying to boost my posts so I can access the Member's Archive. ;)
Title: Re: The Reason There Have Been Access Problems
Post by: Misty on July 26, 2002, 05:39:43 AM: :)Thank you for the explanation. I was devastated today when I thought I would never access this board again!!!. I can see why it is so popular. It is not only amusing, but extremely informative. Thanks again.

Misty
Title: Re: The Reason There Have Been Access Problems
Post by: dom on July 26, 2002, 06:08:33 AM: I don't understand...[lghy]

MB,

I am having an access problem of a different ilk. I am able to enter the gateway but I have not been able to access the archive.

Please advise.

Dom
Title: Re: The Reason There Have Been Access Problems
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on July 26, 2002, 07:11:12 AM: Dom,

Check out my post at the top of Testing. 1, 2, 3...
Title: Re: The Reason There Have Been Access Problems
Post by: RingoCollins on July 26, 2002, 07:42:18 AM: Thanks for the explaination, and the good news/bad news. I was having the same trouble, and it was concerning! Why wouldn't any guest regsister after a couple of visits?? Is it something I said? ;)

You guys do a great job with everything here, and it's getting better all the time [from Sgt. Pepper, ya know 8)].

I also like the boards new look, and all the new bells and whistles.

Is there anything we can/need to do to make things easy for you or the others?? [up to removing the photo of TLATKLS and myself! ::)]
Title: Re: The Reason There Have Been Access Problems
Post by: Cassandra on July 26, 2002, 08:06:25 AM: Thanks for the explanation MB. You and Midnite are doing a fantastic job here and I know that you're doing all you can to keep this board running smoothly. I had tried earlier this afternoon to log on, but could not get here also. At night though, I never have a problem. I had just assumed that there were too many people trying to access the board during the day. I find it so strange that the guests out number the registered members, I had always thought that there were more members here than guests.

I love the new look here also and think that you and Midnite deserve a medal for all that you do here!! :)
Title: Re: The Reason There Have Been Access Problems
Post by: Josette on July 26, 2002, 09:39:04 AM: Point of curiosity - you say that you shut down access to guests, but when I checked who was logged in, there were guests listed - at one point 3, later 2, and recently 1.

Also, in connection with that, one would have to come in as a guest first in order to sign up!

As to the number of guests, I think it makes sense in almost any forum that there are more people who come by and read but don't actually sign up or post. And, in this case, they can still post as guests, which many have done. And, look at how many new cousins there have been lately. I'm sure they are former guests who decided to become part of the family.
Title: Re: The Reason There Have Been Access Problems
Post by: ROBINV on July 26, 2002, 12:07:56 PM: I'm really glad to see you guys! That ominous, impersonal screen that kept coming up unnerved me, and made me wonder if there was suddenly an incompatibility between the DS Forums web site and my computer. If that turned out to be the case, well, I'd miss the computer. . .

Good to see you folks back in action.

And while I experienced problems when I initially signed up, was there any doubt that I would?

I didn't think so!

Love, Robin :D
Title: Re: The Reason There Have Been Access Problems
Post by: Gerard on July 26, 2002, 02:41:18 PM: Thanks, MB. I only had a problem once trying to get on, but I just figured it was a temporary we're-experiencing-technical-difficulties....... so I didn't panic. But I do miss not being able to save your wonderful montages anymore. I have an entire disc containing nothing but them! I guess sometimes good things don't last forever.

Gerard
Title: Re: The Reason There Have Been Access Problems
Post by: Craig_Slocum on July 26, 2002, 05:03:20 PM: Quote
Point of curiosity - you say that you shut down access to guests, but when I checked who was logged in, there were guests listed

They were members who logged out but hadn't left the board yet.
Title: Re: The Reason There Have Been Access Problems
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on July 26, 2002, 05:37:20 PM: Quote
I do miss not being able to save your wonderful montages anymore. I have an entire disc containing nothing but them!

You'll be able to save them again as soon as I fix the problems people are having accessing the archive boards. That's the reason the montage hasn't changed since the upgrade. :)
Title: Re: The Reason There Have Been Access Problems
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on July 26, 2002, 05:50:47 PM: Quote
Point of curiosity - you say that you shut down access to guests, but when I checked who was logged in, there were guests listed - at one point 3, later 2, and recently 1.

Guests can still access the domain - they just can't get into the forum.

Quote
Also, in connection with that, one would have to come in as a guest first in order to sign up!

Whenever someone who isn't already logged in to the forum comes here, they see this screen:

(http://www.dsboards.com/forumshots/guestaccess.jpg)

And since that notice was put up, eight more people have registered with the forum.
Title: Re: The Reason There Have Been Access Problems
Post by: MrsJ on July 26, 2002, 08:20:57 PM: Well I'm glad to see it wasn't due to the AOL incompatability issue, which was my first thought.

I suppose I will just have to post more often to get access to those archives... ;D

MrsJ.
Title: Re: The Reason There Have Been Access Problems
Post by: WileyS on July 26, 2002, 10:29:09 PM: Thanks for letting us know about the changes. I love reading the board and hope to post more often.
Title: Re: The Reason There Have Been Access Problems
Post by: Angelique_s_Sis on July 27, 2002, 03:37:47 AM: ;D ;D ;D

Thank you for the explanations. I've been having problems recently accessing the board & posting. Now, I can get into the board more often. Thanks again!! :)
Title: Re: The Reason There Have Been Access Problems
Post by: Gerard on July 27, 2002, 03:23:49 PM: I had mentioned a buncha posts ago that I always save MB's fantastic montagues and now it seemed I know longer could - right clicking on them would not call up the command. However, I just discovered (to my delight) that AOL for whatever reason won't do it, but Netscape will, so once again I'm able to continue with my MB Montague collecting! What is it with AOL anyway?

Gerard
Title: Re: The Reason There Have Been Access Problems
Post by: Dean on July 27, 2002, 04:50:45 PM: Thanks for all of the hard work, MB! ;)

I know that everyone here appreciates it!

Dean
Title: Re: The Reason There Have Been Access Problems
Post by: victoriawinters on July 30, 2002, 11:25:47 AM: would the mysterious benefactor or midnight please clarify what is meant by "donations" in order to access the archive?

thank you.
Title: Re: The Reason There Have Been Access Problems
Post by: Midnite on July 30, 2002, 08:53:21 PM: Quote
would the mysterious benefactor or midnight please clarify what is meant by "donations" in order to access the archive?

thank you.

It refers to donations of DS-related material that's in the poster's own collection, provided it's not something that we don't already plan to upload when time permits. (Time??? We don't need no stinkin' time. ;)) It can be articles, captures, videos, pictures including personal photos of DS-related trips or events, transcripts, logs, artwork, wavs, etc.

If a poster doesn't have the requisite 50 posts on these forums, the acceptance of 3 items of material will earn them the title of Archive Supporter and complete access to the archives.
Title: Re: The Reason There Have Been Access Problems
Post by: Dawn on August 01, 2002, 03:01:33 AM: Thanks for the update MB. I'd heard about the troubles with access but have not personally experienced any. Good to know we have some new cousins on board too.
Title: Re: The Reason There Have Been Access Problems
Post by: HobbiesDS on August 01, 2002, 04:35:48 AM: Thanks for letting us know what was wrong. I was so disappointed because I missed the weekend montage. I don't post much, but I do check in several times a week to read new posts and see what is going on in the World of Dark Shadows. I also really enjoy when someone posts old Dark Shadow interviews or pictures. Lots of fun! Everyone involved with this board has done a terrific job! And I thouroughly enjoy it!

Thanks again!
HobbiesDS
Title: Re: The Reason There Have Been Access Problems
Post by: Philippe Cordier on August 01, 2002, 04:50:01 AM: Has the board ever been this hopping?

How does the traffic compare with what it was on the former VantageNet board?

If there has been a major increase in traffic (as it seems there must be), to what might that be attributed?
Title: Re: The Reason There Have Been Access Problems
Post by: Midnite on August 01, 2002, 04:53:13 AM: HobbiesDS, you didn't miss a weekend montage... it's been that crazy around here! And thank YOU for the kind words.

Dawn, nice to see you! Pics are finally in the mail-- for LeBrat too-- I puh-romise!
Title: Re: The Reason There Have Been Access Problems
Post by: Bette on August 01, 2002, 05:40:44 AM: Quote
Dawn, nice to see you! Pics are finally in the mail-- for LeBrat too-- I puh-romise!

Pics in the mail? Ahem, Midnite, I seem to remember you saying something about sending me some pics. ;D

Bette (I know. . .nag, nag, nag) ::)
Title: Re: The Reason There Have Been Access Problems
Post by: Midnite on August 01, 2002, 05:58:09 AM: Quote
Pics in the mail? Ahem, Midnite, I seem to remember you saying something about sending me some pics. ;D

Bette (I know. . .nag, nag, nag) ::)

Oh I would never forget you!! Yours are on the way too, hee hee. Lots of 'em. :D (And ProfStokes'. And Vlad's. And...)
Title: Re: The Reason There Have Been Access Problems
Post by: Bette on August 01, 2002, 07:29:24 AM: Quote
Oh I would never forget you!! Yours are on the way too, hee hee. Lots of 'em. :D (And ProfStokes'. And Vlad's. And...)

Thanks a bunch, Midnite. I just got home from work, picked up my mail, and there they were! :-*

Bette
Title: Re: The Reason There Have Been Access Problems
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on August 01, 2002, 08:14:14 AM: Quote
Has the board ever been this hopping?

How does the traffic compare with what it was on the former VantageNet board?

If there has been a major increase in traffic (as it seems there must be), to what might that be attributed?

Actually, the average visitors per day is just about the same as the VN days, maybe slightly higher. But it definitely appears that more people are delurking and joining in on the discussions than they did on VN. What might that be attributed to? Well, I'd like to think it's not only because the forum provides a safe and sane place to discuss DS, but because we have a great group of people who (for the most part, anyway [wink2]) make intelligent posts or funny posts that do more than just poke fun at DS. [thumb]