Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Website issues...again....

Well, we are having server issues again. Looks like we need to move to a dedicated server. I have delegated that task to Kathy and she will investigate and get back with me on details. She will work with J P to find the best host and we will change. It will take at least ten days. So, please bear with us as we go through another set of growing pains.
J P explained we are growing so fast we are outgrowing our current host's abilities.
Please be patient. We will get it fixed. It just won't happen overnight.

Presumably this is a good problem to have...? I have always wondered: is this due to traffic at the sight, or is it the amount of actual data that is recorded?...or both? The reason I ask relates to pictures. Is the larger, full size pics of any consequence, or will the use of clickable thumbnails assist in any way? I have seen other forums where all the pics are inserted as clickable thumbnails, regardless of the posting technique.

That's a great question...one in which I know not the answer. But, I suspect Kathy's learning curve will be steep and she will soon know.

Thank you, once again, for your efforts, Bob!

What the good doctor said (ditto, I mean!)

Don't worry Bob, we aren't going anywhere. This site is a great resource to all of us pond nuts and it's much cheaper that therapy. So we are here to stay (at least until you drag us kicking and screaming off of the site).

Is there anyone here on this site that can lend some expertise to this?

In addition to the pictures, I have to wonder if some of the exceptionally long threads don't contribute to delays.

Although some discussions need to go on for a long time, I think there are times when closing one out and starting another might save time or resources. This way only the most recent posts are loaded. Titling them such as "Are Crappie Good" "Are Crappie Good II", would let you know to search the archives.

Bing

Bob, Thanks for biting the dedicated server bullet. It will be worth it. Don't forget that PM I sent you last time there were issues. That offer still stands.

I can offer a few bits of info:

1) Image size is a factor as I assume the issue here is a lack of available bandwidth, the greater the image size/quantity the larger amount of bandwidth required to convey the pages to the end user. So if we were able to link thumbnails and/or a limit was enforced on image size it would help greatly.

2) Thread size will make little difference vs. thread count will likely even out in terms of performance. More then likely PB is using a MySql database, won't have the indexing capabilities of something like an Oracle DB... but the issue is more then likely purely usage related.

3) If PB isn't on a dedicated server and performance is degrading it could either be purely a fact of too many concurrent user for the hardware/software. OR one of the other users of the server may be running greedy code, or have more users now.

Dwight is quite correct that at this point a dedicated server is the way to go.

Is there any new news on when we are going to make the change? This is the first time in the last 7 days I have been able to get on the forum.

I think Lusk is looking into it as soon as he gets back from his travels.

I've had zilch problems this A.M., on 2 different computers - made several posts. The post counter is active once again. And david u managed to successfully make the Mother of all Pond Documentary posts, the longest single post I have seen since problems began.

How are things for everyone else right now? If you can't answer, that will be information in itself.

I noticed things were better yesterday, and working fine this morning. (knocking wood)

I've posted twice so far this AM without incident.

When all the problems started the post counts on the left side of the page froze up. For the first time this weekend they updated. Maybe that's a good sign. Somebody call up DIED and have him try. If he can use the site, anybody can use it.

Ain't that the truth. While at his place we were discussing his internet connection. He is looking into a satelite dish system. There just aren't many options in El Dorado unless you live in the big city (Placerville, or for those of you wild west gold rush fans it is better known as Hangtown, California).

I'd call him but he's cranky in the morning (it's 7am out here).

I'm still cranky and it's 11:05 here.

The forum is functioning perfectly for me this morning, just like the before the problem era.

This is the first time in 3 weeks I have been able to log on. it appears to be fixed based on what I am seeing tonight.

Thanks for hanging in there, guys. I think we have had some software issues, too. I asked JP to look at it and haven't heard from him, but I am able to get on the site, too. We will get it fixed, I promise!

Yep working better for me too.

Knock on wood!

Hey, I was finally able to log in this morning. A new computer is clobbering me on various fronts.

Bob, This is day two of a perfectly performing Pond Boss Forum. It is great to be able to log on and post at will, again!

Thanks!

Things seemed a little sketchy as far a logging on last night and maybe this morning, but this afternoon & evening, it seems to be no problems.

Scratch that. Locked up upon posting & couldn't get back.