NOTICE: DirtOval.com Has Outgrown Our Server!

[Doug Carter]

Hey all, we finally got the inevitable and unfortunate alert message from our server this past week that our increased bandwidth usage has put a strain on our host's resources. That's a good and bad thing. It's good because it means DirtOval.com's user-base is growing, but it's bad because it means greatly increased costs to maintain this site, and we now need to move the site or have it shut down completely.

If you noticed some random database errors this last week, that would be the reason for those. The high spikes during the day caused some overloads and shutdowns to the server that provides the forum data for the site.

At this point, we have no choice but to move the site, and do it quickly. During the move, the whole site will be offline and not accessible. We will try to do it during the overnight hours to keep the downtime to a minimum.

As soon as we know more about the plans to move and when, we'll let everyone know.


Thanks for the continued support,




doug

[brockh]

doug,
are you able to go throught the old readers rides section and the old classifides section and delete the pics that are sucking up so much needless space? i'm sure if this is done it would decrease the size you are taking up imensley.

[Doug Carter]

Nope, it's not actual hard drive space, it's essentially processor demand due to two things: the ad banner software that rotates our sponsor's banners, and the actual database load each time a forum page is loaded. We have plenty of trunk space, just not enough horsepower, and it is effecting the other customer's websites of our host provider.

What we will be eventually moving to, will be like going from a 4-cylinder compact class to an alcohol-injected outlaw sprint car. ;) The only real downside to the whole operation is the cost from making such a large leap like that.

Everything else will improve. :D




doug

[xoxide2]

Doug please dont shut this site down completely. This is really the only place I go for dirt oval info. Try and move it. Or maybe try and delete all the accounts that have not been active for more than 6 months that'd probably cut down alot of bandwidth? probably.

[Doug Carter]

No, the site is NOT shutting down. We will move it to a larger, and faster server within the next week. :D

[antilley]

No worries fellows --- Doug will do a nice job of moving to a bigger server. If you really want to help you should follow up on the contributing member contribution to help Doug offset the cost. keep in mind the advertising rates were set up so that we could essientially break even for 2007..... we didn't take kind of growth into consideration.


Doug do you have a link that explans the contribution process?


dan

[wait a minute]

No worries fellows --- Doug will do a nice job of moving to a bigger server. If you really want to help you should follow up on the contributing member contribution to help Doug offset the cost. keep in mind the advertising rates were set up so that we could essientially break even for 2007..... we didn't take kind of growth into consideration.


Doug do you have a link that explans the contribution process?


dan


just wondering if this site will goto a members paid website or will the advertizers absorb the increasing cost of maintaing the website.

[Doug Carter]

Since the beginning of this site, I will do whatever it takes to make sure that this will not become a paying site only. I never liked the idea, even if there is money to be made.

The cost for a dedicated server are about 14 times what is currently paid for hosting, but there are few options. What the plan is right now, though is to move it to a dedicated server that my other site is located on (ApexSpeed.com). Costs can be more easily offset if they are shared between the two sites as they sit now.

You shouldn't see any change to this site whatsoever, but donations and contributions are always appreciated.


To subscribe to the forums:

1) Click User CP
2) Scroll to the bottom of the left column under Miscellaneous, and click Paid Subscriptions
3) Pull the drop menu under "Cost" to trigger the $6.00 per year subscription
4) Click Order
5) Then click Order Using PayPal (our only payment options at the moment)

You will be taken to a PayPal page for payment where you can complete the DirtOval.com subscription feature for $6 for a year of Contributing Member features.




Subscribers receive larger PM inboxes, larger file size for uploads, signature files with color, animated GIF avatar capabilities and a custom User Title created by the member. I'm working on some other perks, but for now, $6 to support the site for one year is a steal. ;)

[xoxide2]

Doug can you give us a link to the new forums when they are ready and leave this site up still when you're done for like a week so everyone will see it? Is there a possible way to make this and Archive forum?

[Doug Carter]

You won't notice any change in the site, other than some increased speeds and no database 404 errors. We'll be down for a few hours over night sometime soon, and by the time you come back, the site will be re-located and on a server capable of handling the increased traffic.

I will post the time and date of the change-over, but outside of a small blackout in the middle of the night, nothing will change here.

:thumbsup: