Unplanned Maintenance

[Carl]

Things will be glitchy for a while. I unfortunately discovered a problem with the server that requires my attention and am on it. I will not bother to put the forum in maintenance mode, you may simply see some issues here and there. I'm sure some already have - I just wanted to let you know I'm working on it.

[Carl]

There may be some glitching today as I continue my efforts from last night.

[Pam]

Roger roger.  Thanks, Carl.

[KhaineGB]

Don't you love technology and it's randomness?

Good luck

[Carl]

Yep. I love learning more about the server, and it's going to be great when I finally get this configuration complete. I want images served from another program to reduce memory usage and save me from upgrading again.

When I try a new configuration, we're experiencing 1-2 min downtime, then I try again I'll eventually finish the migration and let everyone know when we're stable.

[Carl]

Done for now. We will require a planned downtime for me to go further. I will post notice at least a day or two in advance before I do it.

[FyreByrde]

Hi Carl, don't know if it's related to this maintenance, but I'm unable to access my profile. It says: "Unable to load the 'profile_above' template."

[JudesSims]

FYI: when I try to access the forum through my ipad, it says, "cannot connect to forum. This forum is either restricting access to TapaTalk or the TapaTalk plugin is not working. Please contact your Administrator." Maybe you've just disabled it for now? I can access it directly through the browser.

[RaiaDraconis]

FYI: when I try to access the forum through my ipad, it says, "cannot connect to forum. This forum is either restricting access to TapaTalk or the TapaTalk plugin is not working. Please contact your Administrator." Maybe you've just disabled it for now? I can access it directly through the browser.

I'm having the same issue with Tapatalk, actually.

[Saltypaws]

Just wanted to let you know, it is taking 60 seconds or longer for load time at this time.  I know you have been working on the site, but every little bit helps.  Don't work too hard.  haha

[Carl]

I'm planning to take the site offline for the better part of the day Wednesday the 23rd. I'll try to get tapatalk fixed tomorrow and see if there's anything I can do for performance in the meantime.

We are getting a new server Wednesday that will give more power for the same price. Same host, New architecture. It's the only thing I can do to prevent us being overwhelmed when TS4 launches.

If things get even slower, I'll move it up to Monday - will keep everyone posted on my decision, but I want everything prepared ahead of time to ease the transition. Better to be offline and planned to be, rather than in and out while frustrating members.

[RaiaDraconis]

I'm planning to take the site offline for the better part of the day Wednesday the 23rd. I'll try to get tapatalk fixed tomorrow and see if there's anything I can do for performance in the meantime.

We are getting a new server Wednesday that will give more power for the same price. Same host, New architecture. It's the only thing I can do to prevent us being overwhelmed when TS4 launches.

If things get even slower, I'll move it up to Monday - will keep everyone posted on my decision, but I want everything prepared ahead of time to ease the transition. Better to be offline and planned to be, rather than in and out while frustrating members.

You do so much for this site. Thank you so much!

[Carl]

No problem, happy to keep it running. If I didn't keep it modern, I wouldn't be doing justice for all the other people who have made this place what it's become over the past several years.

I'm seeing issues like Salty described in that we are moving slower on average for folks, which is what caused me to originally try to upgrade. Our architecture just can't handle it. Most probably see the site fine, but at times people are getting in line and I don't like that. I have started the new server and am in the process of setting it up. Therefore, I'm doing Maintenance Monday. If you see the site offline, it's because I"m working.

I will be changing the address to the new server on Monday. For a time people will see the Forum in maintenance mode, but the rest of the site will work (guides). When you attempt the site and get it in normal, non-maintenance mode, you are on the new server and may use the Forum as usual.

This is because until the internet knows our new address, you will be seeing the old server. People will gradually get the right address to the new site within a 24 hour period, then I'll take the old server down. For some, we may be down only a couple hours, while for others it may be closer to 12 hours to a full day. Regardless, it should be 100% complete within 24 hours.

This is the server equivalent of us getting a brand new computer to host the sites Second time I've had to do such a large move!

[symphonicanima]

Personally, this may be an issue on my end alone, but my phone would often crash when loading this forum in addition to being quite slow. As well, whenever I'd click on any thread past the one I'm reading, it will show that I'm not logged in despite having logged in three clicks ago with the timer setting on "Forever" and take me back to the login page. Thankfully, a refresh normally fixes this, but sometimes it will log me out permanently and I am forced to log in again. Just letting you know in case this issue might be part of the server problems or something.

Good luck on the move, hopefully things will all go smoothly and everyone can have their lovely forum back as soon as possible

[Carl]

Thanks for letting me know -- this may be something cleared up by having a fresh install. If not, I'd like to know if it's still happening to you after I'm done. I have some ideas on what could cause it, but hopefully this move will take care of a lot of problems in one swoop.