APRIL FOOLS!

As many have noted, the performance of the server we are on at times causes pages to stall. I know it's been frustrating. We've been working hard to resolve the problem with the hosting company.

Unfortunately, it looks like we've just plain out-grown our server. With over 12,000 members and almost 700,000 posts going back to 1999, it was bound to happen. Upgrading to a better performing server at this point would be cost prohibitive based on the current balance in the website maintenance fund.

Therefore, starting today, we're going to try an altered membership log-in strategy which I hope will lighten the load. In theory, it should cut server load in half if everyone follows the rules.

Please read this carefully!!:

Starting today, the following rules are in effect:

• Members with last names starting with the letters A through L will be allowed to log in on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, as well as Sunday EVEN hours.
• Members with last names starting with the letters M through Z will be allowed to log in on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays as well as Sunday ODD hours.

I know this will cause heartache to some as their appointed days and Sunday hours may not be convenient. Everyone is in the same boat, and this is the only way I can think of to make it fair across the board. Keep in mind, if everyone follows these new rules, the server should respond much quicker, making your stay here less frustrating.

As always, I'm open to reconsideration if someone has a better idea, I'll definitely listen. Post your thoughts in this thread located in the MonteCarloSS.com News forum. Please, constructive criticisms only. If you have something smart to say, please refrain for the benefit of others who are 'not as smart' as you. We're in this together.

Regards,
PaulC, your Admin

It has come to my attention that some are not able to reply to the General Announcement post. Since we don't do General Announcmeent type posts often.. I wasn't aware of the limitation. Try replying to the post in the MonteCarloSS.com News forum. Hopefully the system will allow replies there.

Ok.. looks like that didn't work either. Just removed the Global Announcement part of this post. Hopefully that will allow users to reply.

If this is where you want us to reply, I'll go first...

Personally, I'd rather it take a bit longer for a thread to open each time...than to only be able to log in every other day.

Having been through exactly this same problem with another site I help admin, I'm fully aware of the difficulties Paul C is having fixing this. And I' know there isn't really an easy answer. Heck, if it's a matter of dollars, I'd be more apt to contribute more as well...instead of limit my opportunities to enjoy the site.

My own two cents, yours may be different.

Maybe logging off if your not actually looking through the site but staying logged on to it? I know i've done that here as well as other sites. Theres my 2 cents as well..

I think those who log-in on the wrong day deserve to get a pink color scheme indefinitely.

April Fools Paul ???
Guy

If it's a matter of throwing money at the problem I'd be willing to donate toward a new server. Can't speak for others but think everyone here knows this is one of the premier car forums on the web, and want to keep it that way. Most of us know that the time and effort Paul puts into this site is never mentioned. So now may be the time to step up to the plate and keep this a top rated site.
Bob

How much exactly is "cost prohibitive"?
This site is so great I'd pay to use it.... Maybe a 1 time sign-up fee our once a year charge? That way those with lower budgets (like mine) could save up.
Would it help to put some sort of timer that automatically logs you off if you are inactive for X amount of time?

Next April 1st tell everyone your opening the site to all Generations of Monte Carlos including 5th and 6th gens, if that don't get a huge reaction nothing will!

Nah come to think of it, don't do that, members may jump out the window before you say April Fool's!

lol,
Joe

that was great Joe

lol so what's my last name? good try paul!

Ok.. just to make it official..

APRIL FOOLS!

You know who you are!

We have some very alert members who caught on quickly.. and some who didn't. All in good fun. Sorry if I may have paniced or pissed some of you off.

Seriously though, we do take the issue with server as no laughing matter. We're still investigating and trying different things. Upgrading or getting a new server / hosting company is not out of the question. I'll try to keep you all informed the best I can.

Our site maintenance fund may be taxed if we go that route, but for the moment is maintaining thanks to the kind contributions from the membership. We're running low on stickers in stock.. so will need to plop down some funds to restock sometime this summer. If the funds fall below the comfort level given the periodic contributions we get, I'll be sure to mention that here too.

Thanks for playing along. Now to start thinking about next year.

Paul I sold my car today to help you out! Took fifty bucks for it, will send it to ya via pony express.
Bob

Paul,I am a member at Team Chevelle,and they have a subscription available to those that want to contribute money to help with site maintenance.Here is a link;
http://www.chevelles.com/forums/register.php
Maybe you could offer something like TC does,but done how ever you see fit to do it.
Guy

although i doubt you'll ever top pintoss.com, still this was a nice one Paul

I loved that one.
I changed my sig picture to a Pinto and everything. LOL

LOL nice!