Board relocation failed! Now for plan B, or C, or something...

[griffin]

The relocation of the board to the new server host failed, and it is my fault for not reading the 'fine print'.
The new server host is one of the leading web hosts in the country, with very comprehensive features and services, and is one of the longest running in Australia.
Unfortunately, when I read that they supported MySQL (the database for this board) as an add-on feature, I never thought that there would be any size restrictions to the database, because this is one of the leading web hosts in the country.
Since they offer their own web-based forums, they only support a limited access to PHP based Databases (MySQL), on a different server (which was only mentioned when I rang up to ask why there was a size limit). In the fine print of the server host, it says that they can only provide 15Mb space for the Database, and a maximum of 10 connections. Our (small) board is currently using 40Mb of space, so even if I trimmed down the bulk of the board to a third of its size, it would only allow a maximum of 10 people on it at a time.

They do list the Microsoft version Database as an alternative, but the cost to add it on is about $140, and there is no guarantee that the existing board files and postings would work on the different database format. Since I've already spent $160 to create an account at this server host, I'm not too keen to risk an extra $140 just to test out the only option I have left at this new server.

I was really caught out on this one. I mean, all the really cheap server hosts offer a range of Database options, that draw on your monthly Disk Space amount (400Mb is the space I have on the old server), so why would one of the most expensive, leading server hosts, have limited Database options that don't draw on your Disk Space because it is hosted on a separate, smaller Server that limits you to just 15Mb.

I really screwed up by not spending hours reading through every little detail, and just expecting certain standards to the 'add-on' features.
I am really sorry about this new hurdle to a better messageboard. As this drags on, I'm sure I'm losing people every day. Not to mention the fact that no one has been registering, which suggests that it is one of the functions that doesn't work on the old server host.

Okay, so what's next?
I have to spend most of today investigating new server host options. Thanks to Kurdt_the_goat, I have one option already checked out. And if I can't find anything in Brisbane, I will probably go with his Perth host.
I will report back by 3pm my time, on what is being decided.

Until then, and until I can actually relocate this board to somewhere that actually works, you will need to use the old server host address now for this board:
72.52.215.34/~otca/boards/

The otca.com.au address *should* redirect to that IP number address, but in case it doesn't, copy and paste that number address into the URL bar of your browser.
Do not use the temporary domain link quoted in the previous posting/email, as it will either redirect to the old server, or, show a page that says 'website under construction'.

When the redirection starts taking affect, it may or may not affect parts of the board, more than it already is being affected. That's because there are multiple components within the board that use the domain name in them, and the auto-redirect may not affect those components.
Jaydisc has suggested a web-tech option to limit this, and I will see if that can be used while the transition between 3 servers occurs over the next few days.

[cygnus]

No worries Grif, we won't blame ya as I knew nothing about hosting a board. :D
At least, thanks for ur efforts spent in the midnight.

[Vector Sigma 13]

it happens, dont panic about it. Im sure everyone is cool with it.

[kup]

Yeah these things do happen, it is easy to fall into a trap like that.

The problem is that in Australian IT, the bigger and more reknown/expensive the company is the crappier the service.

[Kyle]

Cheer up Griffin. We cannot thank you enough for the hardwork you've done for all of us Aussie fans. No one has the right to blame you. I'm of no help and wish I have some IT knowledge, but am glad others have come forward and offered their help. :)

[STL]

Don't stress about it, boss bot. We're a patient mob so u shouldn't have to be such a worry wart. :)

[Golden Phoenix]

At least the board is still up and running.
And don't worry about the fine print, they were probably asking for more as well.
I usually find that it is the area they ask for your soul

[Pulse]

It's all good Mate :). I don't think you've lost anyone over this - We won't leave ya :D.

Hell, I was also up til 5 this morning :o I made some more space in my room, then TFed all 20 of my Alts/Binaltech & then finally re-arranged my TF Shelves some 3 times until I was finally happy :o.

[Paulbot]

I think we're making do all right Griffin so there's no rush, but I can understand how frustrating it is for you. We'll get there!

[GoktimusPrime]

Would it help if you offered voluntary sponsorship from members? Back in ye Olde days before the Internet when I was logging onto local dial-up BBSes, I was a member of one Sydney based BBS (Active BBS) where members were given the option of making donations to the board to keep it running. Donors were given special privileges such as unlimited log-on hours (although that's irrelevant now w/ the internet) and access to certain sigs (Special Interest Groups) that non-paying members didn't have.

Perhaps donors here could have the privilege of having customised "ranks." So instead of just "Member" we could customise it to "Dark Lord of the Dance" or "Supreme Monorator" or something - anything we like (within reason - of course mods can still change them if they're offensive or something).

We could have real ranks (Administrator, Moderator) in red and/or italics to distinguish them from these "faux" donor ranks so that new members can keep track of which members are actually part of the board staff.

How does that sound?

I'd donate maybe $15 a year to this board for that privilege. :)

[Kyle]

Would it help if you offered voluntary sponsorship from members? Back in ye Olde days before the Internet when I was logging onto local dial-up BBSes, I was a member of one Sydney based BBS (Active BBS) where members were given the option of making donations to the board to keep it running. Donors were given special privileges such as unlimited log-on hours (although that's irrelevant now w/ the internet) and access to certain sigs (Special Interest Groups) that non-paying members didn't have.

Perhaps donors here could have the privilege of having customised "ranks." So instead of just "Member" we could customise it to "Dark Overlord" or "Monorator" or something - anything we like (within reason - of course mods can still change them if they're offensive or something).

How does that sound?

I'd happily donate $20 a year to this board for that privilege. :)

Great idea! :)

I'd happily donate too either through bank transfer or PayPal, but don't really need any privilege. This hosting thing seems to be not cheap.

[GoktimusPrime]

The privilege thing isn't utterly essential - like you I'd happily make a donation regardless. I just reckon it'd be a neat little token incentive/reward for those of us who are willing to help pay for the upkeep of this board. :)

[kup]

Would it help if you offered voluntary sponsorship from members? Back in ye Olde days before the Internet when I was logging onto local dial-up BBSes, I was a member of one Sydney based BBS (Active BBS) where members were given the option of making donations to the board to keep it running. Donors were given special privileges such as unlimited log-on hours (although that's irrelevant now w/ the internet) and access to certain sigs (Special Interest Groups) that non-paying members didn't have.

Perhaps donors here could have the privilege of having customised "ranks." So instead of just "Member" we could customise it to "Dark Lord of the Dance" or "Supreme Monorator" or something - anything we like (within reason - of course mods can still change them if they're offensive or something).

We could have real ranks (Administrator, Moderator) in red and/or italics to distinguish them from these "faux" donor ranks so that new members can keep track of which members are actually part of the board staff.

How does that sound?

I'd donate maybe $15 a year to this board for that privilege. :)

I would be happy to contribute too. I also don't expect anything in return, I would be satisfied just by knowing that I am helping out the community in some way.

[griffin]

The idea has merit, and the incentive is good. It will be something I was going to look into after I settle the hosting situation and get full access back to all of the members and guests.
I was also thinking of a user-based system, maybe with something like google ads at the bottom of the board pages. But was going to have a poll before doing something like that, because I would still like to see no or limited advertising here. I just hate those fan forums that are crowded by advertising.

[griffin]

BTW, have scrapped the hosting option at the place I signed up to yesterday. With the help of Jaydisc, connection to this board should not be affected now, but email me if you do have any problems.
I'm liking the fasthit.net host at this stage, but if anyone else has any recommended (preferably Brisbane based) server hosts, post here and I will have a look tonight. It needs to have a monthly plan, so that I only lose a month's fee if it doesn't work out. It also needs to have MySQL v4.1 or v5, with no limit to the database. Bandwidth and server space would be something I would look at myself, depending on what different plans they have. I can't think if there is any other basic requirements needed at this time in addition to those. I just prefer a server host that has a local phone number, so it doesn't cost too much getting tech help (I'm not that tech-headed).
I wasn't able to sign up to fasthit today, as I was tied up with making sure you guys can still access this board, without yesterday's server host taking affect.
So for at least the next few days, this board is staying right here, and your access to it shouldn't be any different than the last couple of weeks, courtesy of some redirecting by Jaydisc and myself.

[Kyle]

I just hate those fan forums that are crowded by advertising.

I'd be happy to donate more if we can do without the ads. :p

[Pulse]

I'd be more than willing to chip in if need be. :)

[turtle boy]

*opens wallet* How much you need?

[i_amtrunks]

I'd be happy to pay a yearly fee too, especially if it keeps the plethora of ads off the site.

[STL]

I'd happily donate too either through bank transfer or PayPal, but don't really need any privilege. This hosting thing seems to be not cheap.

+1!

[Bartrim]

oo would be willing to contribute to prevent the place filling up with ads my queen:p

(Sorry couldn't help myself after the boss bot reference)

[griffin]

I apreciate the support guys. If a donation system was instigated, I would have to make sure something fair was in place, and if necessary, maybe some toy related sponsorship in the future as well - but it would remain minimal and tasteful.
I have a few ideas with the donation concept, but will deal with that later when things have been sorted out first.

[GoktimusPrime]

My suggestion for a donation system is to have a set minimum amount for people to donate, e.g.: $15 - in return for some token reward, like a custom board rank or maybe just the word "donor" appearing somewhere (like maybe alongside where it has Join Date, Location, Posts)... just as a form of recognition.

Maybe we should change the rank "Member" to be exclusive to donors, and non-paying users can be just known as "users." i.e.: the idea of paying an annual membership fee to help pay the upkeep of this board. As an added incentive, maybe we could have competitions that are only open to members - I'd be willing to donate prizes for such comps, and I'm sure there'd be others who'd be willing to do the same.

We could also do some fund-raising activities. If someone went ahead with making OzFormers T-shirts or jumpers, then perhaps a certain part of proceeds could go to the board. I'm sure most of us wouldn't mind paying an extra $5-10 for a shirt if that money was going to help fund this board. Maybe we someone could even buy a box of fund-raising chocolates or lollies and sell them at conventions like SupaNova, Animania, Manifest etc. - not as in getting a stall or booth, but just walking around the convention and offering them to people? I still have left over stocks of our convention comics - I'd be happy to sell them for maybe $2 a pop and give the proceeds to the board.

:)

[Bartrim]

In all honesty (and trying not to sound to sappy) I would like to say that I wouldn't need an incentive to contribute to this board as being able to interact and socialise (mainly online but every now and then I make a cameo at a meet) with local tf fans is incentive enough.

Now lets all take a kleenex and wipe the tears out of our eyes :D

[Pulse]

Now lets all take a kleenex and wipe the tears out of our eyes :D


I should be standing over a bathtub so that it can catch the river of tears rolling down my face :(:D

[dirge]

I can see where you're coming from, and the benefits are easy to see.

Having said that, I do think if this is be of a net benefit, it has to be completely voluntary. There's no point asking new members or less involved members to pay. Sure, let them know donations are appreciated, but make sure everyone realises there is no obligation, since the board exists as a service to the greater Australian fandom.

[GoktimusPrime]

Oh yeah, it would be absolutely voluntary.

What I'm saying is that all registered users on this board would be given the default minimum 'rank' of "User." But those of us who may volunteer to make a financial contribution would be given the privilege of being called "Member."

Perhaps we could place all members into an annual draw where they could win some kind of draw-prize.

Other fund-raising activities could be open to all users, donors and non-donors alike, e.g. T-shirts, comics etc.

[jaydisc]

I would be happy to donate, but I don't like the class divide.

[Kyle]

All of us after signing up to the board are already labelled as "member". Instead of playing with ranks, I suggest we can have a "donar thread" listing any new donation. But a donar can have his/her name hidden or unlisted if he/she wishes to.

[lcz128]

Yeah - I'd be happy to donate - and really - the board and the community is its own reward :) It'd bethe least we can do for griffin after all he's already done for us ;)

[GoktimusPrime]

Anyway, I just wanted to pitch the idea of members helping to fund the board through private donations and maybe fundraising activities. I think it'd be useful to have some kind of incentive to encourage donations (e.g.: rewards, recognition etc).


I would be happy to donate, but I don't like the class divide.
I wasn't thinking about creating a class divide, but if individuals are willing to contribute some of their own money into the upkeep of this board, then why not reward them with some token privilege(s)? It's not to say that contributing members are any better or worse than non-contributing members, but just to recognise those that choose to contribute. *shrug* Maybe we could just have "Member" and "Contributing Member" as ranks. That seems more matter-of-factly to me. *shrugs.again*


All of us after signing up to the board are already labelled as "member". Instead of playing with ranks, I suggest we can have a "donar thread" listing any new donation. But a donar can have his/her name hidden or unlisted if he/she wishes to.

That's not a bad idea. The thread would definitely have to be a sticky. :)

My only concern with that, compared to the rank suggestion, is that it may not create as much awareness of the option of donate to new members. Unless a new member happens to look at that part of the board and read that thread, s/he may not actually take much notice of it and may not be quite so aware that such an option exists.

IMO the advantage of the 'rank' is that every time a contributing member posts, it will have the words "Contributing Member" under that user name, thus generating awareness of the contribution option. It is in effect advertising the option, but I think it's important to do that if we want to encourage new members to donate. I say encourage, not force or coerce, which I sense is the concern from some people who've criticised this suggestion (which is a fair enough concern too).

But I suppose we need to explore ways to advertise the option without making it seem 'elitist.'

Another idea is perhaps to have a banner on the board as an actual advert for donations. The banner could point to a web page on otca.com.au which informs users about how they can make a donation.

Anyway, I'm glad that everyone seems to be so supportive with the idea of making private donations to the board - it's really good to see. I would like to come up with some idea on how to advertise the option to promote awareness for current and future members. :)

[Fungal Infection]

I would be happy to donate, but I don't like the class divide.

I second this notion. I think with differentations in titles (aside from mod status) you are going to find some people with a superiority complex who will have a "I'm a paying member so I have more of a right than you do" mentality and who will inevitably talk down to newbies or non-paying members. I'll happily make a donation but I dont wanna be recognised for it. As long as I know I've contributed I'm happy enough as it is. I dont need other people to know I've contributed to feel good about myself.

[iceburn]

I second this notion. I think with differentations in titles (aside from mod status) you are going to find some people with a superiority complex who will have a "I'm a paying member so I have more of a right than you do" mentality and who will inevitably talk down to newbies or non-paying members. I'll happily make a donation but I dont wanna be recognised for it. As long as I know I've contributed I'm happy enough as it is. I dont need other people to know I've contributed to feel good about myself.

+2. One don't need to be recongised for doing good deeds.
By having titles, this will sub-divide the forum members such that now we are even called names for being members from different states... so keep the forum simply and help it to grow with donations is good enough

[Burn]

Given that we're not an overly large forum in terms of members, i've also got to agree that if you donate, you shouldn't expect anything in return except for a thank you.

We're not big enough to justify special titles for those who donate and those who don't. Because once you start, where does it end? Should the person who donates $50/month get a fancier title than someone who donates $5/month?

At the end of the day we're all collectors, we're all TF fans, even the Mods/Admins. None of us is superior to another (not even you dirge! :p ), we're here to enjoy and share our hobby.

[Kyle]

As long as I know I've contributed I'm happy enough as it is. I dont need other people to know I've contributed to feel good about myself.


+2. One don't need to be recongised for doing good deeds.


Given that we're not an overly large forum in terms of members, i've also got to agree that if you donate, you shouldn't expect anything in return except for a thank you.

Agreed. At most a thank you would be enough but we shouldn't even need that. We haven't thanked the boss bot enough for what he's done for the fans over the years. :p


By having titles, this will sub-divide the forum members such that now we are even called names for being members from different states... so keep the forum simply and help it to grow with donations is good enough

A very good point.

[Zippo]

At the TFNZ forum, I add a $2 tax onto each of my pre orders to help with the server costs. Granted its not going to work here, but maybe we apply a fee to sales?

[GoktimusPrime]

Okay, so what about my other suggestion that doesn't involve recognition at all?


Another idea is perhaps to have a banner on the board as an actual advert for donations. The banner could point to a web page on otca.com.au which informs users about how they can make a donation.

[roller]

um dirge said he'd pay for my contribution :)

[Pulse]

Ha Ha Ha dirge, who's the mule now ay? ;):D

[dirge]

Well, if roller thinks I'm paying for him, then he's clearly a ...donkey.

[MV75]

Yes, a banner pointing out the donation scheme would be good. Or even more simply, outline it upon new user registration.

I agree with a few others that custom titles and other glaringly obvious class divides arn't the way to go and do make regular users feel useless. *cough*TFW2005*cough*

I'm more for having a page listing the donars instead. Not how much they pay, but just the fact they donated. It's something that lets the e-peen grow, yet not be in the way, and if someone does want to play the elitist card to make themselves feel better during a differing of opinions, then they can go and check it out for themselves. ;)

As for a google ad mentioned earlier, go for it. But I dunno how well it would work with their ad sense stuff as I don't think there are many australian toy vendors using google ads. I feel a sponsor might be needed. Put to a vote of course on who we think are the best Australian dealers, and right now, there arn't any, best vendors are all in Japan. :D Actually, maybe stores like toyworld and toykingdom would be good starters if they were interested.
________
LAMBORGHINI LM004 SPECIFICATIONS (http://www.lamborghini-tech.com/wiki/Lamborghini_LM004)

[jaydisc]

I'm more for having a page listing the donars instead. Not how much they pay, but just the fact they donated. It's something that lets the e-peen grow, yet not be in the way, and if someone does want to play the elitist card to make themselves feel better during a differing of opinions, then they can go and check it out for themselves. ;)

Personally I don't think this is any different in that it still creates a divide.

[STL]

I don't think we need any recognition at all. I mean if 20 of us contributed $10 bucks each, that'd be more than enough to cover the board, from the costing that I've seen Griffin mention here and there. It's like paying your subs for ur footy/cricket club. Keeps the place going and i think its time we lend Griffin a hand out here.

[i_amtrunks]

I don't think we need any recognition at all. I mean if 20 of us contributed $10 bucks each, that'd be more than enough to cover the board, from the costing that I've seen Griffin mention here and there. It's like paying your subs for ur footy/cricket club. Keeps the place going and i think its time we lend Griffin a hand out here.

Agreed.

Isnt the warm fuzzy feeling in you sub cockles area enough? :p

[Sam]

"Doing good in itself is the reward, so when you do good deeds, don't make a big fuss about it or shout it out to everyone, because then you are doing good deeds simply to get praise or rewards and acting out of impure motives."
- paraphrase of the words of a wise man

[Fungal Infection]

Agreed.

Isnt the warm fuzzy feeling in you sub cockles area enough? :p

That sounds so wrong for some reason..... :p

[Kyle]

and if someone does want to play the elitist card to make themselves feel better during a differing of opinions, then they can go and check it out for themselves. ;)

A very good point. The ranking system does have the flaw of being abused and exploited.


I don't think we need any recognition at all. I mean if 20 of us contributed $10 bucks each, that'd be more than enough to cover the board, from the costing that I've seen Griffin mention here and there. It's like paying your subs for ur footy/cricket club. Keeps the place going and i think its time we lend Griffin a hand out here.

Nod nod. I think lcz128 summed it up best:


Yeah - I'd be happy to donate - and really - the board and the community is its own reward :) It'd bethe least we can do for griffin after all he's already done for us ;)

Do we really need any more appreciation? We're all already welcomed as members of this nice community. :)

[Bartrim]

Agreed.

Isnt the warm fuzzy feeling in you sub cockles area enough? :p

The feelings in my sub cockles area is none your business Mr Trunks :p

BTW I'm with the majority here. I too believe that there is no need for recognition. I feel if you want to contribute then you should PM Griff and sort it out privately.

[Kyle]

Personally I don't think this is any different in that it still creates a divide.

I suggested it thinking it was at least better than ranking. But you're right, it does still create a divide. :/

From this thread we can easily see that many fans are happy to contribute without any extra appreciation. I think we should all be appreciating the board and community, not the other way around. :)

[MV75]

Personally I don't think this is any different in that it still creates a divide.

I do agree with you. My idea was less harsh than a blatently obvious "reward" system, but overall I do agree that there really should be no visible differences, even custom titles.

An acknowlegement of recieving the donation (so we know he got it), and a quick thank you from Griffin (through email), is all I'd be happy with. :)

I do like the competition idea that Gok mentioned though, but should we make that as part of a list of donars that only Griffin knows, and is kept to emails, and not this board, or just general board wide? Maybe, just maybe, the newsletter can be revived for paying members? Just some ideas that I'm not entirely attached to either way. :)
________
Penny Stock Picks (http://pennystockpicks.net/)

[jaydisc]

One of my favorite blogs has a "membership drive" at times of need. This is typically t-shirt's sold at a little above market value. I think this works best in a few ways:

1. By creating a new t-shirt, people who have already gave are happy to give again.
2. There is an obvious benefit to donating (although clearly most of us recognize the existing benefits of simply having this great site - we need a crying emoticon)
3. Assuming the shirts are OzFormer branded, it's free marketing at toy fairs, etc.
4. Income can be raised "on demand", e.g. to help handle the site's excess traffic during the industry toy fair.
5. Doesn't create an online class divide or differentiator in any way.

Cafepress.com is a great example of an online store that allows you to make and sell your own merchandise on demand and make money doing so. I'm sure some other board members here could recommend some other avenues as well. Perhaps we could even have competitions for shirt designs.

[TheDirtyDigger]

Well I was going to keep quiet but.....

I love the idea of a hierarchial ranking system.

We should have a definite and rigid pecking order based on various things like years of service, number of tf's, size of financial contributions to server upkeep, make-out ability and what type of car we drive.

Higher ranks should be able to belittle and boss around those of lower rank while new recruits and trial members should be open slather for bastardisation and hazing from full members. A painful and humiliating initiation ceremony could also be of great benefit and entertainment to the community as a whole.

Those of equal rank would be able to insult each other on a wide variety of differentiations including such things as occupational and/or class status, cultural differences, sexual orientation and state residency. (yeah I'm onto you Noo Soud Welshmin)

I believe with these and other 'improvements' instituted, our community would only bond more strongly and it would be of massive benefit to the greater good of all.













Haha...of course I'm joking.:D:p










mostly

[Kyle]

make-out ability

How do we *measure* that? :confused::p:D

[MV75]

Well I was going to keep quiet but.....

I love the idea of a hierarchial ranking system.

We should have a definite and rigid pecking order based on various things like years of service, number of tf's, size of financial contributions to server upkeep, make-out ability and what type of car we drive.

Higher ranks should be able to belittle and boss around those of lower rank while new recruits and trial members should be open slather for bastardisation and hazing from full members. A painful and humiliating initiation ceremony could also be of great benefit and entertainment to the community as a whole.

Those of equal rank would be able to insult each other on a wide variety of differentiations including such things as occupational and/or class status, cultural differences, sexual orientation and state residency. (yeah I'm onto you Noo Soud Welshmin)

I believe with these and other 'improvements' instituted, our community would only bond more strongly and it would be of massive benefit to the greater good of all.

Haha...of course I'm joking.:D:p

mostly

Get to cleaning my toilet mode shortround maggot! I wanna be able to eat lunch off that thing, and it's lunch time now! Why havn't you already done it?!

You call yourself a TF fan?! GO GO GO! Move it slug!

And when you're done, report to Roller.
________
FORD RACING 3 HISTORY (http://www.ford-wiki.com/wiki/Ford_Racing_3)

[TheDirtyDigger]

Get to cleaning my toilet mode shortround maggot! I wanna be able to eat lunch off that thing, and it's lunch time now! Why havn't you already done it?!

You call yourself a TF fan?! GO GO GO! Move it slug!

And when you're done, report to Roller.


"SIR YES SIR"





See how well my system works?

[Burn]

You know if we're going to have a hierarchial system then the Mods should be made to pay a % of the monthly running costs.

Hey ... they want the job then they'd better start pulling their weight around here. I mean really, how hard is it to lock a thread? :p

[gamblor916]

At another forum I frequent they recently had a funding drive. The goal was to raise $5000 for 5 years of funding. There was no mention of ranks, titles whatever it was all confidential, but posted on the front page was a running total. They got to the total eventually (I think after a month or so) so they're covered for the next 5 years. I think something like that would be better.
I supported them because I think it's a valuable resource and I would do the same here.

[dirge]

I like gamblor's idea. Anonymous with visible incentive (:

[GoktimusPrime]

Hehe, that's cool - reminds me of some of the fundraising they used to do in primary school with the cardboard thermometer show how far they were from reaching their goal - or like with certain telethons etc. It's a neat idea. :)

[kup]

I am in favor of Gamblor's suggestion.

[loophole]

I think Gamblor may have hit a home run with his suggestion
(i think its a good idea anyway)

[STL]

*bump*

Since this thread has seemed to disappear, I thought it might be an ideal time to have it rear its head. I'm in favour of Gamblor's suggestion. Anonymity is preserved so no one feels prejudiced by having not contributed.

[griffin]

Due to a technical fault by the new server host last week, which had them overcharging me about $490, and no answers as to the cause of the fault they are saying is on their end, I'm yet to give the thumbs up on staying at this current host. I'd only be chasing up donations when I am satisfied that we are located at a reliable, mid to long term host.
Thanks for keeping it in mind though guys. :)

[GoktimusPrime]

Gah! I'm having all kinds of problems with the board atm! First I couldn't log in then I couldn't check my inbox and now I'm having trouble viewing threads! I keep getting "Database Error" and other such prompts. I eventually get through by either coming back later or just trying again several times... but yeah. The board seems unstable to me. *shrug*

[Paulbot]

I had the same problems earlier, and tried to post here but couldn't. Seems to be working a bit better now.

[Kyle]

And I was thinking it was just me... :D