Simtropolis 2006 Technology Upgrade

[Dirktator 2,308]

Hello gang!

 

This is an attempt to directly address the recent issues relating to server performance -- or rather, lack thereof.  The constant script time-outs, the constant access denied, and the constant capacity limitations -- all of which are becoming a real drag for everyone -- myself included.  (How would you like to try to log into a site you made and it tells YOU there are too many people?)

 

We're going to address this with a two-step process.  One step is a technology upgrade.  The other is a software upgrade.

 

Tech Upgrade

 

It's been almost 2 years since we've had a meaningful technology upgrade, and after assessing our situation, the Administration has concluded that we are now due.  Here's what we have in mind, it's pretty standard by all accounts, but it should help improve things:

 

We're looking to get a second Pentium XEON CPU (CDN$700 - $900), and two more gigs of RAM (CDN$600 - $800), as well as a secondary hard drive (CDN$120).  The STEX itself is currently pushing 30 gigs, and the Simtropolis database, forum files and all site-related files occupy at least as much.  Our goal is to reach $1600 in the next couple of weeks, (and hopefully we can squeeze in a new hard drive to boot, so to speak). 

 

Software Upgrade

 

The other step will be a (potentially) massive software upgrade.  I say potentially because it could be a very very fundamental change indeed, starting with these forums.  A full upgrade to Idealbb.NET has been in testing now for the last few weeks -- there are a lot of issues to resolve prior to jumping forward. 

 

The newer .NET version of the board boasts significant improvement in performance, from what the developers have told me, I believe it to be a worthwhile effort.  But it will not be easy because of the massive site-wide code-intimate integration that Simtropolis has with the existing idealbb system -- and the fact that the only person local to the server to perform this undertaking is yours truly!  I'm going to do my best but it's not going to happen over night!

 

Well, I guess this is kind of my State of the Simtropolis Union speech, so now you all know where we are and where we want to be...

 

If you haven't yet donated to the community, please, now is the time to toss a few bucks into the tip jar and you'll really see how far it will go!

 

Thanks to all our past donors -- you've helped keep us going!  I hope some of you still on the fence will consider giving a little back to this little big community..   Thanks everyone!

 

[Meg 368]

In support of the fundraising efforts for the new server, I am offering more sponsorships.  There are 5 sponsorships available, each worth $20, so the recipient will get a STEX CD.

To qualify for a sponsorship, you must:

 

- Be a full time student (any educational level qualifies) and

- PM me, telling me in 25 words or less why you want to contribute to the community

 

I know we need this server, folks, and Dirk needs our help to get it.  He has been paying the bills each month out of his pocket.  Let's help him out. 

[dev 47]

Definetly, dirk. I will be helping you out when I get my paycheck cashed!

[beebs 129]

Wow, big upgrades planned! 30 gigs for the STEX is quite a lot... have you ever thought of clearing out some stuff? Like the old old antiques that many people have probably never heard of? Just a thought anyways.
Unfortunately I can't donate right now, since I'm still in the nest, so to speak, but within a couple months, I should be able to give you some nice donations if everything goes as planned (Still working, parents let me stay at home, get accepted to uni... you know how it is. ). Hope those who are able donate though. For 3 years I've come to Simtropolis, a good 7 months before I registered, and it's all been uphill from there. Good work, Dirk! (hey, that rhymes. )

[Micah 16]

That sounds fantastic! Just what Simtropolis needs! Slowness and errors be gone!

^^^ Personally, I think those old antiques are actually cool and make Simtropolis what it is.

 

Also, dirk I just noticed your advertisement before I left... I think maybe a photo of the Simtropolis logo and like a memory chip or something would catch peoples attention because those words look like the other links on the site and people (well, at least me) don't see the link. Just simply a suggestion.

[dev 47]

Date: 2/8/2006 12:09:41 AM
Author: Micah

That sounds fantastic! Just what Simtropolis needs! Slowness and errors be gone!

^^^ Personally, I think those old antiques are actually cool and make Simtropolis what it is.

Also, dirk I just noticed your advertisement before I left... I think maybe a photo of the Simtropolis logo and like a memory chip or something would catch peoples attention because those words look like the other links on the site and people (well, at least me) don't see the link. Just simply a suggestion.

quote>

Indeed...but I think that is part of the problem isn't it?

[vidioman 21]

It's times like these I regret being born into a poor family...

Good luck though. If I come into money in the near future I'll think of youse.

[nycsc4 5,250]

can we use a debit card, with the donation thing?  if so you can expect a fairly large donaton from me

[dev 47]

Date: 2/8/2006 12:58:19 AM
Author: vidioman
It's times like these I regret being born into a poor family...


Good luck though. If I come into money in the near future I'll think of youse.

quote>

Vid...don't worry...did you not notice Meg's offering of sponsorships...?

[defcon pilot 0]

Well, that's great to hear! I hope, though, that all of the current boards, forums, and topics will be kept.
Sorry I can't donate. Not exactly in a state to be able to give right now.
Salutations,

defcon pilot (or DP, or defcon, or whatever you want to call me...)

[ancientsociety 26]

Sounds great, if very expensive. Good thing you did this during tax time. I'll try to get some cash together. Thanks, Dirk.

[beebs 129]

Date: 2/8/2006 1:00:36 AM
Author: nycsc4
can we use a debit card, with the donation thing? if so you can expect a fairly large donaton from me

quote>
I did a little poking around and it looks like you have to sign up to PayPal in order to use your debit card.

[choco1 4]

This will be amazing when its completed, and its great to see the legend of simtropolis given a fresh burst of life!

Oh wow, I wish so much that I could donate, but I have asked my parents countless times! I will try again in a moment.But they don't like the idea of donating to a websie, no matter what I say. Which sucks because I would love to help Simtropolis. I might messge skigeek on her generous offer.

The tech and software updates look great! Will we be seeing a fresh new look with these updates? And is the the anticipated 5.0?

Thanks for taking your time to do this dirk!

EDITED: my mistake about the his!

[vidioman 21]

Speaking of tax, would there be a way of being able to write this stuff off? Is there some sort of fund or something so that you can get Simtropolis tax exempt status, or would it be ineligable since it's just an internet forum? I know you can write off most things you use for work, but this isn't really a job it's more of a hobby... Something to look into I guess...

[dev 47]

Date: 2/8/2006 1:39:13 AM
Author: chocolatemax285
This will be amazing when its completed, and its great to see the legend of simtropolis given a fresh burst of life!


Oh wow, I wish so much that I could donate, but I have asked my parents countless times! I will try again in a moment.But they don't like the idea of donating to a websie, no matter what I say. Which sucks because I would love to help Simtropolis. I might messge skigeek on his generous offer.


The tech and software updates look great! Will we be seeing a fresh new look with these updates? And is the the anticipated 5.0?


Thanks for taking your time to do this dirk!

quote>

Just for future reference...Ski is a female...hence the Cyber-Mom title and old lady in her avatar...

[lakeyboy 12]

I think that this announcement will ensure that simtropolis is not leaving the internet world for a very long time. More people = More Bandwidth = More bandwith to buy = More powerful hardware = more money. The more money that gets given to simtropolis, the more upgrades it can buy such as the new version of the forum software, the new more powerful server and more hard disk space for more fantastic stex creations and creative posts in the forums. This plan, along with the on-site picture hosting crackdown will ensure simtropolises existance as the worlds best website and the website which I visit the most and log on to every time I open the internet browser.

Fantastic work from all of you guys.

[Boggy1 45]

I really really really want to donate something, but I doubt my mum will let me. I hate being a teenager.

[choco1 4]

Just for future reference...Ski is a female...hence the 'Cyber-Mom' title and old lady in her avatar...

quote>

Hehe, yeah I actually know that. It was kinda obvious. I just said the wrong thing by mistake.

[Mary Maurine Mayo 984]

Hi Dirk.

 

Sorry I can't donate as we are a poor family also. But in an effort to save you some disk space I can give a list of files to take off the stex as I do not want them anymore. IF this will help let me know.

 

lynks

 

ps. I would also suggest that all pics start being hosted off site to cut down on bandwith. I now host all my pics on photobucket or imageshack. I suggest we all start doing that.

 

 

 

[ephorex_77 0]

Date: 2/8/2006 2:55:14 AM Author: Boggy1 I really really really want to donate something, but I doubt my mum will let me. I hate being a teenager.

quote>

Ditto...

 

But I'll try for ski's sponsorship!!

[MrCinatit 30]

i would also like to sponsor some for the Simtropolis CD. at the time being, i can sponsor three for 20 dollars each. hopefully, this total will imcrease come the weekend.

if you would like to be sponsored and cannot for any reason afford to donate, PM me, let me know why you love Simtropolis, and we will take it from there.

[LBraden 14]

I should be able to throw a few quid into the jar sometime before the 1st of March, if everything goes according to plan, but I am currently moving house, so that has used most of my money

[Sproxxx 0]

Hmmmm...Upgrade huh? I think this place is cool so I'm going to go dig for some extra change. I'll donate when I find it. Keep up the good work with the site!

[TheCrybKeeper 278]

Date: 2/8/2006 5:24:40 AM Author: pmiller19574

Hi Dirk.

Sorry I can't donate as we are a poor family also. But in an effort to save you some disk space I can give a list of files to take off the stex as I do not want them anymore. IF this will help let me know.

lynks

ps. I would also suggest that all pics start being hosted off site to cut down on bandwith. I now host all my pics on photobucket or imageshack. I suggest we all start doing that.

quote>

I agree with you there, Lynks. Except for in city journals. I know they have the most images, most likely, but that is the appeal of and even center piece of many CJ's. images of an illustrative genre could be hosted off-sight. Images that are for, helping to aid the befuddled Sitizens with ailing cities, could also be hosted off-sight.

 

I will be PayPal'ing $20.00 from Ohio, Dirk, this Saturday. I am not exactly poor, but I still live paycheck to paycheck, like the rest of us blue collars.

 

Please let me know, Dirk; How much of that $20.00 do you actually end up with, after PP gets a bite?

 

Did my taxes and got a refund! Yep, you guessed it; already spent that on software myself. MMmmm, good software toooo.

 

 

[Ramona Brie 121]

I donated $20 a couple of months ago. The STEX CD rocks, if you haven't gotten it yet!

[sendarrow 3]

I going to donate as soon as I get home!! ST rocks!!!!

[Mikeaut1 261]

I would really want to donate as well. I'm not sure if my parents would let me, but I'll try my best. It's really considerate of Dirk, that he pays to have this site up and running. We should all try and help him out. I'll definitely ask my parents to donate some money here, since this is like my life outside school and friends.

[MrVegetable 2]

I'm a little confused on how these sponsorships work...I would really love to contribute as much as I can before I leave full-time education this year, and with no ability to get my own debit cards and a PayPal until I'm 18...this site has been like a 2nd home to me for 2 years and I really want to give something back!

[Meg 368]

Date: 2/8/2006 7:29:28 AM Author: MrCinatit

i would also like to sponsor some for the Simtropolis CD. at the time being, i can sponsor three for 20 dollars each. hopefully, this total will imcrease come the weekend.

if you would like to be sponsored and cannot for any reason afford to donate, PM me, let me know why you love Simtropolis, and we will take it from there.

quote>

Thank you, MrC!   My sponsorships have all been taken.  I haven't written everyone yet but I can tell from the size of my inbox this morning that they have all been taken.  Give me some time to sort through it and I'll PM everyone and send the money to Dirk.

 

Thank you to everyone for your interest.

[dev 47]

Date: 2/8/2006 11:06:36 AM
Author: MrVegetable
I'm a little confused on how these sponsorships work...I would really love to contribute as much as I can before I leave full-time education this year, and with no ability to get my own debit cards and a PayPal until I'm 18...this site has been like a 2nd home to me for 2 years and I really want to give something back!

quote>

Basically, SkiGeek or MrCinatit will donate in your name to the site. You will get a copy of the STEX CD...as well as you can say that you've donated.

MrC...Great to see more sponsorships available!