Please no pop-up adds or other annoying advertisments. I love that this site, espcially this forum, is all about the Rockets and fans (and some critics). I prefer a subscription to a sponsor. I am concerned what influence a sponsor may have on site content.
I got the same idea after yesterday's shutdown. Clutch, please consider some banners (no pop-up please, I hate them and close them up as soon as possible). we can get some better severs or maybe some camcorders for Jeff and Rockhead , and put some video stream on cc.net.
Bingo. I don't think Java is necessary for what's needed. For the size/type of application, I think the Linux/PHP is probably most suitable, at the price point (as low as possible). But then I have no insight into why the server is going down, so I can't really say definitively.
I think, it is a combination of low bandwidth and high traffic that is crashing the server. Just my .02 DD
There's 9000+ members on this board... if everyone were to contribute a dollar or so, Clutch would be set. I duno the exact costs of a new server and all, but even if half of the members contributed some sort of funds (1 to 3 dollars), we wouldn't have the problems we are havin now.
Clutch, I don't know whether Rockets are playing you to do this, but if not, you really should talk to them for some sponsorship $$$. This site is the premier internet marketing tool for the Rox, IMHO. Also, I'm not sure if the "financial problems" are one of just throwing more hardware, a one time fix, or some ongoing recurring expenses that are getting out of whack. B/c if it's the latter, then commericializing the site with more ppm adds is probably a decent way to go. If it's a one time jobby, one not just ask all clutch members to donate a buck? with 10K users, that's $10K right there And what avid fan wouldn't give a buck to help maintain this site? This site is growing out of its britches and its time for some new clothes. theSAGE
Guys, It is not a tech issue. It is a server issue. The server cc.net is on is fine for most normal applications, but, after games, the site is getting Ebay-like numbers of hits. The cost to ramp up the servers to handle the bandwidth will likely push it into the THOUSANDS PER MONTH! Right now, Clutch is already shelling out hundreds per month, but the only way to solve the problem is to go to a VERY BIG dedicated server that is really, REALLY expensive especially for a site that has been surviving on the kindness of strangers. There are a number of options out there and they are all being explored. It is great that everyone is offering their suggestions but please realize that pretty much everything has been considered well before now. It isn't that your suggestions aren't appreciated, it's just that this is an issue that has been with the site for some time so it isn't new or surprising. If you guys want to discuss this further, there have been several threads started in the Feedback Forum. Check them out and thanks for all the support.
