Several reasons for this lately.

1. I've been doing some work on our data. Backup routines, analysis, indexing, etc. We have A LOT of data, so it's tricky to not overload the server. I used to do it at 3am to not effect things, but I can't stay up that late anymore.

2. Spam is increasing. We get hammered every day with thousands upon thousands of attacks from people and worms and spiders trying to use our site for nothing we want. We usually have more manpower to deal with it, but:

3. We're down a very key member of our staff due to an ongoing family emergency. Our planned upgrade for the 10th anniversary includes a great deal of behind the scenes defense systems, but is delayed due to this issue that I will talk more about pretty soon.

4. General traffic increases. We're getting more hits.

5. I've been out of town for some time.

Everyone relax, take a deep breath. My phone number is on the contact page, you can call me anytime and I'll personally explain you everything and tell you a story and sing you a song. Call me.