Mudcat Availability

Subject: Mudcat Availability
From: dwditty
Date: 10 Dec 97 - 09:12 PM

For the last several weeks I have only occasionally been connected to the Mudcat. I am repeatedly told that the server may be down. Could this be anything that is happening at my end - it looks like the threads have been on-going? Has anyone else experienced the agnst brought on by such occurences? I want my Mudcat everyday!

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: Jen
Date: 10 Dec 97 - 09:20 PM

I've had this problem too, but not this week. I think last week I couldn't get in for a whole day, so I don't think its your fault.

Jennifer

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: judy
Date: 10 Dec 97 - 09:21 PM

me too, on and off

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: dulcimer
Date: 10 Dec 97 - 09:50 PM

I'm not an old timer to this site, but I can remember over the last year when access was really difficult at times. I have found most of the delays in the morning between 6 and 7 CST in the US. I now just take these little delays in stride and take it as an opportunity to play some of the music I have copy and transposed from DT and friends on this site.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: Lidi
Date: 11 Dec 97 - 06:03 AM

I have this problem everyday, mostly around day-time.

Sláinte

Lidi

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: Wolfgang
Date: 11 Dec 97 - 08:38 AM

same as Lidi for me too (middle of Europe)

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: Whippoorwill
Date: 11 Dec 97 - 10:44 AM

Every day I try, and every day I wait, and wait, and wait, until I finally give up in disgust. This is the first time I've been able to get on in two weeks. I know it's not my computer, because I don't have the same problem anywhere else. I'm slipping into depression for lack of stimulating conversation with fellow mudcats.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: Lidi
Date: 11 Dec 97 - 10:44 AM

Wolfgang,

not only the middle of Europe, apparently also in the North.....:)

sláinte

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: Sandy
Date: 11 Dec 97 - 12:04 PM

Same problem.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: Bill in Alabama
Date: 11 Dec 97 - 03:15 PM

Here in Alabama, I have trouble getting onto the site around 7 am, but during the rest of the day there is only a slight delay.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: Bill D
Date: 11 Dec 97 - 04:08 PM

I am on almost every day...sometimes several times...and I am 'usually' able to get on. There were a couple of days last weekend when it seemed to be totally unavailable....and I find that weekend mornings in the US is the worst time..

There is a complex relationship between the phone lines that Max has to use to start all connections, the state of the net in general (routers and international connections, etc.) and the situation with the 'servers'...that is, the actual machines that hold the Mudcat database and code. Max said awhile back that in order to increase speed and lighten the load on HIS machine, he was exporting many of the functions to another machine..(in Califronia, I think)...which adds one more layer to the set of things which might go wrong...go wrong..go wrong...go wrong...*smile*. So until Max gives us another update, I can only shrug and speculate...but I am getting in and am able to read Mudcat 'most days'....I hope it clear up for others, too..

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: judy
Date: 11 Dec 97 - 04:28 PM

Yes, From the West coast of the States, last was pretty bad and it has seemed to clear up this week.

judy

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: Nonie Rider
Date: 11 Dec 97 - 06:25 PM

Odd. California, SF Bay Area: no problem.

'Course, since I usually access it during the workday, I wouldn't know whether it bogs down at night.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: Jon W.
Date: 11 Dec 97 - 06:40 PM

I haven't had much trouble connecting per se but once in a while when I click on a thread I get a message that says something like "Service unavailable. Number of connections would exceed maximum set by operator. Try again in 30 seconds." So maybe Mudcat's just being used heavily.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: Jon W.
Date: 11 Dec 97 - 06:46 PM

Also I wonder if the new "Messages since last visit" feature is having a big impact, especially with the default refresh time of 90 seconds. It might help to have a longer interval as default.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: Gene E
Date: 11 Dec 97 - 08:48 PM

No problems down here in Texas land. I still wonder why nobody is ever in the chat room.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: judy
Date: 12 Dec 97 - 01:20 AM

Would like to do a chat but can't seem to attain membership. Might have to do with my ISP. Anyone else have the same problem?

judy

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: Joe Offer
Date: 12 Dec 97 - 02:30 AM

Judy, we have our own "Chat" right here at the Mudcat Cafe, which should work with Java-capable browsers like the latest versions of Netscape and MS Internet Explorer. You just have to be registered here at Mudcat to be admitted - and you have to go there at the same time somebody else is there.
-Joe-

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: judy
Date: 12 Dec 97 - 02:48 PM

I've tried to register two or three times but it always gives me the same error. Sent a message with the error message to the webserver here twice but to no avail, no response. So I'm enjoying reading and responding

judy

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: judy
Date: 12 Dec 97 - 03:03 PM

Just tried again to be sure. Same problem

judy

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: Joe Offer
Date: 12 Dec 97 - 09:23 PM

Judy - could it be you get a Javascript error when you try to register? If that's the case, go into the "Options" section of your Web browser and empty the "Temporary Internet Files." then try again. Sometimes, what happens is that there's a botched-up Java page in among the saved pages, and your browser keeps loading that botched page. MAYBE that will help.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: Bruce Johnson
Date: 12 Dec 97 - 09:53 PM

From Eastern Time Zone of US, I have trouble connecting about 6 pm weekdays, and at unpredictable but frequent times on weekends. I always assumed it was just the popularity of this site. It is one where civil discourse and helpful response to questions is the rule, rather than the exception. This is quite different form the predatory trash I run into almost anywhere else I go.

Long live the Mudcat, and the fine friends who gather here!

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: Ron
Date: 12 Dec 97 - 10:30 PM

I've had the same ongoing problem for months, being unable to register--also, emailed the webmaster, got no response. I'm not complaining - I thorougly enjoy whatever I am able to access, as is. Thanks - Ron.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: klinenbooble
Date: 13 Dec 97 - 12:17 AM

2nd time in two months or sohave been able to access site. always times out, or server not responding etc. Mostly7 try to connect around 4 or 5 AM Mtn Standard time. ...but it's one oh me favorites

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: Gene E
Date: 13 Dec 97 - 01:07 AM

I guess I don't understand some aspect of the Internet. I am able to get on the Mudcat any time day or night and rarely have to wait for response, once I have accessed the sight. I'm not bragging, and am truely dissappointed for you, having trouble getting in.

How could I get such great response and so many get such bad response?

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: Richard Wright
Date: 13 Dec 97 - 04:48 PM

Same problems here in British Columbia, Canada. This week was fine but for two weeks had lots of trouble getting on. Server not responsing was the message. Like Ron I have been unable to register--keeps asking for my e-mail address, and I too have not had my e-mail to the webmaster. But hey, it is a great site and worth the trouble.

Richard

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Dec 97 - 06:02 PM

Hmmmm. Seems Gene E. is able to get on without a hitch, and the rest of us are not. There may be theological implications here. Word has it that Gene has lived a clean and blameless life. I can't talk about the rest of us in polite company. ;)
-Joe Offer, who SOMETIMES has no trouble getting on-

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: Gene E
Date: 13 Dec 97 - 06:13 PM

Joe,

I don't really think that's it. I truely believe that I can get into the Mudcat because I'm true to the blues, never lusting after Metal, Country, Pop or Salsa. I never cheated with a big band, never ran after the orchestra and I always turn away from the big brass bands out on the streets.

I think the reverend Robert Johnson said it best, "I'm gonna git deep down in this connection, I keep on tanglin' with your wires" when he had trouble getting access to the Mudcat.

Or, maybe the Mudcat can't resist my Texas accent:}

Way down in Texas land: Gene E (Very formerly Elwooddelta)

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: judy
Date: 14 Dec 97 - 07:45 PM

Thanks for the suggestion Joe. I empty my cache every time before I log off. Is that the same thing as "temporary internet files?".

I did get a response this time (thanks Max). The suggestion was that my code name was already taken. Me oh my ANOTHER judy!! So will try again with a new name.

Great site, great people, great information

judy

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: Catfeet
Date: 14 Dec 97 - 10:42 PM

Yup, same here. The last two weeks I've had no problems, it's even been what you might call fast, but for the two months before that, I was mudcatless. It simply took two or three hours to get on or timed out. I had to go cold turkey, but after the last two weeks, I think my addiction level is up again! :)

Catfeet

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: RonU
Date: 15 Dec 97 - 12:44 AM

After months of trying to register - tonight I took the suggestion and used a different code name - bingo - instant registration. Thanks - finally.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: Joe Offer
Date: 15 Dec 97 - 01:08 AM

Yes, Judy, cache is the same thing as "temporary internet files." I wish Microsoft and Netscape would at least agree on terminology. I hope using a different name helps you register. You'll find a number of Max's clever innovations will open up to you.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: rastrelnikov
Date: 15 Dec 97 - 01:10 AM

Mudcat is often unavailable from Ottawa during common waking hours. Sometimes I wonder: would it be easier on the data streams if when I hit "back", I went back to the thread list I saw earlier instead of an updated thread list? I also wonder about the advisability of those real audio files -- they must jam up mudcat a wee bit?

Still, considering the price... :)

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: Richard Wright
Date: 15 Dec 97 - 11:41 AM

Something has changed. I re-re-re-registered on Saturday, with the same code name, and it worked, and here I am. Maybe the webmaster was listening.? Thanks.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: judy
Date: 15 Dec 97 - 12:21 PM

YES!!! New codename and I am a bonifideeee member!

Nice links page

Thanks doubly judy

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: Joe Offer
Date: 15 Dec 97 - 04:35 PM

Hey, gang - when do we start the initiation for Judy and Richard? Do you think they'll survive??

Just kidding. there's no initiation, no dues, no catches, no fine print - although donations are welcomed. Welcome to the Noble Order of Mudcat, or something like that.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: alison
Date: 15 Dec 97 - 05:39 PM

Hi

Here in Oz, (well Sydney anyway), I don't have any problem getting on in the morning or afternoon, (because most of you are asleep!!) Usually have no hope at all of gettting on in the evening which is a pity, I'd like to get the oportunity for a chat.

Slainte

Alison

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: Max
Date: 15 Dec 97 - 06:09 PM

I'm hurt. Not really... I'm apologizing. We're trying to afford an upgrade now.

There are really 2 problems that we deal with. #1 is that the connection and technology that we use, we can only have about 4 people on line at once with good performance. This would be fine for a site with 1000 of so visits per week, but the mudcat has gone beyond that. Traffic is at it's maximum at 6 - 10pm EST. And Wednesdays are popular.

#2 is that Bell Atlantic sucks which causes us to be down some mornings (5am - 10am EST). I assume that this is most of your situations. We are working on a work around all the time. I hired a new expert today in fact.

Essentially we are trying now to make a deal that will afford us an upgrade. In the internet world, it is almost impossible to get good connections and equipmnent unless you are loaded. They do not make it easy on us small guys. We have an oppertunity as we speak of a high profile site that needs the same thing we do and is looking at us for help. (cross you fingers)

The only true sollution is lots of money. I could ask you all for contributions to the cause but I am sure we could not come close to what it will take. It's the monthly costs that get us. We could set it up for around $6000 but it takes $1500 per month to keep it up.

Just for your knowledge, since we have been accepting contributions we have brought in just under $400 in actually paid pledges. I cannot tell if that is good or bad, but I thank all that did contribute, you rock.

I get hate mail occasionally about the site performance, and those I try to respond to with apology. Please understand that I am doing all that I can to make this thi ng work. I get flack from my co-workers for worrying about a site that we loose money on. I'll keep pushing if you keep coming, so bare with us please.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: Richard Wright
Date: 15 Dec 97 - 07:22 PM

Max;

The site is great. A few delays do not make it less worthwhile, only frustrating for those of us who ex gratification.My choice, when I have exhausted my library, is to drive 45 min to town and bring books in on interlibrary loan, if I know what to ask for, or to drive 6 hours to Vancouver, B.C. to a major library. And experience tells me that they do not have the resources that your database and readers do. That ought to be worth something to me, I realize with 20/20 hindsight.. $400!!!!! A donation is forthcoming. Let's get on it folks. Richard

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: Richard Wright
Date: 15 Dec 97 - 08:52 PM

All users: Having just had dinner an idea came to me. Why don't we change this to Mudcat pledges and try and raise some dollars for this site. Max says he has only received $400 in pledges. That doesn't seem like much to me considering all the folks using this resource. Max also says that $6000 would help with a new site. Let's see how fast we can raise $6000. Remember everytime you make a pledge this thread goes to the top of the queue.

I'll start with a pledge of $50, which I just phoned in. Richard

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: dulcimer
Date: 16 Dec 97 - 01:17 AM

Max, Give the address to mail in a contribution.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: rastrelnikov
Date: 16 Dec 97 - 01:18 AM

US$6,000 start up US$18,000 per year Those are huge numbers. Quite staggering. Especially compared to $400. received so far.

One question re: the current situation. If I'm reading a long thread with 15-30 contributions, am I taking up one of the four "good" slots available for mudcatters while I read?

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: Joe Offer
Date: 16 Dec 97 - 01:50 AM

Hey, Max - Rastrelnikov brought up a question I've been wondering about. Am I correct in thinking I am drawing upon the resources of Mudcat only when I am loading a page? Once the page is loaded onto my computer, I can read it as long as I like without doing any disservice to my fellow Mudcatters. Right?
One other thing that needs clarification - 6 grand plus $1,500 a month is what it would cost for the high-end site you would LIKE to have, right? You're not spending that kind of money now, are you?
Max? Max? Did you faint?????
-Joe-

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: Wolfgang
Date: 16 Dec 97 - 06:40 AM

a donation will come, some way.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: Max
Date: 16 Dec 97 - 01:16 PM

Contributions can be sent to 5 W. Gay St. Suite A, West Chester, PA 19380. You may also telephone them in at 610-738-9050 (don't be alarmed if I answer the phone with: "Onstage") or fax them at 610-738-3299.

You may all save your contributions till after Christmas if you like. The site is going to have a grand reopening come the 2nd of the year, at which time I will feel more worthy of your contributions. We may shut down for a day or two after christmas to upgrade some stuff.

FYI, once a page (or thread) has loaded, you are not taking up a spot. In fact, I am really not sure that simultaneous traffic is that much of a problem. We are buying more memory this week which should make the forum hum quite a bit faster.

Right now, we spend $650 per month for a 128 KB/s connection, and $250 per month on the machine. A T1 (what is $1500 per month) is 10 times faster. This would allow us to have about 30 or more simultaneous connections without jamming the lines.

Please Read the "READ ME: Mudcat pledges" thread and continue this conversation there. And "Ideas for Mudcat 89". Later...

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: Joe Offer
Date: 16 Dec 97 - 02:43 PM

Make checks out to whom, and address them to whom, Max?
-Joe-

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability
From: Max
Date: 16 Dec 97 - 05:42 PM

Checks can be made to "Mudcat Cafe Music Foundation".