Mudcat Availability Part II (max's fix's)

Subject: Mudcat Availability Part II (max's fix's)
From: Max
Date: 16 Dec 97 - 01:58 PM

OK... Let me ask you this: Does the discussion forum drag more than the other pages on the site? The discussion forum is driven from a database while some of the other pages are standard html. Like the home page and the folksearch page are html. If the html drags too, or as bad, then the issue is bandwidth for which the only solution is a T1 ($$$).

Anyway, I will for now assume that the database is the bottleneck. Although we get perfect results from inside our network, we assume that outside (you) get a lag.

So we have done two things to increase the speed of the database and are going to begin a third. Today I purchased twice the RAM memory on our server. This was around $300. Also we have purchased an upgrade on the software we use to communicate with the database (Cold Fusion 3.0). This goes retail for $1000 but we got a good deal on it. The third thing may take a while and is the most expensive. Upgrading the database software costs $1400 and we got a good deal on that too. All of our previous attempts to convert the old format to the new SQL Server format without losing some of the thread messages have failed. This is what will take some time. One of my programmers thinks he knows a way, so we will be trying that nightly.

THE GOOD NEWS

The memory will show up is a couple of days which just has to help the all around performance of the mudcat.

We should upgrade Cold Fusion tonight which by itself is said to be 10 times faster. SQL Server will happen no later than the grand reopening of the mudcat on January 2, 1998.

And we did get that deal that will help us afford the T1. So all looks well in mudcat land. Ask and ye shall receive. In the future I will try to take action before a 38 complaint thread pops up.

I will post changes to this thread as they happen, and please let me know (also in this thread) if there are any performance increases or other anomolies.

Later...

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability Part II (max's fix's)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 16 Dec 97 - 02:40 PM

Well, max, for every one of those 38 complaints, you deserve a hundred compliments. It's a little harder to be specific with our compliments, but be assured that our presence here means we think you're just grand.
So, what's this about a grand reopening? Are we gonna have a party? Fireworks? Booze? I wouldn't be surprised to see you find a way to give us all three.
Happy holidays.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability Part II (max's fix's)
From: dwditty
Date: 16 Dec 97 - 11:08 PM

Max, I started the "Mudcat Availability" thread, but please do not take my request for assistance as a complaint. It is simply a feeling of great dispair when we cannot access the beacon of sanity you have created on the web. The people I have met(?) here are nice. It is so refreshing compared to the otherwise cheesey side of cyberlife. I appreciate you.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability Part II (max's fix's)
From: Jen
Date: 16 Dec 97 - 11:23 PM

Hi Max, actually, I haven't had trouble getting here for over a week, and that's great!

Love the site!

Jen

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability Part II (max's fix's)
From: Max
Date: 17 Dec 97 - 12:45 PM

I am not upset at complaints, I am driven by them. I am your host, and I am compelled to make you a comfortable guest. It serves me to serve you. Keep them coming.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability Part II (max's fix's)
From: Max
Date: 17 Dec 97 - 02:13 PM

OK, Step one is done. The new RAM is in and should make a difference. Step 2 tonight.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability Part II (max's fix's)
From: Wolfgang
Date: 18 Dec 97 - 04:12 AM

Max, you want to hear a new "complaint"? Since you fixed it, it is so "fix" (German for: very quick) that all those Mudcatters come again. So two weeks ago I spent my spare time with not getting access and now I spend it with reading all those threads. Guess what I prefer.
Wolfgang

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability Part II (max's fix's)
From: Whippoorwill
Date: 18 Dec 97 - 03:17 PM

I hate to say this, but if anything, access is slower for me. This 120 mhz is acting like my old 25 mhz at home. It starts loading a page, and then gets slower, and slower, and finally just seems to lose interest. For example, I'm submitting this from an incomplete page. I've been sitting here for at least 3 minuts with the banner at the bottom reading 8K read (at 719 bytes/sec), and that's on the third reload. The first one stalled out at 87 bytes/sec. I'd think it's my computer, but it doesn't do it anywhere else.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Availability Part II (max's fix's)
From: Max
Date: 19 Dec 97 - 03:21 AM

OK, as of midnight Thursday/Friday EST, step two is complete. Let me know if that helps. Step three is not going well. Got to bring in an expert.

Oh, and we initiated the T1. We are going to take a chance and go for it. We got it for $3500 down and $1500 per month. Should have it before the end of January. If the mudcat is still slow then, and it is just as I expected... your isp's are at fault, not me.