Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies

Subject: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: Max
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 12:41 PM

Well, lost another one folks. Matilda, our DNS server, Mail Server and Domain Controller died yesterday morning. That makes 4 since June. We're falling apart here. Matilda was the cornerstone of our network here. Now that she is gone, I'll have to redo the whole network. Asside from all the work involved, it will simplify my life and my dining room so eventually will be OK. Tis a bitch though, Matilda was our file server, so we stored all our stuff there. 6 years of work, mp3's, files, gone. I feel like our house burnt down. Oh well. Onward we go...

This will specifically effect a couple of things Mudcat. For one, all our email was lost for almost 2 days, and we're not sure how reliable our temporary email and dns servers are (in fact we do know that they are not reliable). So if you have communication proplems or can't get to the site, hang in there and assume its our fault, not yours. I also (finally) am allowing the mudcat to be accessed via IP. So if you go to http://207.103.108.101/threads.cfm you can get into the forum. Not everything will work correctly, such as cookies and some of the links, but it will let you look at and post threads and messages. This is in the case if the DNS server fails.

And the band played waltzing...

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: Sorcha
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 12:43 PM

Oh Max---when it rains, it pours. We'll do what we can you know. Need some $$?

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: MMario
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 12:49 PM

Max - I would say something about backup - but you're probably kicking yourself enough as it is re: the lost data.

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: greg stephens
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 12:54 PM

If you can something or other while something or other else happens...you know that kipling stuff. Courage, mon brave.

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 12:58 PM

Max
Really sorry to hear Matilda done take de money an' gone Venezuela. Are you remembering to feed them regularly? I found that helped regarding my house pets. Stopped them dying off regular. Seriously though if you need more cash let us know, and I'm sure that the UK contingent will try to raise, a few pennies.
Failte .....Giok

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 01:07 PM

Max, how big/fast does a replacement need to be? Short term, and long term?

~Susan

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: Max
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 01:22 PM

The back-up died a while ago, never could afford to replace it. Those things are expensive, especially when you have as much data as we do.

What I am really hoping for is a single solution. That is one new machine that can do everything that the three remaining computers do. That would have to be maybe 1Ghz to 1.5Ghz, with lots-o-ram, like 512MB. Hard drives are cheap now, so that doesn't worry me too much, even though we need about 80-120GB.

As for temporary, probably a 500Mhz with 256MB RAM. I'm working on a few things. I'm really sick and tired of taking care of these sick and tired old computers, so I will do something before I start throwing them out the window. If the Mudcat goes down for an extended period, that means I threw them out the window, and we'll be down until I get a new computer in the mail.

We can always use money. Mudcat funds itself now, I am no help. I need to concentrate on my own financial needs now, so Mudcat isn't even in the back seat, its in the trunk. Very simply, the more Mudcat makes, the better and more reliable it will be. I can make one guarantee: Mudcat "problems" will be over by the end of the year. If I can't get a 99.9% problem free Web site, I'm done. Don't worry, I'm gonna try real hard to find it a home, but I'm tired of limping, and I'm tired of this junkyard in my dining room.

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 01:47 PM

Would a one-month loaner help?

Processor: Intel® 1.3Ghz Pentium® 4 Processor

Memory: 128MB RDRAM PC800 (expandable to 512MB)

80 GB hard drive, presently half full.

~S~

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: Mrrzy
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 02:18 PM

Aw man, Max, what a pain! For you, of course!

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: Max
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 02:26 PM

Loaners just aren't worth it. The effort it takes to install all the software and configure it would just be too much. Thanks for the offer though.

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: DMcG
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 02:36 PM

Max - surely, if you get another machine eventually you will be able to put the disks from Matilda in for an hour or two and resurrect the files, mp3's etc? Don't smash the whole thing up just yet!

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: DMcG
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 03:05 PM

Right, I've just looked up prices from the Compaq site (not they are necessarily the best/cheapest, but its a good guide). A 1.53Gb machine with 80Gb disk and 512Kb is $800. I'll volunteer $80. Will 9 others join me? (or 100 at $8?)

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 04:04 PM

Woh, Max, you really ARE all done screwing around! *G*G*

Go Max! This CAN be done!

~S~

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: CapriUni
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 04:22 PM

Take heart, Max!!

FWIW, I'm just taking a break, now, from making an offering for the auction. ('taint done, yet... but should I put it up now, and hope it gets finished by the time the bidding period ends, or what?)

In any case, ...just a few more deep breaths, and I'm back into it...

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: Mudlark
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 06:28 PM

Max...I'm relatively new here but would hate to lose Mudcat...it has become an important part of my life. And you sound overwhelmed and tapped out. Would it be possible to let us know how much you need to put things right? I've sent in small amounts in the past, but have no idea what the magnitude of need is, financially speaking. If we had a goal, and could keep tabs--as money came in to meet it-- it might help to spur mudcatters on to contribute.

As a craftsman I've been living hand to mouth for many, many years and I know how wearing it can be. It would be great if enough $$$ could come in fast enough to take care of the problem in one fell swoop, rather than having to fiddle about with leaky fixes.

Let us know what you need to do what needs to be done to 1)stabilize Mudcat, and 2)make things easier for you.

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 06:42 PM

Max, is it really true that it will take only $800.00 to fix Mudcat's problems ?

If such is not the case, then how much will it take, and what is the cut-off date by which the money would have to be raised?

Murray

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: Little Hawk
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 06:43 PM

Sorry to hear of your troubles, Max. I will PM you in a bit.

- LH

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: GUEST,Just Amy
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 06:48 PM

I haven't been on Mudcat all that long but I really enjoy reading and posting.

Exactly how can we donate money to y'all. I'd love to help.

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: MMario
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 06:53 PM

Money may be sent to:

The Mudcat Café
PO Box 3006
West Chester, PA 19381

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 06:54 PM

Cheques payable to Mudcat Cafe, I presume?

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: MMario
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 06:57 PM

yup. there is a paypal account too - but I don't know the partuclars about that.

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 06:59 PM

Hewlett Packard is even cheaper - exactly what you are asking for Max could be had for about $700. I'll send what I can -

Steve

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: Musicman
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 07:02 PM

ok. max.. spell it out man..... how much $$ do you need to get what you need to keep the 'cat going????

i think there is enough catters and interest there to raise the amount required...

we could do one of those Barometer thingys where they show the amount raised towards the goal.....

let us know..

musicman......

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: Gareth
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 07:04 PM

Just Amy - PM ON IT'S WAY - But Generlly ....

The Friends of Mudcat was formed at a sober moment at the Stoney Stratford meet/gathering last February, in response to Max's SOS of January.

The major problem of shifting cash from the UK to the States was the high cost of cash transfers charged by commercial banks which made mall donations cost ineffective. Following Max's request money was sent by courier, cash swaps with US of A bank account holders and the like.

We have obtained, after some negotiation, not for profit status, with The Unity Trust Bank Plc., an organisation founded some 20 years ago to act as a banker for charities, not for profit organisations and the like.

UK banking laws are rather strict on organisations opening and operating bank account, and it was necessary to form an organisation to operate this.

I am unwilling to put the precise details of the bank account on Internet where anybody can read them - BTW I personally received 3 "Nigeria Scam" E-Mails in May !!! .

If you would care to send your E-Mail. or Snail Mail address I am happy to send details of FOM, Constitution etc, and a copy of the latest accounts. .

One off donations should be sent either to me, at 72 Commercial St., Ystrad Mynach, Hengoed, Caerphilly CF82 7DY.

or to BANK DETAIL WITH HELD TO AVOID SCAMS .

Standing Order forms are available in hard copy, Word.doc or PDF format. .

My E-Mail is [e-mail]. .

BTW my machine is swept by a virus checker every week, (updated every week too!) and I run "Zone Alarm" .

Should you wish to speak my tel: [phone]. .

Regards. .

Gareth

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: Gareth
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 07:15 PM

Just Amy - regret you are not showing up as a PM able member, but if Matilda is immitating a Norwegian Blue Parrot that is understandable.

Use E-Mail [e-mail] for details, on how Uk and Eire Catters can contribute.

Gareth

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: artbrooks
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 07:23 PM

Max, is the PayPal address still "[e-mail]"?

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 08:08 PM

Art,

Without wishing to put you off contributing, the fact that the mudcat mail server is one of the things affected, something that uses email might not be the best way just now.

Maybe a cheque to the address above might be more reliable right now.

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 08:19 PM

Matilda was our file server, so we stored all our stuff there. 6 years of work, mp3s...

Since when did Mudcat ever have mp3s?

I know there's the "coming soon" Mudcat MP3 library mentioned on the front page, but that's been "coming soon" for 3 years.

I'm happy to help pay for a new mudcat computer, but not so if you want to use it for other sites, OnStage projects etc.

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: SINSULL
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 08:33 PM

SIGH!!!!!
Max - some of us have Paypaled you. I don't care if you take the money and go on a cruise...or use it for Onstage Media even though it no longer exists. Thank you for Mudcat. Thank you for inviting us into your dining room where we have made an ungodly mess. If your having a life means that Mudcat has to go, so be it. If you can make it live with help, just ask.
SINS

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: InOBU
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 08:49 PM

How close are we to marketing the Mudcat CD to get some cash to the cat? Larry

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 09:11 PM

I am sorry to here that a mudcat computer is broke, I would like to send some money, but I am absolutely skint (most of my customers are students, and they have all gone away for the summer, So i am in big debt already and two munths till they come back) but I will look around to find something I can put in the auction, also there is around 50 mudcat members in Hull, and e few folk events coming up soon 9 Sea shanty week etc) so I will suggest a whip around, if everybody puts the price of a pint we should be able to raise 100 pound, then some body with a cheque book (not me because i havent got a cheque book and bank wont give me one) can send a cheque to wherever it should go, this is just an idea.john

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: Bobert
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 09:36 PM

Max,

Will drop a few bucks in the mail tomorrow...

Bobert

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: greg stephens
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 09:39 PM

well I'm sending something and I dont give a shit what you do wih it. You've given me a lot of fun.

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 10:05 PM

Attention Brits- Contributions to Mudcat can be sent to
Bill Sables,
12-14, Chapel Lane,Rawcliffe
Goole
East Yorkshire
DN14 8QN

PLease make cheques out to Bill Sables. The money will reach Max.

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 10:08 PM

Max,

In the Shorty is Dead thread, you mentioned that you were having problems hosting a 1GB database.

Now you say you need 80-120 GB in order to host it

I find that very difficult to believe. Has your database size suddenly increased by a factor of 80?

Almost as hard to believe as the 'I can trace Win98 guests' crap you posted a while ago.

You have a (generally) non-technical audience here, who seem happy to believe everything you say, and will rush for their wallets whenever 'poor max' wants them to.

I don't think that you're being very fair to them, given that you're not being particularly truthful regarding your technical needs.

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: MMario
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 10:32 PM

For the non-technical - I will point out that in addition to the forum database; the site also includes the Digital tradition database - in several formats - and need to allow room for the downloadables too; plus the midis for the DT; plus the server software and the ancilliary software to allow the searching. In addition there are about 25 GIGABITES of archived mudcat radio - plus other archived shows.

I don't know how much additional space the photo pages and the mudcat midi pages take - but there are quite a few photos posted!

Max did mention that the preferred solution would be one machine to take the place of Matilda AND three others that are currently involved in the hosting of the Mudcat site.

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: DonMeixner
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 10:38 PM

I am always willing to donate for auction some of the jewelry that I make. Have we run out of bidders for bracelets? Do we need something else? Let me know.

Don

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 10:47 PM

Mmario,

Fair enough regarding the radio shows, I guess.

I do however doubt that many people listen to the archives, and if storage is tight...

The bits I really can't understand are the comments on this thread

Max:

I got it figured out. Windows 98SE has code in it that transfers its machine hardware code when accessing Web sites. Kind of acts like a cookie if you know what to look for.

Yeah, right....

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: Big Mick
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 10:50 PM

Well..............I realized a few months ago that I was getting just a bit too surly, so I changed my habits here...........but I just hate some of what I read.........so piss on the genteelness for a minute. Why don't you assholes get a life? I don't mind that your world seems to revolve around sitting in front of a monitor, touching yourselves and taking the odd potshot at me or others. But can't you get it through your head that this magnificent resource is getting huge amounts of hits, and has become a worldwide gathering place for musicians and folks that just love the music. It has allowed folks like Art Thieme, housebound for now through no fault of his own, to remain connected to the scene that he had much to do with creating, it has allowed new artists to connect with some of their heroes (Jean Ritchie, The Patons, Dan Milner, Rick Fielding, Paul Mills, Frank Hamilton, and on an on), created friendships around the world, caused whole gatherings of folkies where "passin' it on" has found new life, created a home for the DT that has enhanced its archives geometrically, and provided an outlet for your sick little minds to get some exercise? It is a rare jewel, and Max has been so devoted to it that he has surely allowed it to contribute to his own personal state just now. He has held it together with equipment that is 5 generations behind times. Don't you get the fact that it would make no sense to install a server that would only handle current needs on a site that continues to grow? And all you want to do is pick it apart and question his motives when just keeping it going should have told what his motives are???? Why don't you just take a f***ing leap and get the hell out of here? Oh...........wait...........I know why..........because you take pleasure in destroying instead of building. You are disgusting, and I hope you collectively realize it.

Max..............I am sending you $100.00 forthwith for the fund to replace the server. I am challenging the rest of those who have the ability to do so, to do the same. I realize that all cannot, but send what you can anyway. Take a few minutes and think about some of the wonders that have happened because of this and do what you know is right.

The rest of you, if you feel no value, then grab yourself a Coke, go sit in the f***ing corner, put that stupid ass grin on your face and shut the hell up.

Rant off.

Mick

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 11:08 PM

Big Mick,

You make many valid points, and I agree with you on almost all of them.

I guess that what pisses those of us with 'no life' is the fact that Max consistenly makes promises that he doesn't keep, talks techobabble, and doesn't let anyone know what he's doing.

No upgrade? Fine! Just let us know
No new DT? See above
No DT corrections. That's good, but why not tell us that you were busy???

It's the 'going to happen within a week or too' which doesn happen that is most frustrating

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: Dicho (Frank Staplin)
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 11:26 PM

Will someone post a US address to which donations may be sent?

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: Big Mick
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 11:31 PM

I guess I should acknowledge that an unnamed GUEST isn't a GUEST isn't a GUEST. Of late, some are very reasonable and are obviously just regulars who are making the point that simply going anon isn't a crime. Fair enough. But I am just sick and friggin' tired of this tired old crap. Max shouldn't say anything? That wouldn't bother most but those that bitch would then bitch that they didn't know anything. I want them to get this through their head. He doesn't owe us any fecking explanation. He could just pull the plug and that would be that. If he didn't give a damn he could just give up. You don't like his style, fair enough. I don't like style of most of those that post this old load of shite. Now where are we? If Max had broken faith with us when sent money, then I would say there is a legitimate bitch. But he hasn't. At great personal expense he has kept this thing going. Is he the best bookkeeper around? I don't know and don't care. Could he have done it different? Not germane. He needs money to keep doing for us and posterity that which he has been doing for 6 or so years now.

Mick

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: Gypsy
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 11:36 PM

The Mudcat Café PO Box 3006 West Chester, PA 19381

Will put what i have in an envelope tomorrow. Really appreciate the site..............sorry that i only seem to come thru at knee jerk times.

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: Helen
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 11:39 PM

Max,

Did you process my auction payment and contribution that I sent to you in mid-April? I'm not sure that it showed up in my records, and if you haven't processed it then it's still there waiting to be added to your contribution fund.

Helen

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From:
Date: 18 Jul 02 - 11:53 PM

I'm no musician, but I've had plenty of help and plenty more good times from Mudcat and the Mudcatters. A small contribution is on the way, and I don't give a rat what you do with it. Deepest sympathies -- I lost 75 pps. of a hard-fought book on a crashed CP/M machine by which time service people were saying "CP/--whaaa?"

Adam

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: Max
Date: 19 Jul 02 - 12:18 AM

Ok, I've had my fun, I'll fess up to a couple of things. Wouldn't have to if the GUESTS were as clever as I thought they were...

The Windows98SE comment was a joke, dumbass. Figured I'd have you looking across the Net for a day or two, wasting your time, and you'd come up with nothing, then holler back at me on the forum. You were spending your idle-hand time trying to debunk me istead of infesting the forum with your tripe. That was victory for me. You waste my time dealing with your dogmatic, circular and simply ridiculous reasoning, and I'll waste yours with gags like that. Anyone worth a shit would have known it was a preposterous concept to begin with.

And the upgrade? We are already enjoying it. And the new Digitrad? Yep, that too. I guess the problem is that you missed the memo on how to get to it. I'm sure not missing any sleep over your absence. Bitch all you want, and take your guesses. Members do have unpublished rights… or do they? I'll guess you'll never know. Oh, you are a member and you haven't figured it out? Oh, you must not be a part of the inner membership. Yes, there is an inner membership… or is there? No there is not. Yes there is. No there is now. Get it? Keep guessing, cause I dig that. You can listen carefully, you can hack into our database, you have the potential to do anything except get into my head, and I have been working that. Realistically, that is all I have, so I'm using it. And let me thank you for playing along, because it is a lot more fun to fuck with you with something that I know for certain is impenetrable. Good times.

MMario, thank you for pointing out what GUESTS don't understand, but that is a hopeless cause. They don't understand much of anything, and don't listen (cause they can't admit when they're wrong), so it is a waste of time. Mudcat is made up of a lot of data and a lot of data sources that add up to a lot.

One good (I suppose) thing about the space issue is that we're about to save several Gigabytes by getting rid of Mudcat Radio Archives. Not by choice mind you. I was contacted by ASCAP the other day that said "pay our dues (at last payment, about $260 per year) or take the archives offline". So, they will be going offline for now. Not necessarily because of lack of funding, but for the principle of the matter. BMI gives us a license for free. And I'll tell you right now, even if a member wants to send $260 to pay them off, I won't do it. Money can go to a much better place than that now. And please realize that they are not being destroyed, just taken offline for a while. They'll be back.

Just so you all know from the horse's mouth, the best way to contribute is to use PayPal or send a check. I'm gonna drop the credit card account because it's just costing too much.

I'm going to bed.

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: Big Mick
Date: 19 Jul 02 - 12:26 AM

Sleep well, buddy. And ................ nicely done.

Mick

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: artbrooks
Date: 19 Jul 02 - 12:28 AM

Good night Max, and know that we all appreciate you.

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: artbrooks
Date: 19 Jul 02 - 12:29 AM

And the check is in the mail.

Subject: RE: Matilda is Dead-Another MudComputer Dies
From: gnu
Date: 19 Jul 02 - 05:41 AM

Hey you Big Mick ! Calm your Irish down ! If you promise not to feed the trolls anymore, here's another $100 on it's way from another big Mick... assuming Rhan players are still allowed to donate.

BTW Mick, I did enjoy your rant. And I appreciate your "sentiments" as well, Max. Now, let's forgive and forget, especially forget, the naysayers and get this taken care of.

So, how many other Canucks will match that $100 ? Even $100Cdn ?