I do know of one other website that suffered a major crash at about the same time as the "bigun" at the 'cat. The webmeister there brought in a new server and a newer version of the database, but apparently couldn't figure how to port the old stuff into the new one. Considering that he passes himself off as a "leading member" of the technology, and quite obviously moves among the "most knowledgeable" in communications and venture capital circles, it wouldn't seem he'd lack for flunkies to do it for him if needed.

NOTHING prior to the crash has been restored, and there's no real evidence of intent to do so; although he assures everyone that "nothing has been lost." Immediately prior to the crash that web site was running at about 20 posts per hour, 24 hours per day. With allowance for "lookers" who weren't posting, that's a lot of traffic for a "hobby site." It's been stable enough to creep back up to about 20 posts per day recently, but seems pretty much abandoned by the owner - who has started at least 3 other sites since that one crashed (that I know of), none of which are likely to survive long.

(Posts there are numbered, and running in the 390,000 range now, after a little less than 3 years; but only about 60,000? are accessible.)

I've seen four or five other sites that "looked interesting" and seemed to be growing; but their owners "lost interest," often in as little as six months: and the sites disappeared.

The contrast does make one really appreciate the work that we know has been going on to try to bring the 'cat up and forward, with limited time and resources.

Thanks again, Max and Jeff - and all the clones.

John