1. You might have noticed that the boards are running very s-l-o-w-l-y lately. This is because we have outgrown our bandwidth and our server is no longer able to handle all the traffic. In short, the only way to correct this is to switch to a new (bigger, more powerful) server. This will cost a lot more money. :-( If anyone is a millioinaire in disguise or has an in will Bill Gates, please speak up. *LOL*

Seriously, we do need to move to a server that can handle all of our traffic. Please bear with us while we work to get things moving again. We are desperately looking for more advertisers to help defray the costs and, as always, donations, privately owned forums and Platinum Memberships are always so helpful. Thank you so much to everyone who has pitched in thus far to help keep IRD going. :hug:

2. Is everyone able to see the new and improved message board format? Some of us are only seeing the new format on the main page, but not in the message boards. Please chime in here and let us know if the message boards are coming through with the new format.

:-)

Just bumping this, I can see the new message boards...

I think I am seeing the new format. It's the one that I've been seeing since the whole site was updated.

I thought Roni just went with a new server? We have outgrown already?

I can see the new format. Wow, we're growing by leaps and bounds!

Thanks for the update, Mary!

I can see the new format.

i can see the new format

we need to get more platinum members lots more

I see the new forum, but I've noticed it slowed down after it was implemented. Is having updated software what's causing us to crash or is it just visitors?

I see the new forum, but I've noticed it slowed down after it was implemented. Is having updated software what's causing us to crash or is it just visitors?


We have not crashed yet. Slowing down just means the server load is maxxing out. We are at the point now where Scotty can give "na more, Captain"! :) Believe me, a crash is quite different as you can not access the site at all then.

It slowed down a bit after the site was changed over as the site has basically doubled in size. IRD is truly a very large site now and goes well beyond being just message boards. :yahoo: The sheer number of hits IRD receives in a month is mind boggling. The support and information here has helped millions now.

Every time someone accesses something on IRD, be it pulling up a thread, pming, loading up a smilie, posting, animation, larger avatars, big siggy lines, etc. whatever it requires bandwith. When you have a few hundred people doing it all at the same time, it can become very hard on the server. Roni has always upgraded the site and invested the extra $$ to provide us with ample space, but now the next jump is a costly one.

We will continue to address this problem and will keep you informed as to what is happening.

Thank you all for your patience.

Thanks for clarifying that. So do our signature pics affect this in any way or only images that are directly linked to the site? I just want to know if there's anything we could do as members to cut back on using the bandwith while the changes are being implemented.

i can see the new format also.

Thanks for clarifying that. So do our signature pics affect this in any way or only images that are directly linked to the site? I just want to know if there's anything we could do as members to cut back on using the bandwith while the changes are being implemented.

That is so sweet of you to offer this, but it is still business as usual here at the moment. :hug: Members are adhering to the parameters (regarding picture size and animation, etc.) and that is great, the main issue is we have just simply grown to the point where we must take a leap again. Unfortunately, it is a big one this time.

The one thing that members should be aware of is that when you hit *******site is taking an extended time to load, it causes duplicate threads. We are all guilty of this, myself included. Again, we can deal with this but just thought it would answer questions as to why we have duplicate posts cropping up all over the place. :smt036

Keep on doing what you are doing and we will let you know if anything changes.

i hope we can get the support we need we need an IRD drive i'll go nuts if IRD crashes

Thank you so much for keeping us informed and for keeping things running. I feel guilty because I get so much from IRD, but we're not in a place financially where I can become a Platinum Member or donate. We are refinancing the house in July, so I will be contributing at that time. I don't want to be a freeloader, LOL!:smt036

Thanks for all the good information, Mary and Leigh! :)

Time to have an IRD Bake Sale or someting, eh?

Thanks for the info Mary and I don't know if I'm seeing the new format or not. LOL.. let me know what it looks like and I'll let you know. ROFL... seriously, my screen still has the light green borders.

i have light green like stripes on the sides and in the message box

Bumpin' again....

I'm envisioning a newer, more powerful IRD...One day we WILL have total world domination!:evil4:

privately owned forums
what would that cost? I always thought I wanted a forum with picture posting only b/c I can't figure out how to look at the ones on the main screen?

So how do I get info on buying a privately owned forum?

thank you

Jean I will pm you!

WOW. I can't belive an update is needed already. I like lindsays idea. How bout a walkathon? I am curently in training for my walk in june and ready for this sunday's walk. Well anyways thanks for the update. Is the new forum the one that was done about a month or so ago? If so yes I can see it.