Mar 31st 2002, 19:59 GMT #

March 31, 2002.

As of today, PJG finally outgrew its current hosting plan - the biggest virtual server plan there is @ DreamHost. For the moment, the database has been disabled by my hoster because it brought down the database server it was running on. :(

The database causes too much load to be hosted on a virtual server. Actually it causes so much load that it brings down the mySQL server it’s running on. (Remember, it’s a shared server for a bunch of my hoster’s customers.) I’m within the traffic limits (because I got another cheapo hoster to host all the images and files), I’m within the storage limits, the only problem is the load the site is causing alltogether.

So that means that the site would require an upgrade to a dedicated server if I want to keep it running in it’s current state, with the news, the boards, the user customization, the squad support and all the other stuff that’s part of the big pile of code that’s making PJG what it is.

I’ve optimized all the database queries and connects and everything, but that doesn’t change anything anymore. The limit has been reached. Anyways, I’ve evaluated a few options, but to no avail. Here are a few:

  1. Cut down some services, or disable the message boards: would it be PJG anymore if I take away big parts of its most important feature, the squad support? No. Pass.
  2. Get another, dedicated mySQL server somewhere else and keep the site running on two different servers (different hosts for web and db): causes lag (it does), plus the traffic between the two servers would eat up way too much bandwidth.
  3. Move the site to another host: for the current quality of service my host is offering a great and cheap hosting plan. I got excellent support and a hassle-free service. Plus I don’t have the time to move the whole damn site somewhere else right now. (And to be honest, I don’t want to… it’s hard to find a really good hosting company.)
  4. I turn it off for good and walk away.
  5. There are enough donation subscriptions to pay for it. I need $400/month.

Conclusion: a site of this size obviously needs a dedicated server. I knew this day would be coming, I’m just surprised it came so fast.

The problem is: I can’t afford to shell out $400/month to keep it running. Hell, I couldn’t afford the $180/month it was costing up until now, that’s why I started the donation thing, which has worked fine so far. So, I’m plain out asking for either your ideas or your money. The site was supposed to be a hobby, but it’s more like a 2nd job by now, which is okay, I chose this way, but I’m not too comfortable with selling my car for it. ;)

I hate to write this, really, but I guess it’s better than secretly choosing option #4.

Edited on Mar 31st 2002, 20:15 by Gossip

Edited on Mar 10th 2003, 13:48 by Gossip

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