Argh.... NOT having a good month here... **Update Pg 3.

[Tagrel]

OK - this is SOOOOO not good news. :(

I've been contacted by our NEW hosting company, and we are using TOO MANY system resources on this site. :roll: And yes, I asked and TOLD them before signing up how big we were, and how many users we had, and of course it was NO PROBLEM then! :evil:

I'm WAY below bandwidth and disk space usage, so now its some NEBULOUS notice that I'm over some usage limit they never even told me that we have!!!! NOTHING in any documentation I can find even MENTIONS this. I'm thinking 'bait and switch' and will definitely be contacting the BBB about them. Not to mention CNet - which gave them a recommendation! Grrrrrr........

Worst part is, that they only give me 6 days (found out yesterday, and have through 2/15) to 'UPGRADE' or be shutdown. To upgrade, they say I have to get a dedicated server, which is $100 bucks a MONTH!!! :yikes:

THAT is not going to happen. So we will have to move again... :hopmad:

I'm still trying to find the right new hosting service, so it could be a couple days before I know WHERE we are going. And it is EXTREMELY likely that I will have to shut down the forums by Tuesday at the latest. I intend to have the site back up ASAP, but at this point its too early to know when that will be.

I'm REALLY sorry about all this, and NO ONE is more upset and frustrated than I am right now. I've already backed up the system software, so I should only have to get the final database before moving off the site. If they shut us down early, we might loose some posts. I've also shut off the Photogallery (since I don't want to back it up again - its huge!) and the chat rooms (sorry about that, but they are very CPU and database intensive).

I know this is annoying and confusing to most of you, but just know that I'll do my best to keep us online as long as possible, and get us on another server as soon as I can. I just hope we don't have similar problems on the next host.... :?

Thanks for you understanding,

[Sheryl]

Dave,

I'm so sorry to hear this. If there is anything I can do in any way, please let me know.

Sheryl

[Robin]

I've offered up a board on my site that isn't being used as a temporary place for everyone to 'pitch their tent' if needed. If nothing else, it will be a place to check the latest status.

If you want you can save a copy of your avatar to your desktop, the board will let you 'upload' it from your computer.

And thanks to Dave for all his hard work...again. I bet you never expected it to be 'this much' work. :wink:

[sandar]

dear Dave,

I agree on Robin's point about all the work. This is supposed to be fun -- for you, as well as for us. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help.

Sandi

p.s. -- Robin, that's fabulously nice of you to offer us a tent-pitching location. :)

[pixie]

Aw, Tagrel, you so don't deserve this. You've worked very hard to make this the great site it is. Do what you have to do and we will be behind you 100%.

Robin, you are the BEST!!!! What a generous offer from a valued member. I will be packing a little bag just in case.

It is such an honor to be a part of this group that truely cares for one another. We will survive!!!!

Thanks, Tagrel!

[Moley]

I add my thanks to pixie's to you, Robin. We really appreciate this temporary shelter untill we are resettled.

[BriarRose]

Dave
You work so hard to keep this great place alive. Thank you so much.

[amymouse]

Dave!

I'm doing a little hopping mad dance just for YOU! :hppmad: I'm sending bad vibes and mean looks to the stupid, idiotic, stupid, and did I mention stupid hosting company. I could even make a trip to New Orleans and buy a good curse or two if you want. :twisted:

Dave, this is supposed to be a "labor of love" for you, and I feel awful that it's been way too much labor compared to the "love" this month. Speaking of which, here's a hug to try to even the scale a little. :hugging: Okay, one more for good measure. :nicehug:

Please let us know what we can do to make this easier on you!

Robin, sweetheart, thank you so much for offering the temporary housing. How thoughtful, and much appreciated.

[mickeefan]

Dave, it seems so unfair the way they are treating you.
This is supposed to be a fun thing for you and you definitely make it fun for all of us.
Hope things go your way and there is an easy solution.
Robin's offer just goes to show what a great bunch of people are here.
Everyone here is very supportive of you and will do anything we can to help.

[Tagrel]

Thanks guys! Even when it gets tough you all make me smile! :)

That being said, I still really appreciate taking Amy up on that 'curse' offer... Do they come in a four pack? :twisted: :devil:

If I have to take the forums down, I'll redirect the Discussion Forums link to Robin's VERY generously offered campground! :yes: It will be like a mini-getaway while I move the boards again. There are LOTS of great hosts out there at a price we can afford ... The problem is just finding them! :captain: And having them be HONEST in the first place!

Thanks again for the support guys. It means a great deal to me! : :dance:

[MargaretJ]

Thanks for all the work you do for us Dave & Robin thanks so much for the generous offer of your site until Dave can find another place for us.

[LimeGreenCheri]

Dave, we all know how hard you work on this site. It is very much appreciated even more than words can express. I have no doubt that you will find the server that is just the right fit and one that is honest!

Robin, you are very kind to offer a place to pitch a tent. Thankyou!

[Cinderella]

Dave, just read your post and I'm mad too. Why do so many people LIE to get your business and then never do anything for you again?
You certainly do work as hard as anyone I've ever known and just to keep all us Disneyholics online to communicate with each other. WE really do all appreciate all the time you have to put into keeping us here.
Good luck finding a new site and I'd be glad to help any way I can.
Thanks Robin for your generous offer.

IF ANYONE WANTS TO SEND ME THEIR EMAIL ADDRESS OR GET MINE IN CASE WE ARE SHUT DOWN FOR A LITTLE BIT, JUST PM ME. I DON'T WANT TO LOOSE TOUCH WITH ANY OF YOU WHOSE EMAIL I DO NOTHAVE.

This too shall pass Dave. I'll be praying that a nice, honest person is out there to help you find us another "home" soon.

Cinderella

[Photographer]

Sorry to hear about the troubles they're giving you Dave. Thanks for all you do. Thanks to Robin for the temporary location. This frustration will go away soon and you can report them to the BBB like you said and cancel the charge on your credit card.

Hang in there.

[BaciBecky]

OHMYGOSH, I am so sorry this has been so much trouble for you, Dave. It truly does feel like a loss for words when trying to say Thank You for all you go through to keep us together. As others have said, we want it to be fun for you too.

Add me to the offer of "anything we can do" growing list.

And I'm more than happy to join Amy and head to N'Orleans to gather up a few curses!! :witch:

Robin, than you so much!!

There is bound to be a good home for we Tagainators :)

Thanks again, Dave... :youRock:

Christine

[Cinderella]

By the way Dave, I can give good Italian Evil Eye curses right here at home anytime you want me to!!!!

:twisted: :evil: :twisted: :evil:
Cinderella

[tigsmom]

Hi all, I admit I have just been lurking recently...at work when bored or unhappy! But I must say you always brighten my day and this situation is frustrating to say the least. Thanks again for all you do for all of us.

[TwirlerGirl]

Hey Dave, I've got a voodoo doll we can use. I had orginally brought it for my DH to use on his boss. Well, his boos got promoted and DH's friend is now the boss. We haven't needed a curse for a while now. Just say the word and the pins are ready to go.

Sandy

[SuzyQ]

Dave, thank you so much for ALL of your efforts and ALL that you do for us and this site. This is the most amazing site that I have ever been a part of and it is because you build a playground for all of us Disney adicts to enjoy each others company and make a little family for ourselves. I am so sorry that you have to go through this big ol' headache, but we will shall get through all of this with barely a scratch.

Robin, thanks so much for your most generous offer. That is awesome that Dave will be able to link us to you! I was just mentioning earlier that we can call our little trip to your home "The Tags Adventure in Fort cyber-Wilderness!" (might as well pick a Disney theme) ;) It is so nice of you to host us and, hopefully, it will only be for a few nights. :D

~Suzy

[MikeS]

By the way Dave, I can give good Italian Evil Eye curses right here at home anytime you want me to!!!!

:twisted: :evil: :twisted: :evil:
Cinderella


Dave,

Claire speaks the truth...Italian Evil Eye...otherwise known as "molochia"
definitely works...but you need to be careful...low level molochia is the safe way to go.

Some day I'll tell you guys what my grandmother use to do to help us get rid of molochia that was heading our way.

It involves virgin olive oil, fine china, water, prayers, and mirrors.

[MissBianca]

Man, Dave, what a pain in the ***. I'm sorry you have to go through all of this again, especially the search for a new provider. Sounds like it's tough to get good info on them (shame, shame on CNET). Thank you for running this place so well! You are much appreciated. :sad hug:

[Tagrel]

yes, I never realized a recommendation could be BOUGHT from CNet! :evil:

[imagineerwannabe]

I appreciate your hardwork too. Some bumps along the way just makes us better than before.

[Belle]

We Love You, Dave :grouphug: Thank you so much for everything you do. I know what a pain this must be for you :( I will also echo... if there is anything I can do, name it.

{hugs}
Belle <-- who isn't a big fan of camping... will there be showers and real potties, Robin? :unsure:

[Cinderella]

Mike - no garlic???

Cinderella

[Ursulinda]

{{{{{DAVE}}}}} Add me to the list of 'let me know' what I can do people.

First things that come to mind:
Do you need money? I have some you can have.
Have you tried GoDaddy.com? Not sure they do what you need but they're hosting mine, which I would offer, if I knew how to use it or if it would do what you need. (Thank goodness, Robin, you not only know what to offer but what to do with it!)
Meanwhile, here's some hugs - I KNOW how to give those!{{{{{Dave}}}}} {{{{{{{{{{{maybesoontobehomelessagaintaginators}}} }}}}}}}}}

[Robin]

You guys are making me blush. :oops: This was an existing board that was gathering dust, so Moley and I went in, pulled a few weeds, and it's ready to go. :lol:

You guys were so gracious to me when I first arrived, I'm glad to finally have a way to say 'thank you'. :flowers:

Besides, we can't have Den running loose around the Internet..who knows what havoc he'll cause. :lol:

Oh Belle, Moley has contracted to have the bathrooms designed just like the ones in the DVC resorts. I've never camped before, and she insisted bathrooms with whirlpool tubs were standard at all campsites. :shrug:

[SuzyQ]

Ha! Too funny, Robin! Leave it to Moley to figure out how to do lazy butt camping! :rofl: :rofl:

Looking forward to singing all those ol' campfire songs!

~Suzy

[FLSharon]

Besides, we can't have Den running loose around the Internet..who knows what havoc he'll cause. :lol:

Oh Belle, Moley has contracted to have the bathrooms designed just like the ones in the DVC resorts. I've never camped before, and she insisted bathrooms with whirlpool tubs were standard at all campsites. :shrug:


:wave: That is soo funny robin... and add me to the Thank You list. :wink:


Dave... Oh that bad evil server has had nothing like the wrath of po'd hormonal women! He better find some PD somewhere b/c he's gonna need it. :winking:

Do what ya gotta do to make it easier for you. We all know its temporary and we'll be back together shortly!

[Belle]

Oh Belle, Moley has contracted to have the bathrooms designed just like the ones in the DVC resorts. I've never camped before, and she insisted bathrooms with whirlpool tubs were standard at all campsites. :shrug:

Phew! What relief :mrgreen: Moley - good thinking :thumbsup:

And, of course - Thank you, Robin, for helping us out. It never ceases to amaze me the generosity of our members :angleCute:

:bowing: :bowing: :bowing: :bowing:

{hugs}
Belle

[Sheryl]

Oh Robin, not only are you funny, but also very gracious. Camping with whirlpool tubs is my idea of camping. Thanks Moley.

Sher

[Perla]

Thanks Dave, and give your loved ones at home a big hug from all of us. :grouphug1: It's so wonderful of them to share you and all your extra time you'll need to keep all your "Disneykids" together. Thanks

[#1disneyfan]

I'd like to add my words of gratitude to Dave and everyone else that keeps this group together. Thank You!

I'm not able to visit the site as often as I'd like to since I've been working a lot lately. I can't complain as it pays for the trips to WDW - lol.
When I do visit this site, it's like coming home again. It's a wonderful group of people and I'll be following it where ever it goes.
Thanks again,
Holly

[Bookwood]

Dave,

:grouphug1: I'm so sorry you have this extra burden :grouphug:

Add my name to the "anything I can do to help" list (of course unless you need homemade cookies the offer is probably useless as you know about my computer prowess :rofl: )

Robin, :bowing: you are the woman- thanks for the camp grounds (with whirlpools and fancy bathrooms) now do you suppose we could talk to the folks at the Swan and Dolphin and get those "heavenly mattresses"? That's really my kind of camping. I'll do the cooking... I'm good at open fire cooking and will miss my chance to teach my class this year as the camping/outdoor GS training session is the weekend of the Country Music Marathon.

[Cinderella]

Oh Robin, besides adding my thanks to you, can I volunteer to help decorate the site? I'm on a roll having just worked on my bedroom/bathroom. We can have a decorating party too!! This will be fun and we'll just turn our backs on that nasty evil server. He has no clue who he's dealing with!!!!!

Cinderella

[Tagrel]

Thanks guys! I really appreciate all the support.

I guess we can look at this a bit differently. We are growing, and with growth comes the need for change. As each new little hurtle comes along we will sail right on over it together!

This has certainly been a wakeup call! It may come to pass (sooner than I ever expected! :shock: ) that we need to get a dedicated server to support the site. That is a big expense that I can't cover by myself. So a decision to do that would need to be a sitewide decision. We could possibly take donations to pay for a better service if people want to go that route. I could also look for more sponsors that would be interested in being featured on the site. As we grow, those who would be interested also grows. And everytime you use one of our other sponsor links (like Amazon) that helps a little bit too. (In fact that Amazon money from the holiday quarter will pay a respectable portion of our move expense - so THANKS!)

For now, we will try another 'shared hosting' account. The upside is cost. We can afford a shared service with no problem. The gotchas of a shared hosting (which is what we have always had up until now) are:

If you use too many system resorces (i.e. your site is too busy) you will be asked to upgrade
The system will be slow at times. Sharing a system with lots of other sites means that when they are busy, you will slow down. So its to be expected that site access will be slower at times (especially peak times like evening)

A dedicated server would cost around a $100 a month (for some of the cheaper services) This gets you your very own server. So, you get more bandwidth, diskspace and you are NOT competing with other sites on the same computer for system resources. (Think how slow your computer gets if you run too many programs at the same time)

The choice will be ours to make. I have no intention of charging directly for the site. That isn't going to happen. (Insert collective, site wide sigh of relief here! :) ) I may then look into some way for people to make donations if they like. If enough comes in we could make the move to a dedicated server.

If we can't afford to move to a dedicated server, I would have to rethink the site, and take away the more 'expensive' features. That might mean changing the software we use for the forum, or losing things like the chatroom or photogallery. It would take some time to see what could be done. But at some point, if we continue to grow (and I think its GREAT that we are growing!) a dedicated server will become a necessity.

When I started this site, I did it with the intention of sharing the experience with the members. I had seen exactly what secrecy and censorship can do to a site, and wanted to learn from that experience. And it has worked very well for us! There is a sense of community and respect here that I just haven't seen on other sites. And it makes this a VERY special place. Filled with VERY special people!

Thanks for listening everyone! We'll be fine and soon this will just be another little bump in the road that we hardly remember! And a special thanks to Robin for the Campground where we will be able to play during the move.

[BaciBecky]

Dave, this must take so much time away from your family! Sounds like a dedicated server is the way to go :)

Please, put me on what is soon to be a long list of those more than happy to donate. Just tell us how and when!!

You have created the best site and it is due to your way of running things that it draws the dearest folks to be found.

Thank you! :youRock:

:grouphug:

Christine

[Cinderella]

Davie:
I'd be more then willing to chip in toward the running of the site too so that we can avoid this in the future. A dedicated server sounds like the way to go. Thanks again for all the time you are having to put into this. Just the thought of not having the site to "talk" to my friends every day is scarey. We're ready to hear all the options and have a Board of Disneyholics meeting whenever you're ready.

Cinderella

[Tagrel]

Thanks Christine and Claire!! :) We'll see how this move goes, and make a decision based on the next month or so.

Actually, this isn't so bad timewise. I can't change anything else really until we can move! :yes: So, there will be a BURST of activity once I actually MOVE the site, and have to get everything set up again. Pretty much the lull before the storm right now! :winking:

So - last night I was enjoying both my little girls at the father-daughter dance through their Brownie/Daisy troop. We had a great time!

http://tagrel.com/images/misc/daddyAndBrinn.jpg

http://tagrel.com/images/misc/daddyAndMaddy.jpg

[BaciBecky]

Oh, Dave, they are lovely girls!!!

How wonderful you could share a special time with them!

Christine

[Moley]

What beauties! They are getting so tall. A perfect duo of photos for Valentine's Day. Thank you for sharing those. :clapping:

I bet they had a blast. Tell them their dresses were fabulous. :thumbsup:

[AliciaG]

Those pictures are fantastic, Dave! Brinn and Maddy are a perfect blend of you and Kristen. Just beautiful! :D May I add that you clean up quite nice yourself. :lol:


I think we'll be able to tell a lot about what we need over the next month or so. Hopefully we'll be able to find a shared server that will allow us all the bells and whistles, without the company pulling a bait and switch and trying to rob us blind. :yes:

I'll be here to support this site either way. You are a man of integrity, and I love the way you've chosen to run the site. I just love all the members here. I like that we all police ourselves really well to treat each other with kindness and respect. It's just natural. You set the tone for that, and for you and each member I'm very grateful. :D

[amymouse]

Those pictures are fantastic, Dave! Brinn and Maddy are a perfect blend of you and Kristen. Just beautiful! :D May I add that you clean up quite nice yourself. :lol:
Hmmm. Is that the sound of someone trying to get out of their share of the "rent?" :wink:


Just kidding, those pictures ARE great! What a couple of cuties!

As for me, I practically live here! I know I'll owe some big "rent" if the time comes. :yes: My piggy bank is already looking nervous.

[FLSharon]

My piggy bank is already looking nervous.

:rofl:

[Tagrel]

Actually, there is something everyone can do to help right now. :)

I've been going over the usage logs, and it seems some users have a HUGE number of site hits.

If everyone that uses IE could do the following it may really help (AND speed up your web browser!)

First, click on Tools - Internet Options (bottom of the list).
In the popup window look for Temporary Internet files and click on settings.
Near the top should be a section that starts off: Check for newer versions of stored pages:
Make sure AUTOMATICALLY is selected.

If every visit to the page is selected, that will force the browser to reload pages on every visit, and both slows down your browser AND uses a lot of resources.

Thanks!

[amymouse]

I need some geek help, here!

I know I was using an IE browser when I was using my ATT account. But I've been trying out AOL for about a week and this browser seems different.

Are there settings on this browser that I should change to keep it from it trying to "reload" pages on every visit?

[Bookwood]

Did it we were automatic (yeah like I even knows what that means) Thanks Mike.

Put me on the list to help if that's the team decision.

Dave the photos are wonderful! Makes me glad for all those Father Daughter dinners I've helped with as a GS leader. (somehow my girls always ended up going with an uncle or grampa since dad was out of town- now their to old to go anymore (tear)!!

[lynner5996]

Dave -
:hugging:

Thanks for everything. Please know that whatever it takes to keep this site up and going, I will do. I am next going to go to the Amazon link to order a book I've been looking for. Dave, you rock! I am sorry about the problems that you have to cope with just to keep us here together.

You and your girls are just adorable! Thanks for posting the pictures.

[Tagrel]

Amy - As many here already know, I'm of the opinion that the AOL browser is evil, and should NEVER be used! :evil:

One thing a lot of AOL people don't know is that IE will work fine when you are connected to AOL (and so will Firefox for that matter). I highly suggest using IE or Firefox at all times. You will find FAR fewer browser problems following this advice. Other than that, only another AOL user could help you out... I don't have a clue on how to change its settings - Sorry! :)

[mickeefan]

Amy, we have AOL, but mainly I use my cable connection and IE. We use AOL when we are on trips and have to use dialup. I like to load AOL, then minimize it and then use IE.
What pages is it trying to reload. I am not an expert, by any means,but will gladly look at mine to see if I can help.

[pixie]

Whew....I was on automatic.

Tagrel, you know I will do whatever it is you need to help with this site. You are all family to me and I appreciate each and every member for what they bring to this site. I trust whatever decision you make will be the best one and I will support it.

I love that through all this you were able to spend such a special evening with your adorable girls. You always tell us "family comes first" and it does.

Thank you for being open and honest with us.

Barbara

[Joe]

I'm always set to Auto Dave, and count me in for whatever help you need. I, too, have seen what censorship and secrecy can do to a community, and am thrilled to death that you set this peaceful heaven up for us. It is an absolute pleasure to visit and contribute here.
Here's to many more years of success!
Joe

[amymouse]

Amy - As many here already know, I'm of the opinion that the AOL browser is evil, and should NEVER be used! :evil:
Yes, hmm... I think I remember you mentioning that once...or twice...or ten times...to the sixth power. :wink:

I know, I know, it's evil and should be destroyed. But I fell asleep once..or twice...or.... more times than I'll be admitting to, with my computer still logged in and I used up all my internet hours this month. While I was asleep no less! (A community round of "you mean she's usually awake when she posts all that drivel" was just uttered by all)

I a disc in the mail for 2 months of AOL for free, it was free I tell you, it was free! (She hears the embarrassingly familiar chorus of "I was young! I needed the money" making a repeat visit in her brain)

I'm done explaining myself. Just accept me with my AOL or not at all! (Note the dramatic pause and equally dramatic swooping placement of the back of her hand to her forehead)

Thanks for info, Dave! :flowers:

And, uh, I'm just kidding about that "not at ALL" part.

[amymouse]

Thanks Mickeefan! I didn't see your offer of help until ater I'd already figured it out!

I clicked Settings in the toolbar then clicked on Internet Options in the alphatized list then followed the road map from there.

I wasn't on automatic, :oops: but I wasn't on the dreaded "every visit to page" either. It was something about after "every restart." But since my PC has issues and I have to restart it ohhh, let's see, usually 4 to 5 times everyday. Hmmm, yeah, it could've been an issue. :oops:

[sandar]

Dave,

Thanks for the continuing updates and for posting those GREAT photos of you and your girls! What cuties! :D

Sandi

[Ursulinda]

(excuse me, I have to make a schedule to understand what we're talking about here, being arithmetically challenged.)

So - if we get a nice warm fast dedicated server with TONS of room, it's

$100/month or

$1200/year or

:arrow: $100 each if 12 people kick in ($8.50/month each)or

:arrow: $50 each if 24 people kick in ($4.25/month each)or

:arrow: $25 each if 48 people kick in ($2.50/month each) or

:arrow: 12$ each if 100 people kick in? That's only a $1.00 a MONTH!!!! :shock:

:talking:


:idea: Or you could charge so much per post :twisted: . . . that would mean DENNIS Pays it all! hehehe



My vote is for the dedicated server as soon as possible and I will committ to support it at the $100. level (Do you still have that paypall account?)

(I also think there'd better be an iron clad contract with the hosting company that DOESN't allow for them to drop us twenty minutes after the ink is dry.)

[amymouse]

....Do you still have that paypall account?

A Paypall account? Is that like the "Cousin Vinnie" version of PayPal? Youse better pay or youse gonna need a pallbearer! :viking:

Forgive me Linda. :oops: I agree wholeheartedly with your arithmetic, but just couldn't resist having a little fun with the typo. :lol:

[pixie]

Oh, amymouse, you are a hoot!!!! :spit:

[Ursulinda]

Only you, Amy! At LEast it wasn't a naughty word!

[amymouse]

Only you, Amy! At LEast it wasn't a naughty word!

Oh you are so right! Never, ever, ever let me try a "twinks impersonation" ever again. Amywho......oh my goodness!! :shock:

[Tagrel]

Youse guys! :cry:

Well, I have to agree, that dedicated server sounds great! :yes: And when you price it across the membership it really is pretty reasonable.... One gotcha is that to GET the $100 a month price, (and no setup fees) you have to prepay at least a year! That makes it $1200 bucks up front. Always a catch... But I'll keep looking at providers, and see what other deals are out there. Best price isn't always the best service. So, reputation and history will make a big difference in who I end up choosing. And we do get support from Your Magical Journeys and Quicksilver too! So its not as bad as it could be!!! :yes:

And I agree about that contract thing! :hopmad: But that is the point of a dedicated server. While you only have the computer type, memory, disk space and Bandwidth you pay for (which is SO much more than we currently use, its amazing!) - you DO have total control of the computer and ALL its CPU cycles. :greedy: That means its MINE BABY, and I can use as many as I want! :mrgreen: Of course, LOTS more research into a dependable dedicated server company comes first. I did NOT search as much as I should have before choosing our current hosting company. Teach me to trust a source like CNet.

Searching the web for other forums, and review sites shed MUCH more light on the crap some of these companies pull! I just wish our current providers were more willing to be supportive of FIXING our problems, instead of forcing an immediate upgrade. I've already found some things that should help, and I'd have been MORE than willing to see if I could fix our problems given just a bit of time. Sigh....

Anyway, the search is on, and I guess I'll start saving my pennies for that big ole dedicated server. When we have enough (or enough that the DW won't KILL me outright) I'll make the leap. In the mean time I get to search, compare and ask LOTS of questions... :)

I guess the best way to see if enough people are willing to do this is just to ask! I'm going to start a new thread about interest in upgrading.

Thanks everyone!

[Cinderella]

Dave, can't believe how much Brinn and Maddy have grown since I saw them last at Hershey Park!!! My gosh, they are beautiful young ladies now!! You're going to have your hands full when they get old enough to date!!!! I agree that you DO clean up nice yourself.

Cinderella

[Robin]

(I also think there'd better be an iron clad contract with the hosting company that DOESN't allow for them to drop us twenty minutes after the ink is dry.)

I went reading a lot of 'hosting tips' after this issue came up, and it seems most hosts have a clause in their 'Terms of Service' for abusing CPU usage (aka the amount of 'thinking' a server has to do for it to process requests, such as 'view a page').

While this is valid for an website that does 'abuse' the server and some hosts will work with site owners to fix any bad code that unknowingly uses more CPU time than it should. Unfortunately it leaves a loophole for a dishonest host to pull a 'bait and switch'. I find it 'odd' the previous host never commented we use too much. :roll:

Besides the new host, the other culprit is CNet with used to be a trusted resource on all things computer related. Apparently they no longer are. :evil:

[Robin]

Those are great pictures of you and the girls! I bet that was one special night for the three of you.

[FLSharon]

Amy - As many here already know, I'm of the opinion that the AOL browser is evil, and should NEVER be used! :evil:

One thing a lot of AOL people don't know is that IE will work fine when you are connected to AOL (and so will Firefox for that matter). I highly suggest using IE or Firefox at all times. You will find FAR fewer browser problems following this advice. Other than that, only another AOL user could help you out... I don't have a clue on how to change its settings - Sorry! :)

I'm on aol and i learned long ago to use the IE browser. I can't get into the chat room on aol.. I think it was Betsy who told me to use IE. I can't wait to get back on the cable or DSL to get rid of AOL... :twisted: PS.. I did like those first few FREE months tho... :wink:

[Sheryl]

Sorry, I'm a little behind today (had classes all day long).

First of all Dave, this site and the work you put into it is a gift you have given all of us. There is no way, you should be responsible for such an expensive costs, so I agree, this should never affect your personal financial being, and it is one Kristen should not have to worry about. She is gracious to let us have you as much as she does, I am sure taking some time away from your family. Thank you also to Kristen.

This is by far, the best group of folks I have ever had the opportunity to befriend and be a part of. I get so much from this site you have created for us, you can always count me in on whatever you need here.

That being said, I LOVE the pictures of you and your girls. And like Alicia pointed out, they are the perfect blend of both you and Kristen. I'm so glad you were able to make those memories with your girls last night, you so deserved it!

Sheryl :mickeyWalk:

[SammieG]

Dave, sorry only just seen this post...

Count me in to the donations fund - tell me when, how much and where.. and I can help!

And also - your girls are just SOOOOOO cute!!!

Thanks for all you do .... we all so appreciate it!

[Robin]

I'd noticed lately a number of broken avatars. I see some of them are pointing to the photo gallery. Since our 'issue' with the new host has to do with high database usage, this has brought two questions to mind.

2. With the albums currently disabled, do the broken avatars still generate 'hits' on the database when it looks for them?

2. In general, it would seem that avatars pointing to the album would create a lot of additional hits on the database every time someone views a post it appears in. Might it be better for members to ask you to host the photo elsewhere on the site, rather than link to the album?

[Tagrel]

You know Robin, I forgot about this problem. And with the latest version of the boards the UPLOAD AVATAR portion of everyone's profile will allow users to upload their own avatar! (The old version had ISSUES! :winking: )

I've reset the code to allow avatars that are at MOST 160 x 160 and 39KB in size (that is actually quite large).

And as always, if you have a picture, but its too big, just send it to me and I will resize and host if for you! :) But no one should need to link to the gallery any more.

Thanks!

[Robin]

I just tried it...and it works like a charm! I love this feature because members I don't have to have a place to host their avatar.

I wonder if this will make pages load a teensy bit faster to, since when someone views my posts, they no longer have to 'pull' the avatar from my site. :mrgreen:

The way I switched from hotlink to upload was quite easy. :yes:

I simply saved a copy of my avatar from my profile to my desktop. Then went to Upload Avatar from your machine:, browsed to the copy I just saved and 'click'.

[Perla]

Deal me in Dave! The friendliest Disney fans on the web and I'm not gonna be without them. Thanks for everything. Your girls are sweet little princesses!

[MargaretJ]

Brinn & Maddy are looking so grown up. They are so cute! Count me in as someone who will help with the new site.

p.s. I have AOL & must be the only one here who likes it. I have gotten used to having to use IE for chats but don't like IE for basic surfing. It is so much slower than my using AOL browser.

[Mousears]

Tagrel: Sorry to hear about this new development with website.I'm sure it will all work out, no one can keep Disneyholics down for long!!!! I have a question that may sound stupid but how will we know where new site is when this one is gone? Will there be a link to direct us there? Pictures of you and your daughters were soooo cute.......What a wonderful memory that will make.

[Moley]

Mousears, we just put up a link. There will also be one pointing to our temporary digs when the forums are shut down in a day or so. When our new site is ready, the links will be updated. Thanks for asking!

[SuzyQ]

Thanks, Dave for sharing those beautiful pictures of your girls! (and you didn't look too bad yourself!) ;)

Your girls are a ray of sunshine - in the middle of all this headache; they are soothing to the heart! You have such a beautiful family!

Thank you to your family (especially Kristin) for sharing you with us. This site has touched many lives and is a real blessing!

Suzy