Ongoing error issues

[ge_rik]

Hi folks
I have reported the ongoing issues of repeated error messages to our ISP and raised a ticket (ie it requires action being taken). As yet I've had no response. If it's any consolation, we are experiencing exactly the same problems as you each time we try to do anything on the forum.

We have been working behind the scenes to see if there is something we could do to decrease the demand the forum places on the server - all to no avail.

An enquiry on the PHPBB forum resulted in this response

It's purely a host issue. If you're on a shared server you might have dozens of other sites on the same machine. One or more of the sites is pushing the total connections over the limit.
Not much you can do about that other than ask to be moved to a quieter server. Be prepared for them to suggest you pay to upgrade your hosting deal.

So, I think we have to sit back and wait for our ISP to sort out the issue.

Sorry

Rik

[ge_rik]

Hi folks
We're really sorry about the annoying persistent error message which has interfered with your access to the forum. We have been beavering away, trying to find ways of sorting it out, but it looks like the most effective solution will be to upgrade our account with our internet host to what they call "Premium".

In summary, this means our site will be hosted on its own dedicated server, rather than sharing a server with other clients. The problem with sharing a server is that if the other clients have a lot of traffic, then as the error message implies, the server gets overloaded. Going to premium also means we get a higher level of response to issues and also gives us other perks which will make the job of administering the forum easier.

It will involve us paying an additional £70GBP a year but we feel, given the benefits this will bring, it will be worth the investment. Of course, it will mean we will have to come cap in hand for donations slightly more frequently (Philip reckons we had enough to keep us going for 2.5 years, but with the increased cost, we may now need to ask for donations in two years' time).

The upgrade will take 3-4 days to take effect and in the meantime, the forum may have to go offline for a few hours.

We hope you understand and we are hoping the upgrade will not only solve the problem but will lead to a better online experience for you (and for us).

The Admin Team