Server Move Issues, Bugs or Concerns

[TrappedinCalifornia]

I've replied a few times in this and the other thread about what the problem is. I have experience with this stuff....the problem is related to the number of users logged in / traffic and the underpowered database (MYSQL) server and probably the web server. That plus the ancient version of vBulletin isn't helping.

It's time for Kestryll to sell the site if he is uninterested in maintaining it. I would be interested in taking it forward and I know what I'm doing...

Clearly, many missed Kestryll's post just about a month ago...

I've posted about what is causing our issues, in short a conflict between the coding of the old vB 3.8 software and the newer version of MySQL. This came about when we moved to the new server when P.E. closed.

The fix is updating the forum software to vBulletin 5.7.x, something that was suppose to happen not long after we did the server move in January.

The fact that it didn't happen is entirely on me.
To make a long and whiny story short Dad passed the end of last year, step mom passed in January while working on this and I kind of got in to a whole 'who gives a s**t about anything anyway' funk.

But life goes on and things need to be done so no more funk unless it's Carl Carlton!

I've reached out to the vBulletin staff to pick up where I left off on having them do the update since it's their software. It's not free but it's not too expensive and the plausible deniability is worth it.
I'm hoping we can get this going soon because this slow stuff is irritating me too!

[AlmostHeaven]

I believe that moleculo is offering an alternative diagnosis of the technical issues that challenges the one posted by Kestryll. Whether the claim has merit is outside of my field of expertise.

[moleculo]

I believe that moleculo is offering an alternative diagnosis of the technical issues that challenges the one posted by Kestryll. Whether the claim has merit is outside of my field of expertise.

What Kes posted is not causing the site timeout errors, IMO. It IS causing the goofy character set stuff. If it was just a compatibility problem between old VBulletin and mysql, the site would still be responsive but spew error messages on the screen that would be meaningful to those who understand it. But a completely non-responsive, not able to login, timeout, is almost always an more serious underlying horsepower issue (or a DDOS).

[Bobthegod]

I do believe it's getting even slower......is that possible?

[AlmostHeaven]

What Kes posted is not causing the site timeout errors, IMO. It IS causing the goofy character set stuff. If it was just a compatibility problem between old VBulletin and mysql, the site would still be responsive but spew error messages on the screen that would be meaningful to those who understand it. But a completely non-responsive, not able to login, timeout, is almost always an more serious underlying horsepower issue (or a DDOS).

I see. That makes sense. Does Calguns need more powerful hardware to solve the performance issues, or would software changes address the situation?

[SilveradoColt21]

I think I see the problem, there are ~38 posts complaining on this this page, yet only 5 posts are from CGN contributors.

Solution is for people to become lifetime contributors .

[CapnedEd318]

Cannot log in and use Search function in Marketplace

I log in as per usual and go to Marketplace. The Search function does not show up.

[RudyN]

Yesterday the site was very slow and today it is fine. The site is quite inconsistent.

[AlmostHeaven]

I can confirm that performance has been rock solid for the past day.

[-hanko]

Solution is for people to become lifetime contributors .

Especially the jerk-off's who use the hell out of the Marketplace but never give back even $25 per year.

[dlu04]

If fixing the web site is a money issue, then say so. Make Calguns a pay for play web site. My 2 cents worth…

[Dvrjon]

Solution is for people to become lifetime contributors .

Frankly, this stuff started right after I became a lifetime contributor, so I apologize to all. My fault.

[AlmostHeaven]

Paywalling the site would accelerate the demise of forums in general, as already most communities have moved to Big Tech platforms such as Reddit or Discord. I certainly hope there is another way forward.

[TrappedinCalifornia]

If fixing the web site is a money issue, then say so. Make Calguns a pay for play web site. My 2 cents worth?

Making the site pay-to-play consistently comes up and it always comes down to the same thing. Aside from those who appreciate 'free' and how membership fees would limit the membership via 'getting something for their money,' there's always this concern...

I am waiting to become a lifetime contributor lol, this is the reason why I am stalling because I don't want to pay the membership fee and then have the site glitch or something and act like I never paid anything .

Yes. Making things pay-to-play often comes up as a result of frustrations, with technical problems, member differences, etc. It's a way many feel can be used to 'filter' out the 'problem children' and/or bolster the site's ability to address glitches. Meanwhile, many of those same individuals complain about how the Government simply 'throws money' at a problem, but rarely accomplishes anything. It also comes across as 'too' exclusionary; i.e., you only have a voice if you can afford it.

The same problems crop up with suggestions for requiring NRA/CRPA membership to join the site. Not everyone agrees with those organizations and simply because some members hold them as sacrosanct doesn't mean all do. Neither does it mean someone isn't contributing to the 'cause' simply because they don't belong to those organizations as there are many organizations which do good work for us.

The bottom line is that there is another 'limiting' factor and Kestryll noted it in 2019 (Post #69)...

I'm not going to reply much for a bit, I want to hear your thoughts and opinions without skewing them by my input. However I do want to address one point, the concept of Calguns becoming a paid site.

Years ago, 2006 to be exact, I made a promise to this community that Calguns would always be free to join and free to post.
We do have voluntary Contributors who get a few perks but no one is charged to be a member or to post here.
Even if I wanted to make it a pay to join site I can not, I am bound by my promise and I'm okay with that. I knew that when I made the promise and I agree it would limit our reach.

Okay, I just wanted to get that out there, back to your regularly scheduled thread...

The site has actually been working fairly well, technically, for a day or so; at least for me. Let's see if it holds and/or if Kestryll has waved his magic wand in doing that voodoo he does so well. Well... Or at least while enjoying the best of Carl Carlton funk (see Post #5).

[dlu04]

Making the site pay-to-play consistently comes up and it always comes down to the same thing. Aside from those who appreciate 'free' and how membership fees would limit the membership via 'getting something for their money,' there's always this concern...



Yes. Making things pay-to-play often comes up as a result of frustrations, with technical problems, member differences, etc. It's a way many feel can be used to 'filter' out the 'problem children' and/or bolster the site's ability to address glitches. Meanwhile, many of those same individuals complain about how the Government simply 'throws money' at a problem, but rarely accomplishes anything. It also comes across as 'too' exclusionary; i.e., you only have a voice if you can afford it.

The same problems crop up with suggestions for requiring NRA/CRPA membership to join the site. Not everyone agrees with those organizations and simply because some members hold them as sacrosanct doesn't mean all do. Neither does it mean someone isn't contributing to the 'cause' simply because they don't belong to those organizations as there are many organizations which do good work for us.

The bottom line is that there is another 'limiting' factor and Kestryll noted it in 2019 (Post #69)...



The site has actually been working fairly well, technically, for a day or so; at least for me. Let's see if it holds and/or if Kestryll has waved his magic wand in doing that voodoo he does so well. Well... Or at least while enjoying the best of Carl Carlton funk (see Post #5).

Good point - I?m in agreement