Site Update

[Gary]

After all the we went through in the past 2 weeks, things appear to be stable (for now). I temporarily trimmed back on some of our features in order to troubleshoot any problems that may have come from our end. I will be bringing back the photo gallery soon.

It does appear that, as we continue to grow, we will outgrow the resources available on a shared server. Rather than cut back programs in order to remain within those confines, I've decided to jump in with both feet and commit to getting on a dedicated server where we will be the only users. This will ensure that we have the resources to continue uninterrupted and expand with more features.

Dedicated servers are not cheap. I spent several hours last night researching different plans and there are many offerings. The bottom line is you get what you pay for. Anyway, thank you to all the members who have hit the donation button over the past year. Your continued support has made this decision much easier and I am looking into ways of recognizing that support.

As I mentioned in another post, OpelGT.com will remain a free site and this move will allow us to offer even features and programs.

Happy holidays!

Gary

[saxybiker]

Originally Posted by Gary Dedicated servers are not cheap. I spent several hours last night researching different plans and there are many offerings. The bottom line is you get what you pay for. Anyway, thank you to all the members who have hit the donation button over the past year. Your continued support has made this decision much easier and I am looking into ways of recognizing that support. Happy holidays! Gary

Gary:

I think it is a good idea to recognize donations. It reminds the rest of us to make ours on a more regular basis. We have some pretty creative minds on this site, so perhaps we could get some suggestions for recognition that is easily done.

The idea that came to my mind is some type of box on the main page where everyone who logs in can see it immediately. Inside the box should be the names of donors scrolling through. I do not believe it wise to list amounts that people donate. Rather some type of categories like the BRONZE BLITZ, SILVER BLITZ, GOLD BLITZ and PLATINUM BLITZ. I also think that the recognition should reset on December 31 and start at 0 in January to prompt us to donate each year. If we wanted to get more elaborate..... we could have two recognitions, one for yearly and one for total (just a thought)

Hopefully, there is some way to write some code so that when someone donates it would automatically calculate their donation amount, place them in the correct category and add their name to the scrolling "Donation Hall of Fame"

Other ideas? Add to change or come up with your own. I think this would be a great reminder to us that we need to donate on a more regular basis. I can say this because I have previously been remiss about donating. I need this type of reminder.

Vickie

[Gary]

Good suggestions Vickie. There are a couple of add-ons available that will place a trophy or other small pic next to the username. The annual reset is a good idea.

Any others?

[Hiro]

nice job Gary!
I know this is a lot of time consuming work,
this deserves some more help from this side of the pond...
cheers,
Hiro

[automata3.0turbo]

you can definitely count on more donations from my end, anything to keep the best opel site on the web at operating speed. thanx for the hard work in getting the site back up, i think eveyone was starting to go through withdrawls there for a minute haha.

[robert j hunt]

I know nothing about the costs of maintaining a server so I am asking what it costs to do this upgrade for the year. Also would it be rude to post the highest donation for the year; no names of course?

[saxybiker]

Or... how about post high donor for the year, but no amount. That person certainly will deserve the recognition.

[Gary]

When a donation is made to the site, I put it into an account. As a renewal for a license, the hosting fees invoice, other expenses, or a new program is purchased it comes out of that account. I make up the difference if there is not enough in there at the time it's needed. The site has been self sustaining for the past 2 years or so because of member donations and the little revenue taken in from the related ad blocks.

Money has a sneaky way of creating huge problems out of minor issues and I don't want it to interfere with the "spirit" of this community. That's one reason why I have not published the costs of running this site and have struggled over how to best recognize contributors. I don't want members to feel pressured to donate or feel that they need to donate a certain dollar amount because others do. Any donation is greatly appreciated. Some members have given "in kind" donations of parts or items they have made (cookies from MI and chocolates from Europe have arrived at my door). Those gifts are appreciated also.

Gary

[bullmoose]

Gary, Have you been able to get any information from the current host regarding the amount of bandwidth the site uses? Peak, average, etc... Can you provide those?

Thanks...

[robert j hunt]

All I have to say is keep it up. This site is where I go when I have had a tough day. You guys keep me going. Thanks for all your time, dedication and knowledge.

[N61WP]

Gary,

I understand your wanting to keep this a free site and keeping the costs to yourself to avoid money creating problems--money always does!

However, If you feel we need to buy our own server, then how about posting the cost and lets have a donation drive for that? And lets get a real good one $$$ so we don't have to do it again in a year or so. I for one trust your judgement when it comes to this site completely. I can say without a doubt that I would not still own (and love) this Bastard Step-Child car if this site didn't exist.

James

[automata3.0turbo]

i for one second the donation drive idea. i think everyone could appreciate the idea of a dedicated server for this site. there are more and more people joining all the time, and more and more features being integrated into the site. its inevitable that we would outgrow the shared server.