Board loading slowly or not at all...

[moonglow]

Sometimes this board loads very, very slowly. Not just when I first get on but in looking around at post, doing replies and so forth. Yet any other site I go too loads quickly so it seems to just be this board. Its horribly slow at times which makes it frustrating. Also like last night I did a reply, clicked to submit it and then got an error message...clicked back arrow and decided to copy and paste my post to a note pad so it won't get lost because many times when I start getting these error messages I lose my post. Or I end up with double posts because I think it didn't go through. I never could get back on the board at all though last night...kept getting server timed out ..that sort of thing. After ten minutes of trying I finally gave up. This has happened a few times in the last month or so. Most of the time if I wait a bit then I can get back on and see people still on here and actively posting so I am wondering if I am the only one unable to get on here at all during those times? Is the board having problems or it is just me? It makes no sense to me that any other site I go too are fine...they load quickly and no error messages yet on here I have problems. Thanks

God bless

[Vhayes]

Hi Moonglow -

I tried to log on last night and was told that I had "timed out" but had no problem with other sites. I figured it was a glitch with the server. Today it all seems to be fine, at least on my end.
V

[stillforgiven]

I have time-out problems farily often with this site. I guess it's just too popular. ;)

[moonglow]

Hi Moonglow -

I tried to log on last night and was told that I had "timed out" but had no problem with other sites. I figured it was a glitch with the server. Today it all seems to be fine, at least on my end.
V

Yea I was getting that timed out message too when I tried to submit my reply. And yes things seem to be fine today but like I said this has happened before, its not just a one time thing so I am just wondering what is going on. Mostly the loading so horribly slow is what bugs me the most...it can take many minutes to load one thread or submit a reply instead of a second or two like normal. Its just very frustrating when it does that.

God bless

[th1bill]

... Since I am not an administrator I am only guessing but I would recommend that we all remember that we are guests here and that someone else is paying the bills for this site. A site only has so much bandwidth and a limited number of servers to interact with us and I have noted, in the past, that there are often a large number of people on this web site at the same time. Anytime that a website has more activity than it is able to support, because of the number of servers, it will appear that it has slowed down when in reality it is just serving more people than normal and is overloaded.
... This situation can, of course, be fixed by adding more servers but that costs more money and the money for adding that additional service might not be available.

[bdh]

The issues of last night were a 1 in a bazillion freak of chance: the main network connector to the server had a bad connection. It was replaced early this morning.

However, the other slow loading issues at some times of day are becoming a real concern and I am aware of it. Stillforgiven and th1bill are correct -- we have outgrown this server and at peak times of day it's starting to have problems keeping up.

For the techies among us, Bibleforums runs on a quad core dedicated server with SATAII drives. We need to upgrade it to something like a dual quad core running SCSI RAID. Unfortunately that will more than double our current monthly cost which, as it is, is several hundred $'s per month. The the board only generates a fraction of that from advertising and I'm not keen to go the commercial route with full blown hard-sell advertising, so we're at a bit of an impasse right now and have a shortfall of about $300-$400 a month.

[Diggindeeper]

Then, I am going to make this a matter of fervent prayer, bdh!
I promise.

[moonglow]

... Since I am not an administrator I am only guessing but I would recommend that we all remember that we are guests here and that someone else is paying the bills for this site. A site only has so much bandwidth and a limited number of servers to interact with us and I have noted, in the past, that there are often a large number of people on this web site at the same time. Anytime that a website has more activity than it is able to support, because of the number of servers, it will appear that it has slowed down when in reality it is just serving more people than normal and is overloaded.
... This situation can, of course, be fixed by adding more servers but that costs more money and the money for adding that additional service might not be available.


I posted because I didn't know if it was a problem on my end or if the owner was having sever problem...I wasn't posting to 'get after' anyone..:(

bdh The issues of last night were a 1 in a bazillion freak of chance: the main network connector to the server had a bad connection. It was replaced early this morning.

However, the other slow loading issues at some times of day are becoming a real concern and I am aware of it. Stillforgiven and th1bill are correct -- we have outgrown this server and at peak times of day it's starting to have problems keeping up.

For the techies among us, Bibleforums runs on a quad core dedicated server with SATAII drives. We need to upgrade it to something like a dual quad core running SCSI RAID. Unfortunately that will more than double our current monthly cost which, as it is, is several hundred $'s per month. The the board only generates a fraction of that from advertising and I'm not keen to go the commercial route with full blown hard-sell advertising, so we're at a bit of an impasse right now and have a shortfall of about $300-$400 a month.

Ok thanks for explaining! I have been having some computer issues off and on and didn't know if it was me or this board. This explains it. I will be praying too about this. This might sound like a dumb question but have you checked to see how other large message boards pay for their server? Do they have to use secular adds? I think one this one people can become 'site supporters' by donating to the message board. I have no idea if they commit a certain amount a month to do this or not, or if its a one time donation. On the Christian websites I go too (that I listen too on the Christian radio station) they will ask for people to become partners with they by committing to a monthly donation. They commit to donating any amount every month and these Pastors really depend on that. This helps pay their expensive for broadcasting on the radio and not have to use commercials. Just some ideas. We would hate to lose this board.

God bless

[stillforgiven]

The issues of last night were a 1 in a bazillion freak of chance: the main network connector to the server had a bad connection. It was replaced early this morning.

However, the other slow loading issues at some times of day are becoming a real concern and I am aware of it. Stillforgiven and th1bill are correct -- we have outgrown this server and at peak times of day it's starting to have problems keeping up.

For the techies among us, Bibleforums runs on a quad core dedicated server with SATAII drives. We need to upgrade it to something like a dual quad core running SCSI RAID. Unfortunately that will more than double our current monthly cost which, as it is, is several hundred $'s per month. The the board only generates a fraction of that from advertising and I'm not keen to go the commercial route with full blown hard-sell advertising, so we're at a bit of an impasse right now and have a shortfall of about $300-$400 a month.


Would it be wrong to have an option to support the board, like Carring Bridge has? Many couldn't help, but I'm sure there are some who could and would be willing.

[bdh]

Do they have to use secular adds?Yup. That's where the money is.

[moonglow]

Would it be wrong to have an option to support the board, like Carring Bridge has? Many couldn't help, but I'm sure there are some who could and would be willing.

I could commit to a little every month..it wouldn't be much but even if we could all do a little it could really add up. Given all my post counts I ought to help out in some way..I am wearing this poor board out...:lol:

[bdh]

Would it be wrong to have an option to support the board, like Carring Bridge has? Many couldn't help, but I'm sure there are some who could and would be willing.Kicked that around a bit in the past. Thought of "subscriptions" where "supporters" would get a special icon or something. Generally an icon or different color or whatever is necessary to generate enough interest .... but I've always felt like that would be a negative thing --

firstly it would identify those who did not (or could not, as you say) pay and also it would cause the "snob" effect as I call it: "Look at so-and-so. He's such a rich dude and posts here all the time and doesn't contribute a cent! I'm a poor single parent and I can make the sacrifice ... it's not fair ..."

[moonglow]

Kicked that around a bit in the past. Thought of "subscriptions" where "supporters" would get a special icon or something. Generally an icon or different color or whatever is necessary to generate enough interest .... but I've always felt like that would be a negative thing --

firstly it would identify those who did not (or could not, as you say) pay and also it would cause the "snob" effect as I call it: "Look at so-and-so. He's such a rich dude and posts here all the time and doesn't contribute a cent! I'm a poor single parent and I can make the sacrifice ... it's not fair ..."

Ok well don't give us any special status then (that could lead to pride and we don't want that)...we don't need it anyway. And no one needs to know who donates and who doesn't. Some it might be a one time deal...others monthly..it can all be handled privately.

Matthew 6:3-5

3 But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly

;) ;) hint hint.

Brent we really do want to help..if you'll just let us. Stick a donate icon in a corner somewhere...;)

God bless

[Pilgrimtozion]

What if you had people like moonglow and myself simply donate...without any special anything - just anonymously?

[tango]

A "donate" link could work, you could accept donations by PayPal or some such. Quick, easy, no need to write reams of new code.

[stillforgiven]

A "donate" link could work, you could accept donations by PayPal or some such. Quick, easy, no need to write reams of new code.

That's what I was talking about, not for people to get visable credit. Just something simple that people could use to help out.

[moonglow]

A "donate" link could work, you could accept donations by PayPal or some such. Quick, easy, no need to write reams of new code.

Yea....


Pilgrimtozion What if you had people like moonglow and myself simply donate...without any special anything - just anonymously?

Yea...no one needs to know who donated or how much. No ones business anyway and no need for anyone to feel bad about it if they can't either.

[bdh]

I hear you guys and appreciate the offers. Really do.

The big concern is that it will kick off with a bang and frizzle out. Right now, things are not ideal but still "affordable". If we got a super-duper expensive server and donations slow down or stop altogether, that would be the end of the board.

I do have one option I'm investigating. I should have an answer by the end of the week.

[stillforgiven]

I hear you guys and appreciate the offers. Really do.

The big concern is that it will kick off with a bang and frizzle out. Right now, things are not ideal but still "affordable". If we got a super-duper expensive server and donations slow down or stop altogether, that would be the end of the board.

I do have one option I'm investigating. I should have an answer by the end of the week.

I wasn't really thinking of upgrading before starting a donation feature. If it was started with the board the way it is now with a monthly shortfall. Then somewhere in the future if it seems like something that is catching on and lasting, the option to upgrade could be considered.

[*Hope*]

I'm glad to finally know what was going on, I've been wondering myself. Thanks for the information!

[moonglow]

I hear you guys and appreciate the offers. Really do.

The big concern is that it will kick off with a bang and frizzle out. Right now, things are not ideal but still "affordable". If we got a super-duper expensive server and donations slow down or stop altogether, that would be the end of the board.

I do have one option I'm investigating. I should have an answer by the end of the week.

Ok we will be praying on that! :pray:

God bless

[quiet dove]

bdh, I was with others in thinking the slow moments were on my end, and of course worried there may be some other problem. I am computer illiterate but even my simple logic wondered about the strain of a board this size on the "zingping and cogwheels"

Always praying for the board and you guys, and all that is done to keep this effort going will forever be appreciated. :hug:

[PeterJ]

Recently found the board slowing again.

[stillforgiven]

Me too..........

[mizzdy]

I have noticed that also and thought it was just me. But everywhere else I go on the net loads just fine. Is it because there are so many here I wonder?

[bdh]

I haven't noticed anything. I think other factors outside of the board may be contributors.

[fuzzi]

I could commit to a little every month..it wouldn't be much but even if we could all do a little it could really add up. Given all my post counts I ought to help out in some way..I am wearing this poor board out...:lol:
I don't have a lot, but I'd be glad to contribute as the Lord leads me.

Who's the head honcho, anyway? :hmm:

[fuzzi]

I have noticed that also and thought it was just me. But everywhere else I go on the net loads just fine. Is it because there are so many here I wonder?
I am no computer whiz, but it could be the amount of posters accessing the board. I've seen that happen elsewhere.

I understand that some might be experiencing the slowdown while others do not, but it's still frustrating to be unable to read or reply to posts while others are zipping right along.

I did all the pm to my computer: scandisk, defrag, spybot, etc., but it didn't make any difference. Besides, other sites I frequent were just fine. Go figure. :giveup:

[RogerW]

I am no computer whiz, but it could be the amount of posters accessing the board. I've seen that happen elsewhere.

I understand that some might be experiencing the slowdown while others do not, but it's still frustrating to be unable to read or reply to posts while others are zipping right along.

I did all the pm to my computer: scandisk, defrag, spybot, etc., but it didn't make any difference. Besides, other sites I frequent were just fine. Go figure. :giveup:

I'm experiencing the same problem, and I've done all the same things. It's definately a problem within this site because this is the only site I have the problem. I hope they can resolve it soon.

[Ta-An]

There's a 100% free utility (it's tiny) you can install that will do it for you and it has a "copy to clipboard" feature to copy the output to a post. You can get it here http://analogx.com/contents/download...e/download.htm (http://analogx.com/contents/download/network/htrace/download.htm)

With this you can see where the problem lies :D

[mizzdy]

I am no computer whiz, but it could be the amount of posters accessing the board. I've seen that happen elsewhere.

I understand that some might be experiencing the slowdown while others do not, but it's still frustrating to be unable to read or reply to posts while others are zipping right along.

I did all the pm to my computer: scandisk, defrag, spybot, etc., but it didn't make any difference. Besides, other sites I frequent were just fine. Go figure. :giveup:

I have done all the same things and still it is taking minutes to load any page and to respond and post is just so frustrating! I post on a few boards and don't have this problem and no where else I go on the net is slow at all. I wonder what server do you have, compuserve, aol? I wonder if that could be involved? Yesterday I was trying to respond to a post and it wouldn't even go through! :help: i hope this one goes through.

[Vhayes]

I'm having problems with the site both at work and at home - work is a dedicated T-1 line and home is fiber optic high speed.

[fuzzi]

I'm experiencing the same problem, and I've done all the same things. It's definately a problem within this site because this is the only site I have the problem. I hope they can resolve it soon.
I have done all the same things and still it is taking minutes to load any page and to respond and post is just so frustrating! I post on a few boards and don't have this problem and no where else I go on the net is slow at all. I wonder what server do you have, compuserve, aol? I wonder if that could be involved? Yesterday I was trying to respond to a post and it wouldn't even go through! :help: i hope this one goes through.
My ISP at work is the university's server, I guess. I'm on IE there.

I access the web with DSL at home, and use yahoo as my main email address, Firefox as my browser.

It's better today, at work, but I am wondering how it will be after I get home tonight. :(

[bdh]

The board and the server it's on are both fine. The problem is elsewhere.
ACCM is right - if you are having a problem with a slow connection the only way to diagnose it is with a traceroute. Get the software in the link above and post the output here. See http://bibleforums.org/forum/showpost.php?p=2044661&postcount=30

[mizzdy]

Ok, I fully admit to being completely computer hmm dumb! I did the trace thingy but cannot figure out how to copy it to a message, I clicked on the copy to clip board and well nothing I saw happening then i tried to copy and paste and couldn't, should I just write out what it says then?

[bdh]

after you click copy to clipboard, you just right click in a post and select paste.

[mizzdy]

Thanks for the info. The board right now at least is loading just fine but if it does it again I will at least know how to respond to it, thanks again.

[moonglow]

The board and the server it's on are both fine. The problem is elsewhere.
ACCM is right - if you are having a problem with a slow connection the only way to diagnose it is with a traceroute. Get the software in the link above and post the output here. See http://bibleforums.org/forum/showpost.php?p=2044661&postcount=30

Ok here is another dumb question...I downloaded this program but now what? Does it just do its thing by itself? Is there something I am suppose to open? All I have is the installation icon of it on my desktop now...I don't know how to make it work...:confused

[bdh]

You must run it, yes. When you do, make sure

1. you put "bibleforums.org" (without quotes) in the box at the bottom.
2. Config -> DNS lookup as well as Config -> Packet loss must both be enabled
3. When it runs, it will run forever if you don't stop it. After about 60 seconds, click "abort" (top) and waint another few seconds for it to finish.
4. Click "copy" and then "paste" the results in a post.

NOTE: For those who know how, you can run traceroute from command line.

[bdh]

I've put something in the FAQ: http://bibleforums.org/forum/showthread.php?t=164973

[moonglow]

I've put something in the FAQ: http://bibleforums.org/forum/showthread.php?t=164973

Ok I clicked on this earlier and then clicked on the second link you have on that post and it froze and eventually closed my browser. It was a sound clip too...which kind of surprised me. At any rate I was hoping it would explain how to even find that program on my desktop so I could run it to see where the problems were in my connection. I downloaded it yesterday but all its left me is the icon for downloading it...I can't find the actually program anywhere to run it. :( :B

[bdh]

SFASH, I looked at your deleted post (I can undelete it if you like), what it shows is that your connection dies after hop #14 which is at the edge router of the data center. It's weird because that usually indicates the server firewall has banned your IP for some reason (port scan etc) but I find no reference to your IP which was 76.232.XX.XX

[th1bill]

I have spoken with IamBill by email and his server, ip unk., told him that they are also banned from the forum since the switch.

[SFASH]

SFASH, I looked at your deleted post (I can undelete it if you like), what it shows is that your connection dies after hop #14 which is at the edge router of the data center. It's weird because that usually indicates the server firewall has banned your IP for some reason (port scan etc) but I find no reference to your IP which was 76.232.XX.XX

Thanks, bdh, I deleted the post just to keep the IP no-public. The other wierd thing is that BF loads very quickly and the refresh-rate is quicker than even my usual tech-sites.

Apppreciate the follow-up.

[bdh]

Glad to hear that. Found a problem in the httpd.conf file which I suspected would fix things but wasn't 100% sure.

BTW, if you ever post something like that again, just obfuscate your IP by making the last quads XX.XX like I did. I can always get your full IP from your session details.

[IamBill]

I have spoken with IamBill by email and his server, ip unk., told him that they are also banned from the forum since the switch.

Thank you for your efforts Bill, seems the problem disappeared yesterday ..whatever it was

[bdh]

Very wierd. I never did get to the bottom of this. Seems your IP was banned by the DC itself which is unusual because they almost never ban US IPs. Glad it's finally sorted now.