49 replies to this topic

[Noah Fentz]

Man, it seems like every 4 or 5 months, whomever our host is gets pissed off because we are using too much CPU power and the other clients on the shared host experience slowdowns.

That, in itself, is a GREAT thing, it means we're growing by leaps and bounds!



There is an unfortunate side effect, though. It means we either get booted from our host, or we upgrade to a more expensive plan. This time, the only direction to go is in the form of a dedicated server. Dedicated servers are MUCH more expensive than a shared host or VPS (Virtual Private Server).

Though there are benefits to having a dedicated host, such as improved security and more flexibility, especially for our upcoming tournaments. The problem here is, I'm not really in a position to absorb the increased costs.

Therefore...

I'm left no choice but to implement ads for non-paying members. The support packages will remain unchanged, and the ads will be removed for VIP's, Charter Members, and subscribers. The nice side effect of this will be the ads will be contextual, ie. all pinball-related, which in itself supports the industry we love.


Thank you all for your support and understanding in this matter,

-Noah

[TAB]

Thanks for all your hard work

[bolt]

Thanks for your hard work Noah.

[rehab]

Great news, and a very understandable and logic choice considering the costs.

[ynneBBenny]

Its a natural part of growth, php forums are notorious for using server cpu.
Ive been there before, and had to host another 10k member forum on a dedicated server.
Please repost a donations button. I certainly don't mind making an annual donation to ensure the continuation of this service.
Benny

PS Imagine if every member donated just 1 dollar. That would be $20,000 bucks to ensure a kick arse server.

Edited by WWW, 19 April 2010 - 09:19 AM.

[Johanpsu]

The dedicated server sounds expensive so i
just went for gold support to contribute if just a
little.

[moogster66]

Great job Noah. I know we all understand, and support this decision. Bottom line is: Pinheads, if you like and use this site, DONATE!

Edited by moogster66, 19 April 2010 - 09:53 AM.

[slam23]

Hi Noah,

Thanks for your hard work! I think you can count on a lot of support, I for one am happy to contribute and would like to donate again if possible and needed. I like the idea of a lot of small donations thrown together as WWW mentioned, what's one dollar per month?
Let's see how this works out!
Slam23

[Noah Fentz]

Thanks, guys, for the offer, but the concept of Charter Member and VIP user classes is to acknowledge those that continue to contribute in ways well beyond financial. We will be just fine, guys. This isn't a pledge drive attempt or an S.O.S. This is merely keeping everyone informed of the goings on here.

I can't thank the VIP's and Charter Members enough for all they have already helped us accomplish!




@ Johanpsu - It's very much appreciated, and I'm thrilled to know you enjoy the site!

[faralos]

can we use debit cards for payment? I and paypal are having issues atm due to a ripoff problem concerning an auction that went bad on ebay a few years back., so they blackballed me and I can no longer EVER use paypal with any online purchases. since i am now working (and post constantly) I'd be more than happy to contribute to keep the site going! if not, I'll ask my gal maybe she will let me use her account on paypal...

[lionheart88]

I've got a question, If I've already donated once how can I donate again since the donate button dissapeared after I donated the first time?

[Noah Fentz]

You have a lifetime membership. You're all good, lionheart88!

That's what lifetime means.

[Mr. Pacman]

Thanks for everything Noah!!!

[The Hermit]

I'm left no choice but to implement ads for non-paying members.

No problem. Gives my ad-blocker something to do...

[Iceman5000]

I'm left no choice but to implement ads for non-paying members.

No problem. Gives my ad-blocker something to do...

Real Nice! Just continue to freeload and then block the ads too. thanks for the contribution!

[TheKeef]

Im not saying I would like it, but if it would help keep pinball alive I would sort through enough ads to fill the NYT Classifieds.

[The Hermit]

I'm left no choice but to implement ads for non-paying members.

No problem. Gives my ad-blocker something to do...

Real Nice! Just continue to freeload and then block the ads too. thanks for the contribution!

Well after reading a totally un-neccesarry comment like like how do I cancel my Platinum subscription and get my money back?

[TheKeef]

I'm left no choice but to implement ads for non-paying members.

No problem. Gives my ad-blocker something to do...

Real Nice! Just continue to freeload and then block the ads too. thanks for the contribution!

Dude he's a lifetimer. Let's all be civil and thank everyone(even us broke mfkrs) for being a part of a great community in whatever way they are a part. Not asking much.

Edited by TheKeef, 19 April 2010 - 04:04 PM.

[Iceman5000]

I'm left no choice but to implement ads for non-paying members.

No problem. Gives my ad-blocker something to do...

Real Nice! Just continue to freeload and then block the ads too. thanks for the contribution!

Dude he's a lifetimer.

He wasn't when I wrote that. He just subscribed. He wouldn't have had ads to block if he was a subscriber.

[The Hermit]

Dude he's a lifetimer. Let's all be civil and thank everyone(even us broke mfkrs) for being a part of a great community in whatever way they are a part. Not asking much.

Can't really blame him. He probably saw that post while I was subscribing... lol

Iceman5000, if I hadn't seen this thread I wouldn't even have known that there were any ads BEING blocked. The only reason I didn't subscribe when I joined is because I thought you had to sign up to PayPal...

Ah well. It's done now. So let's get back to playing pinball and I'll try and get my number of downloads from this site past 20...

Edited by The Hermit, 19 April 2010 - 04:08 PM.