Site Speed, Database Errors & Search Feature Problems
Summary can be found at the bottom:
We're maxing out the vBulletin software as it sits right now. The database vBulletin uses cannot support the usage it sees on this site. Our server Administrator has done a TON of custom coding to try to alleviate some of the problems, but the problem exists at the root of the software suite, so a lot of effort is taking place to more or less re-write a lot of the software to make it work. Since Brains works on this site part-time, and that kind of work takes a while - it isn't an overnight process.
In the meantime, we have had to take steps to ensure that the site stays accessible during high load times. You may notice, when many users are online, that the search function re-directs you to Google. This is intentional - don't worry! It allows the database to keep up with read/write requests and tries to minimize errors associated with those tasks.
Also, some of the fancy features on vBulletin have been disabled due to their load requirements. These include the listing of all users on the main page showing who is online. This too was removed to help maintain site performance.
Right now, the site is free for your use and enjoyment. While there is revenue brought in from the sponsors, the cost to support the server cluster (yes, we run a cluster), as well as pay for the large amounts of bandwidth we use a month (think in the Terabyte range), is not petty change. However, the site owners are dedicated to spending what it takes to maintain this site, and are always looking to keep up with whatever technology solutions can help achieve that goal. Right now the problem we are facing, however, is not one that can necessarily solved by spending a few extra bucks. It requires a lot of custom work, as we operate a rather unique set of applications/websites. Most websites alleviate the problem by deleting threads beyond a few months old, or archiving old threads so that they are no longer writable. We have maintained ALL of our threads dating back to the beginning of the site, because there are still 1000's of older technical threads that are still useful today.
SUMMARY: The problems are software based (limits) and we are working on it - we know things aren't working how they should all the time. Its not simply a matter of throwing money at it, otherwise it would be fixed by now. We're approaching this problem from many different directions and are working hard to solving it. Hang tight and bear with us - and remember, this site is FREE!! So please think twice before posting up a flame-fest about search not working for a little bit.... |