Speeding up the site, what can we do?

[Guest avid]

I think we have to assume that Glenn has his reasons for making the choices he does.

If he wants to create "memberships" that would be fine with me, but I wouldn't automatically assume that the site would move faster if he went that route.

As for firefox or other browsers, I think most people are a little nervous about making those kinds of changes.

I know I am.  I have heard so many times a "techie" type say to me. "just do (whatever) and there's no problems.".................................................................................yeah, right.

I have spent many hours undoing well meaning suggestions from knowlegeable people.

I'll stick with IE, but would be willing to sacrifice some smilies, or other features if it would speed things on a more consistant basis.

[Glenn]

Hi folks,

Sounds like we have 2 topics being discussed here, and they ARE NOT related.  Let me explain...

The issue with the speed of the forums has everything to do with the YaBB software and nothing to do with the server, or bandwidth.  How do I know?  Because a few months ago I upgraded the site to a dedicated server with a very fast processor and loads of bandwidth.  I also discovered a conflict between the server and YaBB software, which I corrected.  It helped, but....

The real issue is that YaBB is a Perl-based program that uses flat files. Perl is an "old-school" code language that isn't built for high volumes of "transactions".  YaBB uses flat files (massive text files), not a database such as SQL.  This means every click requires Perl to run to the files and do a bunch of calculations.  In fact, during high-peak periods, the server is running well within specs since the upgrade. It's the forum program (YaBB) that can't keep up.

I'm not going to get into it all here, but the bottom line is that YaBB isn't built to handle the volume of members we have today.  In short, we're a victim of our own popularity.

The fix?  Either wait until YaBB 3.0 ocmes out, which will be pHp-based and uses a SQL database (i.e. MUCH faster and can handle anything we throw at it), or move to another forum software platform altogether.

If we move to a new platform, we may lose some or all the posts, member profiles, features, spam filters, etc. while gaining speed and other features.

If we wait, well.... we stuggle with the speed issues until 3.0 comes out.  So far, a date hasn't been announced for that release.  Judging on past experience, this means we're probably 6-12 months away.

Soo.... money won't solve the speed issue.  That said...

Running a site like this does cost a chunk of change, and the bandwidth/diskspace needs keep expanding, so costs continue to increase.

I'm flattered you want to contribute and help out, that's very gracious and kind.  As you can see, it's a bit tricky setting something like that up - that's sustainable.  One-time donations, while helpful, can only go so far.  But as noted, subscription-based systems usually require some sort of "designation" in order to track when the subscription renewal is due - even if the subscriptions are voluntary and not mandated, you still need a certain amount of book keeping.  While this means more work, my wife has volunteered to cover that part.  Of course, that means getting another computer and configuring it so she can work and not interupt my work.  Not a huge issue, but I'm just pointing out that nothing is a simple as it seems.  Plus, as pointed out, designating subscribers could be an issue.

One way you can help out now, is by purchasing items in the store!  

[.ghoti.]

Thanks, Glenn, for the clarification. I've already stated my position on subscription, so I won't repeat it.

Cheers,

GK

[DEISWERTH]

Thanks Glenn for the great site. I use dial up and Mozilla Firefox and can't really complain about the speed as I'm not used to anything real fast anyways. When I click on something here, it doesn't seem to me that it takes long. I guess that I may not be on at peak times so that may make a difference. I will take your advice Glenn and check out the store.

Doug

[justfishin]

Thanks Glenn for explaining. I just wanted to help somehow. It seems that most of the problem is on my end, evidently. There were a lot of guys in this post that are not having any problems whatsoever so, it must be just me. Have a good one my friend.

[justfishin]

Hey Avid, I am by far not a " techie " type. Although, my job keeps me on a pc 10-12 hrs a day, it certainly means I am a user. I am not adept at TS. I just suggested the Mozilla Firefox because I really like it better, personally. Its just a browser so it will not harm anything to try it. If you are happy with IE then by all means..... It was just a suggestion. Have a great fishing year my friend.-------Jim

[Guest avid]

  Quote

The fix? wait until YaBB 3.0 ocmes out, which will be pHp-based and uses a SQL database

well, that clears it up for me -  

Seriously.  There is no doubt in my mind that Glenn is faced with tough choices on how to keep improving the site, both technically and aesthetically.

Judging by the popular response and his comments, he has succeeded beyond all expectations.

This is good.

As for the firefox and other downloads.  I just don't do that kind of stuff anymore.

I think your suggestion is great.  there will be others who follow your advice and may be very satisfied.

BassResource.com is a community.  and sometimes there are problems.

If we value what we have here we should follow Glenns suggestions.

The stores open guys.   8-)  

[Bassassasin12]

think of the store as a donation jar, except you get some cool stuff from your favorite site for giving a donation! Buy a shirt for everyone in the family, and the dog too