OFPEC Forum

OFPEC The Editing Center => General Announcements => Topic started by: hubba on 20 Aug 2003, 11:41:24

Title: We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: hubba on 20 Aug 2003, 11:41:24
As you all may have noticed, the OFPEC server is buckling pretty hard on the workload its getting now. During peak hours we're getting hit with roughly 400 simultaneous users trying to access pages. Today we are using not nearly enough of our bandwidth to be worried about connection. The problem lies with that we have outgrown our current server. In short, we need a bigger box =)

Since our personal pockets are very limited and we are already paying for the electrical & ISP bills we now need to turn to You, our beloved users.

In short, we need help with donations. We have estimated we will need at least a total of $400 to purchase a 2nd server which will replace the current one we have now. The old server will then act as database server, further releaving the main server of a large workload.

So if you can find it in your hearts (and wallets) to help improve your favourite place on the internet. Remember, no donation is to small. Together we will reach our goal and get a new, faster and more powerful OFP.

/The OFPEC management.

PS. The Donation button is at the bottom of the page =)
DS.
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: macguba on 20 Aug 2003, 11:56:12
Hooray!    We're going to have a new server!  :D :D :D    *jumps up and down with glee, clicks donate button*
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: Sui on 20 Aug 2003, 12:07:35
Ah ha... time to register a paypal account methinks ;)
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: Ottie on 20 Aug 2003, 16:08:47
This is the second or third donation round and still you cant run youre site, the last time a lot of people donated so you could the addon depot up and running, after the donation round the addon depot was down for almost half a year, after this donation round ofpec will be down for a year ??????

I like what you do .... and i like the site but i dont understand the idea behind the donations??????
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: onepremise on 20 Aug 2003, 16:26:08
If you guys dont mind me asking, what ISP are you using?  How much does your plan go for?  I hate that you guys are struggling with the cost of service.  I am familiar with many other good ISPs.  Its possible I might be able to find you guys a better plan.  Anyways, just wanta help in the best way I can.  :)
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: macguba on 20 Aug 2003, 17:12:09
what ISP are you using?

Thanks for taking an interest Ottie and onepremise.    I'm afraid I don't know the answer myself, and I'm sure HuBBa appreciates the offer.     It's worth remembering that there is no "you" at OFPEC, there is only "we".     There is no godfather in the sky shovelling money our way.     OFPEC was created and is maintained by the community, for the community.    EVERYTHING has to be paid for by us, the OFPEC members.    Out of the goodness of their hearts, HuBBa and one or two others bear the brunt of the cost.     Basic running costs alone (ISP, electricity, etc.) are the equivalent of about $150/month.

It's also worth reiterating that OFPEC is not just a little fansite, it's a major operation.   We can have 400 users on the site at once ... that's not 400 a day, or an hour, that's 400 at a time.      There's many a commercial site that would be very pleased to have that kind of a attention.
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: GrimMonkey on 20 Aug 2003, 18:56:18
Gladly. Knowing that it's going to a great cause. Sorry, can't keep...it...in...

NEW SERVER! YAHOO! ;D ;D ;D NEW SERVER!

Alright OFPEC!!

I've been saving my earnings for something like this to happen.
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: hubba on 20 Aug 2003, 21:44:15
I like what you do .... and i like the site but i dont understand the idea behind the donations??????

Hi Ottie. This is actually the first "run" we have really. We did recieve a few donations when we opened up for donations several months back. This got us a larger Harddrive (60 gigs). It was not intended to get the Addon page up and running. The development of the site is done for free and will always be done for free. The problem with the Addon depot being delayed so long was mostly because the people assigned to finish that section didn't have time in the end to do so. So we had to direct that work to other people. I hope you agree that it was worth the wait though.

The idea behind donations is 100% based on wanting to give something back to us who run the community. As it is now i personally pay all the electricity and ISP bills and i can manage that currently. What i cannot manage however is upgrading the hardware (except perhaps in emergencies) continously. This is why we wanted to make a "Donation run" to see if we can perhaps get new hardware a bit faster than we would if we had to upgrade it ourselves.  Remember though that donations are volountary and will always be that. We will NOT EVER put in any form of "membership fee" or anything else. At least not as long as i host the server =)

If you guys dont mind me asking, what ISP are you using?  How much does your plan go for?  I hate that you guys are struggling with the cost of service.  I am familiar with many other good ISPs.  Its possible I might be able to find you guys a better plan.  Anyways, just wanta help in the best way I can.  :)

As i mentioned above i can manage with the running costs (electricity and isp), but not with upgrading the server hardware (and especially not with buying a new server). The current setup we have now is me hosting the actual server (ie. i have full physical access to the machine) on a 10 mbit broadband connection (ethernet to a fiber backbone). This give us all the flexibility and growth we need currently when it comes to the ISP part. The problem with hosting OFPEC on an external site is that it requires a lot of juice in the machine. And few ISP's are willing to host a site that demands shell access, 40 gigs of space (and growing), multiple ftp accounts including public ones, SQL Database server (102 megs), 4000 unique visitors & 300 000 hits every day, 400 simultaneous users, montlhly bandwidth transfers of 100-150 GB. all without getting paid? Today we have total control of the server and its contents simply because we are running it ourselves.

A thank you both to Otti and Onepremise for the interest. And if you have any further questions regarding our hosting and OFPEC, i'll be happy to answer them.

/HuBBa
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: Ottie on 20 Aug 2003, 22:04:36
If this is the first run then I made a mistake, I like the site and I like the results ... and I admire the time and money you spend to keep the site running ......
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: onepremise on 21 Aug 2003, 00:47:41
Quote
It's also worth reiterating that OFPEC is not just a little fansite, it's a major operation.  We can have 400 users on the site at once ... that's not 400 a day, or an hour, that's 400 at a time.      There's many a commercial site that would be very pleased to have that kind of a attention.

I dont think anywhere in my post I refered to OFPEC as a "little fansite"?  Nor did I ever percieve it that way.  I have no idea how this place is setup.  Im only trying to understand the situation better.  Please understand I'm not trying to question your hard efforts in any way.  I do wanta see the editing center continue to grow.  :)

Quote
As i mentioned above i can manage with the running costs (electricity and isp), but not with upgrading the server hardware (and especially not with buying a new server). The current setup we have now is me hosting the actual server (ie. i have full physical access to the machine) on a 10 mbit broadband connection (ethernet to a fiber backbone). This give us all the flexibility and growth we need currently when it comes to the ISP part. The problem with hosting OFPEC on an external site is that it requires a lot of juice in the machine. And few ISP's are willing to host a site that demands shell access, 40 gigs of space (and growing), multiple ftp accounts including public ones, SQL Database server (102 megs), 4000 unique visitors & 300 000 hits every day, 400 simultaneous users, montlhly bandwidth transfers of 100-150 GB. all without getting paid? Today we have total control of the server and its contents simply because we are running it ourselves.

Those are some pretty impressive stats.  It definitely sounds like your backbone to the Internet is pretty secure.  There isnt really anything that can beat a custom job like that either.  Anyways, I look foward to seeing the improvements; keep up the good work. ;D
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: Noon416 on 21 Aug 2003, 01:26:41
Hi all,

As stated so well by HuBBa and Macguba, this "Donation Run" is once again needed to cope with the increases in size that OFPEC has experienced continually since the site began.


And since we refuse to subject our visitors and members to popup ads, popunder ads, banners, or any other form of highly annoying and frustrating advertising, the cost has been worn by the staff and donations.

In the past HuBBa, Wolfsbane, Tigershark, snYpir and many other staff + Patrons have paid (a lot) for the upgrades that have allowed us to continue to offer the vast resources OFPEC can share with the community.


Now we've hit the point where its unreasonable to ask HuBBa to pay for the new server, due to the prohibitive cost involved. :)

So today we're asking for assistance from the people who benefit the most from OFPEC's Resources, the Community.

It doesn't have to be a large amount. Even if you only want to donate a $1, we'll happily accept any total and offer you a place on out Patron list.

Any amount will do! :D (but obviously, the larger the better ;))


And for those that might ask the question: The server upgrade is not being done up as an "extravagant toy". The upgrade choices are very cost-effective and highly-practical ones that will be of major assistance to OFPEC and the Community on the future.


Put simply:

Its rare that we come asking for donations, so that illustrates how much we need it. :)

And all donations will go straight back into OFPEC's hardware, and hence straight back into the community that OFPEC serves.

So in donating to OFPEC, you're helping yourself and the community to take advantage of the vast resources OFPEC has on offer for you all. :)





PS: Yes, that's a very corny line .......... Mmmmm, buttery corn ...... *Homer Simpson drool noise*
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: Kuro on 21 Aug 2003, 01:44:03
HI,

i made a small donation yesterday (this should solve halfe of the problem)  ;)

Keep Up the good work
Kuro
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: Noon416 on 21 Aug 2003, 02:06:49
Many warm thanks, Kuro. :D

We very much appreciate the donation. :thumbsup:
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: hubba on 21 Aug 2003, 13:15:45
i made a small donation yesterday (this should solve halfe of the problem)  ;)

Hey Kuro,

"small" =) It was substantial enough that it let me order the server earlier than expected. So a big thank you from OFPEC and the rest of the community to help us get the server earlier than we would otherwise.

And a big thank you also goes to all of you who have donated. We are not all the way there yet but it looks like we will be getting a server after all =)

I ordered the parts yesterday and everything is on its way except for the CPU which will take a day or two more. As soon as i get everything i will install and set up the server and then we will make the switch so fast you won't even know it was done ;D

/HuBBa "and the gang"
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: Messiah on 22 Aug 2003, 01:03:38
well if its any conselation for you youn'uns and any help, the old timers here have a few things to say...

since the launch of OFPEC... this has been a totally free site... free membership, free downloads, free from porn pop ups (damn it  ;)) and free from adverts.... why? because the admin all know this makes for a worse site, and also in my view, more tacky and annoying (adverts and pop ups)

ive seen 3 of these donation drives... all for different servers, different admin etc... but all for the same reason - these are normal folk, just ordinary joes (with the exception of the big swedish teddy bear truck driver ;) - he knows who he is) shelling out their hard earned money to keep this place running. I've donated every time, and ive seen the good it does... ive seen the new servers, the new speed, then benefits... and i know from meeting these guys face to face that this money is used wisely, and for your best interests...

so honestly... what is the odd £1 here and there? if all of you who can donate... and even a small amount... you will be suprised how it adds up... Since my pay comes next week (and minus bank holiday drinking expenses) i'll be donating again... and again... and every time these guys need the money... and hey... come OFP 2 and OFPEC 2, you'll all be glad you did  :D
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: asmodeus on 22 Aug 2003, 05:23:59
I couldn't have said it better Mezzy!    :-*

Remember, those who just can't spare a dime can still help!  You can apply for OFPEC staff, make tutorials, submit news, every little thing helps!   ;D

Put me down for a small sum just as soon as my monthly bills are paid!   8)  It couldn't go to a better OFP site!  :thumbsup:

Asmo

Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: Swatdog on 22 Aug 2003, 10:08:47
  Mates, I really wish i could spare some 'mula' (money) but I just dont have it. :\

  But I think I might have something up my sleeve to help out OFPEC.

P.S.: Congrats to Noon on his big promotion!

Noon: Nice to see you in as Site Admin m8.  :D
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: Cpl. Vagabond on 25 Aug 2003, 17:19:16
dammit man. i would but i'm 16!!! i'm still in school!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: KJAM on 27 Aug 2003, 01:32:16
hmm ill be getting my birthday money soon, but have to pay for motorbike gear so i might just have aroung £50 quid maybe so give that to mah dad and then get him to donate :D
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: Tigershark on 27 Aug 2003, 06:21:52
70USD heading your way guys. Sent through Kagi (it's official...I hate PAYPAL!! Who ever designed that site should be shot).

It amazes me sometimes where people think all the money comes from to run the various websites that we enjoy in the community. The perception that if its on the Internet it's free starts permeate through everyone's thinking....and it's just plain wrong.

Someone...somewhere along the line has to pay for the site and various services associated with it.

When I started and ran OFPEC it was costing me near to 200USD a month....and I never asked anything in return for the longest time. Then we did our first donations drive (which was very successful) and this brought OFPEC into a new era.

Guys...the money isn't used to pay for our summer vacations...trust me on this. The money to keep these sites running has to come from somewhere....and we would rather it didnt come from intrusive pop ups and advertising.

Although I no longer pay for OFPEC....I do pay for Ballistic......but even so...I can spare some Friday night drinking money for Hubba and the crew to keep this place running.

Keep up the good work guys! ;D
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: Noon416 on 27 Aug 2003, 06:57:52
:thumbsup:

Much appreciated, my good man. :D  The cost of HuBBa's crack habit was getting out of hand and every donation helps to cover it up.

...... errrrr ....... this is the Staff board, right? ....... *checks*

Oh sh*t!

;D ;D ;D





Again, many thanks to all currently involved in our server upgrade:

- Those that have donated so far, for providing the funds quicker than we expected and putting us ahead of schedule for our donation target. 8)

- HuBBa, for being our server b*tch and putting up with a "far too cheeky" Admin who I know he just wants to maim in slow and horrible ways. :o
But seriously, we couldn't run this site without your unbridled generosity. :-*

So to everyone, I say thank you and continue to donate if you can (don't forget, we take as much or as little as you can offer!). Once we hit our target, you'll quickly notice the result of your generosity in the form of a much quicker and more efficient OFPEC.
:-* :)
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: Messiah on 27 Aug 2003, 12:34:54
Once we hit our target, you'll quickly notice the result of your generosity in the form of a much quicker and more efficient OFPEC.

and also Noon in a PVC body suit and a whip  ;D - the things you do to raise money  :o
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: Killswitch on 28 Aug 2003, 00:21:35
There...  a token 20€:s sent your way. Not much, but I hope it helps in some way.

Now, being a hardware/server junkie, I have alwasy wondered what kind of setup is running OFPEC? How about a "behind the scenes" article with pictures of the OFPEC staff and the hardware?  ;D
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: Tigershark on 28 Aug 2003, 01:26:11
There...  a token 20€:s sent your way. Not much, but I hope it helps in some way.

Now, being a hardware/server junkie, I have alwasy wondered what kind of setup is running OFPEC? How about a "behind the scenes" article with pictures of the OFPEC staff and the hardware?  ;D

I like this idea...I'm curious as well
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: KTottE on 28 Aug 2003, 09:53:25
Considering that would mean a view into the unorganized hell that is HuBBa's apartment, you probably shouldn't be too excited about this ;D
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: hubba on 28 Aug 2003, 09:56:33
*mutter* *grumble* *calls the sanitation department*

 8)

I'll clean it up a bit and show some pics once i get the new server fully operational. Then i'll show what makes OFPEC tick ;)

/HuBBa
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: toadlife on 28 Aug 2003, 23:38:24
OFPEC's current server...
(http://toadlife.net/stuff/forum_pics/vic20-2.jpg)

Coupled with the latest in storage technology...
(http://toadlife.net/stuff/forum_pics/cartridges.jpg)


And strapped with the very fastest networking equipment known to man...
(http://toadlife.net/stuff/forum_pics/old_modem.jpg)


Provides us with the superior service we enjoy today. ;D

Please donate
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: Messiah on 28 Aug 2003, 23:44:02
roflmao  ;D
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: Killswitch on 29 Aug 2003, 00:52:45
Aaah... Jeff Minter's Attack of the Mutant Camels.

All bow down for Jeff Minter. We're not worhty...

A tricked out C-20? Heh... the 80's, when everything sucked...

Hell of an Oracle rig with 16K mem...  :o
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: Tigershark on 29 Aug 2003, 03:43:22
Very good Toady  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: Noon416 on 29 Aug 2003, 04:32:28
*looks up from his BBC Micro Model B with 32Kb of RAM*

Why are you guys laughing? Isn't that the pinnacle of server technology? :-\


*runs to HuBBa, tears in his eyes .... "Its happened again!"*










;D (http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/bandapar/smilies/flash.gif) ;D
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: Swatdog on 29 Aug 2003, 07:14:35
ROFLMAO @ Toady's post!!! :P

ROFLMAO @ Noon's stupidity. ;)  8)

-Swat
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: hubba on 29 Aug 2003, 19:20:40
WHAT the heck TOADY! How the heck did you get in here!!!

*quickly hides away his collection of vintage p0rn to go with the old vidgames*

=)
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: Messiah on 30 Aug 2003, 17:38:49
*shudders*

 ::)
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: mikeb on 31 Aug 2003, 18:34:29
any method to donate that doesn't require a mastercard or visa.  i hate using cards on the internet and i don't even have either of those!!

Want to, will do, but can't unless there's another way!
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: Noon416 on 31 Aug 2003, 23:47:34
Contact HuBBa via email/IM, and he should be able to provide bank account details for direct transfers. :)
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: toadlife on 01 Sep 2003, 02:31:31
any method to donate that doesn't require a mastercard or visa.  i hate using cards on the internet and i don't even have either of those!!

Want to, will do, but can't unless there's another way!

Paypal can transfer directly from your bank account. That's how paypal transers funds when I donate. Dunno if you have to have a creadit card to sign up for paypal though.
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: Swatdog on 01 Sep 2003, 02:38:50
Paypal can transfer directly from your bank account. That's how paypal transers funds when I donate. Dunno if you have to have a creadit card to sign up for paypal though.

You do. I think you have to have an ATM card for proof of the account. Not sure.
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: toadlife on 01 Sep 2003, 02:44:37
But an ATM card is not a credit card. If you have a checking account, you have an ATM card (at least with every bank I've dealt with)
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: Tigershark on 01 Sep 2003, 04:16:30
How are we going btw....how much have you collected?
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: BraTTy on 01 Sep 2003, 19:19:32
Has to be PayPal or Kali? You don't have a plain address where someone could send some money?
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: Tigershark on 04 Sep 2003, 11:12:29
Could someone answer my question??? How much has been collected?
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: Noon416 on 04 Sep 2003, 12:40:11
Come on, Tigershark, you know we need time to "cook the books". ;D ;D


HuBBa has the answer, and should be able to tell us the next time he's back on ICQ.


*Noon wonders if HuBBa's last message "Gone to a non-extradition country" might be a bad sign*
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: Tim Pink on 04 Sep 2003, 12:51:01
Have u guys considered a leash for hubba?
he seems to be on a rampage most of the time.

are you going to classify the pictures of hubba's apartment and the server MA for mature audiences?
i can imagine the coarse language, high level violence and horror themes that will be eminating from them.


Tim
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: KTottE on 04 Sep 2003, 13:42:20
You will have to sign a wavier in three copies stating that you absolve www.ofpec.com and it's staff from any mental illness that might occur from viewing the pictures. If you are underage by the standards of your country at least one legal guardian have to sign the wavier as well.
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: Tigershark on 04 Sep 2003, 16:01:07
You know what....I think I dont wanna know now  ;D
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: hubba on 04 Sep 2003, 18:55:56
Well folks, sorry for the delay in gathering the info but i've unfortunately been away with a severe case of the cold.

Anyway, we gathered a total of €567 which covers the expense of the new server and then some.

So in short  :afro: We reached our goal! :wow:

I would like to take this time to thank you all who have donated for the help. It is YOU who make this community so great.

Now i see Noon grabbing the hose and whip so i guess i have to drag my sorry ass back into the cave to finish setting the new server up =)

Hooah!
/HuBBa
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: Noon416 on 05 Sep 2003, 02:35:44
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
[shadow=grey,topleft,300][size=8]THANKS EVERYONE![/size][/shadow]
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D










PS: Now if we could just get enough for yearly salaries... ;) (http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/bandapar/smilies/flash.gif)
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: Tigershark on 05 Sep 2003, 03:09:16
Excellent news guys...glad to have helped.

Wow Noon....you are hung like a.....a........a.......rat.
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: toadlife on 05 Sep 2003, 03:29:39
/me starts imagining ingenious ways to use OFPEC's new CPU power.


MWUHHAAHAAHAAAAA!
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: dmakatra on 06 Sep 2003, 12:14:48
The new server's up? Cause it's a LOT faster than before.
Title: Re:We need moore poowah cap'n. She's giving us all she's got!
Post by: hubba on 07 Sep 2003, 13:52:02
So THATS what the Turbo button did =)

Nah, seriously though. The server isn't up yet because i am taking some care to set it up as good as we possibly can first. It should be up by monday tuesday. If you experience even more lag now from time to time, it's because im transfering the structure over which is roughly 2.5 gigs.. so it demands a bit of CPU for a period of time =)

/HuBBa