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Help with the future of this Forum

adminadmin
in Brett's Blog
A little background… Seven years ago when I upgraded the server for the SWSM forum the transition from old to new server did not go smoothly. The database did not transfer properly and it required a manual folder by folder adjustment. Massive pain but I got through it. In the end all was back to normal. This is apparently common for older SQL databases. This, and many forums are built upon these types of databases. They are unfortunately notorious for being troublesome when exporting and importing.

Today this forum faces a major problem, we are running out of storage space. In order to increase the amount of storage space available I must upgrade servers again. There are many more folders today than there was seven years ago making any manual adjustments impossible. There is no guarantee that fixing the database would even be possible on the new server, I got lucky last time. Hiring a SQL database admin to oversee the transfer is cost prohibitive. I estimate at current usage we have about 6-12 months left.

There are several options available.

I can upgrade servers from the 20GB of storage space we currently have to 160GB but the risk of losing every single photograph is very real based upon past history. This has in fact occurred on other modeling forums as many of you are aware.

We can identify the oldest threads that can be deleted freeing up disk space for current and new threads - buying us more time.

Wait it out and see if another option pops up for us.

So what do we do? Your thoughts are appreciated.

Comments

  • Dave_SDave_S
    I would suggest deleting the older threads to create more room. Over the years I have been a member (2007- current) I have saved and printed the build threads that I have kits for anticipating storage space could become a problem and seeing the fate of other forums.
  • vietnamseabeevietnamseabee
    I’m sure there are many threads than can be eliminated without causing any harm to anyone…a happy Veterans day thread from several years ago is an example…a nice gesture at the time but relevant now?

    Like Dave, I have d/l and printed to pdf many, many build and technique threads. I cull thru them and they’re the basis of my ‘book’ Tips, Tricks and Techniques of Sierra West Modelers.

    terry
  • Jim M
    Is it possible to help move threads to a new site? If it's just busy work, I'd be happy to help.
  • adminadmin
    The long term solution is a new site. Existing build threads would be copied over to the new site preserving them. This would keep the integrity of this forum in tact. As Terry stated, threads like happy veterans day from 2019 would not be copied over. Once the new site is established all new posts would be there. This makes a lot of sense.
  • kebmokebmo
    feel free to sacrifice all of my threads.....
  • ALCOALCO
    edited November 9
    Any SQL gurus out there who can volunteer their time to assist in planning this out? Maybe there’s a kit in it for you….If you need to delete things to buy time, I’d keep the “Builds” category (see list at the left). That’s where all the collective value is and you do re-release older kits sometimes.
  • TravisS
    If older post are removed, perhaps there is a way to mark them for set period of time so that they can be downloaded to someone’s personal device before they are deleted?
  • adminadmin
    I appreciate the great feedback, hopefully more folks will add their thoughts.

    Great suggestion Travis. I will not delete any build threads however.
  • Dave_SDave_S
    Sigh of relief that build threads will not be deleted There are several lifetimes of ideas and tutoring in them as well as the Tips and Techniques and Scenery sections.
  • MuddyCreekRRMuddyCreekRR
    Not being a computer person in any way shape or form, I have no real technical advice. The deleting of old posts that have no current relevance seems to be a great first step. Having just had to move to a new computer..(my old one was 15+ years old....operation on Windows 10...offering no more support....and needing 2D and 3D CAD capabilities to deal with my laser cutting railroad business ..my laser will only work with my old computer....looking to buy a new one....but pricey....I found during the transfer of files....I did loose a lot of stuff....but I did store stuff apparently in the Cloud....not sure if that would be useful with older stuff...
  • kebmokebmo
    i've been trying to find that dann cloud for years now.....
  • TravisS
    admin said:

    I appreciate the great feedback, hopefully more folks will add their thoughts.

    Great suggestion Travis. I will not delete any build threads however.

    Brett, that sounds great. Wish I could help you more with your dilemma but computers are not my forte. This forum is the best resource online for building techniques so glad it will continue in the future.
  • MountaingoatMountaingoat
    Brett, one thing that is obvious is all the support you get regarding the forum. Of course most of us are not knowledgeable where you need the help.....Rick
  • glandesjr
    Hi Brett:
    I often wondered, when on the forum, why so many posts dated years ago are still there. I think deleting many of these posts from years (or decades ago) that are no longer relevant is the best way to start this process. Having switched during my career to SAP, I am well aware how painful this process can be and 20GB is not much room. I would be looking at terabytes (TB) of storage space which is not very expensive nowadays instead of GB. That would give you enough storage not to have to worry about this for a loooooong time. You can also start your server upgrade but keep the current server running until you had all the bugs worked out of the new server configuration, then switch over. Just a few thoughts.
  • kebmokebmo
    george,
    does that mean brett would need to acquire a new server or is it possible to add memory to an existing server? asking for a friend....
  • glandesjr
    You can add memory to an existing server but I'm talking about increasing the hard drive capacity not the memory. If you're computer's memory slots are not maxed out, than you certainly can increase the memory capacity too.
  • adminadmin
    Going to sit on this and continue to get feedback. I appreciate the comments.

    I pay for a hosted server and they will not add storage space, tried to do that last year. They require you to move to an entirely new server which involves moving the database as well. 160GB of storage would last about 140+ years. That should be more than sufficient, hah!
  • kebmokebmo
    thats about how long i expect the o scale sawmill to take me to build.....
  • glandesjr
    Well 140+ years gives you loads of time to create lots of new models, Brett. Looking forward to what you come up with at year 112 (LOL)
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