IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

As many of you may know by now, we're getting ready to upgrade the site and forum software. In our testing of the import process to the new software we discovered that the PM database is completely out of control. We have never put official limits around PM boxes, but it seems some people are abusing this feature and never deleting anything. This slows down the import process significantly and takes up a lot of room on the server.

Therefore, the new forums will have PM limits installed that will not allow you to have more than 100 total PMs (in and out box combined) at one time or you won't be able to receive additional PMs. Before everyone starts yelling, also you should know that in the new software there are simple buttons where you can download your PMs to a CSV, XML or Text file. So in the future, staying under the limit should not be a problem for anyone. Moderators and Administrators are getting slightly larger boxes based on the fact they have to do corrective communication with users and if you fit into one of those categories, please see the moderator forum for more information.

However, the problem we now have is that we need to get everyone in compliance with this new limit before we do the site and software change. So starting now, everyone needs to work on their PM box and get the total messages under 100 PMs and as quickly as possible so this issue does not keep interfering with our testing process for the site conversion. If your PMs are not cleaned up before the site conversion, we will delete everything but your latest 100 PMs to make sure everyone is in compliance.

For most people, these limits won't even affect them. Less than 2% of our registered members have over 100 PMs, but those 2% make up over 2/3rds of our PM database, making their total number of PMs to be about 69,000 PMs! The highest person has over 3,000 PMs which is just freakin ridicuous. So it's time to clean it up folks, or we'll be cleaning it up for you.

Please contact me if you have any questions.

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

I've ~300 outgoing and another ~300 ingoing pm's mainly diplomacy messages from mp games.

I never thought about the fact this cram a database. With a hint/warning i would have deleted most of the stuff immediately.

However i'll do it now.

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

I have 485 ingoing http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Is there a quick way to delete them all?

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

Ha! Now I have 0 messages!

I hope I didn't forget to answer anyone http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

LOL @Kristoffer

You didn't have to just zap them all, but I appreciate your enthusaism to do your part. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

I was guilty of keeping too much history for moderation purposes as well, but I just copy and pasted the ones I felt I needed into a word document and then zapped them.

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

To boldly go where no man has gone before!

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

We've always been pretty lax on letting people upload just about anything under the sun and not setting limits on PMs and other things that take up a lot of space because we want to have a strong community, but when the PM part of the import takes more than all the rest of the import put together, we decided it was time to put some limits up.

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

100 or so pms deleted, that's all I had.

I guess I could get people to send me more and delete them too if that would help.

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

I'm mostly concerned about the 190 people or so that have a total of 69,000 PMs.....if we can get those people down to the limit then we will cut our PM databse to less than 1/2 what it currently is...so don't feel you need to delete stuff that you need. But by all means, if you have less than 100 and feel you have stuff you don't need anymore, go ahead and purge them.

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

Out of curiosity, when is the upgrade going to occur?

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

That date is not set in stone yet, so it's hard to say, but it's been delayed the last several weeks because of problems with the import process into our test board. We've nailed down many of the problems and now the reason the import is taking so long (and failed this last time) is because of the PM database. So we can't move forward until some of this is taken care of, so the faster people clean up their PMs the quicker this will all be done.

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

My total is ~160 or so. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...es/redface.gif I knew these things can become clogging to a database, but didn't realize my part was already a problem. >.>

I'll clear some stuff up. But maybe, if I could be so bold as to beg and plead in a very unmanly fashion - maybe that limit need not be quite so restrictive in the future? Obviously reducing the slack right now would be of great help and I surely will do it, but keeping it under 100 will require a fairly high level of micro-management for people who are in more than a couple MP games. As it is now, I can wait until I know they're obsolete, and delete in chunks. At a limit of 100, I will have to selectively comb through them, on an ongoing basis.

So please, if it's not too much of a bother, let us have more than 100 after the conversion. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif I don't want 3000+. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...ies/tongue.gif Just, enough room that it remains highly convenient ro manage. I can offer footrubs - this is a special gift that is yours to keep, if you post a reply within the next 24 hours. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...ies/tongue.gif

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

I think Richard would object to anyone else giving me footrubs, lol http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif.

In all seriousness, we'll see how things shake out on the new forum before I say things won't change at all. But please keep in mind that unless you plan to reply to the PM, the new software will allow you to download the PMs as a file to save on your hard drive, so that should help some. We came up with the number based on experience I have with forums who have this software (one of the forums has only a 70 total limit because of the number of users they have, others have more because they have less users), and the analysis of the current database.

But as I said, there will probably be a settling in period into the new forum, so some things including limits may get tweaked.

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

Just deleted ~ 400. There goes my proof if anyone tries to weasel out of a NAP! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

I'd better keep a close eye on the stuff Kristoffer has sent me so I don't lose crucial information due to a mistaken deletion. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

So why don't you delete those old threads on the forum that have been hanging around since... if you have a database problem or did you plan to do it anyway?

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

many old threads could be very interesting IHMO for new players (like me) if they take the time to go searching them around (as I do), as they explain mechanics and other nice thingies ^_^

damn, I got only 2 messages http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/frown.gif it's sad to be so useless ^_^

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

We're not going to prune the post database, that contains useful information for everyone to use and research. I would think it's kind of selfish to say "I want to keep all my PMs from the beginning of time, so take content away from all users instead".

And frankly the post database takes much less time to import than PMs because of the way those relational tables are done. At nearly 100,000 PMs it was taking 4-5 hours. All of the rest of the datbases (users, posts, forums, etc) take less in total than what the PMs database was taking.

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

OK. I deleted 800. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/shock.gif

Down to 25 of each now.

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

Purely coincidentially, I just finished a MP game, and deleted all the related messages yesterday, so I'm a good boy today. Only have ~40 messages left now.

Might have been over 200 yesterday... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...es/biggrin.gif

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

Well yes and no. I am in 8 games currently, and short term volume can be enough that I'll need to keep my box somewhat empty. The problem is, long discussions of strategy get mixed with isolated diplomatic exchanges, some of more relevance than others. As it currently stands, if I have no special need of any of that info in the short term, then late it can be indiscriminately deleted. With a limit of 100 in+out, those posts will have to systematically evaluated based on potential need-to-know.

Yeah I can keep everything in a .txt file for Dominions, it's just more accessible as part of the site (I currently keep a tab open for my Inbox, as well as a tab for the forums, at all times. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif).

I just wondered if it actually was an issue of any concern apart from the forum transitions - as if not, then perhaps it could be less tight. Also, I've found it very nice when PMs are time based, so after 6 months or something will expire, that gives you plenty of time to keep it around for awhile if it contains info that may be needed later, and plenty of time to archive it elsewhere if it serves such long term need. Even 3 months I think would suit those needs quite well - the vast majority of users here will not get 100 PMs in 3 months, and the few who do might appreciate the lack of hindrance.

<3


For a limited time only I can offer an exchange to a Soul Rub which is just as soothing as a traditional foot rub, without all of that annoying and envious skin-skin contact! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...ies/tongue.gif

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

Jim,
It sounds like in your case it might be worth moving the diplomacy to email instead of pm. You can set up a free Gmail account strictly for that purpose and it supports POP and IMAP as well. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

I'm sure we will be evaluating a lot of things once we get to the new software. There will be a 'burn in' period, so the levels may be adjusted...and I will check into what options we may have beside number restrictions (such as the time restrictions you suggest). Our biggest concern at the moment is the import itself and making sure it doesn't require the board to be down for days and days because we have corruption or a lock up because of the PM database. Also, there will continue to be outages at times on the weekend until we can perfect this import process...we are unwilling to take a roll of the dice on something this important.

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

Will there be a way to set things so that my older PM's will delete automatically?

I rarely need PM's for long, because I use email for most diplomacy.

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

Pruned the box down to just some recent PM's.

Good God man... how do you possibly find the time?

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

Did you not know? Jim is a professional Dom 3 player.

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

Deleted 150 messages. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

He's going to have to be whether he likes it or not if he makes it to the endgame. I am in one endgame now and its killing me...

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

Poor 900 PMs http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...es/biggrin.gif

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

Yeah ! It's great you upgrade the forums. I never complained because this is a free service from Schrapnel and free services are #always" cool... but I confess I know several forums scripts far more comfortable than this one. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Just curious, could you tell us more about the forecoming forums ?
Anyway, thanks for your work and looking forward the next version http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...ies/tongue.gif

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

The next important question we should ask is whether Hadrian II, KO, Dedas, Lingchih and all these others here should prosecuted for the mass murder of innocent little PMs... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...ies/tongue.gif

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

But we were just following orders!

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

Herode,

We're not exactly happy with the forum software we are on right now either, hence the reason we are changing it! UBB/UBBThreads has gone downhill in recent years and frankly some things are just plain old broken and it's less advantageous to try to work on a out of date software package than to upgrade to something that is more standard and flavor-rich than UBB. We've had a move in the works for a while now (actually a couple of years) but the direction we wanted to go changed several times in terms of the overall site, so we kept starting over on our plans.

We now have a new design courtesy of Tim and a new software package (vbulletin) to support the forums and press releases. We're even switching backend things like form software, ad programs, email and mailing list software. Basically about the only thing staying the same is the store site.

We're trying to get the import process down and then will be bringing in moderators as testers for a week or two before we do the real upgrade with the current board. My hope is to have all of that done by sometime in August. Originally we were shooting for this month, but the problems with the import because of the PM module is causing a delay. Hence the new guidelines and the urgency to get people in compliance with them.

Hope that cleared up your curiousity for now!

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

a moment of silence for thousands of PMs

Okay, back to the slaughter.. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...es/biggrin.gif

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

V-bulletin, great ! One of my favourites with IPB. I also found the inside PHP code better than the code from IPB. I mean : easier to read, to maintain and to mod.

Thanks for the information. I'll impatiently wait for the new forums now. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Come on, guys, kill your [censored] MPs !!! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...es/biggrin.gif

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

huh i feel left out i have not gotten any pms. So i have never been pert of the problem. yay!!

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

I just sent you a PM alderanas. So you don't feel underappreciated and... now you ARE part of the problem! muhuahahahahahah XD

Best wishes http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

none of my PMs are censored! Or, are they? I knew there was a conspiracy, I am always watched, and watchful. >.> <.<

Seriously though, I do very much hope that a timer can be implemented, I think it would be the solution that provides the most total happiness for admins and users. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Moving game communications to regular email has serious cons that to me outweigh the pros, especially when you are in more than 1-2 games, the spam to that mailbox can be less easily managed than a more controlled flow of messages here. Plus I would need an email for just about all of the active Dom3 players, and some people prefer not to share that, so then it becomes a hassle of having 2 places to look for the same info, etc.


As far as my professional gameplaying, I guess I am fortunate, sort of. I do the books for my brother's security business, which takes me all of 4-5 hours a week, and barely pays my bills. So I don't have to do much, but I don't get much either. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...ies/tongue.gif But, it gives me a lot of time to work on my hobbies, which include winning world wars, and nurturing fledgeling gods. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...ies/tongue.gif

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

These are both worthy and noble endeavors in my humble opinion. World domination is a pretty high priority in my house as well. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

thanks for makin me part of the problem. haha but i solved my 1.

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

I may have over 1000PMs, if I counted both incoming and sent. I blame Kingmaker neighbours and their diplomacy!

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

The limit of 100 is both inbox and outbox combined, so you are doing it correctly.

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

I was shocked to find like 300 PMs or so. Good ol' Council of Wyrms game http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

Abuse? Thems fightin' words. I was being lazy.

Still, deletion wasn't any real problem, and we now have 500+ less PMs to deal with. Thanks for the PSA, and thanks for upgrading the forums.

P.S. Your userpic's cute. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smile.gif

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

I never bothered.. but select all and delete makes a nice empty in and out box

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

We are going to be preforming another test import this saturday with hopes to do the real site conversion in the next couple weeks (after testing). Therefore, we're putting a deadline of getting PMs into compliance by Friday night. If your PMs aren't under the 100 allowed by the Friday night everything but your newest 100 PMs will be deleted.

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

Thanks - I was wondering when the deadline was. On the new server, will we be able to be lazy again and let thousands of PM's accumulate? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

Hey now mister "8 years of PMs", let's try to be..... well, 'somewhat' responsible about it. >.>

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

Oh, I only have a mere 186 PM's going back to 2002. And I now have on my weekly action plan "archive Shrap PM's" scheduled for Thursday. Responsibility in action! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING PMs!
 

I have started going into accounts that haven't been active in at least a month and have started removing everything but the last 100 PMs. If active users have not reduced their PMs to the new limit, I will be doing the same with their in and out boxes as well during the next couple of days.