PBW Server Problems--Take 2
 

Friends, Romans, Terrans, Phong, and other assorted species... lend me your ears a moment. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

I come as the bearer of both bad news and great hope. The bad news, as many of you know, is that the PBW server is down with a fried motherboard. The hope is that we hope to have it up soon.

The other hope is that we hope we can have your help.

In the original thread, many people suggested that, if it stopped the outages, they would be willing to see PBW become a pay service. This is something we do not want to see happen, and PBW will continue to be free for all who wish to play there.

Let me reiterate that, 'cause it's important: PBW is, has been, and always will be free.

However, we are now asking for donations to help with the cost of replacing the server's motherboard and, as it may become necessary, the cost of hosting. The server repair is most important.

Several people in the first thread said they'd be willing to pay $5-$10 a month--but if a hundred regular players gave only that much just this once, we'd have the server repaired and hosting for most of the year with no problem.

Heck, if every regular player--three hundred or so--gave just 50 cents a month, we'd have to send some of the money back to y'all.

You can donate here:

Help the PBW Server

We hope you can help. And thank you for continuing to bear with us.

Eric Snyder II
PBW UI Guy
Speaking for the PBW Administration

Edit: Darned UBB Code. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[ 21 January 2002: Message edited by: LazarusLong42 ]</p>

Re: PBW Server Problems--Take 2
 

Sent some cash your way. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif Sorry it was not more, but I'll send more when I can.

Re: PBW Server Problems--Take 2
 

Wow, you guys have GOT to get this back up and running, soon! Many people are going into withdrawl, and I'm afraid some people may not be playing SEIV AT ALL!

Well, you have my donation.

Thanks.

--Ed

Re: PBW Server Problems--Take 2
 

Well, I like PBW also and do not look forward to SEIV:Gold without it. So I just donated a few dollars and even registered here after lurking for over a year so I could post my support and hope others do as well.

Maybe if you guys can come on in a few days to let us know how much money you have raised and how much more you need... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon6.gif

Re: PBW Server Problems--Take 2
 

To the SEIV fans,

You people are awesome. There is not a whole lot more than can be said than that.

In a little less than 24 hours we are already almost a third of the way towards the immediate need to get the server repaired and operational again. We are quite frankly stunned be the level of generosity in some of you.

It makes us feel like Sally Fields at the Oscars. <blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>You like us.
You really like us!<hr></blockquote>

Geoschmo
PBW Admin Team

Re: PBW Server Problems--Take 2
 

I'm glad to be able to offer my help.

Re: PBW Server Problems--Take 2
 

Consider it done!

Re: PBW Server Problems--Take 2
 

BUMP Keeping the important things on the TOP. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Spreading the Word

[ 22 January 2002: Message edited by: Atrocities ]</p>

Re: PBW Server Problems--Take 2
 

lets make low-tech payment method like in planetarion http://spinner.planetarion.com/payment/index.html you know some of us live in strange places http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...s/rolleyes.gif

Re: PBW Server Problems--Take 2
 

Ugh, I really don't recomend people sending money in bill form by mail, to anyone. You have no assurance that the money will get to where it belongs.

If you don't have a credit card, Paypal will let you pay from a checking account. It's very secure.

If someone has a real concern about using Paypal though, drop us an email at admin@pbw.cc and we can discuss it on a case by case basis.

Geoschmo

Re: PBW Server Problems--Take 2
 

Hey, this is probably something we should have requested before, and it's not nessecary if you feel uncomfortable with it. But when you make a donation, Paypal allows you to make a comment that gets sent to us an email.

What I would like is if you could put your PBW screen name in that comment field. We aren't going to call anyone out and embarass them or anything, but it's easier then trying to figure out who is who from their email addresses. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

Of course if you wish to remain anonymous, we respect that totally as well.

Geoschmo

Re: PBW Server Problems--Take 2
 

bump.

so, now that the server is definitly going to be fixed, we can all feel safe preordering SEIV-gold with the knowledge that we have a place to play.

while people are ordering games, check out the demo for BCT-commander! thats another game im definitly picking up, will i see any of you guys in the BCT arena?

Re: PBW Server Problems--Take 2
 

While PBW has been down, I've been manually running the 2 PBW games I'm hosting, and it's taking considerable effort for far worse results.

The amount of missed player turns are way up. There has been at least one plr file for the wrong turn, on all the manual turns so far, in both games. Deadlines keep getting pushed...

Just not being able to see the progress of plr files uploaded is a little disconcerting.

SEIV - PBW = 0 http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif

I would've made a donation sooner, but I had to wait for my withdrawal shakes to subside.

Re: PBW Server Problems--Take 2
 

Once again, I want to thank all who have donated. It's amazing to see such support for us all. And thanks, also, to those who are spreading the word.

I wanted to allay some concerns of our international Users. Paypal does take international payments; it appears that the fees run to around 8-10% of the cost of the donation. Don't worry about that; Paypal already absorbs fees from the donations, and it's simply the cost of getting your money without waiting for the check to arrive and finding time to cash it.

And, given that a check drawn in US funds is going to cost money anyway, it appears that Paypal may actually be more cost efficient up to US$250 or so.

Thanks again, to everyone.

Eric Snyder II
for PBW Administration

Re: PBW Server Problems--Take 2
 

BUMP

Re: PBW Server Problems--Take 2
 

LazarusLong42 - still trying to get this cash to you but wanted to check.

If you are an overseas payer, Paypal seems to want one to open an international account and if the page I am on appears correct, want to levy a fee for this IN ADDITION to the usual foreign currency handling charges. Is this right? logically, all it should do is accept your credit card details and relevant sum and credit check this before taking the amount.

Apologies but I am a lawyer

Failing which, can you accept dollar cheques or if anyone from PBW cares to meet me in Phoenix next week, cash?

Re: PBW Server Problems--Take 2
 

Lazaruslong42 - igonore my earlier post, I have spoken to Paypal over here in Europe.

For all those overseas people wishing to contribute, you will have to open an 'international account' (pick personal, not premier or business). There is a $1.95 charge for this which will be refunded to your Paypal account once you have verified your MEMBER CONFIRMATION NUMBER

This 4 digit number needs to be verified with PayPal before you can use your credit card to make payments. You are looking at a 4 day delay before this will appear on your statement (assuming you access it Online, longer if you have to wait for the next one).

All this means is that you get your $1.95 back (ok, there is an exchange risk) BUT you will have to wait several days before you can donate to the cause.

PS I have never used PBW, therefore if I can donate, everyone should donate

Re: PBW Server Problems--Take 2
 

"Failing which, can you accept dollar cheques or if anyone from PBW cares to meet me in Phoenix next week, cash?"

One has to wonder: if you're international, and coming to the US.. why PHOENIX of all places? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif Buisness here, I suppose.. no sane person would show up otherwise http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif (and I LIVE near there, so I can make that call!)

I suppose I could do it, but I'm out a ways from Phoenix. ASU is as far in as I know how to get to.

Phoenix-D

Re: PBW Server Problems--Take 2
 

[quote]Originally posted by Phoenix-D:
[QB]"One has to wonder: if you're international, and coming to the US.. why PHOENIX of all places? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif Buisness here, I suppose.. no sane person would show up otherwise http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif (and I LIVE near there, so I can make that call!)

Well, not much choice I am afraid, one of my dear chums has taken it into his head to marry a local girl so vis a vis the wedding is in Phoenix

Dont worry, we are only staying in Phoenix long enough to see the nuptials, go to the museum and eat at AliceCoopersTown, after that we are taking a Grand Am up to Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon, Canyon de Chelly (thanks Alpha Kodiak, wicked steer there) Monument Valley etc

Knowing my luck however, the whole of northern arizona will be under snow when I get there next thursday

Re: PBW Server Problems--Take 2
 

"Knowing my luck however, the whole of northern arizona will be under snow when I get there next thursday"

Nah. The Phoenix Open's on. It tends to call down all the nasty weather on it. Hell, they had to cancel it on account for snow once.

Re: PBW Server Problems--Take 2
 

My aunt lives in Pheonix, and want me to come and visit. I am used to the conditions here in the PNW, and really hate heat. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't mind visiting Pheonix, but as Sam Cimason (sp) said, "Pheonix is indian for JESUS CHRIST ITS HOT!"


Will send more cash in a few days. Money is deposited, then takes a few days to confirm with PayPal.

Even if PBW was a pay service, I think it would do rather well. Most people could aford, 5 bucks a month for the services PBW offers.

[ 24 January 2002: Message edited by: Atrocities ]</p>

Re: PBW Server Problems--Take 2
 

Phoenix is NOT hot right now. Relatively. I mean, it's 55 frigging degrees. That's COLD. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Phoenix-D

Re: PBW Server Problems--Take 2
 

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Phoenix-D:
Phoenix is NOT hot right now. Relatively. I mean, it's 55 frigging degrees. That's COLD. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Phoenix-D<hr></blockquote>

Lordy, you sound just like a Californian with a bit of Texan thrown in - 55 degrees? yoiks, I better go upstairs and pack my skinnies and the factor 2

Re: PBW Server Problems--Take 2
 

For AZ, yes, that's cold. It only gets worse when it's raining http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

For myself I have a nice tolerence to cold. Well, except when I'm trying to get up in the morning- then it sucks. I do get funny looks when I'm running around in short sleeves and shorts; everyone else was in at least long sleeves.

Phoenix-D

Re: PBW Server Problems--Take 2
 

[quote]Originally posted by Phoenix-D:
[QB]I do get funny looks when I'm running around in short sleeves and shorts

Phoenix-D, you would get funny looks dressed like that in England too, especially if you are going 9 years in age

seriously tho, it sounds like Phoenix is no probs weather wise next week - but given that I have only rented a grand am and not a 4x4, am I going to hit problems flagstaff and north to the four corners?

Re: PBW Server Problems--Take 2
 

Assuming no major storm front moves in, you should be fine.

Phoenix-D

Re: PBW Server Problems--Take 2
 

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Phoenix-D:
Assuming no major storm front moves in, you should be fine.

Phoenix-D<hr></blockquote>

Cheers, the trouble is, how safe an assumption is that??

Re: PBW Server Problems--Take 2
 

For those that are suffering sever PBW withdrawl, take a look at http://seiv.pbw.cc now. We updated the splash page so it's in the familiar, soothing, PBW color scheme. For those of you like me that were missing it. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

Geoschmo

P.S. The wheels are turing. Can't give you a firm eta yet, but the process is in place to get the server repaired. PBW will be back.

Re: PBW Server Problems--Take 2
 

You're on your own there- I'm not a weatherman http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Phoenix-D

Re: PBW Server Problems--Take 2
 

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Phoenix-D:
You're on your own there- I'm not a weatherman http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Phoenix-D<hr></blockquote>

True, I did not assume that you necessitated any talent in the meteorological department, I just wondered whether or not the weather reports on your local television station forecast the weather in the state over say the next week.

Ours do in the UK and I can tell you that for the next week, it is going to wet and cold pretty much all over England, with localised fog in the north

Re: PBW Server Problems--Take 2
 

Wouldn't know- I don't watch much TV.

As far as the weather goes, I don't pay much attention to it. I just deal with what shows up http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Phoenix-D

Re: PBW Server Problems--Take 2
 

web hosting? 300 people can spend 30$/month i think http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...s/rolleyes.gif

Re: PBW Server Problems--Take 2
 

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE

The parts for the server have been ordered and should ship tomorrow--or Monday if they don't consider Saturday a business day. If all goes well, PBW may me back up within a month of going down.

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE


<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by georgig:
web hosting? 300 people can spend 30$/month i think http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...s/rolleyes.gif <hr></blockquote>

Um... not quite that simple. PBW has to be run on its own server because of its own little quirks and problems. Plus it needs to have quite a bit of bandwidth--at least 384K upload, we think, to keep it reasonable. That's at least $100/mo at most hosting places. Doug has been getting hosting free through his company, but that may be becoming less and less feasible.

Re: PBW Server Problems--Take 2
 

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by LazarusLong42:
UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE

The parts for the server have been ordered and should ship tomorrow--or Monday if they don't consider Saturday a business day. If all goes well, PBW may me back up within a month of going down.

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE

<hr></blockquote>

YES YES YES!



<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>
Um... not quite that simple. PBW has to be run on its own server because of its own little quirks and problems. Plus it needs to have quite a bit of bandwidth--at least 384K upload, we think, to keep it reasonable. That's at least $100/mo at most hosting places. Doug has been getting hosting free through his company, but that may be becoming less and less feasible.<hr></blockquote>

Ways to cut down on required bandwidth (if ever needed):

1) Move the forums to a different server if you can find someone else that could host them...
2) Move the shipset downloads to different servers as well.
3) Remove the option to attach the game turns to the emails that get sent out. (still allow Users to reply to the email with their turn attached though!). Email attachments suck up extra bandwidth since they are encoded. And some people (like me) will get the email at work sometimes and so when I get home I goto PBW and grab the turn file again.

I'm sure there are other ways of course...

Re: PBW Server Problems--Take 2
 

Just got my International Paypal account. I have to wait for my credit card bill to arrive to activate but will send some cash then. Unless you want some cheap Canadian $$ sooner &lt;g&gt;

Re: PBW Server Problems--Take 2
 

rja61,

Are you Yohan from the tourney? If so I have been looking for you.

Geoschmo

Re: PBW Server Problems--Take 2
 

BUMP

Re: PBW Server Problems--Take 2
 

just because the parts have been ordered, does not mean that hosting costs are paid for (which wont be your $30/mo web hosting, the server will need space rented at a co-location facility and will need per-megabit bandwidth charges paid. very costly.)

so if you are a regular player and you can still contribute, im sure the PBW guys can still use the help. also, they have put alot of uncompensated labor into the project, software development time, and the guys that volunteer as tech-support/admins have been first-rate in their willingness to help out and solve other peoples problems.

therefore, i offer another resounding BUMP.

Re: PBW Server Problems--Take 2
 

if its in NY, internap is supposed to be pretty good. at least as a bandwidth provider, if you wanted to stick it in a vender-neutral facility.

Re: PBW Server Problems--Take 2
 

Geo,
If I read this thread right, would I be correct in surmising that in addition to the immediate need for funds to repair the fried mother board, there is a need for a monthly subscription to keep the site on-line?

If this is the case, we will need to investigate how to effectively allow those of us who are willing to transfer funds on a regular basis.

If there are any US lawyers on the forum, may be they can assist on setting up SEIV PBW as some form of unincorporated association (UK entity) or foundation or whatever.

We could then contribute small regular monthly contributions, the assoication get the tax breaks and everybody benefits by PBW being financially secure.

I will need to work out how us overseas players can contribute without conVersion charges being too much but if you had enough dollar contributions, you could keep Sterling/euro contributions separate as a slush fund if ever the mother board exploded again.

BTW I have seen talk of $30 per month in total being necessary. If this is the case, I would be willing to pay this simply for the enjoyment I get from being obnoxious on this forum. I havn't even played PBW yet!

Re: PBW Server Problems--Take 2
 

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Growltigga:
If this is the case, I would be willing to pay this <hr></blockquote>

hmm.. lawyer willing to pay this can't happen in my country :o)

Re: PBW Server Problems--Take 2
 

Thank you Puke. You are correct.

While the "pledge drive" to get the parts for the server is over, we are still accepting donations via the same paypal link.

Our immediate priority is to get the server repaired and back up and running. (This is in process) Down the road we are looking at finding a new site for the server which will allow us to respond more quickly to issues, and may give us some flexibilty to do a better job serving the community.

Geoschmo