Hi all,
I'm wondering what the current state of affairs is with the PTT servers. If I recall correctly, last year at this time many of us donated in order to get a processor upgrade on one of the PTT servers. I think it was for the only server Dan had at the time. There was some confusion about whether we were paying for a separate server (another $1500/yr) or just a processor upgrade to the single PTT server that Dan had at the time. I thought the spike in actual contributions was for the upgrade.

So we had a lot of people pledging financial support for a 2nd server to on which to run CTF and survivor. If I understand what Dan claims about his current $ outlay, he is paying for two servers now at the combined rate of $300/month. Because the donations page still lists $150 as the goal and we come a bit shy of that, is Dan funding the other $150/month by himself? And if there is a 2nd server for CTF, is it running? I don't see CTF anymore.

I don't know how much data throughput PTT generates, but I wonder if there are other, cheaper, options to host the forums for PTT. Prey makes a living doing this type of thing (Hosting web sites (architect.. Engineer..Deploy)) and he thinks it could be done for $50/month. It may depend a lot on the amount of data throughput PTT generates. Is GarageGames in a position to help?

Just wondering.

I agree^ I have been thinking about the same things myself.

I see info all the time about hosting website for $20 a month. I am sure the PTT is more data intensive than that. Maybe look at a linux server.... ;)

Just another thought. I notice that other games also rent servers as well. Maybe GG might want to consider renting out servers. This way people who want to play CTF could actually pay for it. Also may come in handy for leagues and tournaments as well. Of course I have no idea how much or what type of undertaking this would be.

Last edited: Saturday, August 27, 2005 at 3:14:36 PM

That's a lot of questions ^ there!

First, Dan Mac, Lonewolf, and other moderators have put a lot of work into this. I do -- and I am sure you too -- appreciate their efforts.

This probably will always be a self-sustaining site.

No corporate sponsors, no advertisers. This is National Public Radio or TV without the federal support.

National Public Think Tanks.

^Yes and that's why I'm worried about it. If Dan has to shell out his own $, how long can that last?

Plz note that many thank you, Nuts, RX, Napalm, dash, and others for the servers that you have up.

The mods are great. The admins make the world go round.

Last edited: Saturday, August 27, 2005 at 5:55:45 PM

Actually, if I might speak for the PTT admins, I think I can hear them saying something like, "This is too much sugar for a nickel!"

Meaning, it's sometimes too much work for the benefit.

It is a matter of cutting the work down to size so that it works easily for everyone. The magic word is "AUTOMATIC!"

IF IT WERE ME (ha), first, I'd fix that contributions table into an AUTOMATIC, self-operating calculator.

Second, I would consider some way to put an AUTOMATIC posting limit per day on all members...if that could be done AUTOMATICALLY. To keep traffic management down.

Third, I would post a definitive set of very simple no-no's that would get you AUTOMATIC suspension or timed lockout.

I suspect donations might go up...if some of these AUTOMATIC things were installed. XD

Last edited: Tuesday, August 30, 2005 at 4:44:07 PM

Look what I found under a pile of useless threads...BUMP.

BC, I'm also going to be putting up A Team Scrum Server with 2 normal maps and almost the whole Map Pack. I'm working on some stuff so it will be up 27/4 and a clean fun server.