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Over the past several days I notice this issue popping up again. This very same message is what preceded the previous catastrophic forum failure. As before I don't think it's the forum per se, but resource issues with the platform/server/hosting service.

I saw it this morning - 08.00 GMT - but it's the first time for me since the 'melt-down'. As the time equates to midnight PST I thought it might be server updating but as I don't know where the server is, or when it's updated, I'm left wondering if it might indeed be a recurrence of the previous near-disastrous problem.

Was the Server in England?
As for this problem....... it has been 'with us' for some time.

I was under the impression it is in the UK because I remarked on it some time ago but after the last problems I'm now unsure.

I've always thought it strange that any server would be busy (unless backing up) in either the early morning UK or at midnight PST when there's likely to be fewer using it than during the day or evening. Add to that it's the ONLY website I've ever had such a notification about over many years and numerous websites.

I'm guessing there's always back ups happening but with this website's host I'm not so sure given the fiasco a couple of months back. :icon_frown: It might be prudent for the website owner to consider whether a different host is worth considering.

....I have noticed the same, which has worried me, as this happened prior to collapse. I only worry because I don't want the forum to dissapear again for a long time.

It's not looking reassuring.....history repeating itself? :icon_frown:

I'm here regularly and haven't noticed this.
Maybe this is the universe's way of saying that you guys need to get out more. :cool:

It could just be a flyer, a few odd times when something is happening behind the scenes. There's nothing ordinary members can do anyway either to monitor the situation or address any issues.

I do think, though, it's important administrators are aware there may be a problem. It's possible something can be looked at to avoid a serious problem developing, "a stitch in time to save nine".

As for the universe saying it's time we got out more well speaking only for myself I doubt the universe is interested.

That being the situation perhaps nothing much can now be changed? It's fingers crossed the server's performance has been properly matched to the anticipated needs of this website.

I know nothing about the way server's operate but the little I've learned about computers is that they function more effectively/reliably if there is a sufficient 'storage reserve'. If servers have comparable characteristics might there be justification for 'pruning' old material - getting rid of ancient and/or rarely visited categories and threads for example?

There is a huge range of categories on SF, many threads and postings from way-back-when. If a server would be quicker to back up, and/or quicker to process active discussions, by getting rid of little-used material then surely some housekeeping would be justified?

My guess would be that some of the threads could be made significantly smaller by removing the oldest postings without materially affecting their overall value for anyone looking back. After all, how many - I wonder - would want to read postings made more than, say, a couple of years ago?

Of course if pruning would achieve no significant improvement to this website then it would be a pointless activity.