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Poll - Possible BCF Upgrade

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Basil

Basil

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I am currently running BCF on a Virtual Private Server. Its like having a dedicated server (full root access, I can load whatever I want, etc.), but I share a physical server with several other VPSs. Thus, if one VPS is using a lot of resources, it drags all the VPSs on that box down.

I have been thinking of moving to a true dedicated server, but I would need to find a way to offset the cost. So, what I am thinking is to offer BCF members the ability to host their own British Car Related web sites on my server for a small monthly fee. I'm thinking there might be some folks who have small sites that they might be willing to move to a dedicated server here in order to help offset the additional cost of leasing and maintaining a stand alone dedicated server. The server would of course be powerful enough to accomodate the BCF traffic, plus a number of smaller personal sites. I'd like to know what you guys think of this idea? Does it sound feasible?

Basil
 
I still think you should set up some sort of paypal link for donations Basil. And possibly offer members the opportunity to be a 'gold member' or something, for an annual 'fee' of XXX.

I don't have a website, but I'd do financial support of some sort.
 
You may need a web site builder of some sort. Most people build web sites using their ISP's automated software, so it is very difficult to move it over, and practically impossible for them to maintain it themselves manually.

It isn't a bad idea at all, really.
 
[ QUOTE ]
You may need a web site builder of some sort.

[/ QUOTE ]

I've got one- Namo, and have used it quite happily despite being something of a techno-klutz. I tried using the ISP one but it was pretty basic and not very useful when compared to what was available from other vendors. I believe my little site should be pretty portable. Should be... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

I suppose it depends on numbers and costs....
 
I'd move. I pay about $100 a year for 50 GB but don't use anywhere near that amount of space.
 
Not a bad idea. I can't move my sites, though (too complicated with the DB needs and number of sites I'm currently hosting).

I'd also be happy to donate directly. It's much the same way I donate to Public Radio -- I use the service, so feel it's important to help pay for it. It's not required, but I find it important so that the resource will stay viable. I can also appreciate that there might be tax/business issues with that as well, so it might not fit here.
 
I'm for it....I don't have a website, but would love to have one. Maybe this would be the impetus that I need. I have Microsoft Frontpage, so I could build one without any trouble (I hope).
 
I'd consider moving my 'coldplugs' site since I'm approaching the storage limits. I guess I'd want to wait & see how the reliability is - maybe start by putting images on your server & linking to them. My current service is $$$ but has excellent response time and availability. I'd accept the additional cost for a while to try it.

Others have raised some good points regarding site building tools. In my case I'd need the Frontpage extensions. I'm currently on an Apache server. I could shift to Windows or whatever for the server & am not all that wedded to Frontpage.

I also have a business site but would keep that as is.

Or - I wouldn't mind paying a bit. Possibly a "Gold" membership or something similar as Jaybird suggested a while back.

Question for you, though - Do you really want to get into the "customer support" issues? You'll have 'em, like it or not.
 
Sounds good, lots of room for Pics.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Question for you, though - Do you really want to get into the "customer support" issues? You'll have 'em, like it or not.

[/ QUOTE ]

Excellent question. No, I don't "want" to get into those issues, but I expect that is unavoidable. On the issue of your business web site, frankley I'd rather not host business web sites just due to the liability issues that might arise. I'm just thinking along the lines of hosting small personal sites where the requirements are not huge.

Basil
 
Well, this is a litle scary, but I just went and got a stand alone dedicated server and have hired a high-powered server management firm to help me get it configured and set up.

So...for starters, I'd like to ask for a <font color="purple">volunteer</font> who would be willing to have their web site hosted here for a small fee which would help defray the cost of the server and the bandwidth. I want to start small and relatively simple, so I am looking for someone with a small non-commercial site that would not be too difficult to move to a new server.

It will be a few days before my server is ready, but I thought I'd toss out the idea now.

Basil
 
Oh, my son is a Software Engineer and Web master and programer for the USAF weapons development center(he is a civilian contractor). Let me speek with him. I would love a web site of my very own where I can relate Miss Agathas adventures and pictures. Maybe he can whip up something that even I can use.

But then Basil we do have some folks who are into this them selves professionally and would I should think be good canadates.

You might wish to make this a seperate post across all fourms or some such.
 
I'm with Steve, don't have a website, always wanted one, never found a home for one. I'll start a building after midterms.
 
Basil,
I'm in for the move if you are. Email me for details.
 
If I had the bucks to spare, I'd jump all over this idea - my website has become somewhat stagnant becaue of space issues. Can't really complain since it's still free. Maybe once my restoration is complete ...
 
[ QUOTE ]
Basil,
I'm in for the move if you are. Email me for details.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks for being the guinea pig Chris. It will be a few days before everything is set up. The first thing I need to do once the new server is configured is move THIS site to the new box - and this is a BIG site so that's going to be a real fun job (not). Then I'll establish an account for you and help you move things over and help get your URL to point to the correct name servers (mine).

This is definitely the biggest step I've ever taken with this forum, so ya'll keep your fingers crossed.

Basil
 
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