So far the recent changes seem to be holding ok, even though the server is under a little more load, the changes to how the database handles each visitors queries is far better now, with much less (to near zero) chance of the database locking due to loading queries.
This gives me some needed breathing room to raise funds and gauge overall support on whether I will upgrade the server for member benefit or leave it as is, putting up with the periodic slowness, until the funds are available to adequately support the growing running costs.
When this forum started out, it was on shared hosting... around $100 per annum. As it grew with more load it shifted to VPS, around $50 - $100 a month (grew over time). Then it shifted to a hybrid server at $100 a month. Basically, server costs became lower due to technological advances and demand, which gave me more resources for less $$$. Unfortunately the problem at where the forum server is at now, is at the point where there is no real further way forward except to a dedicated server. Whilst there are cheap servers for around $130 a month, they are worse than the hybrid the site is currently hosted on.
I have found a more than adequate server that I feel will suffice the forum for years to come without further need of upgrade for a good couple of years, back to where I was as ServInt at a cost of $210 per month. Add the RTMP of $60 per month and the other additional costs for software, upgrades, etc... the costs are just over $300 a month on the new server, without including any new software additions.
If members start helping out, as I've now added a permanent ad campaign into the site, as well as I have another couple of additions to help monetize the site as yet... which will be added over the coming week or so... if it all works out over the next month or two, then the server will get upgraded and users will get back to an extremely fast experience once again.
Fingers crossed!
