Hello,

Following a series of DDOS attacks related to this site my business relationship with my current server provider has dissolved. I have been working on securing contracts with a new provider that is less squishy for a few weeks now and have managed to do so. I expect to start the move sometime towards the end of next week. In the interm you may experience down time due to the attacks, the move or even after as I try to reconfigure a hundred things on the new box.

Here's hoping the move to better hardware will handle the load and attacks better.

Chain_Reaction. Thanks for all your hard work. What a effin pain in the butt for you all though.  You lead and we will follow. 

This period has been extended a bit. I'm setting up some advanced DDOS protection software and experimenting with different cache tools. I feel it's better to leave the site where it is while I do this rather than drag it through more down time while I configure things. Bear with me.

We continue to be plagued by DDOS attacks on our old provider. I am working as fast as I can to reconfigure all the software on our new server. We should be moving in a few days. My apologies for the instability of the site till then.

Hey Chain_Reaction, I just want to say a quick thank you for all your efforts in keeping this site running and available. They're very much appreciated.

Thanks, it hasn't been easy. I've taken a professional and financial hit as the attacks and my focus on dodging them have caused numerous issues within my business and it's external relations. I've gone as far as turning the site back on when I was told not to because I know it's important to thousands of people. I've made network providers very angry but they'll live and so will nraas.

Oh man, I hate that the continued DDOS attacks are costing you so much financially and professionally. I wish there was a way to put a stop to them permanently.

You're right, this place is important to a lot of people. Not just because of the very useful mods, but because of the friendly, helpful, and patient community here.

To go into a bit of a Public Service Announcement mode, DDOS attacks are one reason it's so important that everybody keeps up to date on security patches. Not just for computers, phones, tablets, and especially routers, but for every device that connects to the Internet. Most DDOS attacks are carried out by devices which have been hacked due to security flaws. Usually the owners of the devices don't even know their devices are being used in such attacks.

The relocation has been completed. Here's hoping things are much more stable.

We may have issues with email delivery again while the DNS servers work to pick up new authenticating IP addresses. If you're not getting email from here, give it time.

And there was much rejoicing with dancing in the streets to be had in all of the land.




Many different lands, in fact, and many different kinds of dancing. 

Thanks so much for your dedication to provide a reliable and safe site. I'm sorry that you have had issues professionally and financially. I know there are many of us who would be glad to help financially if you would accept it. I certainly don't have a clue about DDOS attacks and can't help with that!  We love this site and all of you that help keep it going. Thanks again.