Architosh Staff ([email protected])

31 Oct 2002

 

Architosh Forums Update: Possibilities and Feedback

The Architosh.com Forums have been down for quite some time. Apparently we had a major disaster on the other end, but today we have an update...and some options for you readers to consider and respond to.

The Status

We apologize for the length of downtime. We now believe we will have the forums up within one to two weeks time at the most. We ran a story on the need for Web technical help and we are still interested in learning about individuals with experience in Web server administration, databases and forums support. Contact us if that is you.

The Options

We have essentially three options for the forums going forward. They are outlined below:

• Option 1: We keep our own Architosh Forums where they are and have the forum software folks (the makers of the software) assist us in the import of the old database into a new forum implementation. Pros: Maintain autonomy and separate forums space. No added cost to Architosh for forums. Cons: May run into technical problems again wherein MacNN technical staff do not respond to the problems quick enough.

• Option 2: We move our Architosh Forums into the greater MacNN.com Forums and integrate them into that structure. In that case, we still have to consult with the forum software folks because of some difficulties. We would have our own area within the MacNN.com forums but still be apart of that system. Pros: When the MacNN forums go down they are dealt with quickly, thus we would never be down too long (not more than two weeks at least). No added cost to Architosh for the forums. Cons: MacNN forums go down slightly more often than Architosh's forums. Loss of autonomy and placement into a larger forum structure.

• Option 3: We take our forums database and have the forums software folks import it into new forums on a different Web server outside of the MacNN network. We are not sure where this would be. It could be our Britasmedia.com Web host in Seattle. Pros: We could have total control over the forums and a 48 hour technical turnaround on forum problems. Cons: Forums would likely be slower because of a slower bandwidth connection at our Seattle area host. This option would entail more monthly cost to Architosh, something we can ill afford at the moment.

Your Choice

We would like to really consider how you guys feel about what to do with our forums. And we welcome any constructive feedback or options. Please take our little survey below so we can learn about how you feel about the forums. Copy everything below the dotted line into your email program and send to: [email protected]

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Architosh Forums Options Survey: (please place an "x" as your choice in the brackets, eg: [x] means you have selected that choice.)

1. Which option above would you prefer?

[ ] - I like Option 1

[ ] - I like Option 2

[ ] - I like Option 3

[ ] - I don't really care. I just want Mac CAD/3D/AEC forums

2. How do you feel about MacNN.com and our affiliation with them? (select all that apply)

[ ] - I think MacNN.com is a good affiliation and offers something to Architosh readers

[ ] - I think MacNN.com is a poor affiliation and doesn't offer anything to Architosh readers

[ ] - I would prefer Architosh to be affiliated with MacCentral.com

[ ] - I would prefer Architosh to be affiliated with a CAD or 3D site

[ ] - I would prefer Architosh not be affiliated with anyone

3. Please write any feedback comments to us below. Thanks.

End of Survey.

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Thanks for taking the survey above. Ed.

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