[Alex Pepple]

Dear Eratosphereans,

We're being forced to move - that is, move the server and all the data. To explain what's going on in layman's terms, the bigger hosting company that's just acquired the one that had been hosting the server wants to shut down the facilities they've just acquired: they have handed out an eviction notice to transfer everything over to their own facilities proper in a month or so, or else.... The problem is that they're not lifting a finger to help so, I'm completely on my own on this!

Thus, this is just a heads-up to everyone that there's the likelihood that things will be in flux at the Eratosphere for an indeterminate amount of time in the near future as I figure out how to move that huge amount of data and services and web connectivity, etc. etc.; and, whether to stay with this company despite their pushy ways (since their service is very reliable), or look for something else to move the Eratosphere server to. I'm hoping the move will eventually happen non-destructively, and with little or no glitches. However, when we eventually reach the final switching point, there is the possibility of the loss of about a days worth of the most recent data. If that's the case, I'll post a special warning at that time.

Furthermore, this migration has the making of an expensive project. Since donations have dried up for an endless number months now, which means that I've been, as usual, carrying all the financial burden on my own, then this is a good time to remind those can or are willing to, of the need to support Able Muse/Eratosphere per all the 'donate' links on the Sphere pages, or the sticky thread here.

Cheers,
...Alex

[Michael Cantor]

Contribution just sent, Alex. Like everybody else, it seems, I need a periodic reminder. Thanks for all that the Sphere provides to so many of us.

[Cally Conan-Davies]

Money on the way, Alex!!

What you provide us with is irreplaceable, really, and indescribable.

So I'm sending love to you as well as money. You deserve lots of BOTH!!

Cally

[Jayne Osborn]

Ditto to each of Cally's sentences.

Jayne

[Alex Pepple]

Thank you Michael, Cally, Jayne and all you Sphereans!

By the way, thinking of the very final days of migration when changeover from old to new occurs, what option would you prefer? 1) Possible lose one day or so of your posts, or 2) no data loss, but Sphere offline for a day or so.

I'm leaning toward option 2 for now, but those of you who prefer the alternative, post accordingly and I'll check to see if it's a definite majority.

Cheers

[Maryann Corbett]

As one who doesn't read everything every day, I'd vote for preserving all the data. Being offline for a time is not too serious a hardship if we know when to expect it.

[Cally Conan-Davies]

I vote we go off-line for as long as it takes, so then we can have a home-coming party!!!!!!

[Jayne Osborn]

I agree with Maryann and Cally. Option 2 is preferable, in my opinion.

Good luck with it all, Alex.

[Tim Murphy]

It could be worse, Alex. Think what it costs the Pope to maintain seven basilicas in Rome, especially at Easter. I was going to send him some money, but I'll send it to you instead.

[Charlotte Innes]

Just donated!

This sounds huge, Alex. Thanks for all your work. I also vote for off-line option.

Lots of luck!
Charlotte