I wanted to provide a brief update on the problems with the search function. I know it's been an issue for a while now and most of you would like to see the search improved. It's an important part of these forums and we are working to address it.
The new version of the software that has been implemented runs a little differently than the previous version. The way that it works, it consumes significantly more server resources which has put more strain on the hardware this site is run on. In order to get the search working like it should be, we need to get a new server for the site and then setup the current server to handle only the site searches (there are that many searches performed on this site on a daily basis!). With the full search functions enabled on this site currently, these boards would surely crash on a constant basis.
I want to let everyone know that General RAAM and the entire moderator team has been very proactive in trying to get us to solve this problem. We are looking at prices for new hardware right now to see how much it would cost to implement these changes. I will provide another update once we know what it will take to make these hardware upgrades.
I'm willing to make a donation if it helps. I'm sure others here would also. If everyone who visits on a regular basis donated $20, i'm betting that it would help significantly.
I think setting up a "Please Donate" thread is a no brainer. Might as well. I'd give too.
Could also be a good idea to follow up with some way we as donators could then see an accounting of what the money was spent on, ie screenshot of e-receipt or scanned receipt, etc. Help to verify and instill a sense of confidence for those that might not be as willing to give and in turn generate a higher response rate.
Either way, hope all goes well.
Thanks again, EyeTricks, for your ongoing attention to the needs of the forum.