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Sep-15-2004 17:34

Today, I moved the Sleuth server a new hosting location. Possibly as a result of this, the server has lost it's connection to the internet a few times. When that happens, it can take up to an hour to come back up. I've been working very hard trying to figure out what the problem is so I can fix it, but it might take a few days before I can fully clear it up.

I am really very sorry about the spotty service. If you feel the need to vent about it, you can do so on this thread.

I don't think the problem is due to anything specific in the Sleuth application, but if you do notice that doing something in particular in the game seems to lead to the rapid shutdown of the server, let me know and I can check it out.

Again, I hope to have this issue cleared up in the next day or two. Thanks for your patience.

Sep-19-2004 22:05

Game Server Back Up

After several days using a slower backup server, we returned the faster Sleuth Server to service Sunday night. We are very sorry for the extended problems, but it looks like things are working well now. Due to the spotty service over the last few days, we have credited all current subscribers with an extra 5 days on their subscriptions. Thanks again for you patience.

Sep-19-2004 23:48

In case anybody is wondering, the problem was that the main Sleuth server's two network interfaces burned out. In the end it wasn't that hard to just stick a new PCI nic card in. There were a few things adding up that made it a difficult problem to diagnose, though.

One, the problem happened to flare up right after I physically moved the server. So, at first I suspected it had to do with the change in the network environment. Turned out to just be a coincidence.

Two, the machine has two integrated NIC interfaces. Since neither was working, I thought a software related cause was more likely than a hardware one. However what I didn't know was that the two interfaces actually share a lot of circuitry, so they seem to have burned out together. Also, since they are integrated interfaces instead of pci cards, they can't be physically removed. It took a little searching to figure out how to turn them off through the bios.

Sep-21-2004 11:44

Excellent Ben thanks, excellent incident management. It is working like a charm again!

Sep-22-2004 02:00

Yes, it's wonderful to have everything back to normal again! Thank you, Ben, for all your hard work!

Sep-22-2004 08:53

KUDOS BEN!

Sep-23-2004 11:53

Ah, shucks.

Now I can get back to actually adding stuff.

Sep-24-2004 01:46

Speaking of adding stuff, I'll put in another request for putting the names of all the agents who help on a hunt on display in the Trophy Room so they can share in the glory. We have people who always help on our hunts who feel like they never do, and if they were listed with the treasure, too, we could force them to see that they actually /do/ help us get the treasure...this wouldn't be too hard to do, would it?

And thanks for adding the Last Page links on top! (Now I just have to break that automatic scroll-down habit that is already ingrained....)

Sep-24-2004 07:29

I fully agree, no one can ever nab a treasure without the help of the ones who got the first info!

Sep-24-2004 10:45

Yeah, I suppose it is important. Particularly since the safe crackers get a disproportionate share of the trophy room glory.
The one thing is, it seems like that could make the trophy room a messier page. I'll have to figure it out.

Sep-24-2004 10:55

OR you could just eliminate everyone's name, since it IS supposed to be a TEAM trophy. How's that sound?