New Forum Has Mal Tilting
Posted by Mal | January 2, 2010 | Posted in: Mals Blog | Comments (2)Much of the behind the scenes work on our poker site this week has been trying to get the forum working. All of the files are uploaded and the forum is installed but now I have come across an irksome problem relating to file permissions and my hosts streamline.
Tilting blog post follows. Sometimes you just need to vent the fury. Enjoy!
How frustrating that only three directories need their chmods changing to 777 rather than 0700 and the forum will work perfectly. Basically these chmod changes allow users to view the forums and post and have their own avatars. The forums are there but you cannot see them because of this permission bollocks.
It is basic stuff in my opinion and one that I believe the host server should provide this service even on the most basic package. It does not affect their service and is my own security preference. Anyway, it may lead to the site needing to be moved elsewhere.
Do not worry as any downtime will be minimal. I am going to speak to a host server I used to use years ago and find out how I can sort it so things are seamless if a change is necessary. Streamline are probably the slowest and worst responders to my queries ever.
They suggested changing to a Linux server, altering the permissions then returning to a windows server. This meant the site was down for a couple of hours but I had a horrible feeling that when I changed back so would the permissions. And I was right, horribly right. I sent an awful email to the host on the support ticket going mad.
Anyone who has ever run a site will know that it is often the tiny things that drive you nuts with the design. The phpbb install demands a new MySQL database and getting that working together is technical stuff. I even shocked myself when I got it to work and after frenzied self back patting as an afterthought it mentions these directory and file permissions and suddenly we are totally buggered.
The old forum has gone because I want the new one hosted from itsawinner and it will be. It may take a bit of time but I’m determined to make it work! This means you will need to re-register if you were a member (all six of us) but it will work out better in the long run in terms of hits and site success.
I am going to run a competition for any new poker forum member once the forum opens and there will be a cash prize awarded of $50 per month (guaranteed for at least two months but possibly ongoing it depends) sent via Pokerstars for the best forum poster of that month. This will help get the forum going and attract members. It is not about post frequency, but quality and participation. We want to build a strong community where we make friends and poker buddies.
That’s the plan. I’m off now to ring the neck of anyone that mentions chmods or file permissions or linux servers because I’m not cut out for this shit. I’m also snowed in which makes it even more fun. Tilt!
My SNG attack on Stars starts next week when I deposit the next $110 on Pokerstars to complete my saved bankroll of $340 (100 buy-ins – sensible) for the $3 + $0.40 tournaments I am going to start pounding.
The forum will appear as soon as possible so stay tuned for updates and I am working behind the scenes to get it going.
Mal
WOW!! Thats some bad tech stuff!!
Unfortunately the forum cannot be ran with this host. I will be looking around. Forum is DD for now but remains on the wish list for 2010!