File under 'Technology will make life simpler'
You can't make this stuff up.
For those who are not familiar with the other fountain pen website, Fountain Pen Network, its membership is having an unplanned 'sabbatical' of an unknown duration.
To wit:
The Fountain Pen Network database is currently in maintenance mode.
Dearest Members and Visitors
of the Fountain Pen Nuthouse,
We appear to still have a problem with our database, and are busy to try and fix this, which requires FPN to be down for now.
While this takes place, the site will out of necessity be offline.
Update 2020-11-02 21:50 GMT / 2020-11-02 16:50 EST:
Hosting is currently working on the problem, as is FPN Admin.
Update 2020-11-03 01:15 GMT / 2020-11-02 20:15 EST:
No definite solution yet, we're still investigating and working on it.
Update 2020-11-03 02:00 GMT / 2020-11-02 21:00 EST:
It will take at least another 6 hours before we have an answer, it is more complex than anticipated, unfortunately.
Update 2020-11-03 11:00 GMT / 2020-11-03 06:00 EST:
Still under investigation.
Update 2020-11-03 16:30 GMT / 2020-11-03 11:30 EST:
Possible solutions are clear currently. Investigation now focuses on the best possible solution.
Update 2020-11-03 23:10 GMT / 2020-11-03 18:10 EST:
Exact causes of Classifiieds problems and incompatibilities with other parts of the system have been found, and a fix has been established. Currently trying to find the right person to get back to the situation prior to the database upgrades. Thereafter we will stil have to do some restores with regard to data to make sure nothing is lost. We do not know yet how much time this will all take, but we are on the right path now.
Update 2020-11-04 03:00 GMT / 2020-11-03 22:00 EST:
Unfortunately, it appears there is no easy way to fix the current problems. In effect this means we have to carry out a full conversion and upgrade to the new software to fix these problems. This may unfortunately result in another week of downtime.
We have started the work required for this, and will keep you all in the loop on this page throughout the process. More on this tomorrow morning (GMT time).
Once the database and software are working properly again, you will be directed back to the Fountain Pen Network instead of to this message.
In the mean time, why don't you play with some pens and inks? ;)
See you later!
Warm regards,
The FPN Admin Team
November 3, 2020
Re: File under 'Technology will make life simpler'
I wonder why is there not an influx of refugees from there to here
Re: File under 'Technology will make life simpler'
Try doing a search regarding fountain pens and see what results you achieve from historical information to repair. Consider not having access to online data bases and having to take the chance of finding the information at your local library. Personally, the OP's concerned is both premature and unnecessary. I am very appreciative for having access to online data bases and realise that maintanence is just a small price to pay.
Re: File under 'Technology will make life simpler'
It seems to be taking a rather long time for ordinary maintenance.
Re: File under 'Technology will make life simpler'
Quote:
Originally Posted by
aquafox
I wonder why is there not an influx of refugees from there to here
Many probably do not know about "here". But also, at least for U.S. members, there is a significant non-pen issue pending which may be taking more of their attention.
Re: File under 'Technology will make life simpler'
Quote:
Originally Posted by
eachan
It seems to be taking a rather long time for ordinary maintenance.
A full conversion and upgrade to new software is far from "ordinary maintenance". :) It's a LOT of work.
Re: File under 'Technology will make life simpler'
I hope FPN comes back, if only so we don't lose the repair advice/information stored there over the years. Yes, there's some poor advice and wrong information mixed in, but some of the repairmen I respect have given answers over there for years. Every so often I look up something I don't know (or have forgotten) there.
Re: File under 'Technology will make life simpler'
It would be nice if their new software handled their advertising better so that it doesn't mess up browsers as it has been doing. I go there with Brave and all doors slammed shut.
Re: File under 'Technology will make life simpler'
It would also be nice if tapatalk would support the new and improved FPN. Especially on mobile devices, tapatalk is way easier to browse, post, add photos on online forums.
Re: File under 'Technology will make life simpler'
Quote:
Originally Posted by
aquafox
I wonder why is there not an influx of refugees from there to here
They are already here, since FPN was down the last time, a couple of years ago... :)
c.
Re: File under 'Technology will make life simpler'
For my part, I fluxed in three years ago, but it turns out that I have never posted until this week. I did not even recognise my handle when I looked it up in my forums list, but the password worked so it must be me. I have certainly read material on here from time to time.
Re: File under 'Technology will make life simpler'
Quote:
Originally Posted by
bunyip
For my part, I fluxed in three years ago, but it turns out that I have never posted until this week. I did not even recognise my handle when I looked it up in my forums list, but the password worked so it must be me. I have certainly read material on here from time to time.
Pretty much the same thing here. I had to go through password recovery, though :)
Re: File under 'Technology will make life simpler'
It can happen to any board. I've seen some disappear completely and forever when they try to upgrade the board software, with everything lost. What is being done now is HUGE, and the amount data stored on the website is very big given the number of members and the length of time that it has been running - about 15 - 16 years IIRC. Anything of that magnitude takes time.
Re: File under 'Technology will make life simpler'
Oddly enough, the Pentrace board went down today, though it appears to be a hardware issue that the host is resolving. Ron's right: FPN is a big bunch of data. Breath-holding not suggested.
Re: File under 'Technology will make life simpler'
Sounds like it is the customization that drove certain features (and if I recall was expensive to implement) that is the problem.
Re: File under 'Technology will make life simpler'
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Farmboy
Sounds like it is the customization that drove certain features (and if I recall was expensive to implement) that is the problem.
That is my impression. I also suspect a significant degree if DIY instead of having technical expertise in the mix, but this is only conjecture based on observation.
Re: File under 'Technology will make life simpler'
I miss FPN and hope it survives.
Re: File under 'Technology will make life simpler'
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Chuck Naill
I miss FPN and hope it survives.
I don't miss it at all and I never have. Not even for a moment. :) :dance3:
Re: File under 'Technology will make life simpler'
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Chrissy
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Chuck Naill
I miss FPN and hope it survives.
I don't miss it at all and I never have. Not even for a moment. :) :dance3:
That's too bad, Chrissy. With all the drama in the world, having a place to talk about something a frivolous as a writing instrument is a nice respite.
Re: File under 'Technology will make life simpler'
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Chuck Naill
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Chrissy
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Chuck Naill
I miss FPN and hope it survives.
I don't miss it at all and I never have. Not even for a moment. :) :dance3:
That's too bad, Chrissy. With all the drama in the world, having a place to talk about something a frivolous as a writing instrument is a nice respite.
Here is plenty good enough for me. :)