ThrillNetwork.com :: What it takes... part II

Editorials: What it takes... part II

By Steven

Dec. 10th, 2005 -- I figured it would be about time to add to my original editorial about what it takes to run ThrillNetwork. While I did scratch the surface when it came to the look and maintaining some aspects, I know I can add a lot more.

In October, we finally moved to our long-awaited new server, which is the core of ThrillNetwork. For those who frequent the forums, I'm sure that you already know what we are currently running for a server. For those who don't, we upgraded our Pentium III-733Mhz server to a Dual Xeon-3.0Ghz server, with Intel EM64T technology, which enables us to run 64-bit applications.

To help make it work, the operating system we use takes advantage of the dual processors and the 64-bit abilities. Along with that, our core software (specifically, MySQL, PHP, and Apache) are running as 64-bit applications, which enables processing to happen a lot faster. The end result is a website that runs several times faster and decreased server load which allows for further expansion of the site in the time to come.

Of course, in the process, nothing ever goes totally smooth when making a transition. In the process, we found that our submission systems broke, necessitating a fix when we found out what was going on (to those who have submitted anything in the past month, we sincerely apologize... we never received it because of the problem that was not detectable until we either received complaints or we just don't receive submissions).

With the recent partnership with Clint Novak, In The Loop, and Coaster Crew, it’s enabled us to expand or media offerings and syndication capabilities. We added RSS feeds in 2004 for our news and forums, and have expanded that to include the In The Loop shows, construction-specific discussion, and, in the future, SpeedZone file uploads. Unlike a page on ThrillNetwork, an RSS feed has to be done correctly, with no errors whatsoever; otherwise it will not syndicate properly. We constantly monitor these feeds to make sure they continue to work, as characters such as an invalid apostrophe or quotation mark can break the feed. On top of it, we encourage users to inform us if they experience problems.

While I am not taking care of anything that involves me being the resident technical geek, I am also *trying* to contribute content, such as this editorial. Besides this editorial, I am also working on a review of a DVD set that Robb Alvey released in November. However, due to issues going on, which I will explain next, I have not been able to complete it. But, I hope to have it to you by the end of the year.

Aside from the server and our additions, it has been rather interesting having to make sure that everything is coordinated so that I can step away for a while. In my personal life, I am preparing for a move to Tennessee (specifically, the Nashville area). The reasons are personal as well as career-related. Because I need to focus on the pending move, I need to pass off virtually everything I do to my subordinates; a.k.a. the section leads (Chip, Bryan, Kyle Rehm, and Alex T.). All of my technical duties get passed on to Graham, and then Alex absorbs anything else.

So, if you do not see me on at all for any period of time, it is because I am in the Volunteer State, taking care of things and seeking thrills (tornado outbreaks are fun in November). If you really want to find out what I am up to, just shoot me an email from the site, but don’t expect me to respond soon, as I do check it sporadically.

Of course, I’m also the evil admin, so you can go on and hate me.