Actually, at one point some time ago we did have a dozen servers or close to it. But we lost a couple when they fried a few years ago. Then John installed a couple of new servers just before the last election that were each more than twice as powerful and twice the capacity of any of our older ones so he took a few more of the older ones offline. Then last quarter we lost our secure server when it crashed and burned. John moved it to one of the other boxes. So, minus one more. Then two weeks ago we lost one of our newest servers. John has not repaired or replaced it yet, but has crammed most of it’s functions onto its twin and where ever he could fit it in. My guess is we still have six or seven servers online at this time but I've lost track of the exact number and configuration. And who knows if we’ll have to add more before the next election or not.
BTW, John bounced the idea off me a couple months ago that he could replace the whole shooting match and be much more efficient and reliable with a completely new approach. He said he could do it for an investment of around $10,000. We didn't have that kind of money in our budget at that time and didn't want to borrow it, so I told him it would have to wait.
Also, by the way, it's more than just me and John. There's also Amy and Chris. John dropped his company a couple years ago and came back in with me and Amy as partners. We also added Chris as a partner after I lost my leg. Amy's been with me as a partner from the start. I'm hoping John and Chris can take over for me if I die or become incapacitated.
We also ended up borrowing about twenty grand a couple years ago when we did a lot of traveling (traveled to DC and elsewhere by air and by car several times) and also held our national convention. We've paid about half of that debt off so far. Hopefully the balance will be paid off within a year.
replace the whole shooting match and be much more efficient and reliable with a completely new approach. He said he could do it for an investment of around $10,000.
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gonna have to make the jump eventually..
John, what ya looking at hardware and software-wise? Maybe Santa will come with a bigger sleighload of goodies this Christmas.
We can raise that money separately in a day. FReepers are the best and we'll all donate for a new set-up. Heck it might take two days, maybe a week. Who cares? Well raise it separate and apart from the FReep-a-thon! Just say the words. "Go for it" and we'll "Bring It ON."
Jim, thank you very much for explaining in detail how much planning, work, equipment, and the number of people who are spending time and energy in running, maintaining and as necessary, repairing this massive site you started.
My prayers are for your health and strength so that you always will be at the helm running Free Republic. God Bless you and thank you Jim!