On Friday 8-25, we experienced a massive corruption of several database tables, which store things like user posts and threads on the TalkBass forums. After 6 hours, I managed to repair the damage (I hope!), and things should be back to normal.

If you notice ANY abnormalities (error messages, missing data, etc), please email me asap.

It has become clear that TalkBass is moving beyond where I can run the whole operation myself. I have decided I need to look into 'outsourcing' the technical side of things (database maintenance, server hardware and software maint., basically everything technical and backend), to a 3rd party. I'm looking into solutions now. It will mean TalkBass will be a lot more expensive to run, but I think the future health of this enormous community, its data, and technical integrity, demand it. And if the level of supporting membership donations & site sponsorship continues as it has, the new expenses will I hope be managable.

Have a great day! :)

Thanks for the all the effort, Paul. I don't get nearly the service from my work related websites as I do from you.

Well, if it means anything, here's a vote for Rackspace.

Dear Paul,

Thank you for all you do, and for bringing the DB back to life. Most will never know how hard that is and what it means, but I do.

TB is a great thing, and you are it's spirit! Thanks.

Cheers,
Jim Carr

Glad things are back to normal, i'm new,but a thank you,i think at this time ,would be nice to serve,since you serve so many. I'm sure they agree!!!! Well done!!!!!!!!!

well it is a huge job, but you are handling it wonderfully. I for one appreciate all you are doing. TalkBass is such a wonderful resource for all bassists of any age and skill level

I know how terrifying nervewracking it is to suffer a crash and/or lose information.

So thanks for whatever you did to get us back online! If you're ever in Raleigh, NC I'll take you out for a beer.

Thank you for your work. This is my main source of learning and support for my music. I really enjoy the site and the information, as well as the discussions...it's almost as if I take a break and show up at a local music store and pub at the same time and just soak in the conversations. You are appreciated from Alaska!

Thanks for everything Paul. I feel that you've done an amazing job with this site. If you feel that it's best to outsource the technical side to a 3rd Party-i am behind you 100%

take it easy.

Paul - your site has been fantastic as far as availability; I don't recall the site EVER being down before. I'm a sysadmin by trade, and to have a site this large has to take a considerable amount of time. Good job on putty Humpty Dumpty back together.