PBW Down? - Back up! [Archive]

Slynky

August 1st, 2003, 07:35 PM

Originally posted by geoschmo:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Slynky:
At this rate, it looks like I might actually have to get another life tonight!

(or else just bombard the forum with nonsense http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif )You could take this opportunity to download the mod selector program and practice using mods. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif <hr /></blockquote>Well, I suppose I could read up on how to install and use the mod picker. However, the mod in question is on PBW...so... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif .

geoschmo

August 1st, 2003, 07:37 PM

Originally posted by Slynky:
Well, I suppose I could read up on how to install and use the mod picker. However, the mod in question is on PBW...so... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif .True, but you could use another mod as practice. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

[ August 01, 2003, 18:37: Message edited by: geoschmo ]

Asmala

August 1st, 2003, 08:32 PM

I hope the autoprocessing is off. Otherwise I could miss a turn http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/shock.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

[ August 01, 2003, 19:34: Message edited by: Asmala ]

tesco samoa

August 1st, 2003, 09:03 PM

i heard it was down because you finally decided to clean the garage. Well thats what his neighbours say.

tesco samoa

August 1st, 2003, 09:05 PM

p.s. what are you going to do with all those scott baio dolls , alf dolls and smurfs...

Yard sales only go so far.

geoschmo

August 1st, 2003, 09:10 PM

Originally posted by Asmala:
I hope the autoprocessing is off. Otherwise I could miss a turn http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/shock.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif It's not now, but I will turn it off when I get home. If your turn was due to run in the Last few hours you missed it. But you can get your game owner to reset it. I am sure we am going to be bombarded with such requests this weekend.

Geoschmo

EDIT: And Tesco, I told you for the Last time. I don't care how much you whine, you CANNOT have my Joanie loves Chachi lunch box!!!! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

[ August 01, 2003, 20:12: Message edited by: geoschmo ]

tbontob

August 1st, 2003, 09:36 PM

Hey Geoschmo! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

What does happen when PBW is "down" and then is "up"? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

Are all the games automatically put on ALPU?

And if so, what happens after that?

Specific questions which I have are:

1) Is the time reset?

2) Does it stay on ALPU till the Last player submits his turn or until a certain time has elapsed whichever comes first?

3) When is the game taken off ALPU?

4) Does the game host have an input on when the game is taken off ALPU? If so, what can he do?

Hoping you can shed some light on this. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif As I am completely in the dark. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/confused.gif

geoschmo

August 1st, 2003, 09:46 PM

If the server itself goes down the turns will not run. However, right now the server is up and running fine blissfully unaware that no one can reach it to upload their turns because of the ISP problems. So it's has been processing any games set to fully automatic turns that expired today during the tiem when you could not reach the website. Any games set to ALPU are fine as they will run as normal and not process until everyone is able to get their turn in.

Once I get home I can get on the server and turn off the automatic processing. What this will do is cause all games that are set to Fully Automatic to function exactly like a game that is set to ALPU. Once the website is accessible again if everybody in the game uploads or emails in their turn the turn will process. But from the point when I am able to turn off auto proc no turns will process simply because of the turn timeout.

If your game processed today during the timeout you can talk to your game owner about setting the turn back. If he is saving the turn files he can do this himself. If he is not he will have to contact us to send him the files or set the turn back for him.

In a couple days barring no more problems I will turn the auto proc back on and things will be back to normal. This will give every one a chance to get caught up on their games before the start running in fully automatic mode.

The time on the server will not be changed. That is not necessary at all.

Geoschmo

[ August 01, 2003, 20:49: Message edited by: geoschmo ]

tbontob

August 1st, 2003, 09:51 PM

Thanx Geoschmo. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

You have my vote for administrator extraordinaire. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

[ August 01, 2003, 21:59: Message edited by: tbontob ]

Merry Jolkar

August 1st, 2003, 10:35 PM

I, too, would like to re-iterate my thanks to Geoschmo for his tireless efforts.

And, I would like to suggest that people make a small contribution (or a large one!) via Paypal to offset his costs.

Geoshmo, I have tried to make an additional contribution but when I hit submit it doens't process. Has anyone else had this problem? Maybe it's my PC??

Thermodyne

August 1st, 2003, 10:36 PM

Originally posted by Pax:
Dunno, but my firewall is moanign and *****ing about near-constant pings (most of 'em form one IP#) this morning.

And I can't open PBW, either. 8PThat wouldn't be a reserved address that maps to a router named Blackhole and located in Southern California would it?

Asmala

August 1st, 2003, 11:03 PM

Originally posted by geoschmo:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Asmala:
I hope the autoprocessing is off. Otherwise I could miss a turn http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/shock.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif It's not now, but I will turn it off when I get home. If your turn was due to run in the Last few hours you missed it. But you can get your game owner to reset it. I am sure we am going to be bombarded with such requests this weekend.<hr /></blockquote>The turn which I was worried ran three hours ago so I missed it http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif Geo, can you guess who's the game owner of that game? Right, you http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif I'm speaking about 2024 which is luckily my only fully automatic -game.

CNCRaymond

August 1st, 2003, 11:18 PM

Originally posted by tbontob:
Thanx Geoschmo. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

You have my vote for administrator extraordinaire. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif Ditto

Grandpa Kim

August 2nd, 2003, 12:51 AM

Please Mr. Geoschmo, can PBW come out to play? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

tbontob

August 2nd, 2003, 02:09 AM

Slynky

August 2nd, 2003, 02:27 AM

Originally posted by Grandpa Kim:
Please Mr. Geoschmo, can PBW come out to play? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif knock knock

"Yes, boys, what is it?"

"Mrs. Taylor, can Jimmy come out and play baseball with us?"

"Why boys, you know Jimmy doesn't have any arms and legs..."

"Oh, we know that, Mrs. Taylor. We just need him for 2nd base. We'll bring him back when we're done with him."

-------------------------------------

Sorry, just remembered a joke from when I was about 8 years old. Back when there was no such thing as politically correct. (I just knew I was going to get into trouble tonight since PBW was down... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif )

General Woundwort

August 2nd, 2003, 04:53 AM

Geo, I'm a week behind in several different games, and this isn't helping matters any!!! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/shock.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/shock.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif

Omnicron1

August 2nd, 2003, 05:23 AM

OK. so PBW is down, its not my fault, its not GeoSchmo's fault... Who do I blame http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif and more importantly how do I contact a certain someone about the turn files I need for the game I'm administrating? THX 4 the Hlp

tesco samoa

August 2nd, 2003, 05:38 AM

at least it is not me this time.... As I used to have a habit of bringing bad luck to the server... Look at the old Posts...

P.S. I still secertly like when it goes down for a while...

Geo you should do some os upgrades http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif Don't change any hard drives

Roanon

August 2nd, 2003, 11:26 AM

Any ETA on the server or updates/infos about the situation? Need a new hard disk - or a shotgun for your ISP?

deccan

August 2nd, 2003, 12:28 PM

Originally posted by Roanon:
Any ETA on the server or updates/infos about the situation? Need a new hard disk - or a shotgun for your ISP?Heheh, at least I get to live a little longer. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Roanon

August 2nd, 2003, 12:35 PM

Ah! An evil plot to stop me killing you!
Now, that I have just produced my first deathstars full of... ahem, wrong game. Well, anyway, I just produced something. Frigates I think. Or were they called escorts? Anyway, full of deadly - what was it... trying to remember... class 1 handlasers? Has been such a long time...

Slynky

August 2nd, 2003, 03:08 PM

Actually, kinda surprised Geo hasn't posted an update. He's usually good about that sort of thing. So....it must be sooooo bad, he's scared to tell us...gulp... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif .

tbontob

August 2nd, 2003, 04:19 PM

Originally posted by Slynky:
Actually, kinda surprised Geo hasn't posted an update. He's usually good about that sort of thing. So....it must be sooooo bad, he's scared to tell us...gulp... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif .Or worse, with the long weekend, technicians may not be available to repair it. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif

Loser

August 2nd, 2003, 04:32 PM

Geo?

Can you at least tell us if you turned the Automatic off?

Thermodyne

August 2nd, 2003, 04:40 PM

Originally posted by Slynky:
Actually, kinda surprised Geo hasn't posted an update. He's usually good about that sort of thing. So....it must be sooooo bad, he's scared to tell us...gulp... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif .If his server has no connection, then his personal system is prolly down also. He was at work when he posted yesterday.

Well if it gets to bad, and you start to get the DT's, there is always PBEM http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif

Slynky

August 2nd, 2003, 05:01 PM

Originally posted by Loser:
Geo?

Can you at least tell us if you turned the Automatic off?He posted a message yesterday that said the server was fine...just no Internet connectivity. I would be fairly certain that he stopped auto-processing when he got home. I think he gets home around 6pm. So, any turn running after that (approximate time guess) time would not have run.

Merry Jolkar

August 2nd, 2003, 05:12 PM

Geoschmo,
I tried to make a donation to PBEM by clicking on the link in your sig and got:

Error Detected
You have entered non-US-ASCII characters such as ?and ? Non-US characters are not currently supported. Please use alternatives like GBP and e, then try again.

The URL that comes up is:
https://www.paypal.com/xclick/business=admin%40pbw.cc&item_name=Play+By+Web&no_note=1&tax=0�cy_code=USD

BTW, just an update:
http://66.134.102.75/graphic/index.jsp
is inacccessible, though I understand this is the ISP, not your server.
Merry

eorg

August 2nd, 2003, 08:08 PM

Originally posted by Asmala:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by geoschmo:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Asmala:
I hope the autoprocessing is off. Otherwise I could miss a turn http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/shock.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif It's not now, but I will turn it off when I get home. If your turn was due to run in the Last few hours you missed it. But you can get your game owner to reset it. I am sure we am going to be bombarded with such requests this weekend.<hr /></blockquote>The turn which I was worried ran three hours ago so I missed it http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif Geo, can you guess who's the game owner of that game? Right, you http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif I'm speaking about 2024 which is luckily my only fully automatic -game.<hr /></blockquote>you are too good anyway :-P

eorg

August 2nd, 2003, 08:09 PM

this means that you should not enter the currency symbol - try EUR instead http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Originally posted by Merry Jolkar:
Geoschmo,
I tried to make a donation to PBEM by clicking on the link in your sig and got:

Error Detected
You have entered non-US-ASCII characters such as ?and ? Non-US characters are not currently supported. Please use alternatives like GBP and e, then try again.

The URL that comes up is:
https://www.paypal.com/xclick/business=admin%40pbw.cc&item_name=Play+By +Web&no_note=1&tax=0�cy_code=USD (https://www.paypal.com/xclick/business=admin%40pbw.cc&item_name=Play+By+Web&no_note=1&tax=0�cy_code=USD)

BTW, just an update:
http://66.134.102.75/graphic/index.jsp
is inacccessible, though I understand this is the ISP, not your server.
Merry

Merry Jolkar

August 2nd, 2003, 10:10 PM

The error comes up when you just click on the link. I didn't enter any money amount yet.
http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/confused.gif

eorg

August 2nd, 2003, 10:19 PM

try https://www.paypal.com/xclick/business=admin%40pbw.cc&item_name=Play+By+Web

Cheeze

August 2nd, 2003, 10:20 PM

I guess if his ISP is down for the PBW server, he might not have any connection to the internet from home. That would explain why he hasn't posted any updates.

Or perhaps he's busy backdating all the processed games. Or, just maybe, he has real-life things to do. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Nah, couldn't be that. SEIV is much more important..hee hee

Slynky

August 2nd, 2003, 10:42 PM

Originally posted by Cheeze:
I guess if his ISP is down for the PBW server, he might not have any connection to the internet from home. That would explain why he hasn't posted any updates.

Or perhaps he's busy backdating all the processed games. Or, just maybe, he has real-life things to do. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Nah, couldn't be that. SEIV is much more important..hee heeWell, on a personal note, I hope he didn't get in an accident...'cause I know if there was a way to post an update, he'd do it. A neighbor or a phone call to someone to post something. (something!) 'Cause he knows how much people "live" for their games. So....I hope he's OK.

Katchoo

August 2nd, 2003, 11:47 PM

Originally posted by Slynky:
Well, on a personal note, I hope he didn't get in an accident...'cause I know if there was a way to post an update, he'd do it. A neighbor or a phone call to someone to post something. (something!) 'Cause he knows how much people "live" for their games. So....I hope he's OK.This is how rumors start. Next thing you know Narf will appear and post that Geo was killed after driving his car into a 40-foot tall monster made entirely out of cubic-zirconia that was fighting another 40-foot monster made entirely out of Nerf.

Too bad Geo didn't drive his car into the Nerf monster. I bet he let his monkey-butler drive for him and that's who we should blame, and not the monsters fighting for their survival in a world that hates them.

We need more monsters and less monkey-butlers.

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

Slynky

August 3rd, 2003, 12:10 AM

LOL @ Katchoo

Z.e.r.o

August 3rd, 2003, 12:34 AM

Sorry guys is my fault. Every time I try to partecipate to a PBW game the server goes down.

geoschmo

August 3rd, 2003, 12:46 AM

Despite the rumors I am very much alive. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

The DSL is still down, I was able to get connected through a dialup modem to get you guys an update.

And before you ask, no I cannot run PBW through the dialup modem. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

The ISP is sending out a tech Monday. They are saying it's something in my wiring. I think this is unlikely since all my phones still work. I suppose the router could be having problems, but my LAN runs through the router and it still works. I suspect it's something at the CO, but they have to do things the way they have to do them I suppose.

I turned auto proc off Friday at around 6PM. Don't know how many games ran before that, hopefully not too many.

The server is fine. I can still reach it through my LAN even.

Before you ask, no you cannot come to my house and play PBW. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

Hopefully things will be back up sometime Monday. I'll keep you posted.

Geoschmo

[ August 03, 2003, 00:02: Message edited by: geoschmo ]

Ragnarok

August 3rd, 2003, 12:49 AM

Originally posted by geoschmo:
[QB
Before you ask, no you cannot come to my house and play PBW. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif
Geoschmo[/QB]Can you come to my house with the server then and let me play PBW? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

Joachim

August 3rd, 2003, 12:54 AM

Thanxs for the update Geo..

Guess its back to being eaten by the Sharks in the Invulnerable challenge. If you are shivering and shaking from withdrawal symptoms like me then give Stone Mill's Invulnerable Challenge a go - it is way better than any old SP game!

http://www.millerhq.com/inv.htm

(shamless plug - hope you dont mind Stone Mill http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif )

[typo edit]

[ August 03, 2003, 00:00: Message edited by: Joachim ]

geoschmo

August 3rd, 2003, 01:08 AM

By the way, the link to make a paypal donation in my sig is now fixed. I guess I screwed it up the other day when I was playing around with my profile.

Donations are always welcome, although I must remind you the current down time today is simply a technical problem wiht the ISP, not a lack of funds or anything hardware related with the server.

In fact I am going to see about getting a credit for the couple days without higspeed access here once this is all straightened out.

Geoschmo

Thermodyne

August 3rd, 2003, 01:57 AM

OK guys who lives the closest to geo" How many wireless AP's will we need to bridge it to broad band. Any hospitals near you Geo?

Slynky

August 3rd, 2003, 02:10 AM

Originally posted by Thermodyne:
OK guys who lives the closest to geo" How many wireless AP's will we need to bridge it to broad band. Any hospitals near you Geo?LOL, Thermo...hehe.

I might be the closest...Atlanta and Ohio. Seems like there is a regular player in Tennessee, though. I'd offer up my ISP but Charter doesn't stay up nearly as well as Geo's ISP has.

tesco samoa

August 3rd, 2003, 05:24 AM

mac... or shrapnelgames http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Atrocities

August 3rd, 2003, 11:09 AM

Good luck on getting the credit Geo. Keep a log of all your down time. At the end of the month break it down by days, and figure your billing based upon that number.

Days / Montly Cost = Daily cost
Daily cost / 24 hours = Hourly cost

You total up your down time and figure it for your hourly or daily cost and that is your credit owed amount.

Stone Mill

August 3rd, 2003, 03:21 PM

Originally posted by Joachim:
Thanxs for the update Geo..

Guess its back to being eaten by the Sharks in the Invulnerable challenge. If you are shivering and shaking from withdrawal symptoms like me then give Stone Mill's Invulnerable Challenge a go - it is way better than any old SP game!

http://www.millerhq.com/inv.htm

(shamless plug - hope you dont mind Stone Mill http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif )

[typo edit]Thanks, Buddy!!! You are right... now the players have some time to give 'em a go!

eorg

August 3rd, 2003, 05:47 PM

Originally posted by geoschmo:
And before you ask, no I cannot run PBW through the dialup modem. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

Before you ask, no you cannot come to my house and play PBW. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

Hopefully things will be back up sometime Monday. I'll keep you posted.

Geoschmothis covers my questions about this subject :-P

i can try to write a little program that pings some servers (isp's dns server and mail.yahoo.com for example) every minute and after say 1 hour downtime sets server to alpu http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif geo?

geoschmo

August 3rd, 2003, 06:12 PM

Originally posted by georgig:
i can try to write a little program that pings some servers (isp's dns server and mail.yahoo.com for example) every minute and after say 1 hour downtime sets server to alpu http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif geo?If you could that would be great. Email me about this and let's talk it over some.

Geoschmo

Slynky

August 3rd, 2003, 06:16 PM

Jeez! Wouldn't you know it, Geo, NOW I'm in a KOTH game with a genius programmer. Had bad enough sweats with DavidG!

PvK

August 3rd, 2003, 07:51 PM

Originally posted by geoschmo:
...
Before you ask, no you cannot come to my house and play PBW. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif
...C'mon Geo, an unplanned PBW convention would be fun... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Merry Jolkar

August 3rd, 2003, 09:38 PM

I'm going through withdrawal! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/shock.gif

Someone recommended the "invulnerable" or "invincible" mod but I cannot find the post.

I downloaded but when I hit end turn, it didn't advance the turn. What am I doing dumb? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif

Any other similar games set up for single-play challenges out there?

Thanks!
Merry

Asmala

August 3rd, 2003, 10:20 PM

Originally posted by Merry Jolkar:
I'm going through withdrawal! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/shock.gif

Someone recommended the "invulnerable" or "invincible" mod but I cannot find the post.

I downloaded but when I hit end turn, it didn't advance the turn. What am I doing dumb? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif

Any other similar games set up for single-play challenges out there?

Thanks!
MerryThe Invulnerable Challenge was planned to play in PBW but after the challenge was ready it was noticed the challenge can't be played in PBW because only one game at time can have the same savegame name. So you need to run the turn by logging in as game master.

You can also automatize the turn processing if you create a batch file. You can find accurate examples from Invulnerable Challenge thread (http://www.shrapnelgames.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=23;t=009111;p=2).

I don't believe there is any other single player challenges around. Or if there is I haven't heard about them.

alchemy

August 4th, 2003, 04:46 AM

Thanks, Geo, for the updates.

1FSTCAT

August 4th, 2003, 02:39 PM

Thanks for all your time and effort Geo. If there's anything I can do to help, let me know. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

--Ed

Loser

August 4th, 2003, 02:39 PM

Thanks for the update Geo.

geoschmo

August 4th, 2003, 03:36 PM

For those of you hoping that PBW would be back up this morning (Hey, it's Monday, WTF?!?! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif ) don't expect anything before this afternoon EST. The technician is on the dispatch for sometime after 1 PM. That doesn't mean it will be back up at 1PM, just that that's the earliest he will show up to check things out. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif

Geoschmo

Erax

August 4th, 2003, 03:51 PM

... and since you believe everything is OK at your end, if you are right then he will check things at your end, find nothing wrong, send your ISP the info and THEN someone will begin to fix the problem.

geoschmo

August 4th, 2003, 03:58 PM

Originally posted by Erax:
... and since you believe everything is OK at your end, if you are right then he will check things at your end, find nothing wrong, send your ISP the info and THEN someone will begin to fix the problem.That is what I expect anyway. I suspect the problem is at the CO. From what little I understand about the way DSL works that is where the signal for the DSL is split off from the phone signal sharing the same line.

I have checked all my wiring. Unless there is some wierd problem with the wiring that only block the DSL and allows the phone frequencies through, or if the phone jack on the DSL router burnt out but left the router otherwise totally functional. As I said my LAN runs through it and it works fine still.

Oh well...

Roanon

August 4th, 2003, 05:03 PM

Originally posted by geoschmo:
Unless there is some wierd problem with the wiring that only block the DSL and allows the phone frequencies throughNearly impossible. I know that the problem can be the other way round, no phone but DSL works. Happend at a site where later was found out that only one of the two incoming phone wires were properly connected. Weird, but obviously you only need one wire for DSL...

The only thing not working at your end that you cannot spot or check is hardware failure in the splitter (that box which splits the incoming signal into phone and DSL) or in the actual DSL modem. Very likely that the problem is there, as the phone is working, so the line to your house should be ok. And that could be fixed by the technician fast, he should have spare units. Let us all hope...

Thermodyne

August 4th, 2003, 05:05 PM

If the D-slam is down, the phone will still work IIRC.

Roanon

August 4th, 2003, 05:21 PM

But that's not a wiring problem. Phone working => all wires ok normally, at least up to the point where DSL and phone are split. Let's hope the technichian thinks the same and doesn't start looking for problems where none can be, just because he assumes by default and dogma that the problem *must* be in the end user's area and/or responsibility http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif

[ August 04, 2003, 16:26: Message edited by: Roanon ]

geoschmo

August 4th, 2003, 05:23 PM

Originally posted by Roanon:
The only thing not working at your end that you cannot spot or check is hardware failure in the splitter (that box which splits the incoming signal into phone and DSL) or in the actual DSL modem. Very likely that the problem is there, as the phone is working, so the line to your house should be ok. And that could be fixed by the technician fast, he should have spare units. Let us all hope...I don't really have one of those. At least they didn't have to install anything at my end when I got DSL. I just plugged in the router. The way I understand it the signal rides together all the way from their end to mine. I had to hook up little line filters on every phone jack that was going to be used for phones and not DSL, but other then that the only hardware is the actual DSL router box. The wire comes into it straight from the wall with no line filter.

Geoschmo

Roanon

August 4th, 2003, 05:36 PM

Interesting way to do it, but makes perfect sense also. Here in Germany, we have to plug in these two failure-prone units, old phone line in one of these, computer or router in the other. Only advantage you don't have to change anything in your old phone installations, as the signal is filtered before it is fed into the house's actual phone lines.

Still, that makes a wiring problem unlikely, as phones are working. Possible that the router has a problem where the DSL input is, while the acutal network functions are working. But unlikely. Let us know what the technician will find, I'm curious http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif .

Katchoo

August 4th, 2003, 08:22 PM

Geo, have you restarted your DSL modem & router? Sometimes the modem &/or router will just stop accepting imput.

If by some horrible chance the DSL techs you talked to on the phone didn't advise you do this: Turn all your computers off, then unplug the power cord on the router, then the power cord on the DSL modem. Wait 1 minute, then plug the DSL modem in. Wait until it initilizes, then plug the router in, wait until it initilizes, and then turn your computers on. If that fixes it then you'll see connection immedietly.

I'm sure you've already done this, but I thought i'd mention it anyways. The Last thing you need is some snooty *** tech comming to your house, fixing the problem in 1 minute, and then getting even snootier with you about it.

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif

Thane of Cawdor

August 4th, 2003, 08:26 PM

Wait up to 15min to 1h http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

worked for me many times (but its germany so everything sux here anyway ;P )

geoschmo

August 4th, 2003, 09:02 PM

Katchoo, they did sugest it, and I did it. Didn't work.

New update. The DSL tech came out and found a problem. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif
Unfortunatly the problem is in the phone companies wires so the DSL tech couldn't fix it. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif

Apparently there are line problems that will interfere with DSL but allow voice communication with nothing more then some slight intermitant static that unless you are paying close attention you wouldn't even notice.

I have contacted the phone company and they ran a test from their end and confirmed the problem. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif
But they have to send a tech out to fix it. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif

Phone co is sending a tech out to fix the line. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif
Sometime in the next 51 hours. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif (Between now and 6PM EST, August 6th)

Roanon

August 4th, 2003, 09:24 PM

Static noise in a digital phone line http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/confused.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/confused.gif
Strange, but if the phone company admits the problem, the war is half won - then they have to find a way to fix it.

tbontob

August 4th, 2003, 09:32 PM

Hmmmmm....

I would think testing the lines would be one of the first things they would do.

Sending a tech out first is very labor intenstive and expensive.

Maybe a holdover from being a monopoly. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

They still have to learn to be competitive in all areas.

Roanon

August 4th, 2003, 09:34 PM

Originally posted by Thane of Cawdor:
Wait up to 15min to 1h http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif I have found out that waiting without disconnecting and restarting also helps. 15 to 30 min mostly. Which clearly shows the problems are with our German Telekom, not the hardware on our side, even if they try to tell us otherwise. But it has become better, 2 years ago it was about twice a month now disconnects are down to about once every 3 months, at least here (Bonn). Bringing down a monopoly sometimes really helps the customer...

Ruatha

August 4th, 2003, 09:35 PM

Hey Tbontob.
I haven't replied to your mail but I'll fix NGC3 when PBW comes on-line if the turn was run before Geo got home, no worry.

Omnicron1

August 4th, 2003, 09:36 PM

Lament! Lament! 51 hours! Oh God why hast thou - (thats a bit close to sacrilege). Curse the stars and their taunting unreachable lure!!

geoschmo

August 4th, 2003, 09:56 PM

Originally posted by Roanon:
Static noise in a digital phone line http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/confused.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/confused.gif
Strange, but if the phone company admits the problem, the war is half won - then they have to find a way to fix it.The phone signals are all sitll analog I believe. I know the lines are all four wire copper from the 60's. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

I agree with you about getting them to admit the problem is half the battle. I was so sure that when I called the phone co they were gonna send me back to the DSL folks. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

Geoschmo

[ August 04, 2003, 20:57: Message edited by: geoschmo ]

tbontob

August 4th, 2003, 11:29 PM

Originally posted by geoschmo:

I have contacted the phone company and they ran a test from their end and confirmed the problem. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif
But they have to send a tech out to fix it. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif

Phone co is sending a tech out to fix the line. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif
Sometime in the next 51 hours. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif (Between now and 6PM EST, August 6th)Lots of withdrawal symptoms out there. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif

I have approached Alcoholics Anonymous to inquire if we could open a chapter called SE4 Anonymous. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

For those in serious trouble, we should provide a suicide hotline. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

General Woundwort

August 5th, 2003, 12:20 AM

There is but one bit of good news in this tumult...

...at least Geoschmo isn't getting his DSL service from Verizon.

eorg

August 5th, 2003, 01:54 AM

Originally posted by Slynky:
Jeez! Wouldn't you know it, Geo, NOW I'm in a KOTH game with a genius programmer. Had bad enough sweats with DavidG!:-P

Unknown_Enemy

August 5th, 2003, 09:36 AM

Posted by Tbontob

Lots of withdrawal symptoms out there.

I have approached Alcoholics Anonymous to inquire if we could open a chapter called SE4 Anonymous.

For those in serious trouble, we should provide a suicide hotline. BAM !

** too late for me ***

Dan C.

August 5th, 2003, 04:27 PM

Originally posted by General Woundwort:
There is but one bit of good news in this tumult...

...at least Geoschmo isn't getting his DSL service from Verizon.Hey, what is wrong with Verizon? I am currently considering taking a consulting contract for their billing and customer care services...

tesco samoa

August 5th, 2003, 04:40 PM

http://www.dslreports.com/

you can read about them here

General Woundwort

August 5th, 2003, 05:22 PM

Originally posted by Dan C.:
Hey, what is wrong with Verizon? I am currently considering taking a consulting contract for their billing and customer care services...But their union is without a contract and they are threatening to strike at any moment. In which case, kiss customer service goodbye until it is resolved. They happen to be my local phone company, which is why I mentioned it.

Merry Jolkar

August 5th, 2003, 06:58 PM

As Geoshmo goes through the pain and suffering of getting PBW back up, it might be a good time to click on PayPal to express your support and thanks! Think of the fun you have because of PBW and compare that to would spend on a movie!
Merry

Atrocities

August 6th, 2003, 10:14 AM

PBW is still down and the withdrawl symptons continue.

narf poit chez BOOM

August 6th, 2003, 10:21 AM

ah-yup, the crops shore are growin' high.

with-drawl symptoms.

Slynky

August 6th, 2003, 08:58 PM

3 hours and counting.

(why do I have a feeling they won't get it fixed today?)

[ August 06, 2003, 19:59: Message edited by: Slynky ]

Roanon

August 6th, 2003, 09:57 PM

Originally posted by Slynky:
(why do I have a feeling they won't get it fixed today?)Because they will not get it fixed today? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

geoschmo

August 6th, 2003, 10:09 PM

Yeah, the regular phone tech came out and said he has the problem narrowed down to a cable that is under ground somewhere and he has to have the people that fix the underground cables get on it. It might get done tonight yet he said, or maybe tomorrow morning. But you know how that goes. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif

Geoschmo

Slynky

August 6th, 2003, 10:17 PM

Roanon

August 6th, 2003, 10:19 PM

Thanks for the update, Geo.
I'm hoping for saturday and will be pleasantly surprised if earlier. Surprising how much time I have this week, and I thought I would only spend one or two hours per week on PBW...

[ August 07, 2003, 11:44: Message edited by: Roanon ]

Captain Kwok

August 7th, 2003, 12:17 AM

I'm kind of enjoying my PBW break. It's always nice to have a little breather here and there...

Grandpa Kim

August 7th, 2003, 12:23 AM

Originally posted by Captain Kwok:
I'm kind of enjoying my PBW break. It's always nice to have a little breather here and there...Sacrelidge!! 40 lashes at least! Possible beheading. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Actually I agree with you. Makes you realize that, by gum, there is more to life...

Katchoo

August 7th, 2003, 01:32 AM

Originally posted by geoschmo:
Yeah, the regular phone tech came out and said he has the problem narrowed down to a cable that is under ground somewhere and he has to have the people that fix the underground cables get on it. It might get done tonight yet he said, or maybe tomorrow morning. But you know how that goes. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif

GeoschmoI hope your phone company doesn't operate like the cable (Rogers) company we have here in Ontario. If something has to be dug up, it gets reffered to the "Burial Department" which then has 10 business days to get out and inspect the site. Not actually do any work mind you, just to go out and look. When I worked the tech support side of things we got calls from people who were without television & internet for months on end cause the "Burial Department" either hadn't gone out yet, or had but had dumped the problem onto someone else and never informed anyone about it.

My motto: expect the worst and you'll never be surprised.

I'll take my cloud of doom and leave you all now.

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif

geoschmo

August 7th, 2003, 01:39 AM

Originally posted by Katchoo:
My motto: expect the worst and you'll never be surprised.

I'll take my cloud of doom and leave you all now.

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif Warning noted. I have already planned on raising some serious heck if things aren't fixed by tommorow. Not sure if it will help, but if nothing else somebody at the phone compnay is going to have a bad day.

Geoschmo

Katchoo

August 7th, 2003, 01:50 AM

Originally posted by geoschmo:
Warning noted. I have already planned on raising some serious heck if things aren't fixed by tommorow. Not sure if it will help, but if nothing else somebody at the phone compnay is going to have a bad day.

GeoschmoDo you have a Residential or Commercial Account? If it's Commercial then you should expect them to kiss your feet and beg forgiveness. If it's Residential though they'll apoligize for the inconvience, and reimburse you for the minimum your entitled too, all the while sounding rather robotic and unconvincing about it.

If I can make one request though: If things go bad and you want to yell, yell at a Supervisor, and not the inital person you speak too. First Level staff tend to be treated like dirt by Management (I have first hand experience) while Management sits on their *** taking breaks and pretending to work. Ruining their afternoon will be more rewarding. Speak to the First Level person calmly and politely, and then lash out once the Supervisor gets on the line.

Oh, and take the names down of everyone you speak too, with the dates and times. Paperwork is your best friend.

Grandpa Kim

August 7th, 2003, 02:23 AM

Posted by Geoschmo:
but if nothing else somebody at the phone company is going to have a bad day. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif This alone warms the cockles of my heart. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

geoschmo

August 7th, 2003, 03:17 AM

Originally posted by Katchoo:
Do you have a Residential or Commercial Account? If it's Commercial then you should expect them to kiss your feet and beg forgiveness. If it's Residential though they'll apoligize for the inconvience, and reimburse you for the minimum your entitled too, all the while sounding rather robotic and unconvincing about it.
It's residential. And honestly I don't really have any kind of expectations of getting a credit at this point. The problem being the fault is in the phone line. Since my voice service works fine I fully expect the phone company to blow me off if I ask for a credit. The DSL service runs over the same line, but is with a different copmpany. I am thinking they are likely to tell me since the problem is the phone line I am not entitled.

However, it's possible the DSL company might give me a credit and then turn around and take it out of the phone company themselves.

At this point I don't really care, I just want it fixed. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Oh, and don't worry about the first level phone support person. I work in customer support myself so I know how it is. Truth be told I'll probably take it like the sheep that I am and then come in here and brag to you all about ripping the guy a new one. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif Remember the impound lot scene from "Liar Liar"? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

Geoschmo

Gozra

August 7th, 2003, 03:21 AM

This alone warms the cockles of my heart.

The little brown fuzzy cockles or the Blue ones with spines?

And I hope you are having fun in networks kicking my "cockles" all over the place. When your done meet me in 'Falling Icons' and we will have another go. (the game is just forming up and we have Oct time frame as our start date.)
Gozra AKA Emperor Kwai Chang AKA Goz AKA Gozzy

Geo thanks for the PBW work.
I still have the old MB and I am working on it.
Maybe we should start thinking about forming a company to protect PBW.

Slynky

August 7th, 2003, 05:13 PM

mottlee

August 7th, 2003, 06:22 PM

That or IF they have to replace the line..lets see....a week min....oops its the PHONE Co..are you ther only one with the problem??? they MAY fix it

geoschmo

August 7th, 2003, 06:50 PM

Originally posted by Slynky:
I've got that sinking feeling again. Starting to seem like you just won't have DSL any longer.Unless they moved the CO or my house when noone ws looking there is no reason for feeling that bad about it. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

They did come out this morning again, but couldn't get it working yet. They will be back...

Groggy

August 7th, 2003, 07:54 PM

Originally posted by geoschmo:
The problem being the fault is in the phone line. Since my voice service works fine I fully expect the phone company to blow me off if I ask for a credit. The DSL service runs over the same line, but is with a different copmpany.I'm not sure if someone already answered this, but it's my understanding that there are four copper wires leading from the street to your house: two are used for the phone, and the other two are used for DSL among other things. I wonder if the problem you're having is in the pair of copper wires being used for DSL. That would explain why your voice service still works but DSL doesn't over the same cable.

Originally posted by geoschmo:
Oh, and don't worry about the first level phone support person. I work in customer support myself so I know how it is. Truth be told I'll probably take it like the sheep that I am and then come in here and brag to you all about ripping the guy a new one. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif Remember the impound lot scene from "Liar Liar"? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif
GeoschmoWell that certainly explains your valuable help and exemplary behavior on the forums regardless of the attitudes of various posters you've dealt with here http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Slynky

August 7th, 2003, 07:57 PM

Originally posted by geoschmo:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Slynky:
I've got that sinking feeling again. Starting to seem like you just won't have DSL any longer.Unless they moved the CO or my house when noone ws looking there is no reason for feeling that bad about it. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

They did come out this morning again, but couldn't get it working yet. They will be back...<hr /></blockquote>If they show up with heavy trenching equipment, between 5 and 10 guys, and various unidentifiable powertools, I suggest you not let them on your property...if you need justification, just tell them you watched "The Money Pit" movie and you can't take the chance http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif .

mottlee

August 7th, 2003, 08:00 PM

Ha! they can do it from 3 doors down and you will not know they were there other that little dots on your lawn (used to do that sort of work along with more)

Geckomlis

August 7th, 2003, 08:57 PM

Originally posted by Groggy:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by geoschmo:
The problem being the fault is in the phone line. Since my voice service works fine I fully expect the phone company to blow me off if I ask for a credit. The DSL service runs over the same line, but is with a different copmpany.I'm not sure if someone already answered this, but it's my understanding that there are four copper wires leading from the street to your house: two are used for the phone, and the other two are used for DSL among other things. I wonder if the problem you're having is in the pair of copper wires being used for DSL. That would explain why your voice service still works but DSL doesn't over the same cable.
<hr /></blockquote>There are two pairs of wires leading from the street to your house. Voice telephony and DSL services both run over all four wires - they are modulated not to interfere with each other. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

geoschmo

August 7th, 2003, 11:09 PM

Well, here we go. This situation is starting to piss me off. The phone co tech, strike that the SECOND phone co tech came out today, snuck around the neighborhood, never knocked or rang the bell, and left. Closed the ticket and didn't fix anything.

I called the phone co and raised hell and they are sending someone out tommorow. F'ing phone company. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon8.gif

Slynky

August 7th, 2003, 11:51 PM

Unbelievable!

Katchoo

August 8th, 2003, 12:31 AM

Originally posted by geoschmo:
Well, here we go. This situation is starting to piss me off. The phone co tech, strike that the SECOND phone co tech came out today, snuck around the neighborhood, never knocked or rang the bell, and left. Closed the ticket and didn't fix anything.

I called the phone co and raised hell and they are sending someone out tommorow. F'ing phone company. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon8.gif Sounds like my prophetic cloud of doom is comming true http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon8.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon8.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon8.gif

Just keep writing down the names of people you talk to, especially the name of this 2nd tech who knocked off work early (god bless union labour). They have to give you either his name, or employee id number if you request it.

On the upside your claim for monetary damages just took a turn for the better. The phone company can't refuse a compensation credit (on top of your outage credit) now that one of their employee's screwed up royally. If someone stupidly tries to refuse, then keep going up the food chain. First Level reps generally are given a set amount of money that they're allowed to give on every call without having to get any kind of permission or approval from a Supervisor ($25 to $50 depending on the company). If they wanna be cheap, reiterate everything that's happended to that point. If they still wanna be cheap, talk to a Supervisor (who usually can give more money).

*ka-ching*

Slynky

August 8th, 2003, 01:09 AM

Geo said:

"However, it's possible the DSL company might give me a credit and then turn around and take it out of the phone company themselves."

That's the way it's supposed to work. Your contract is with them.

Gozra

August 8th, 2003, 01:19 AM

I can see the head lines now
Space Empire Players win Class action lawsuit against Phone company empire AT&T
Dateline 2082
A judge ruled today in Canton Ohio that...

Merry Jolkar

August 8th, 2003, 02:38 AM

On the other hand, the Cehul people have filed a counter suit, claiming that re-activating the PBW server will ensure their complete eradication by the invading Trilarian empire.

tbontob

August 8th, 2003, 03:39 AM

Hmmmm....

I am wondering if a barrage of e-mails would help.

Not necessarily dunning e-mails, but ones which ask pertinent questions such as...

"It has been a week since the problem has manifested itself. When can we expect it to be rectified?"

While most of the e-mails will be out of state, most companies do not like this kind of attention.

From experience, they also know, that the next step may be the media.

There may be other avenues to pursue as well.

My feeling is that it may be a bit early for us to become involved as Geo may not have exhausted all the means he has available to get it fixed.

Geo, let us know when you think we can be of any assistance and the form of help you wish it to be. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[ August 08, 2003, 02:48: Message edited by: tbontob ]

Ed Kolis

August 8th, 2003, 04:22 AM

Wait... if it's a residential account and people across the country start complaining, they might sue Geo for breach of contract and put PBW out of business for good... don't they kind of dislike it when you run a major server without paying for commercial access? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif

Atrocities

August 8th, 2003, 04:54 AM

Would shrapnel consider running the server?

geoschmo

August 8th, 2003, 04:58 AM

Originally posted by Ed Kolis:
Wait... if it's a residential account and people across the country start complaining, they might sue Geo for breach of contract and put PBW out of business for good... don't they kind of dislike it when you run a major server without paying for commercial access? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif Nothing we are doing is a breach of contract with my ISP. The type of service I have allows for this sort of server to be run on it. And calling PBW a "major server" is a bit of a stretch. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

Emailing the ISP isn't going to help, because the problem is the phone line. Emailing the phone company isn't going to help. It won't get me in trouble, but they aren't going to care that you guys can't reach your favorite website either. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

We looked into Shrapnel hosting the site Last year when we ended up moving it to Ohio. It wasn't a good fit with their business plan. I don't mind, I prefer it the way it is rather then having Shrapnel run it.

Just got to get the stinking phone line fixed. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[ August 08, 2003, 04:02: Message edited by: geoschmo ]

tbontob

August 8th, 2003, 05:18 AM

Geo, maybe your local phone company is the exception, but most companies do care about publicity, even monopolies or oligopolies.

Especially bad publicity.

I have managed a number of companies, big and small, and from experience, I know they care about bad publicity.

They may give non-committal replies to inquiries, but the squeeky wheel does get the grease and is given priority! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

tbontob

August 8th, 2003, 04:38 PM

Atrocities is probably right in that game designers/owners will move to hosting multiplayer games and in particular games played over the internet.

However, my feeling is that it will probably be driven by the need to give consistent and dedicated service to the purchasers of their games who are demanding it.

IMO, we already have that dedication through the efforts of those who are currently involved with the day-to-day operations of the SE4 Forum and PBW.

I, for one, appreciate the time and effort they expend to ensure that PBW will operate efficiently.

But other Shrapnel games which have multiplayer capability to play over the internet may not function as well as SE4.

There may come a time when Shrapnel will decide to host all the games played over the internet (including SE4), no matter how well they may be run.

But that hasn't happened yet, and I have no problems about the personal preferences of the administrators as to the site of the server etc.

Slynky

August 8th, 2003, 06:44 PM

Geo, can you say, cable? (starting to look like your only hope)

Cirvol

August 8th, 2003, 06:57 PM

lol, no sh*t, geo,... any eta on a dsl line?

geoschmo

August 8th, 2003, 07:12 PM

Originally posted by Slynky:
Geo, can you say, cable? (starting to look like your only hope)Cable is not an option. I can get cable broadband, but my local cable provider does not offer a static IP, even at a premium. I might be able to get away with running a server since the IP #'s stay pretty stable unless the modem is reset. But I'd have to have the URL repointed occasionally. And in that case I probably would be violating some sort of user aggrement.

No, Cirvol. No eta. The phone co guy is supposed to be back by the end of day, but your guess is as good as mine on whether he will actually fix it this time. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon8.gif

Phoenix-D

August 8th, 2003, 08:04 PM

Sooner or later all, and I do mean all, games will be driven by the demand for multiplayer and Shrapenl as well as other game manufactures will have to wake up and smell the coffee. Why not get an earily jump on the trend and start supporting the genra now?"

Hmm. This has been spouted since before Quake 3 game out. Hasn't happened yet.

mottlee

August 8th, 2003, 08:10 PM

For MP games I have played a few and with a dial up they suck in reat time moves, you get real dead fast from someone with a good conn but MP has its good side, take this forum..if we ALL were in a game... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

[ August 09, 2003, 00:02: Message edited by: mottlee ]

Seawolf

August 8th, 2003, 10:07 PM

Well there is only one solution left.. We need to ake up a collection to have Geo move! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

Slynky

August 9th, 2003, 12:30 AM

I could be wrong (like that's not happened!) but I think the days of DSL for Geo are over. Into the 8th day with, apparently, no one giving a crap that it isn't working. Phone company thinking, "So? What's one rented DSL line worth compared to repair?"

geoschmo

August 9th, 2003, 12:37 AM

Originally posted by Slynky:
I could be wrong (like that's not happened!) but I think the days of DSL for Geo are over. Into the 8th day with, apparently, no one giving a crap that it isn't working. Phone company thinking, "So? What's one rented DSL line worth compared to repair?"You're wrong. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

Of course I can't say it's going to be fixed by this time on that day, but it will be fixed.

Another phone co guy came out this afternoon. He's working the problem and said he hopes to have it done by tommorow.

We'll see. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Slynky

August 9th, 2003, 12:50 AM

Originally posted by geoschmo:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Slynky:
I could be wrong (like that's not happened!) but I think the days of DSL for Geo are over. Into the 8th day with, apparently, no one giving a crap that it isn't working. Phone company thinking, "So? What's one rented DSL line worth compared to repair?"You're wrong. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

Of course I can't say it's going to be fixed by this time on that day, but it will be fixed.

Another phone co guy came out this afternoon. He's working the problem and said he hopes to have it done by tommorow.

We'll see. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif <hr /></blockquote>Well, believe me, I'd like to be wrong! Their customer service is anything but acceptable.

General Woundwort

August 9th, 2003, 12:54 AM

Originally posted by Seawolf:
Well there is only one solution left.. We need to ake up a collection to have Geo move! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif No, we need Narf to get out his megaphone and get the Angry Mob organized.

"Next, in local news, a rampaging mob of angry computer gamers stormed a local phone company's management offices, causing massive damage and tarring and feathering several dispatchers. But first, tomorrow's weather..."

Roanon

August 9th, 2003, 12:56 AM

Originally posted by geoschmo:
Another phone co guy came out this afternoon. He's working the problem and said he hopes to have it done by tommorow.Words, just words - he wouldn't have dared to say otherwise I guess http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif I do not trust these I-will-have-it-done-tomorrow guys more than, lets say, a Quicksilver programmer saying he has tested his programm...

But on the other hand, I *did* say a few days ago that I was hoping for saturday, maybe I should have faith in my own prophecies http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Roanon

August 9th, 2003, 12:59 AM

Originally posted by General Woundwort:
"Next, in local news, a rampaging mob of angry computer gamers stormed a local phone company's management offices, causing massive damage and tarring and feathering several dispatchers.Ok, anyone donating for tar and feathers or being able to get a good discount?

Perrin

August 9th, 2003, 01:49 AM

Also many states have a government agency that regulates Utility and phone companies. If your state has one you will be able to file a complaint against the phone company.

Atrocities

August 9th, 2003, 01:57 AM

We looked into Shrapnel hosting the site Last year when we ended up moving it to Ohio. It wasn't a good fit with their business plan. I don't mind, I prefer it the way it is rather then having Shrapnel run it. There will come a time when Shrapnel will want to consider running game servers as a part of thier business plan. The industry will demand it as more and more game move toward Multiplayer and such.

You could always manage the server Geo, regardless where it is located. Shrapnel could use the fact that they host it as another selling feature for their games.

Sooner or later all, and I do mean all, games will be driven by the demand for multiplayer and Shrapenl as well as other game manufactures will have to wake up and smell the coffee. Why not get an earily jump on the trend and start supporting the genra now?

Rambie

August 9th, 2003, 05:53 AM

Geo,

The offer still stands for me to make a mirror of PBW and share it off the full T1 we have at work. Don't worry, I've alreay asked the CEO and he's OK with it. Ss the senior systems admin, I know we have the rack space, IP address, and most of the spare parts to do it.

tesco samoa

August 9th, 2003, 05:56 AM

man you guys... remember the server once moved across a few state lines...

did we cry like little childern who had their teddy bears ripped apart by evil brothers/ sisters.

hell yea... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif

eorg

August 9th, 2003, 09:19 AM

Originally posted by geoschmo:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Slynky:
Geo, can you say, cable? (starting to look like your only hope)Cable is not an option. I can get cable broadband, but my local cable provider does not offer a static IP, even at a premium. I might be able to get away with running a server since the IP #'s stay pretty stable unless the modem is reset. But I'd have to have the URL repointed occasionally.<hr /></blockquote>www.no-ip.com (http://www.no-ip.com/)? i am with a cable here with dhcp which expires every 3 hours and i have zele.sytes.net pointing on my current ip all the time (given the pc is on http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif )
anyway i think this is good rest for some of us http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif

narf poit chez BOOM

August 9th, 2003, 10:22 AM

if your missing it that much, it's a sure sign you need a break.

sheesh. losing a teddy bear is much worse. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

jimm

August 9th, 2003, 06:11 PM

I still wish this was a for-profit web-site. Maybe people who host games pay a $10 or $5 fee, and other players are free.

I just think if PBW was swimming in money he could afford a T1 line or two, and a backup server. I don't know if Geo loves his real job, but maybe he could work for PBW full-time.

Let's see, 50 new games a month x $10 = $500 a month. Well, OK. Maybe Geo should keep his real job.

Atrocities

August 9th, 2003, 06:22 PM

You can always start the PBW club. You know have an annual membership fee of $10.00 and you get access to private area on the server for dedicated players. People you know that stay in games unless something drastic happens.

You could send out T-shirts with PBW on them. A membership kit that includes a subscription to SE IV Gaming News, a monthly newsletter filled with artilces and such. A sticker and a walet sized membership card.

Access to a back up server that mirrors all data from the public server so your games are always up.

A can have a yearly get together, we could call it the SpaceCon. Hold it in a differant city each year and have it dedicated to lan play and 4X gaming in general.

All of this and much more for a generous membership fee of only $10.00 a year. Count me in.

JurijD

August 9th, 2003, 06:54 PM

Hmmm I guess the PBW community is too small for adds. (don�t spam) I know noone likes them but maybe they could help to trickle ina few extra bicks per month, even 50$ helps a little bit...

If nothing else works I say geo should move to the coast of Antarctica, declare an independent country there (hey everyone is doing it) and set up a satellite comm to the net... I�m sure the russians have some spare nuclear powerd comm stats up there... parhaps they would be willing to trade if someone created a mod for them with a communist alien race http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Slynky

August 9th, 2003, 07:06 PM

Well, I wouldn't think a T1 was needed. Speed was never a problem for me on PBW.

Personally, he should get some reimbursement for his time and have money to maintain it.

SamuraiProgrammer

August 9th, 2003, 07:21 PM

Originally posted by georgig:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by geoschmo:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Slynky:
Geo, can you say, cable? (starting to look like your only hope)Cable is not an option. I can get cable broadband, but my local cable provider does not offer a static IP, even at a premium. I might be able to get away with running a server since the IP #'s stay pretty stable unless the modem is reset. But I'd have to have the URL repointed occasionally.<hr /></blockquote>www.no-ip.com (http://www.no-ip.com/)? i am with a cable here with dhcp which expires every 3 hours and i have zele.sytes.net pointing on my current ip all the time (given the pc is on http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif )
anyway i think this is good rest for some of us http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif <hr /></blockquote>Yes, but would the realtime client crash everytime the ip was reassigned?

geoschmo

August 9th, 2003, 11:12 PM

No joy. The phone company guy came out today and fixed the phone line problem. But still no DSL. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif

I called the DSL company back. They said it's passing the line test it was failing before, but apparently there is still a problem. They are sending out another tech to run it down.

They said by Wedsday, but the guy at the help desk said if I call back Monday morning and talk to the dispatch people I might be able to get it bumped up.

The saga continues...

Grandpa Kim

August 10th, 2003, 12:20 AM

Arrrrrrrgh!

Let's see, how can I put this....

%*&#&$@&^#&()%$@^

The trouble is this type of runaround is so normal an everyday occurance that it is almost predictable. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon8.gif http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif

Merry Jolkar

August 10th, 2003, 01:03 AM

Well, hang in there Geo! Thanks for dealing with this hassle on all our behalf. The depth of frustration everyone is feeling is an indication of how much the PBW site means to us all. Your efforts are very, very much appreciated!
http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

DavidG

August 10th, 2003, 01:11 AM

Originally posted by geoschmo:
I called the DSL company back. They said it's passing the line test it was failing before, but apparently there is still a problem. They are sending out another tech to run it down.
How typical. So I guess the DSL guys found some problem with the phone line so stopped looking for the real problem. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif

geoschmo

August 10th, 2003, 01:46 AM

Originally posted by DavidG:
How typical. So I guess the DSL guys found some problem with the phone line so stopped looking for the real problem. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif That is kind of what I am thinking happened as well. It's possible this line problem has been around teh whole time and I just wasn't aware of it cause the problem it caused with the voice line was intermittant and minor.

Trying to find the silver lining maybe fixing the line problem will have a positive effect on the DSL performance. When I got it setup originally Last year they had to set it at half speed over what was advertised because the conection dropped all the time when running at full speed. Maybe this will fix that. Or maybe not. Probably won't make a lot of difference for the website either way though.

General Woundwort

August 10th, 2003, 01:57 AM

Since there may be a faint glimmer of light at the end of this bleak tunnel, perhaps we should start thinking of the logistics of getting the games up and running again. Should we do a reset to one turn prior to the collapse? Set all games to ALPU until everyone gets back up to speed?

geoschmo

August 10th, 2003, 02:57 AM

Originally posted by General Woundwort:
Since there may be a faint glimmer of light at the end of this bleak tunnel, perhaps we should start thinking of the logistics of getting the games up and running again. Should we do a reset to one turn prior to the collapse? Set all games to ALPU until everyone gets back up to speed?This is already handled.

All games are already set to ALPU in effect as long as I have auto processing turned off. Even if the game itself is set to automatic turns they will not run.

The great majority of games will not need set back at all. Only those that processed a turn during the 6-8 hours before I could get to the server and turn off the auto processing that day. The small handful that need set back can be handled on a one-on-one basis by the game owner. If they have teh files for each turn they can do it themselves. If they don't they can contact the PBW admins to get the files needed.

Geoschmo

Thermodyne

August 10th, 2003, 03:14 AM

I have a satellite uplink system that I don�t use much. Should I FedEx it?

geoschmo

August 10th, 2003, 03:29 AM

Originally posted by Thermodyne:
I have a satellite uplink system that I don�t use much. Should I FedEx it?Rofl. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

eorg

August 10th, 2003, 09:44 AM

Originally posted by SamuraiProgrammer:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by georgig:
www.no-ip.com (http://www.no-ip.com/)? i am with a cable here with dhcp which expires every 3 hours and i have zele.sytes.net pointing on my current ip all the time (given the pc is on http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif )
anyway i think this is good rest for some of us http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif Yes, but would the realtime client crash everytime the ip was reassigned?<hr /></blockquote>i don't know but i believe dhcp lease should Last more than 1 hour and 11 minutes (obviously my isp doesn't have enough real ip addresses) - once or twice per week is normal i think - any case we are waiting for the dsl :-)

Atrocities

August 10th, 2003, 10:16 AM

Originally posted by geoschmo:
No joy. The phone company guy came out today and fixed the phone line problem. But still no DSL. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif

I called the DSL company back. They said it's passing the line test it was failing before, but apparently there is still a problem. They are sending out another tech to run it down.

They said by Wedsday, but the guy at the help desk said if I call back Monday morning and talk to the dispatch people I might be able to get it bumped up.

The saga continues...Ah you get more with kindness than rudeness. But in time rudeness will get you more than kindness.

JurijD

August 10th, 2003, 11:02 AM

just an idea...

Geo... would it be possible to have a sort of a backup server somewhere else. Perhaps someone here has the means to do this. He/she or their company or whatever could act as the game server in case such an emergency as this one arises... so the game doesn�t shut down entirely.

if its even possible... you�re the programmer you should know

bigeagle

August 10th, 2003, 11:35 AM

Say geoschmo, I just read the Last message not this threat from the start but how is the financial situation ? Shall we start to transfer money ?

bigeagle

August 10th, 2003, 11:37 AM

and just antoher thing to all people here that are impatient and didnt play for 2 weeks: hosts you can run the game on your computers too http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif dont be so lazy.

Slynky

August 10th, 2003, 03:16 PM

Originally posted by bigeagle:
and just antoher thing to all people here that are impatient and didnt play for 2 weeks: hosts you can run the game on your computers too http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif dont be so lazy.I'm in 5 games. 3 of them are hosted by someone else who is not playing the game. It's certainly not right to ask a person who was kind enough to generate and post a game to also run it when PBW is down. Of the 2 games where the host is in the game, 1 hasn't suggested it to me and the other is on vacation.

I suggested to my KOTH opponent that we run the game manually (after getting the master password from the host) but he pointed out that a person could cheat by knowing the master password. (which is why some games are set up by a "third" person.

geoschmo

August 10th, 2003, 07:07 PM

Originally posted by JurijD:
just an idea...

Geo... would it be possible to have a sort of a backup server somewhere else. Perhaps someone here has the means to do this. He/she or their company or whatever could act as the game server in case such an emergency as this one arises... so the game doesn�t shut down entirely.

if its even possible... you�re the programmer you should knowAnything is possible. The limitation being fundage, and compatibility. The first isn't so bad if it's volunteer. The second is a little more complicated. I am not a programmer. I maintain the server, but my knowledge of how to make changes to the stuff is limited. About the only thing I would know how to do myself would be stick the server in a box and mail it to someone that had a static IP to plug it into. That's sort of a drastic solution for a temporary problem.

As far as a mirror site, I am sure it could be done, I just don't know all the ins and outs of setting it up.

Originally posted by bigeagle:
Say geoschmo, I just read the Last message not this threat from the start but how is the financial situation ? Shall we start to transfer money ?Donations are always welcome. We currently have enough to cover the month to month expenses for a few monts time, which is good. The remainder stays in an account for unexpected expenses such as hardware failures and whatnot.

Geoschmo

tbontob

August 11th, 2003, 01:48 AM

Groggy

August 11th, 2003, 03:46 AM

Originally posted by geckomlis:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Groggy:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by geoschmo:
The problem being the fault is in the phone line. Since my voice service works fine I fully expect the phone company to blow me off if I ask for a credit. The DSL service runs over the same line, but is with a different copmpany.I'm not sure if someone already answered this, but it's my understanding that there are four copper wires leading from the street to your house: two are used for the phone, and the other two are used for DSL among other things. I wonder if the problem you're having is in the pair of copper wires being used for DSL. That would explain why your voice service still works but DSL doesn't over the same cable.
<hr /></blockquote>There are two pairs of wires leading from the street to your house. Voice telephony and DSL services both run over all four wires - they are modulated not to interfere with each other. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif <hr /></blockquote>I see, I guess you learn something every day, thanks!

Slynky

August 11th, 2003, 08:48 PM

Originally posted by geoschmo:
They said by Wedsday, but the guy at the help desk said if I call back Monday morning and talk to the dispatch people I might be able to get it bumped up.

The saga continues...Considering it's now nearly 3 pm, I think we might be able to chalk this up to more lip service.

mottlee

August 11th, 2003, 11:40 PM

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif Darn (we need one crying)

Jack Simth

August 12th, 2003, 01:05 AM

Originally posted by mottlee:
http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif Darn (we need one crying)You mean like http://www.stopstart.freeserve.co.uk/smilie/cry.gif or http://www.stopstart.freeserve.co.uk/smilie/bigcry.gif?
<blockquote>code:<hr /><pre style="font-size:x-small; font-family: monospace;">http://www.stopstart.freeserve.co.uk/smilie/cry.gif
http://www.stopstart.freeserve.co.uk/smilie/bigcry.gif</pre><hr /></blockquote>

TerranC

August 12th, 2003, 01:32 AM

More like http://www.stopstart.freeserve.co.uk/smilie/cussing2.gif

Phone companies. Can't live with them, Can't live without them.

Thermodyne

August 12th, 2003, 02:31 AM

Should I call FedEx? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon6.gif

Slynky

August 12th, 2003, 02:41 AM

Now, THERE are some worthy and applicable icons...hehe.

Rambie

August 12th, 2003, 05:09 AM

Originally posted by geoschmo:

Anything is possible. The limitation being fundage, and compatibility. The first isn't so bad if it's volunteer. The second is a little more complicated. I am not a programmer... Geo, we've got the rack space and static IP addresses available. Depending on the requirements, we should have 99% of the parts in stock at work. If it's a x86 application that is. If it's not more than $100 or so, I'll pay for the parts myself to get another server ready.

I don't know about mirroring, but if PBW went down again and assuming the data files would fit onto a CD-R or two, burn the PBW data files and Fed-Ex them over. I could put them on the backup server and post the IP addresses here in the forums.
Once the main site is back, I'd shut down the site, upload the latest files to you then redirect traffic back to the main PBW server.

Just an idea, if you're interested email me.

mottlee

August 12th, 2003, 11:05 PM

Cool Icons http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif all 3 fit http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

Merry Jolkar

August 13th, 2003, 02:19 AM

My players are beginning to get restless. What would be involved for me to manually run the turns until the site comes back up? How would I then return the PBW game to the latest turn?

Thank you,
Merry

SamuraiProgrammer

August 13th, 2003, 05:23 AM

It is not too difficult. We used to play by e-mail all of the time. Then we figured out the PBW and realized how great it was.

Anyway...here is the scoop.

You must have a copy of the Last gam file that was sent. (Any will do, but the most recent is best.) Then have all of the players send their plr files to you.

Put them into the save game folder.

Load the program

Load the game

Indicate that you are the host (the Last player on the list.

Put in the master password for the game.

Run the turn.

Send the gam file to everyone and wait for their plr files.

If there are any errors, you can probably sort it out. The most likely problem is that the first round of plr files will not be the right turn. For the players that have the wrong turn, send them the old gam file and ask them to play that turn, even if they have played it once before.

I hope this is helpful.

Merry Jolkar

August 13th, 2003, 08:14 AM

Thanks for the advice. Two questions:

1) Change of routine creates the possibility for human error. If someone sends me an old or corrupted .plr file, does the host program generate an error message? I'd hate to sned out a .gam file and have someone say "I want to try again".

2) When the PBW site comes back up, how do I pick up with the latest (manually generated) .gam file?

Thanks!
Merry

Ruatha

August 13th, 2003, 08:25 AM

1. You'll get an error message and the option to terminate the current host run to replace the faulty file.

2. On the PBW game admin screen choose "Upload replacement turn manually" and upload the current turn.

No problems.

BTW. All Newbie Galactic 3 Players, the Emergency web site is up for you to upload your turn files, or mail them to me.
If the PBW server get's on-line before the turn is run the turn will be run on the PBW server.
I'm checking to see if i can get the current game files from Geo, in that case I already have almost all player files.

You all got the URL by mail.
The server is behind both a hardware firewall and a NAT router and a software firewall, this should not pose any problem but if you can't reach it mail me asap.

[ August 13, 2003, 07:39: Message edited by: Ruatha ]

Merry Jolkar

August 13th, 2003, 09:34 AM

Thank you! I know PBW will run the turn even with old .plr files, So, I upload .gam file and this will show all players as having not yet uploaded their .plr files? (i.e., what happens to existing .plrs from before the PBW went down -- can their existence inadvertently trigger the PBW host)?
Thanks, Merry

Ruatha

August 13th, 2003, 09:50 AM

If you upload a replacement turn, I think the old .PLR files are removed an dthe turn you upload will be sent out to all players as a new turn for them to run.

geoschmo

August 13th, 2003, 02:40 PM

Originally posted by Ruatha:
If you upload a replacement turn, I think the old .PLR files are removed an dthe turn you upload will be sent out to all players as a new turn for them to run.That is correct.

Starfishy

August 13th, 2003, 07:44 PM

I don't wish to sound impatient. But, is there any kind of ETA on when PBW will be up and running again, or maybe even an update on what's going on.
http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif

geoschmo

August 13th, 2003, 07:50 PM

Originally posted by Starfishy:
I don't wish to sound impatient. But, is there any kind of ETA on when PBW will be up and running again, or maybe even an update on what's going on.
http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif There is a tech at this very moment onsite trying to figure out what the problem with the line is. Unfortunatly that's all I know right now. Assuming they find the problem in the next couple hours, something of which I am confident but by no means certain, the site will be back up and accesable this evening. Once the DSL line is fixed I have a bit of router re-configuiring to do. I can't do that till I get home from work but it shouldn't take too long once I do.

If they can't find the problem with the DSL line, well I don't care to think about that for the moment.
http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif
Geoschmo

Loser

August 13th, 2003, 07:54 PM

Originally posted by geoschmo:
There is a tech at this very moment onsite trying to figure out what the problem with the line is. Take something precious to him hostage, demand satisfaction. Take his Nextel, they all have Nextels.

jimbob

August 13th, 2003, 08:03 PM

... err, what's a Nextel?

Slynky

August 13th, 2003, 09:24 PM

Originally posted by jimbob:
... err, what's a Nextel?http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif , something masquerading as a phone.

Loser

August 13th, 2003, 09:46 PM

It's a phone, it's a two-way that uses the cell system, it get's e-mail and has access to the web. (http://www.nextel.com)

It's a wonderful leash.

CNCRaymond

August 14th, 2003, 12:26 AM

I hope this is not a hopeless topic, despite how it has seemed to become one. If there is a will, there is a way. PBW must be brought back up! No more delays, the masses demand it!

The best way to succeed in doing this is to get the tech hooked on SEIV. The rest will take care of itself.

Merry Jolkar

August 14th, 2003, 12:51 AM

That is the best suggestion I've heard in three weeks of downed PBW! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

narf poit chez BOOM

August 14th, 2003, 01:33 AM

CNC, your genius has seen to the heart of the matter. i suggest we take up a collection.

geoschmo

August 14th, 2003, 01:45 AM

Sorry, the tech is a girl. And as everyone knows girls don't play SEIV. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Seriously though, as if you didn't know it we're still down. They have found out what the problem isn't though. It's not anything at my end and it's not at the CO. There are a few switches or connections or something between hither and yon that she said need to be checked. This could take several hours they say so I guess we are looking at at least one more day.

The saga continues...

Geoschmo

DocShane

August 14th, 2003, 02:58 AM

Sorry, Geo. My daughter plays SEIV and loves it. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif She is just as disappointed as us guys that the server is down.

.....Back to sulking in my gloom.

For those looking for alternative forms of gaming, try www.atitd.com (http://www.atitd.com) A refreshing, noncombatant, massive multiplayer game set in ancient Egypt.

ghrowl

August 14th, 2003, 05:51 AM

UHM, YEAH i'm female as well.. one of the FEW, VERY FEW that play games such as these..

I can't believe it's been down for so long, and why can't I upload my own avatar in this god-forsaken forum? =(

DavidG

August 14th, 2003, 05:55 AM

WTF???? Revelations of 2 female SE4 players in the same day??? Has the world gone all wonky with PBW down?

TerranC

August 14th, 2003, 05:55 AM

Baron Grazic

August 14th, 2003, 05:58 AM

3 at least. Don't forget, Princess Xanthea, who will be my Partner in the soon to start PBW Game - Pairs.
Everynight I come home, the first thing she asks is if PBW is up yet...

Jack Simth

August 14th, 2003, 06:13 AM

Originally posted by ghrowl:
UHM, YEAH i'm female as well.. one of the FEW, VERY FEW that play games such as these..

I can't believe it's been down for so long, and why can't I upload my own avatar in this god-forsaken forum? =(To upload your own avatar:

1) Get it as a file in a format the board will accept
2) Go to one of the threads in the New Scenerio/Mod Forum (http://www.shrapnelgames.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=forum;f=50) (any one will do)
3) Start (but do not finish) a post in the chosen thread
4) Select the "Upload File Form" option from the post reply dialog (on the left, under "Message:")
5) Type in the address (on your machine) or use the browse button to select the picture
6) Click upload, and wait for it to finish
7) Copy the text the dialog spits back onto the clipboard
8) Back out of the post, and view your profile ("My Profile" in the upper-right hand corner of the screen)
9) Select "View/Update Profile" (Upper left hand corner of the screen)
10) Select "Select a different Avatar Image" (middle of profile, next to your current avatar)
11) Paste the stuff from the clipboard into the "Use Custom URL" box (bottom of the dialog); do not click "Set URL" yet
12) Remove the "" and " ( and everything between )" (including the "]" and "[/URL]")
13) Select "Set URL"
14) Select "Select This Avatar"
15) Select "Update Profile"

That is probably much more verbose than you need; sorry for spending your time on the stuff you already know, but I don't really have any way to judge what that is.

narf poit chez BOOM

August 14th, 2003, 08:39 AM

hi, welcome to the forums. the fading scream you hear is your sanity deciding it needs a vacation. hawaii maybe.

i'm one of the forums crazy people. i suppose it says something that there's forums where i'd be the crazy person.

General Woundwort

August 14th, 2003, 10:42 AM

A woman... a woman on the SEIV Boards...

GREAT! It'll be fun! Force all you guys to start cleaning up your act http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif (but judging by DavidG's reaction, maybe not http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif ).

Welcome to the Boards.

[EDIT - P.S. if you're going to stick around awile, and you are looking for an avatar, look here first (http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/newuploads/1058271208.htm). I'll bump the thread for this collection ("House of 1001+ Avatars") as well.]

[ August 14, 2003, 09:49: Message edited by: General Woundwort ]

eorg

August 14th, 2003, 04:02 PM

Originally posted by Thermodyne:
Should I call FedEx? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon6.gif geo i propose you answer 'yes' to this question :-P

Slynky

August 14th, 2003, 07:22 PM

Originally posted by Slynky:
I could be wrong (like that's not happened!) but I think the days of DSL for Geo are over. Into the 8th day with, apparently, no one giving a crap that it isn't working. Phone company thinking, "So? What's one rented DSL line worth compared to repair?"Why do I keep coming back to this thought? IS it because I'm pessimistic? Cynical? Tomorrow at 10:00 am, it will be exactly 2 weeks! This is unbelievable!

Atrocities

August 14th, 2003, 07:49 PM

Originally posted by Slynky:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Slynky:
I could be wrong (like that's not happened!) but I think the days of DSL for Geo are over. Into the 8th day with, apparently, no one giving a crap that it isn't working. Phone company thinking, "So? What's one rented DSL line worth compared to repair?"Why do I keep coming back to this thought? IS it because I'm pessimistic? Cynical? Tomorrow at 10:00 am, it will be exactly 2 weeks! This is unbelievable!<hr /></blockquote>www.getdway.com (http://www.getdway.com) Satellite Internet $500 to install and $60 a month, or $100 intsall and $100 a month for 1 year.

Geo if they continue to not figure out the problem, and it is not on your end, then you might have no alternative but to seek satisfaction through your states attnery Generals office. At least recover the cost of your down time.

eorg

August 14th, 2003, 07:49 PM

Originally posted by Slynky:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Slynky:
I could be wrong (like that's not happened!) but I think the days of DSL for Geo are over. Into the 8th day with, apparently, no one giving a crap that it isn't working. Phone company thinking, "So? What's one rented DSL line worth compared to repair?"Why do I keep coming back to this thought? IS it because I'm pessimistic? Cynical? Tomorrow at 10:00 am, it will be exactly 2 weeks! This is unbelievable!<hr /></blockquote>no i think you just want your butt kicked faster :-P

p.s. this is k.o.t.h.

geoschmo

August 14th, 2003, 07:52 PM

Slynky,

All I can say is I have a contract with them and so they better fix it. I understand DSL get's a bad rep becuase it's not available in every area and sometimes is hard to get setup and running. But once it's up and running for over a year there is no excuse for the service going out. They can't exactly shrug their shoulders and walk away like they can with a new customer.

That being said, Geoschmo is starting to get impatient... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

I received a nice email today from the DSL people..

>
> Thank you for contacting Customer Care.
>
> We have received your e-mail your connectivity
> issue. We deeply apologize for the frustration and
> inconvenience you are experiencing with your
> connection. By reviewing your service ticket, there
> will be an update at the close of business day(14th)
> form your local carrier. You can check back via
> email/phone for further updates Thank you.
>
> If there is anything further that we can assist you
> with, please feel free to reply to this e-mail or
> contact our Customer Care Department
>
> Thank you,
>
> Perry

My response to him...

Perry,

A phone Company tech came to my house this morning around 9:30. He did a continuity and a load test and said that it passed both of those all the way back to the CO but that there is still no DSL signal coming through the line. Is there something else in the system that could be the problem that the phone company is responsible for? Has the DSLAM been checked properly to make sure it is putting out the required signals? So far I have had 2 visits from phone company techs and two visits from your techs to my house in the 14 days that my DSL has been down and they have not found the problem.

Most of my frustration has been due to what I feel are conflicting updates coming from your support and a lack of proactive updates. When your tech came out yesterday morning, she said she needed to check something at the CO and then I never heard from her again. I called support four hours later yesterday afternoon they said she had checked the CO and the signal there was good and that she had to have the connections between my house and the CO checked.

When I called Last night around midnight for an update they said someone had found a problem at the CO and that the phone company would have to fix some connections there. The next morning a phone company tech showed up at my house and started tracing signals from my end again. I was not expecting that and it didn't make sense to me considering what I had been told 9 hours earlier by your help desk.

Do you have any idea where the signal is being lost even? The impression I get is that you all are passing the ticket around between the various levels of support and the field at your company and the phone company's field personel and no one is working together to resolve the problem.

I work in IT support myself, so I understand that not everyone is trained in every area of a complex system such as this. But when a persistent problem of indeterminate origin such as this occurs with our customers one of us will take ownership of the problem and coordinate efforts with the various technical specialty Groups until it is resolved. Perhaps this would be something someone at your company could do and get this issue resolved for me.

It just doesn't seem right that I have now been without DSL service for 14 days. Not to mention the fact that I just received my monthly bill including an extra 30 dollars for excess dialup usage. Dialup usage that has been caused by the outage of my service that I am also paying for and not receiving. I understand that your billing cycles are independent of service issues, and that once the issue is resolved and the ticket closed I can speak with the billing department about a credit, and I intend to do exactly that. But I'll be honest with you it leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

The year and a half prior to this problem arose have been relatively trouble free. Because of this I am still willing to cut you some slack while you try and get this resolved. But my patience is wearing thin and the good grace you have earned in my time as a customer is starting to be used up.

[ August 14, 2003, 18:54: Message edited by: geoschmo ]

Slynky

August 14th, 2003, 08:03 PM

Well, you say cable is not an option because of a changing IP address. But our cable company offers a commercial account (which I assume is for a server to be connected to), so they must be able to hand out a static IP address. Of course, you're using a consumer account for this server so no telling how much more a commercial cable account would cost.

Ugh...talk about going postal! You should be just about ready to give new meaning to the accronym, DSLM (for the ininitiated, pronounced, "D-slam").

Oh well, keep us updated and vent your frustration here.

Slynky

August 14th, 2003, 08:05 PM

Originally posted by georgig:

no i think you just want your butt kicked faster :-P

p.s. this is k.o.t.h.[/QB]Hey, I'd even play against Asmala now!

geoschmo

August 14th, 2003, 08:08 PM

I believe the local cable company has a business option with a static IP as well, but was pretty ridiculously priced for our needs.

I am comitted to getting this issue resolved with the current DSL provider, however we are looking at some alternative options to make sure that long term outages like this don't occur in the future. I am sorry for the inconveinence. Hopefully it won't happen again but I am doing what I can to learn from it.

Geoschmo

Slynky

August 14th, 2003, 08:31 PM

Originally posted by geoschmo:
I believe the local cable company has a business option with a static IP as well, but was pretty ridiculously priced for our needs.

I am comitted to getting this issue resolved with the current DSL provider, however we are looking at some alternative options to make sure that long term outages like this don't occur in the future. I am sorry for the inconveinence. Hopefully it won't happen again but I am doing what I can to learn from it.

GeoschmoWell, as I said, I didn't know what a commercial cable account might cost...I was guessing (hoping) that it might only cost $10 or $15 more per month (our consumer connection costs $34.95 per month).

Guess we'll keep out fingers crossed.

geoschmo

August 14th, 2003, 09:25 PM

Typically business accounts are on the order of 3 to 4 times more expensive then consumer accounts. Which sucks pretty much cause you aren't getting all that much more with them.

Suicide Junkie

August 14th, 2003, 09:41 PM

What about just using a router to hold your IP?
The only thing that would change your IP with a router would be a power failure or tomfoolery by the ISP.

geoschmo

August 14th, 2003, 09:45 PM

Originally posted by Suicide Junkie:
What about just using a router to hold your IP?
The only thing that would change your IP with a router would be a power failure or tomfoolery by the ISP.True, but that's a major inoconveinence for a website. The main reason though I wont do that is most ISP's have specific rules against persistant web sites running on a dynamic IP. I am sure you can give me many examples of people doing it and getting away with it but I think it's better having it running legit to worrying all the time if the ISP is gonna catch me running a game server and shut me down.

Geoschmo

Thermodyne

August 14th, 2003, 09:45 PM

Originally posted by geoschmo:
Typically business accounts are on the order of 3 to 4 times more expensive then consumer accounts. Which sucks pretty much cause you aren't getting all that much more with them.Here it is per month; $40 for home service. $100 for business, but no outbound http or ftp allowed, $200 for server use with semi static IP.

I just use a parked domain now and forward it to my IP address. If it changes, there is a lag while DNS populates, but usually less than a day.

1FSTCAT

August 14th, 2003, 11:47 PM

Well, for what it's worth..

I'm using Time Warner Cable's Roadrunner. I have a DLINK Firewall/Router with NAT, so I can run more than 2 machines on my cable provided internet service. I'm also running a website, off a PC in my room. My particular provider has not forced an IP change down to my router, since I hooked it up. It has stayed constant with several router reboots, and 1 overnight outage of electricity.

Roadrunner, locally, does NOT use static IP's. I don't know why the IP hasn't changed, but my website has been up and running continueously (sp?) for about 5 months.

What does it matter if the ISP catches you? They might upsell you on a static IP. Are you saying that they won't LET an individual run a website, unless they pay for a business account? That seems unreasonable, Geo.

--Ed

[ August 14, 2003, 22:50: Message edited by: 1FSTCAT ]

Hugh Manatee

August 15th, 2003, 12:09 AM

Is it back up yet, Is it back up yet, Is it back up yet, Is it back up yet, Is it back up yet, Is it back up yet, Is it back up yet, http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/confused.gif

geoschmo

August 15th, 2003, 12:33 AM

Originally posted by 1FSTCAT:
What does it matter if the ISP catches you? They might upsell you on a static IP. Are you saying that they won't LET an individual run a website, unless they pay for a business account? That seems unreasonable, Geo.
Unreasonable or not that is their policy. It's not my policy. And I am talking specifically about Roadrunner here. Read your contract. I am not going to get into a discussion of whether it's ok to do or not. I am simply not going to do it.

The cable modem idea has been brought up several times now. I have researched it and it's just not a good option for PBW. I'm just gonna leave it at that rather than continuing to respond to every point brought up.

Geoschmo

Slynky

August 15th, 2003, 01:21 AM

OK, guys. Settle down a bit. And remember all the lessons we learned when chatting our lives away (instead ov SE4'ing them away) about people claiming to be female. You should know by now that "female" and "SE4" are mutually exclusive terms... http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

geoschmo

August 15th, 2003, 02:31 AM

So anyway for those that read my email that I posted a while ago, Perry called me. Guess he sensed the frustration in my email. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

He is taking ownership of the problem and will be my own personal whipping boy if things aren't resolved pretty soon. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif There is aparently one mroe piece of equipment that the phone company has not verified yet even though the DSL company asked them to. That will be checked in the morning.

If that doesn't fix it the next step is to get a DSL and phone company tech out at the same time to coordinate and find the problem. Apparently that is something that is difficult to get done. It sucks, but I can understand it knowing how hard it is to get an exact time a field serv ice tech is going to be onsite. This is true even with my company. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

tbontob

August 15th, 2003, 04:39 AM

Geo, I felt your letter was an excellent one.

There is a fine line between expressing frustration in a civilized way by keeping it focused on the problem and expressing frustration which degrades the person or the organization to which it is being directed.

With the second way of expressing frustration, there is always the possibility the recipient will "tune" it out to some degree, which results in an even greater lag time for service to resume. Or orse, it may never get fixed.

I think it is excellant that your letter has resulted in someone taking personal responsibility for the problem. That is absolutely huge! Until someone does, the odds are good of being shunted around and not get anywhere.

A lot of suggestions have been made in this thread.

I appreciate your concern for keeping costs low. Being desperate to play PBW, we may be willing to accept significantly higher operating costs in the short run (i.e. now http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif ). In the long run, it may be quite a different story where "someone' will have to be on the front line to obtain funding.

Which will create another headache.

I want to go on record that I appreciate your efforts. I am in support of your having the system with which you are most comfortable with.

DocShane

August 15th, 2003, 04:59 AM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by General Woundwort:
[QB]A woman... a woman on the SEIV Boards...

GREAT! It'll be fun! Force all you guys to start cleaning up your act http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Correction: "Women". Although I would agree, men are the dominant half of the species in SEIV. Yet many women find the challenge of 4X games rewarding.

Joachim

August 15th, 2003, 05:12 AM

Originally posted by tbontob:
I want to go on record that I appreciate your efforts. I am in support of your having the system with which you are most comfortable with.I agree! Thanks Geo.

Narrew

August 15th, 2003, 05:16 AM

HAH Geo, I think you need to direct Perry to this thread (umm, tell him a user name of Perry would not be a good idea http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif ) and he can see how much we care about your situation, of course that might also make him think that we are shallow but if we get him HOOKED on this game, then its all good.

CNCRaymond

August 15th, 2003, 06:32 AM

Originally posted by Slynky:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by geoschmo:
I believe the local cable company has a business option with a static IP as well, but was pretty ridiculously priced for our needs.

I am comitted to getting this issue resolved with the current DSL provider, however we are looking at some alternative options to make sure that long term outages like this don't occur in the future. I am sorry for the inconveinence. Hopefully it won't happen again but I am doing what I can to learn from it.

GeoschmoWell, as I said, I didn't know what a commercial cable account might cost...I was guessing (hoping) that it might only cost $10 or $15 more per month (our consumer connection costs $34.95 per month).

Guess we'll keep out fingers crossed.<hr /></blockquote>GD, that is cheap! AT&T wanted $55.00 per month including modem rental. Now they Comcast wants $45.00 a month, but you have to be a customer of there digital cable service to get that deal.

I wish those liberal trial lawyers would stop suing the fast food industry and turn their collective cash cow generating skills toward Cable and satellite internet providers and drive the subscription price down to a reasonable rate.

But the cost is high because there are not enough IP addresses to go around. The average lease on an IP address was 1 hour. That caused a bunch of problems because every hour you would have to reboot or do a command promot ip config to reconnect.

CNCRaymond

August 15th, 2003, 06:40 AM

Originally posted by Atrocities:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Slynky:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Slynky:
I could be wrong (like that's not happened!) but I think the days of DSL for Geo are over. Into the 8th day with, apparently, no one giving a crap that it isn't working. Phone company thinking, "So? What's one rented DSL line worth compared to repair?"Why do I keep coming back to this thought? IS it because I'm pessimistic? Cynical? Tomorrow at 10:00 am, it will be exactly 2 weeks! This is unbelievable!<hr /></blockquote>www.getdway.com (http://www.getdway.com) Satellite Internet $500 to install and $60 a month, or $100 intsall and $100 a month for 1 year.

Geo if they continue to not figure out the problem, and it is not on your end, then you might have no alternative but to seek satisfaction through your states attnery Generals office. At least recover the cost of your down time.<hr /></blockquote>YOU THINK AT&T is evil? Do business with D-way and you'll be hating life real quick like. They require a service contract, and THEY DO NOT SUPPORT their product at all. You have down time, tuff! Speeds down are intermittent and often only as fast as your current phone line. Up loads are horribly slow and agonizingly problematic.

STAY AWAY FROM SATELLITE ACCESS!

CNCRaymond

August 15th, 2003, 07:07 AM

While average download speeds are slightly better than dial-up, they will be reduced by typical DIRECWAY speeds by as much as 50 to 75 percent. Average upload speeds are comparable to dial-up performance. So why pay the cost for dial up service??????? And you can not play games on this service. Despite what the sales arsehole says.

dragonrogue

August 15th, 2003, 03:54 PM

Where is seiv.pbw.cc physically located? if in 9 south eastern states, might try using bellsouth dsl. business dsl has 24 repair truck rolls, can also get static ip. or get thier homenetworking with static ip.

dragonrogue

Slynky

August 15th, 2003, 04:18 PM

Originally posted by dragonrogue:
Where is seiv.pbw.cc physically located? if in 9 south eastern states, might try using bellsouth dsl. business dsl has 24 repair truck rolls, can also get static ip. or get thier homenetworking with static ip.

dragonrogueI think it's in Daton Ohio. State's right but not sure about the city.

Thermodyne

August 15th, 2003, 04:37 PM

Originally posted by CNCRaymond:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Atrocities:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Slynky:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Slynky:
I could be wrong (like that's not happened!) but I think the days of DSL for Geo are over. Into the 8th day with, apparently, no one giving a crap that it isn't working. Phone company thinking, "So? What's one rented DSL line worth compared to repair?"Why do I keep coming back to this thought? IS it because I'm pessimistic? Cynical? Tomorrow at 10:00 am, it will be exactly 2 weeks! This is unbelievable!<hr /></blockquote>www.getdway.com (http://www.getdway.com) Satellite Internet $500 to install and $60 a month, or $100 intsall and $100 a month for 1 year.

Geo if they continue to not figure out the problem, and it is not on your end, then you might have no alternative but to seek satisfaction through your states attnery Generals office. At least recover the cost of your down time.<hr /></blockquote>YOU THINK AT&T is evil? Do business with D-way and you'll be hating life real quick like. They require a service contract, and THEY DO NOT SUPPORT their product at all. You have down time, tuff! Speeds down are intermittent and often only as fast as your current phone line. Up loads are horribly slow and agonizingly problematic.

STAY AWAY FROM SATELLITE ACCESS!<hr /></blockquote>Yep, satellite sucks when compared to DSL or Cable, but it is basically storm damage proof, and the down link speed is actually quite good. In the one adventure that I have that actually makes money every month, I rely on satellite connectivity to move data. It is all inbound to me except for some error checking. On the few days a month where weather prevents connectivity it falls back to six phone lines. A 2 hour window is needed on the dish, and that turns into about 18 hours on the POT�s. If both go down, I try to connect remotely with the cable, if that fails, then I get in the pickup and start burning CD�s all over the metro area. Some of them are easy to work with and will hand me the data at the door, but others won�t even give me a local burner to use.

Until I get a T1, I will continue to use the satellite. Once the T1 gets here, then I�ll switch to frame relays and use the dish as the back up system.

A note that OT's to another thread; The first 2K BLaster patch took my RRAS server down! God only knows how much I hate hackers!

[ August 15, 2003, 15:42: Message edited by: Thermodyne ]

DocShane

August 15th, 2003, 06:39 PM

Geo, Narrew brings up a good point. Maybe you should pole the Users here for anyone that works for your local phone company or DSL provider. It certaintly can't hurt to have an "SEIV insider". Hehe.

Or better yet, you could give us their email addresses so that all of us suffering from massive SEIV withdrawal could send them nice little letters explaining our situation.

Slynky

August 15th, 2003, 06:50 PM

I'm not quite sure Geo wants to make too much of a stink about who and what the loss of his DSL is affecting. While not saying he's breaking any policy or rules, I suspect he'd rather not "test" the issue.

Just my HO.

Slynky

August 15th, 2003, 07:55 PM

Well, the day is over half completed and still no sign of a working DSL line. I guess this means another weekend without gaming http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif .

Obviously, technology is growing to the point that it's surpassing the intelligence of the people that maintain it.

Which, BTW, is one reason I didn't get DSL (too many horror stories about the stupid technicians who tried to install it).

geoschmo

August 15th, 2003, 09:23 PM

The saga continues...

The phone compnay did one Last check at the CO and and did not find the source of the problem. They have scheduled a meeting with the DSL techs and the phone company techs at the same time to work together and find the issue. That meeting will not take place until Tuesday.

I can no longer sit here doing nothing hoping the DSL will be back up some day and I am aggresivly persuing a few possible options about getting an alternate server set up, at least on a temporary basis. Honestly I should have done this two weeks ago but I was lulled to inaction by the prospect of the DSL getting restored at any moment.

I expect I will have a busy weekend trying to get something going. Hopefully I will be succesful and you all will be able to have access to PBW again this weekend sometime. I will keep you updated as always.

Geoschmo

Roanon

August 15th, 2003, 09:35 PM

Originally posted by Slynky:
Which, BTW, is one reason I didn't get DSL (too many horror stories about the stupid technicians who tried to install it).Strange. At least here in Germany, is is the simplest thing in the world. You just get 2 units, Splitter and Modem, for easy and nearly idiot-proof self-installation. (idiot-proof: proof until someone makes a better idiot) Then you just have to hope that someone at the phone company manages to switch DSL on. DSL outage can happen, but is becoming less frequent, about half an hour every three months here and right now.

But, on the other hand, here in Germany I don't know any weird installations with analog lines and DSL - I don't even know if you are able to get them here. ISDN and DSL, thats the standard. And phone companies use a pricing policy that effectivly discourages the usage of analog lines.

[ August 15, 2003, 20:36: Message edited by: Roanon ]

Slynky

August 15th, 2003, 09:42 PM

Originally posted by geoschmo:
Honestly I should have done this two weeks ago but I was lulled to inaction by the prospect of the DSL getting restored at any moment.

GeoschmoThat must be the optimist in you ( http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif ). For my part, seeing that it wasn't fixed in 4 or 5 days after both types of techs looked at it, I had my doubts that it would ever be fixed. It may still be fixed but failure to do so into the 3rd week sure says a lot for how pathetic the service technicians/companies are.

Slynky

August 15th, 2003, 09:55 PM

Well, Roanon, the problem here seems (at first) to have been the surprise. By far, the majority of the Internet Users had dialup. But "one day", broadband became HOT and cable and telephone companies went after customers like crazy (hoping to get them and then have them forever...in other words, banking on the reluctance of a customer to not make a change once they have a broadband connection).

Around that time, DSL scheduling was running around 2 weeks wait time. Besides the number of people who wanted DSL, there was a shortage of phone company techs who knew anything about it. There is where all the horror stories came from. So, even after 4-5 years and with DSL expanding more and more, we still have idiots servicing the circuits. And, as is usually the case in a capitalist-driven society, more emphasis is placed on getting even MORE customers than there is making sure you can take care of what you have.