Hi everyone! For once I am not posting to forewarn you about some calamity about to befall Subeta. I thought I should explain some of the problems that we're currently having. If you're not interested, you will lose nothing by not reading, so don't worry about it :)
SQLs: There are actually 3 causes for SQLs, and you can tell them apart by the timing. The main cause for SQLs is when the database locks up because of too many queries at once. Those SQLs result in the site starting to time out, before our script realizes the problem and restarts the database, resulting in a SQL page for about 40-60 seconds before the site comes back up. This type of SQL will be made extinct (hehe) as we work to improve the efficiency of the site.
The other two are more worrying. One is a "quick" SQL, which shows up suddenly, without the site slowing down, and disappears within 15 seconds or so. This means that the database has crashed (and automatically restarted), which is usually a result of some part of the DB having become corrupted. Eventually, the server will crash immediately after it restarts itself, and this will cause a long SQL, which will persist until we're able to restore the database from a backup.
We're currently working on this problem and we think we are close to discovering what is actually going on here.
Images not showing: One of our three web servers was having problems, becoming unresponsive and having to be restarted every night. When this happened, the image server on it had to be started manually, and so images that were routed to that server would not load until this happened. We've since identified what was happening (runaway backup script) and fixed it, so this shouldn't be an issue any more.
Please-wait timeouts: A number of people are reporting getting "please wait 30 seconds" or such timeouts when it's they've waited minutes, hours, or days. We are still trying to figure out this one, so if you're having this problem and you're willing to work with me on debugging it, please let me know.
Anyway, just thought that might help explain some things that are going on.
-Alex
SQLs: There are actually 3 causes for SQLs, and you can tell them apart by the timing. The main cause for SQLs is when the database locks up because of too many queries at once. Those SQLs result in the site starting to time out, before our script realizes the problem and restarts the database, resulting in a SQL page for about 40-60 seconds before the site comes back up. This type of SQL will be made extinct (hehe) as we work to improve the efficiency of the site.
The other two are more worrying. One is a "quick" SQL, which shows up suddenly, without the site slowing down, and disappears within 15 seconds or so. This means that the database has crashed (and automatically restarted), which is usually a result of some part of the DB having become corrupted. Eventually, the server will crash immediately after it restarts itself, and this will cause a long SQL, which will persist until we're able to restore the database from a backup.
We're currently working on this problem and we think we are close to discovering what is actually going on here.
Images not showing: One of our three web servers was having problems, becoming unresponsive and having to be restarted every night. When this happened, the image server on it had to be started manually, and so images that were routed to that server would not load until this happened. We've since identified what was happening (runaway backup script) and fixed it, so this shouldn't be an issue any more.
Please-wait timeouts: A number of people are reporting getting "please wait 30 seconds" or such timeouts when it's they've waited minutes, hours, or days. We are still trying to figure out this one, so if you're having this problem and you're willing to work with me on debugging it, please let me know.
Anyway, just thought that might help explain some things that are going on.
-Alex
Posted by alx
Load this on 🆕 Kumos site
slothg
Thanks for the explo. that helps alot <img src="http://images.subeta.net/smilies/6398_emoticon_smile.gif" border="0" /> its so great to finaly know what's going on. Thank you Alx <img src="http://images.subeta.net/smilies/6398_emoticon_smile.gif" border="0" />
All you people that don't understand what he is talking about can just take a moment to go google it and find out!
Anywho, thanks alx. <img src="http://images.subeta.net/smilies/6398_emoticon_heart.gif" border="0" />
Anywho, thanks alx. <img src="http://images.subeta.net/smilies/6398_emoticon_heart.gif" border="0" />

Thanks for the explanations <img src="http://images.subeta.net/smilies/6398_emoticon_smile.gif" border="0" /> Its good to know u are working on the things going buggy and its nice to get a heads up about them so we know u are working on them daily <img src="http://images.subeta.net/smilies/6398_emoticon_smile.gif" border="0" /> Hang in there I hope its all better soon <img src="http://images.subeta.net/smilies/6398_emoticon_grin.gif" border="0" />

Thank you so much for the explanation. I like that you take time out to explain what is going on and why to the users. Thank you very much. <img src="http://images.subeta.net/smilies/6398_emoticon_smile.gif" border="0" />
Thanks so much for taking the time to explain - it certainly makes the issues a lot less frustrating~!

Well said Sirenia. <img src="http://images.subeta.net/smilies/6398_emoticon_grin.gif" border="0" />
Thanks heaps for all the time you put in Alex.
Thanks heaps for all the time you put in Alex.
hey alx thank you for all your hard work and time you take to lets us know even if we do not understand it i do understand those pesky squirrels ok im trying to get them believe me but as yet fail to catch one.your hard work never goes unnoticed and from all os us i can say (i hope)well done and yes what would we do without you.have a great day ok..

Oh Alex, what would we do without you <img src="http://images.subeta.net/smilies/6398_emoticon_smile.gif" border="0" />! Thanks.

thanks for the update Alex, seems your the only one that ever has given us updates.. and thanks for your hard work but my question is, why all these problems.. if months ago Keith upgraded everything to supposed solve all these issues why are they still here and even worse than they were before.. I dont understand this situation.. and of course I keep feeding his pockets with my cash but dont ever see any real results.. thanks for any answers you can give..

Hi Alex, though my account is running just fine now, I had that wait 5 seconds problem twice. I know nothing about debugging but if I can help in anyway I will. Thanks.
That actually helps a ton! Now I can be prepared if a long, or quick one comes along <img src="http://images.subeta.net/smilies/6398_emoticon_grin.gif" border="0" />
I really like that you keep us well informed. <img src="http://images.subeta.net/smilies/6398_emoticon_smile.gif" border="0" /> Thank you!
Thanks for the explanation <img src="http://images.subeta.net/smilies/6398_emoticon_smile.gif" border="0" />

Thanks Alex for the simple and easy to understand explaination about what has been happening with the errors. It's good to know what was causing the problems and that they can be fixed in time
Thanks, and good luck on fixing the site problems. I believe it must be kinda difficult to work with this XD
thank you for explaining the situation to us. =) i know personally it makes me feel included whenever i am informed about the the happenings. =)
User not found:
Thanks for telling us <img src="http://images.subeta.net/smilies/6398_emoticon_grin.gif" border="0" /> It's always nice to know whats going on.
Thats what makes you so awesome alex. I love that you include us and let us know what the issues mean.

Thanks for the heads up and letting us know whats happening <img src="http://images.subeta.net/smilies/6398_emoticon_smile.gif" border="0" />

It is refreshing to be kept up to date, it shows excellent respect for users. Thank you very much.
Thanks for the updates. Those SQL errors are so annoying. At least I know the reasons behind them now.
Even though I have no clue what that means, I want to thank you for explaining things to us. Well, trying to explain, anyway. <img src="http://images.subeta.net/smilies/6398_emoticon_smile.gif" border="0" /> <3

I guessed as much about the pictures, since the rest of the site was working when that happened.
I've never had the problem you mentioned in the end. When I do, I'll know who to bother with it <img src="http://images.subeta.net/smilies/6398_emoticon_grin.gif" border="0" />
And the big corruption thingy ... well, I'm used to the fact that Subeta crashes once in a while. But I know you are always tinkering at the site to make it better. Keep on tinkering <img src="http://images.subeta.net/smilies/6398_emoticon_smile.gif" border="0" />
I've never had the problem you mentioned in the end. When I do, I'll know who to bother with it <img src="http://images.subeta.net/smilies/6398_emoticon_grin.gif" border="0" />
And the big corruption thingy ... well, I'm used to the fact that Subeta crashes once in a while. But I know you are always tinkering at the site to make it better. Keep on tinkering <img src="http://images.subeta.net/smilies/6398_emoticon_smile.gif" border="0" />

I don't mind much, the Sql that pops up on the screen is cute anyway <img src="http://images.subeta.net/smilies/6398_emoticon_smile.gif" border="0" />
Thanks for keeping us informed. I never realized the pattern of the different SQLs... These SQLs are persistent little buggars, aren't they? x'D I wish you the best of luck in whipping the servers back into shape.
I used to lag a whole lot everywhere and many things didn't work, but now everything is much better. This site is really buggy and laggy at times, but it's great to know that it's being worked on.
I used to lag a whole lot everywhere and many things didn't work, but now everything is much better. This site is really buggy and laggy at times, but it's great to know that it's being worked on.

Thank you for keeping us updated <img src="http://images.subeta.net/smilies/6398_emoticon_smile.gif" border="0" />
User not found:
Thanks for the update ^^ I'm sure you'll be able to find out what's going on soon. c:
If I was any good at that kind of thing, I'd try and help XD;;;
If I was any good at that kind of thing, I'd try and help XD;;;
Thanks as always for the update! It's always good to know what's going on! <img src="http://images.subeta.net/smilies/6398_emoticon_smile.gif" border="0" />
Thanks. Also I dont think the autopricer is working properly. Maybe thats apart of this?

Thaks for the explanations <img src="http://images.subeta.net/smilies/6398_emoticon_smile.gif" border="0" />

thanks as usual <img src="http://images.subeta.net/smilies/6398_emoticon_smile.gif" border="0" /> It's good to have some info. <img src="http://images.subeta.net/smilies/6398_emoticon_smile.gif" border="0" /> Yay
Thanks for letting us know! While I don't have much tech knowledge, I appreciate that you are allowing us to be aware of what the problems are.
I appreciate the update! Thanks a lot!<img src="http://images.subeta.net/smilies/6398_emoticon_happy.gif" border="0" />

Thank you so very much for keeping us up-to-date, its real nice to know whats going on instead of always being in the dark. Thanks again for the explanations <img src="http://images.subeta.net/smilies/6398_emoticon_smile.gif" border="0" />!!

that WHOOSH sound? everything you said going right over my head.
What I do notice, though, and appreciate VERY much, is having a site programmer who gives us advance warning and explanations for downtime - as opposed to, just for example, taking the site down every weekend for months on end and no one any the wiser. You rock.
What I do notice, though, and appreciate VERY much, is having a site programmer who gives us advance warning and explanations for downtime - as opposed to, just for example, taking the site down every weekend for months on end and no one any the wiser. You rock.
Have you considered converting to XML or a different database format? I figure the biggest "con" is the amount of time it would take to do that
i was hoping for a new trivia but thisll do<img src="http://images.subeta.net/smilies/6398_emoticon_smile.gif" border="0" />
thanks alx
thanks alx


I blame kde4.
Anyway, alx. You are awesome, bla bla praise praise <img src="http://images.subeta.net/smilies/6398_emoticon_wink.gif" border="0" />
Anyway, alx. You are awesome, bla bla praise praise <img src="http://images.subeta.net/smilies/6398_emoticon_wink.gif" border="0" />
User not found:
i like poptarts.
Thanks for the update and taking time out to explain the different problems. You're awesome! <img src="http://images.subeta.net/smilies/6398_emoticon_smile.gif" border="0" />

As usual, you guys rock for keeping us informed of things and letting us into the loop on the why's and wherefore's of what's going on and what's being done to remedy issues. hugs <img src="http://images.subeta.net/smilies/6398_emoticon_smile.gif" border="0" />

Alex your amazing thank you so much for telling us too <img src="http://images.subeta.net/smilies/6398_emoticon_wink.gif" border="0" /> makes us feel more part of the site <img src="http://images.subeta.net/smilies/6398_emoticon_grin.gif" border="0" />

Alex, being superman, to the rescue! I know you'll fix it! <img src="http://images.subeta.net/smilies/6398_emoticon_smile.gif" border="0" />
Thank you so much for all the explanations! They truly make a difference to those of us who care about the site. And thank you for keeping us informed, as well.
Can you simplify a bit more for those of us who are not computer savvy? ie.. what is "script", as in "runaway backup script" and "script realizing the problem"? Also, can you discuss "corruption" a bit more? What is it, and how does it happen in the first place? Thanks for the info!
whew what a read! Thank you for the update and the explanation. It is nice to be kept in the loop <img src="http://images.subeta.net/smilies/6398_emoticon_raspberry.gif" border="0" /> Thanks a bunch Alex..

It's nice to have a bit of an idea what's going on, and it looks like you're sorting it out so thank you. <img src="http://images.subeta.net/smilies/6398_emoticon_smile.gif" border="0" />
thanks alot alx. thats why i like subeta so much. we`re being kept informed about stuff.
thanks for explaining.
I still think that people should NOT whine about this so much since the site is still free to play and free off ad's.
WIth it being free and heaving downtime means you will not loose anything (unless you bought a GA at your own free will).
I still think that people should NOT whine about this so much since the site is still free to play and free off ad's.
WIth it being free and heaving downtime means you will not loose anything (unless you bought a GA at your own free will).
Thank you for the update and all your hard work, Alex <img src="http://images.subeta.net/smilies/6398_emoticon_smile.gif" border="0" />
Thanks for the explanation! It's easier to bear the SQL infestation if you understand what's happening.
Thanks for the explanation Alex, you rock! Try not to work too hard. <img src="http://images.subeta.net/smilies/6398_emoticon_wink.gif" border="0" />
Thanks for everything you do, not the least for letting us know what's going on <img src="http://images.subeta.net/smilies/6398_emoticon_grin.gif" border="0" /> We all ♥ you!
And a award for explaining to us what is going on too.
We all really appreciate the time you take to communicate the problems the site is having to us.
snugs you
We all really appreciate the time you take to communicate the problems the site is having to us.
snugs you
Thanks so much for all the time you take to let us know<img src="http://images.subeta.net/smilies/6398_emoticon_smile.gif" border="0" /> It's a great help
Thank you for the update alx! You are certainly one great programmer ^^ We're lucky to have you (:
Alex, you deserve an award or something for the hard work you do. Thanks for explaining this. Gives me MORE of an understanding what is going on.


thanks for all your hard work & for keeping us informed <img src="http://images.subeta.net/smilies/6398_emoticon_smile.gif" border="0" />

Thanks for the explanations! That helps <img src="http://images.subeta.net/smilies/6398_emoticon_smile.gif" border="0" />