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
Alzirr
You never cease to amaze me, you know. I feel so stupid when reading this. XD
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" />