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Club President
I supported Toymods
Location:
Sydney
Registered:
May 2002
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Formerly TRD_RoLLa
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Mon, 22 July 2002 09:44
 
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I have a suggestion.
How about setting up something like "EZboard's Community Chest"
Judging from various other forums i have visited, seems to work.
Perhaps having little gif ads of sponsors etc.
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Club Member
Location:
Sydney, NSW
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Mon, 22 July 2002 10:27
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Hey Rod, i thought that the ads that are gunna be put on the site were going to do this... I'm not complaining at all but just having a say... I think that as well as the financial members of toymods have to pay for club membership, the forum members that aren't financial members might be made to pay a little annual fee... What do ppl think of this???
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Location:
Sydney
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Mon, 22 July 2002 10:36
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Do you guys need Parts for a server? or a Connection to serve from? let me know either way..
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Location:
Coffs
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Mon, 22 July 2002 10:39
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Rolla Boy: That could turn alot of people away from the forums to.
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Location:
Melbourne
Registered:
July 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Mon, 22 July 2002 10:40
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Thanks for the service you guys provide here. The forums are both entertaining and informative. I have no issues with your request and am more than happy to throw my money into the hat. As for suscription for non-toymods members, it would perhaps be best if this only applied to posting?
Thanks again,
David
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Club President
I supported Toymods
Location:
Sydney
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Mon, 22 July 2002 10:46
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Ben,
We ae only offering 10 adds for sale as we don't want to fill the site with Pop-ups and rubbish that will slow it down. We are also only accepting adds we think will help our members so Companys are taking a long while to come on board.
The Forum subscription fee is a great idea and we though about it but we decided against it. We want the Forums to be free so that anybody can visit and look around or post. That way we all benefit from the knowledge and Parts base thats out there and arriving on these forums. The donation scheme means people who are here alot will hopefully chip in and support the service they are using. I would be stocked if people donated as little as $5 you can't even get a Macca's Quarter pounder meal for that anymore. If all the regulars donated we would be along way towards the new server we need and helping cover some of the costs to run this site.
After that we want to get other things to help the members a Car trailer and Club BBQ has been suggested plus Tools like Engine Hoists and things not everyone has. In the very Long term it would be great to be able to turn to the club to hire stuff like that when we need something. But hey I'm ALONG way ahead of myself  Right now we really need a new server so thats the challenge we have.
Thanks for the comments they are always welcome and appreciated
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Club President
I supported Toymods
Location:
Sydney
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Mon, 22 July 2002 10:50
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Corvid,
The web hosting side of things is Sponsored for us by Qnix but the server itself just isn't keeping up anymore 
I am not very good with the Electronic side of things but if you think you can help in anyway Sam and Max can both be reached on board@toymods.org.auand will get back to you with what we need.
Thanks alot for the offer of assistance
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Club Member
Location:
Sydney, NSW
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Mon, 22 July 2002 11:16
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Lets see... I need a car trailer, an engine hoist, and a whole heap of other stuff... I think everyone could use this sort of stuff... I'll be in on that...
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Club Member
Location:
Sydney, NSW
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Mon, 22 July 2002 11:19
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I just had a thought... Like the trading post where ppl pay $30 for an ad, maybe the cars for sale that are advertised on teh forums could be hit with a $10 - $20 fee till they sell it... Then when it does sell, the thread could be removed to save space...
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I supported Toymods
Banned User
Location:
Brisbane
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Mon, 22 July 2002 11:29
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One post does'nt really take up any space on a msg board!
And I dont think that we would get as many cars advertised for sale as we do now with that scheme!
I personally think that this donation thing is the best way!
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Club Member
Location:
Sydney, NSW
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Mon, 22 July 2002 11:42
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I spose... Its still an idea that the board could do something with though...
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I supported Toymods
Location:
Sydney
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Mon, 22 July 2002 12:39
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If Corvid can get the server parts, why not pool the money towards the trailer in the other thread or the tools mentioned above???
Have been following these forums for a while , and am more than happy to contribute (as long as the 'cruiser is worthy!!) 
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I supported Toymods
Banned User
Location:
Brisbane
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Mon, 22 July 2002 12:54
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I think these donations should be for the server and the server only!
I have already donated funds towards the server upgrade because I know it would speed up viewing of all the threads on the board! It should also fix all most of the problems that have been popping up in the past!
Message boards are much different than just you average web page! They are a lot more CPU intensive so a fast processor and lots of memory is needed to host a message board relialibly!
Just my 15 cents worth.
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I supported Toymods
Location:
Perth
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Mon, 22 July 2002 12:58
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Yeah, thats exactly my opinion too, I reckon the forums are excellent the way they are, and donations is a great idea for raising the cash. Some of the other ways suggested would discourage users and be a bad thing in general.
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I supported Toymods
Location:
Sydney
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Mon, 22 July 2002 13:02
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Hi Guys,
Well this is a great idea.
I really hope that alot of people get behind this and throw a few dollars the clubs way.
I know any donation will be greatly appreciated by the club.
The club wants to make the forums quicker so that all of us internet and forum junkies can get the desired information they require sooner.
We all know how valuable our time is these days and the guys on the board DONATE their time to give us the best possible club they can. The forums have ALWAYS been an integral part of the clubs growth.
I for one would like to see the Club progress, so if a few dollars will help I will definately contribute.
Hugs 
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I supported Toymods
Banned User
Location:
Brisbane
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Mon, 22 July 2002 13:04
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forum junkies???
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I supported Toymods
Location:
melbourne.victoria.austra...
Registered:
June 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Mon, 22 July 2002 21:31
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This is a great site, heaps of good information on here, I've been here off and on over the years.
It ain't easy running a well publicised forum - thats for sure.
What sort of hardware you after in particular and how hardcore? I may be able to help.
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I supported Toymods
Location:
Perth
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Tue, 23 July 2002 00:06
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I ain't the forum junkie yet Cool1!
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I supported Toymods
Banned User
Location:
Brisbane
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Tue, 23 July 2002 01:02
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I'm trying to figure why I am regarded as a Forum Junkie! I dont spend much time on here!
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I supported Toymods
Location:
Perth
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Tue, 23 July 2002 01:10
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Well considering the other day you had just over 500 posts and today you are closer to 600...you tell me you aren't a junkie!
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I supported Toymods
Banned User
Location:
Brisbane
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Tue, 23 July 2002 01:14
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Maybe its just because I have a lot of dumb things to say!
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I supported Toymods
Location:
Perth
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Tue, 23 July 2002 01:21
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I think you may be onto something.
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I supported Toymods
Banned User
Location:
Brisbane
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Tue, 23 July 2002 01:28
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Are you trying to say that i'm full of shit? 
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I supported Toymods
Location:
Perth
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Tue, 23 July 2002 01:29
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No, just agreeing with you when you said it! Ahh, only 9 more posts till I become a junkie...
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I supported Toymods
Banned User
Location:
Brisbane
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Tue, 23 July 2002 01:50
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I think something is wrong! I hav'nt really made that many posts! This will be number 601! Damm, maybe i am a forum junkie!
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Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Tue, 23 July 2002 07:54
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So have we sold any ad spots yet?
I think Toymods could become an Amazon or Autospeed affiliate fairly quickly.
Sample books we could be recommending
Engineer to Win: The Essential Guide to Racing Car Materials Technology or How to Build Winners Which Don't Break (3747Ap)
Going Faster: Mastering the Art of Race Driving: The Skip Barber Racing School
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I supported Toymods
Location:
south of the big smoke
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Tue, 23 July 2002 08:31
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Rolla boy i dont think its the space on the server that is the problem i think its the bandwidth useage, everytime u view the forum you use bandwidth and like rod said 2.5 million hits is a lot of bandwidth
Rod: just a suggestion maybe add $10 on top of the yearly membership to keep the forums alive?
i would pay it
dont know about everyone else
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I supported Toymods
Toymods Club Secretary
Location:
Sydney
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Tue, 23 July 2002 09:45
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Just out of interest... Am i able to make a deposit to this account online, or will i have to go into a NAB branch and do it over the counter?
I'll definitely chip in some to help out, but if i have to go into a branch it could take me a little while.. 
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I supported Toymods
Location:
south of the big smoke
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Tue, 23 July 2002 09:47
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yeah if you have some sort of netbank u can do it
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Club President
I supported Toymods
Location:
Sydney
Registered:
May 2002
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 Re: Help Support these Forums
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Tue, 23 July 2002 12:30
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Lucid,
Mate net banking works fine buddy branch's are always a PITA to get too !
IF your net banking is anything like mine you'll just have to set the account up as a Payee.
OZ Craig,
Mate the people that already support the club by becoming Financial members are the ones who have made getting the website to where it is financially possible so far. We try and keep membership fees as low as we can as we are a non profit organisation.
The donation scheme was the best option we could come up with.
The Server is definatly what we are working towards anything else will come after and we will let everyone know what we have in mind if it comes to that. Keeping these forums the best they can be is our number one priority.
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Location:
Cabramatta, NSW
Registered:
May 2002
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 Re: Help Support these Forums
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Wed, 24 July 2002 00:53
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The main problem with the server isn't bandwidth (it is an issue, but not the main one).
The problem is processing power. Our current server is a bit of a dinosaur, nice and slow. These pages are all built dynamically off the database, which takes a lot of processing power. So during peak periods, it can get itself into quite a mess... It slows down when there are more hits which means it goes into a downward spiral.
We've had quite a few people willing to donate parts for the server which is great! I'm sure Sam will weigh up all the options and choose the best configuration available.
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I supported Toymods
Banned User
Location:
Brisbane
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Wed, 24 July 2002 00:59
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Thats exactly what I was trying to say! 
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I supported Toymods
Location:
south of the big smoke
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Thu, 25 July 2002 13:54
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Nark what parts you after!! i have lots lying around
just let me know and hopefully i can help
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Location:
Sydney, Australia
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Thu, 25 July 2002 21:58
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As Max says, the main issue at the moment is CPU... the forums are currently running on my backup DNS server, a HP NetServer Pentium Pro 200, however it isnt up to the job of running both the app and database so I offloaded the db off to another server (Sun Netra T1). This helped performance quite a bit, but there seems to be some issues with the web app talking to a remote db (ie the hangs and locking error messages you see sometimes). I'm hoping that by getting the app and db all on one decent server the problems should disappear, as well as upgrading to the latest release of FUD forums at them same time.
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I supported Toymods
Location:
melbourne.victoria.austra...
Registered:
June 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Fri, 26 July 2002 00:16
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what sorta OS you running on the boxes sam? i'm sorta from a win2k space so if you're using a Netra T1 you might be Ux based, um, if not i'd be looking at ODBC and/or MDAC levels maybe on your webservers?
Just a thought?
HP Netserver......wouldn't be an LC3 by chance?
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Location:
Sydney, Australia
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Fri, 26 July 2002 01:02
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Yeah it's running Linux (RedHat), it's actually a LH Pro, looks something list this:
 ,
Big chunky thing with no balls but reliable.
just talks to the MySql db via the usual TCP/IP port.
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I supported Toymods
Location:
melbourne.victoria.austra...
Registered:
June 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Fri, 26 July 2002 01:38
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agreed i'll give the HP's that they are reliable - only things we've ever had fail are discs (i hate that darn beeping sound when a disc dies) tho toptools is normally good for fixing that
ah yes mysql.....not a bad little database considering its free is that.....
FUD forums are pretty cool something else that maybe worth a look is phpBB - check out if you're interested my site (www.vncommodore.com) its config'd up pretty kewl. thats all based on a win2k environment tho.
u after a proprietry server (like dell, compaq, hp ect) or you going to build up a clone like thing?
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I supported Toymods
Banned User
Location:
Brisbane
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Fri, 26 July 2002 02:54
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LINUX ROCKS
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Location:
Sydney, Australia
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Fri, 26 July 2002 03:49
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Yeah mysql is not bad, not the best but can't complain for the price
For the server, I'm guessing we'll probably end up with a clone type, but I'd like to see it at least have mirrored disks. Anything up to a few years old should have enough grunt to do the job. The server will belong to the club and I don't think they need to go overboard, after all it's only the one web site, but it would be good to see something reliable that can last a while.
Greg, phpBB is also cool... I guess we could have gone either way. FUDforum has had a few updates and gone through a major revision since we implemented it so it will be interested to see what's been changed.
rgrds
sam
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I supported Toymods
Location:
melbourne.victoria.austra...
Registered:
June 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Fri, 26 July 2002 03:49
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damn straight cool1!!!!!!!
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Fri, 26 July 2002 05:29
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What about a different level of membership for people who will never actually be able to participate in events due to location? Perhaps charging them a different price as you don't have to mail them newsletters, insurance etc. and in return they get access to the forum, and maybe a sticker or a shirt (something material) Perhaps that would attract people. I know I would be interested in something like this. 
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I supported Toymods
Banned User
Location:
Brisbane
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Fri, 26 July 2002 06:03
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I agree with Libby. A small member fee to help keep the toymods page/forum alive and receive a sticker and tshirt!
I like this idea as I live in brisbane and quite possibly never take part in any of the events!
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Toymods Board Member
Location:
Sydney
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Sat, 27 July 2002 06:39
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shirt cost - $25
sticker cost - now $5
current membership cost - $40 (includes shirt, sticker etc...)
so a $30 'associate member' fee would only cover costs and be impractical and not raise funds for the club so thats why its not being considered
the $40 member fee barely covers costs as well but there are a few dollars which go toward the club (but after insurance and newsletter postage that ain't much)
the best way to support the club (and get someting 'material' in return) is still to become a financial member
if you don't want to spend that much then a small forum donation is appreciated
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I supported Toymods
Banned User
Location:
Brisbane
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Sat, 27 July 2002 07:42
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Ya must admit it was a good thought though!
I'd be happy just donating $20 every year till I get my celica going and get my licence back!
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Location:
North Sydney
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Sun, 28 July 2002 03:27
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i'd be happy to donate also but can we become financial member through this bank account.
I and alot of other ppl would find it easier to become a member this way. A placement of $40 into this account could be taken as a membership payment.
Apart from a recent $1515 fine and emergency surgery i will soon be able to become a member.
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Toymods Board Member
Location:
Sydney
Registered:
May 2002
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Location:
Montrose, VIC
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Sun, 28 July 2002 13:37
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My problem is that I generally only read the Tech & Conversions section, so I only just spotted this post. I'll try and throw a few $ your way in the next few days, as I'm a big fan of these forums. Now I've just gotta argue with the bank! Keep up the good work peoples.
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I supported Toymods
Location:
melbourne.victoria.austra...
Registered:
June 2002
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Location:
Sydney
Registered:
May 2002
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Toymods Board Member
Location:
Sydney
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Tue, 30 July 2002 10:49
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great suggestions guys
certainly worth investigating more
thanks
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Location:
Sydney- Sutho Shire &...
Registered:
June 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Fri, 02 August 2002 10:46
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I was a frequent flyer at another carsite that became very popular. It was run by a single guy in Portugal, who put a lot of effort into it. Eventually the ad revenue dropped down to basically nothing, but the bandwidth kept growing. We all offered money, and offered to organise Tshirts etc to raise funds but he declined, and got busy with work etc.
Finally he accepted payments to a Paypal account, and received over $1200usd in the first month. This just met his costs for the month, but then further donations tapered off.
Then 1 day, the site was no more. He still has debts of about $2000- from what I heard last.
Now this sounds all doom and gloom, and the circumstances are a bit different here. I also appreciate what a good site this is, and feel confident it won't go the same way .
Keep us informed !
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I supported Toymods
Location:
Perth
Registered:
August 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Wed, 07 August 2002 02:58
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i would just like to know how much our dontaions have raised
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I supported Toymods
Banned User
Location:
Brisbane
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Wed, 07 August 2002 03:58
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I would also like to know
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Location:
Perth
Registered:
June 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Mon, 19 August 2002 07:44
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I just got an idea
I think most of us has some spare parts(spares, I mean!!) which may not be useful or a waste of the space of your garage, what about to have a "fund raising swap meet" to sell all your parts and give all the money to our club? and you can meet each other to chat, or even to get the parts u want in the meet.
(what a pity to WA and SA members....we can't join!!!)
anyway, save our forums!!!!
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Club President
I supported Toymods
Location:
Sydney
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Tue, 20 August 2002 00:47
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Ozwilly,
Mate keep your eye on the forums as a Fund raising Auction has already been planned and it being held in the september/October some time. Joe (Havoc) will be posting up the finer details soon.
Libby,
We are looking into the material recognition side of things. My wife Tina has a few ideas we are looking into but she is off her feet in hospital at the moment and I have not had a chance to keep things going. We were thinking along the lines ofa "I supported Toymods Sticker" but this is still at concept stage and has to be costed out and discussed by the board before anything is definate. As for associate membership to be honest we simply cannot afford too
A new membership to the club is only $40. From this we provide the following:
T-shirt $25 (plus postage of T-Shirt when necessary)
Sticker $5
Public liabity insurance $8
Bi monthly newsletter (postage alone is more than $2/PA )
Then we also need to cover the costs of being a registered club to the various government bodies.
As you can see we really do not make anything on new members. In fact we make a small loss with every new membership. The first time the club actually makes money on memberships is when a member renews and even then it is a negligable amount.
Thanks for all the suggestions guys and gals we really do appreciate them and all the support.
Regards,
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I supported Toymods
Toymods Club Secretary
Location:
Sydney
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Tue, 20 August 2002 01:07
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| thetoyman75 wrote on Tue, 20 August 2002 10:47 AM |
We were thinking along the lines ofa "I supported Toymods Sticker" but this is still at concept stage and has to be costed out and discussed by the board before anything is definate.
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Just an idea Rod, how about having a little custom text placed in the profile of the users who've donated, that is displayed underneath their avatar when they post? (eg. "Financial Forums Supporter") or something like that? Basically it costs the club nothing (I'm sure Max or Sam can set it up very easily) and it lets everyone who uses the forums see just who has and hasn't supported.. 
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Club President
I supported Toymods
Location:
Sydney
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Tue, 20 August 2002 01:08
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Fundraising Update.
As a quick count of the donations thread.
http://www.toymods.org.au/msgboard/msg.php?th=2254 &start=0&rid=4&S=512f3f5c544713a66e43f 36bf4f60772
We has raised $261.94 so far. Mos will of course have to verify that is what has been placed into the account.
A huge thanks to everyone that has donated already at a guess (I'm not a computer expert, we leave that to Max and Sam ) I would say that puts us at about 20% of the way towards a new server.
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Location:
Cabramatta, NSW
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Tue, 20 August 2002 01:29
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Hi guys,
The custom tags idea has been thrown around for a while, and I've just placed a "I supported Toymods" tag underneath the names of all people who have donated and posted up on the I supported Toymods thread.
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I supported Toymods
Banned User
Location:
Brisbane
Registered:
May 2002
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Re: Help Support these Forums
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Tue, 20 August 2002 07:32
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Can I ask what type of system is being looked at?
I mean is it just going to be a Intel type system, or something along the lines of a HP server?
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