Slowdown and adds.

[Xandax]

Over the last few days (think it started yesteday - wedensday) - I have started to experience a severe slowdown of Gamebanshee, sometimes I get a error message, other times it just takes long to load the page.
I dunno if there is some work going on, that could explain it? - or if others have this problem at all, or it is a local problem?.

Secondly - at the same time, I've started seeing adds when going to the forum (banner) and when entering the GB main site (splash screen + banners).
I don't know if it is because my subscription has expiered and isnt' renewed (I have no idea how this subscription thing works on GB actually ), which is why I am seeing adds.?

[Gwalchmai]

I've noticed the same. If it is time to renew, a PM or email reminder might be nice.

[BuckGB]

We will most likely be removing the subscription feature altogether, since it has not garnered as much interest as we had hoped. Unfortunately, the cost of a monthly merchant account and a Payflow account with Verisign (to accept credit cards) is too steep for the number of subscribers we currently have. However, for those of you who are current subscribers, the advertisements should not be showing up, and I will check to see why you are experiencing a slowdown and seeing banners.

If/when we do remove the subscription option, those of you who have paid will continue to be a subscriber until your plan expires.

[Xandax]

Will you revert to the "PayPal" feature or what it was called so I can donate money instead then?.

Would still like to support GB as good as I can.

[Yshania]

The same is happening for me...

I logged in a couple of days ago to get a full page message telling me to subscribe. I am quite sure that I subscribed in July of last year, and for 12 months, so I shouldn't be chased now, right? Anyhow, if I click on the subscription button, I get the following message

Reactivate Your Subscription
"TOO MANY FAILURES" with this account

This is just above the boxes requesting my credit card details.

For the record, the advertisements have stopped for now though.

[BuckGB]

Sorry to hear you're having trouble as well, Yshania. Since we're currently gearing up to install a new version of vBulletin (version 3.01 with lotsa nice featuers), I may end up removing the subscription feature sooner than I thought. However, before I do that, I'll be sure to keep a list of those users who have current subscriptions so I can issue a refund. I apologize for having to make such changes, but the subscription feature has also taken more administrative resources than originally expected. With our current UGO contract, our advertising revenue should cover our expenses even without the subscriptions.

If you'd like me to keep a Paypal donate button up (assuming the subscription service does indeed go away), then I'd be happy to add a link to it here in the forums for those of you who would like to contribute. There's always more content we could be adding to GameBanshee, and extra revenue is the best means to get it done.

Regardless of what happens, I'd like to say thanks for the support - it is much appreciated. I always attempt to make the best decision to keep GameBanshee flourishing, and with the website's current traffic, going back to a regular advertising scheme looks to be our best option. I'll be sure to keep everyone updated in the announcements section if/when we make the change.

[Xandax]

I would like a PayPal link, so I can donate instead of subscribe to help GB out anyway I can.

[Yshania]

Buck, thanks. I for one would rather the same priveleges continue than getting a refund though, ie no pop ups etc. Then an alternative way of supporting the site would be cool

I am otherwise happy to hear that the site is doing well!

[Yshania]

For the record, I got this when I signed in today (after clearing cookies)

"There is some problem with your account information you can change this information from the subscribe form

Note: if you are receiving same massage next day also you can reactivate your subscription services by filling the GameBanshee Forums subscription new subscription fee start from the current date

Also you can contact to the administrator about it

click continue to proceed normal login"

[Gwalchmai]

Now, when I go to log in to GB (after clearing my cookies), I enter my info, hit enter, then get a white page with the word "No" on it. So then I back up to the GB page again, hit reload, and then it appears normal with the "Welcome Back, Gwalchmai" note at the top. Strange.....

[Yshania]

ROFL! Sorry, Gwally, but that is too funny! (Ignoring the lack of grammar and punctuation) did anyone notice the spelling mistake in my post above?? No, it was not my spelling mistake (a cut and paste job) but it amused me none the less

Buck has Gremlins at work!

[BuckGB]

I apologize for the issues with the subscription service, but E3 set everything back and I'm still waiting on a status update from our coders since my return. I'll let you know as soon as I have an update.

Also, for the record, I didn't type any of the subscription-related text (my spelling and grammar isn't that bad, is it? ). The guys who did the work were from Asia, and apparently their English wasn't top-notch. Once we start renovating the forums, we'll be removing any and all spelling/grammar mistakes that we can find.

[Yshania]

So we lose the massage? *sigh* and there was I thinking it might be a new subscriber privilege!

Good luck, Buck!

[Gwalchmai]

Gwally's Massage Parlor will always have a table ready for you, Dear Yshania, to try to fill the gaping hole left by the absence of Buck's expert ministrations!