PH RFactor V8ers (and Larkabouters)

[neil_bolton]

Can I just haul everyone up before someone starts getting really funny and we all fall out.

I (and Adam and Dave) cannot be around every Sunday to babysit the RFactor server as we all have lives outside of PH and RFactor (scary I know).

Now, its not to much to say that you all should reasonably expect the server to be available for you when the schedule requires it - after all you all pretty much paid your dues to contribute to the server upkeep. However this was a courtesy donation - and there are noises about how long we'll be using the server for - after all the server uses electricity, bandwidth and rack space. The person who helped us is within his rights to yank the server! We are not asking for any more money - just consideration of the benefit that we got for VERY cheap (if you are unsure - find out how much it costs to host a games server).

If availibility is utmost concern - I suggest we consider a migration or backup plan to host a games server - however it will cost quite a bit each month.

However, can I just point out that it bleeding ludicrous that people don't bother to check that the server is working correctly until 5 minutes before the start of the race?

There can be all sorts of reasons why the server isn't available - and most of them can be sorted providing one of us is given enough notice and NOT bang on the dot every Sunday at 8.58pm.

I'm ensuring that all the tracks are downloaded tonight - but its a pain to keep ensuring that I have this or that latest version - and theres quite a few!

PLEASE, ensure that you can logon to, and connect/drive on the track BEFORE Sunday - this will relieve some stress for us, but also you - you all know then that you'll be able to race bang on 9pm.

Also regarding the IP adress: Its not your server, and so if I ask that we don't publicise the address, then I expect you all to please try and have the courtesy to do so.

Just because it is an "IP address" it doesn't mean that someone may have let slip the server password, and we never know when someone has exploited the RFactor port and client software.

So, hence, I am VERY nervous about enlarging the external security risk window to that server any more than I have to - again its not mine or yours - and I'd be flipping embarressed if I got a phonecall moaning about any problems caused by it...

Ultimately the crux of my point is: Cmon lads, this is supposed to be something fun and enjoyable for all - however all this seriousness and moaning about the server is pissing me right off (and Adam and Dave) and ultimately we need to take a step back and take it a little less for granted. Please try and cover your own backs and makes sure you have the right versions - OR makes sure one of us have updated the server with the right version BEFORE the Sunday!

Peace out homies.

Edited by neil_bolton on Monday 2nd July 19:51

[Pvapour]

neil_bolton said:

Can I just haul everyone up before someone starts getting really funny and we all fall out.

I (and Adam and Dave) cannot be around every Sunday to babysit the RFactor server as we all have lives outside of PH and RFactor (scary I know).

Now, its not to much to say that you all should reasonably expect the server to be available for you when the schedule requires it - after all you all pretty much paid your dues to contribute to the server upkeep. However this was a courtesy donation - and there are noises about how long we'll be using the server for - after all the server uses electricity, bandwidth and rack space. The person who helped us is within his rights to yank the server! We are not asking for any more money - just consideration of the benefit that we got for VERY cheap (if you are unsure - find out how much it costs to host a games server).

If availibility is utmost concern - I suggest we consider a migration or backup plan to host a games server - however it will cost quite a bit each month.

However, can I just point out that it bleeding ludicrous that people don't bother to check that the server is working correctly until 5 minutes before the start of the race?

There can be all sorts of reasons why the server isn't available - and most of them can be sorted providing one of us is given enough notice and NOT bang on the dot every Sunday at 8.58pm.

I'm ensuring that all the tracks are downloaded tonight - but its a pain to keep ensuring that I have this or that latest version - and theres quite a few!

PLEASE, ensure that you can logon to, and connect/drive on the track BEFORE Sunday - this will relieve some stress for us, but also you - you all know then that you'll be able to race bang on 9pm.

Also regarding the IP adress: Its not your server, and so if I ask that we don't publicise the address, then I expect you all to please try and have the courtesy to do so.

Just because it is an "IP address" it doesn't mean that someone may have let slip the server password, and we never know when someone has exploited the RFactor port and client software.

So, hence, I am VERY nervous about enlarging the external security risk window to that server any more than I have to - again its not mine or yours - and I'd be flipping embarressed if I got a phonecall moaning about any problems caused by it...

Ultimately the crux of my point is: Cmon lads, this is supposed to be something fun and enjoyable for all - however all this seriousness and moaning about the server is pissing me right off (and Adam and Dave) and ultimately we need to take a step back and take it a little less for granted. Please try and cover your own backs and makes sure you have the right versions - OR makes sure one of us have updated the server with the right version BEFORE the Sunday!

Peace out homies.

Edited by neil_bolton on Monday 2nd July 19:51

I cant be arsed with this bickering TBO, if its there its there if its not its not, the money donated gave good fun whilst it lasted didn't think it would last forever anyway & it does seem interest on the server side is dwindling a tad

This should'nt be a pain in the arse for anyone! just do it / organise the server if you want to, if you dont, then dont, strangely we also have other things outside PH & Rfactor, (apart from Diver ) so if you'd rather call it quits neil then just say so mate, lets not draw out a long winded 'I cant be bothered anymore'

I do feel for FWD a bit though who has done a good joob of organising things and stayed with what he said he would do.

[neil_bolton]

PV who came out the other day said:

Stuff

I'm in no way saying that I dont want to help out nor maintain the server - its not exactly that hard, however:

As I said, I just want people to take a step back and consider what they need to do too...

FWD has done some sterling work and for that I am appreciative - as I am sure that others are too - lets keep the server and leagues going for as long as we can.

Lets not allow it, however, to turn into bickering as PV says, where me, Dave or Adam (and FWD too) get so pissed off with being chased on a Sunday, that we just want to say F-off.

Its not at that stage yet, however I thought if I dont say anything, we'll get there...

Edited by neil_bolton on Monday 2nd July 20:55

[Mr_Yogi]

I totally appreciate (as i'm sure every1 else does) all that you've done Neil to get the server up n running, also all the help from the other admins (Adam and Dave). IMO the server has been well worth it and I hope it can continue, especially with the new larabout server

Last weekend was just a bit of a mix up due to the server being moved to a diferent port and the matchmaker being down...again

We had the IP (from before) but due to the larkabout being the default port the V8Factor server didn't reveal itself.

Regarding the IP, I think there is a downloadable rFactor server browsing tool which reveals the IP and port numbers, so they can be found easily.

BTW have we decided on the mod for the larkabout? gave the F430's a go but with more than 8 cars visable I get bad fps at the start of races, irrelevant of graphical settings, where as many other mods are fine maxed out with 16 visable cars

Anyone else experiencing this?

Edited by Mr_Yogi on Monday 2nd July 21:10

[neil_bolton]

Mr_Yogi said:

I totally appreciate (as i'm sure every1 else does) all that you've done Neil to get the server up n running, also all the help from the other admins (Adam and Dave). IMO the server has been well worth it and I hope it can continue, especially with the new larabout server

Last weekend was just a bit of a mix up due to the server being moved to a diferent port and the matchmaker being down...again

We had the IP (from before) but due to the larkabout being the default port the V8Factor server didn't reveal itself.

Regarding the IP, I think there is a downloadable rFactor server browsing tool which reveals the IP and port numbers, so they can be found easily.

BTW have we decided on the mod for the larkabout? gave the F430's a go but with more than 8 cars visable I get bad fps at the start of races, irrelevant of graphical settings, where as many other mods are fine maxed out with 16 visable cars

Anyone else experiencing this?

Edited by Mr_Yogi on Monday 2nd July 21:10

Thanks Yogi - understand your points but hopefully you can understand mine too - if it were my server I probably wouldn't worry, but seeing as its someone elses, lets try and be careful...

Anyhoo, regarding Larkabout, shall we start a new thread to discuss?

[D_Mike]

reasonable post I think Neil, and thanks for getting all the tracks sorted tonight

is there anyway we can think about making someone a little more active an admin?

[neil_bolton]

D_Mike said:

reasonable post I think Neil, and thanks for getting all the tracks sorted tonight

is there anyway we can think about making someone a little more active an admin?

We tried that - obviously why Dave and Adam became Mods.

I offered FWD the oppotunity but as he doesn't have a static IP theres no way that I can allow him access - no way in hell will I allow dynamic IP addresses remote access.

Its a double edged sword when it comes to access.

[Pvapour]

neil_bolton said:

PV who came out the other day said:

Stuff

I'm in no way saying that I dont want to help out nor maintain the server - its not exactly that hard, however:

As I said, I just want people to take a step back and consider what they need to do too...

FWD has done some sterling work and for that I am appreciative - as I am sure that others are too - lets keep the server and leagues going for as long as we can.

Lets not allow it, however, to turn into bickering as PV says, where me, Dave or Adam (and FWD too) get so pissed off with being chased on a Sunday, that we just want to say F-off.

Its not at that stage yet, however I thought if I dont say anything, we'll get there...

Edited by neil_bolton on Monday 2nd July 20:55

got the ball rolling by the looks of it

ignore me, im just a trouble maker with isues

Edited by Pvapour on Monday 2nd July 21:47

[rebelstar]

Ho hum.

I've got no problem with helping out maintaining the server - but I do appreciate having some notice. Making sure the correct mods are loaded and everything is working on a Saturday seems like common sense to me - again, if I'm around I'll help out.

I do understand Neil's concerns about server security; it's not his network that hosts it and we must be super-careful. Although the lobby system is awful, broadcasting the IP address in a public forum probably isn't the best idea, even though there are other ways of finding it out

Neil, for those occasional times when the lobby is totally broken, I don't mind people having my IM address to contact me. How does that sit with you?

Adam

[rebelstar]

p.s. I understand PV and myself are almost neighbours now. Must watch out for when he's "down my way"

[neil_bolton]

rebelstar said:

Ho hum.

I've got no problem with helping out maintaining the server - but I do appreciate having some notice. Making sure the correct mods are loaded and everything is working on a Saturday seems like common sense to me - again, if I'm around I'll help out.

I do understand Neil's concerns about server security; it's not his network that hosts it and we must be super-careful. Although the lobby system is awful, broadcasting the IP address in a public forum probably isn't the best idea, even though there are other ways of finding it out

Neil, for those occasional times when the lobby is totally broken, I don't mind people having my IM address to contact me. How does that sit with you?

Adam

Absolutely fine - I don't know why all the RFactor MSNers aren't all 'together' as it were - it'd save some aggro.

I think between the three of us, plenty of notice and some common sense from all parties, we should be able to cover nearly all bases...

[Pvapour]

rebelstar said:

p.s. I understand PV and myself are almost neighbours now. Must watch out for when he's "down my way"

didn't know we were rubin shoulders Adam, your location says Berks

"down my way" I'm not realy like that Adam, nothing wrong with it but not forme I'm afraid, PM Diver

[Mr_Yogi]

[diver944]

Pvapour said:

"down my way" I'm not realy like that Adam, nothing wrong with it but not forme I'm afraid, PM Diver

Blummin stalkers - yikes!

I didn't realise PVA had moved north to be closer to me again, I really must check the small print on his restraining order. I'd better get the house on the market again

[rebelstar]

Anyone who wants to catch me on IM, send me your details via PH (or my regular email address if you have it) and I'll respond.