New Database Server
If you haven't noticed already, the site has been handling increased user loads very well over the past 4-5 days. We've successfully migrated to three servers at this time. MacRumors' front page, forums and database now reside on individual dedicated servers.
This will provide much needed horsepower to allow lively discussion during the most amazing and disappointing Apple announcements.
As well, we've developed a dramatically improved Keynote webcasting system to be able to handle very large user loads with much more frequent updates.
How to Support MacRumors
While our servers were struggling with the increasing popularity of the site, many users asked how they could help support the site. Here are the primary ways to support MacRumors and Forums.
Spreading the Word
As counterintuitive as it may seem due to the recent server loads, we still actively encourage you to continue to spread the word about this site. The forums will continue to be upgraded to handle any additional load required.
We would ask those with blogs/websites to actively link to MacRumors and our associated sites. The ongoing success of the site depends on interested users.
Participate
Join the forums, post questions, comments and answers. We also have active SETI and Folding distributed computing teams which would be happy to get any further assistance.
New Shop Links
New shop links to popular Mac-related stores are now provided near the top of the forums. These shop links provide quick links to popular online vendors such as Amazon and MacMall.
Members are encouraged to regularly utilize and refer others to these sponsored links to support ongoing costs.
Subscriptions
Based on user requests, the site subscription/contribution system is back in place. Registered forum users can contribute to the site through the Paid Subscriptions link found in the User Control Panel. Cost of the contribution for $25/year and provides users with an ad-free MacRumors front page as well as access to private forums. Currently payment is only accepted via PayPal/Credit Card.
