One of the worst most damaging customer to a business is the legit customer who is not staisfied and says nothing.
Someone Has to Speak Up....
- Thread starter djwhy60
- Start date
One of the worst most damaging customer to a business is the legit customer who is not staisfied and says nothing.
And now, I feel it appropriate to say something else here;
The op is a longstanding member and someone I consider an online Friend & kindred spirit. To go and dismiss his frustrations with the operational status of our site as him being a "Dick" really isn't in the spirit and ethos of who we are and so those posts have been removed. I have left the op's rebuttal post in print so as to make my point, friends aren't supposed to only be friends when things are going dandy, friends are there through thick & thin and if a friend is frustrated I'd far rather hear him out, try to talk through it by exposing the reason(s) behind the encountered difficulties, and hopefully reach a better understanding/agreement that the friend's concern IS valid and is not being dismissed or demeaned by calling him a "Dick".
We WILL work through this, in whatever time it takes and the site will be all that much better for it. In the meantime, we'd all do well to try to understand our fellow poster's, friend's, displeasure with the software snafus and know that there are times when we ALL get frustrated with something or other in life, and I'm sure we wouldn't want our friends sneering at us for being passionate about some this or that.
PS, no Richards were harmed in the making of this post, the Sermon is over, go in Peace.......
It doesn't seem like you have any idea why the actions you mention above were virtually essential to keep up with developments, and the increasing load on the server some of which might have caused you to temporarily not be able to log on. There have been some unfortunate incidents in the past relating to the display of adverts, and the revenue that they generate for the site, but nothing that would cause me or anyone to throw in the towel. As a data centre support engineer, in charge of 7,000 servers for 9 years, I think I have some insight into the issues faced when servers are so old and slow they absolutely need to be replaced - and that means the software too.
The above is history, jump to the present and the main thing is that the site is under attack from 'data scrapers' or 'bots' or both, which is causing the Admins some headaches, which despite their valiant efforts (a lot of that in their own time), has been causing some disruption to site operations.
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Very well said!!
I will note, though, for the OP, that it doesn't really scratch the surface of the overwhelming issues, constant angst and stress that Ms Grumpy has had to endure keeping AK, VK, PC, AH etc. afloat and enjoyable for us all to share in. This on top of all her family and life needs.
Thank you, @Ms Grumpy, for sticking with it and for all you do.
I've no doubt that your posts here are with best intentions for AK's wellbeing. However, you are on the outside looking in and, perhaps, not seeing the full picture. How can you? Especially, with working so many hours a week and coming on AK for a more stress-free time with members and friends.
Were software and other upgrades made recently to AK? Yes, and, if those changes weren't made, the issues that we've been dealing with would have been even more disruptive. Some of what you're seeing is not caused by the software changes; it just so happens that significant internet changes, AI bots and massive attacks have coincided with the timing of those changes. That is, the changes didn't all directly cause the rash of issues, (though there may be some correlation with the associated learning curves that blur the lines), those issues would have happened anyway and likely in a much more harmful way.
AK doesn't banish those who have good intent with raising concerns. Input for the betterment of AK is very much appreciated. However, your sentiments might have been better shared first via private message to the owners or staff members so that you might have had a different overall view - or maybe not.
That's not the AK way.
Well said! That is also not the AK way
These recent access, caching, ads and other issues have been a thorn to us all. Please understand that actions taken are to keep AK online and available for all to enjoy.
Hi hkrick,
The op, djwhy60, isn't going anywhere, at least not on my watch. The man has expressed his frustrations/concerns with the flaws in our new operating system/software and there is no AK rule being broken there
Now, as to posts or threads being removed, there is a very simple formula being followed there; Our rules at AK are fairly well articulated and are designed around basically two endeavors; Keeping the site running smoothly, and keeping the site "family Friendly". Posts and or threads that end up being removed are removed because one of the AK rules has been broken and any post/thread I remove always generates a note to the poster explaining exactly which AK rule has been applied. I do this with no scolding or ill will toward the poster provided it doesn't become a repeated habit. The ethos of "All Audio, no Attitude" is what's expected to rule the day and for the most part our fellow members do a great job of adhering to that.
Here is a great rundown of the site's general rules, with most subforums having an additional rule or few posted in a "pinned" ("sticky") thread at the top of their frontpage;
AudioKarma Rules
Hear hear Chief. Things are running waaay better than a day ago. Granted I haven’t been on long today but still
I could not get in all day yesterday. There were aleady signs that something was seriously wrong yesterday morning. So I logged out and then could not get back in. Was able to get back in today but still need to use the CacheBuster extension for anything to work right. But that is better than nothing. And I agree that a lot of these problems started to occur after the site was "upgraded" earlier this year.
Anyway, Happy Memorial Day to all. Best wishes!
Anyway, Happy Memorial Day to all. Best wishes!
audiotemp
Super Member
Since overloads, slowdowns, dropped connections, lockouts, etc. all seem to be facts of life for the time being, I'll suggest that "the powers that be" might consider doing a little customization of the various error messages that appear to users so as to make them a bit more informative, polite and/or apologetic (despite any external causes), and maybe even with some sly humor... while at the same time keeping them brief and ascii only.
Just a thought. "Forbidden" is an especially bad message to be sending users when they're trying to load the main page.
Edit: Note that I am referring here to error messages (with http status codes) from the web server, seen a lot recently, not those from the forum software ("Oops...") or from Cloudflare.
Just a thought. "Forbidden" is an especially bad message to be sending users when they're trying to load the main page.
Edit: Note that I am referring here to error messages (with http status codes) from the web server, seen a lot recently, not those from the forum software ("Oops...") or from Cloudflare.
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I often (depending on the time of day and how I hold my tongue) get an "Oops...... " error message. Oops is sly humor.
I am going to be quite blunt about this.
Running a website in this day and age is a WAR. It's a one-upmanship battle between legit site owners, operators and users, and the bots, AI, hackers and such, that are trying to control and/or mine information from everywhere.
To that end- a protective measure that always seamlessly worked , and which may not have caused any issues even as of yesterday- may well be broken, and cause a site failure today, just because the incessant "invaders" keep evolving, and find another way in. Sometimes seemingly at a faster rate than the "good guys".
There are two choices- fight the good fight, take your victories when you can, and fix things as quickly as possible- or give up, and just let the nefarious agents win.
It really is that dire. And we're actually fortunate, to have people as dedicated as the staff here, to be wiling to go through the endless crap that is thrown at them by bad actors all over the world...
Regards,
Gordon.
Running a website in this day and age is a WAR. It's a one-upmanship battle between legit site owners, operators and users, and the bots, AI, hackers and such, that are trying to control and/or mine information from everywhere.
To that end- a protective measure that always seamlessly worked , and which may not have caused any issues even as of yesterday- may well be broken, and cause a site failure today, just because the incessant "invaders" keep evolving, and find another way in. Sometimes seemingly at a faster rate than the "good guys".
There are two choices- fight the good fight, take your victories when you can, and fix things as quickly as possible- or give up, and just let the nefarious agents win.
It really is that dire. And we're actually fortunate, to have people as dedicated as the staff here, to be wiling to go through the endless crap that is thrown at them by bad actors all over the world...
Regards,
Gordon.
^^ Well said.
I don't let the down time bother me,I understand there are always growing pains in changes and upgrades.
Personally I feel there is another problem that chases away many more members then downtime does. I'll stop with that said because the topic is forbidden fruit here.
Thanks to everyone who keeps this place moving along.
Personally I feel there is another problem that chases away many more members then downtime does. I'll stop with that said because the topic is forbidden fruit here.
Thanks to everyone who keeps this place moving along.
Wish I could. The error message is beyond my control. That is at the server level.
But I will see what I can do.
I myself have done my share of complaining, and frustration. Seems we have gotten over the hump of the issues I was having, but just a few minutes ago I was unable to access AK.
I am a long time member and have decided to overlook these issues that have had me tied.
I way appreciate Ms Grumpy, and a huge hats off to such a great ambassador taking on the tremendous responsibilities of this awesome place I value visiting, pretty much daily.
This is not only the VERY BEST audio website BAR NONE, there are so many folks I consider great friends.
Thanks, and a grateful nod to Ms Grumpy, and my very best to Grumpy too, Grumpy helped me through a way tough time in my life; something I will never forget.
I have decided to roll with the punches, and keep on looking forward.
AK rocks, and brings value to my life, guess I need to show that, and re-up my subscription in the next day or so.
That said, keep up the awesome work.
Now back to finding another record to play.
Happy Listening to all, Thanks AGAIN Ms Grumpy.
Celadon
I am a long time member and have decided to overlook these issues that have had me tied.
I way appreciate Ms Grumpy, and a huge hats off to such a great ambassador taking on the tremendous responsibilities of this awesome place I value visiting, pretty much daily.
This is not only the VERY BEST audio website BAR NONE, there are so many folks I consider great friends.
Thanks, and a grateful nod to Ms Grumpy, and my very best to Grumpy too, Grumpy helped me through a way tough time in my life; something I will never forget.
I have decided to roll with the punches, and keep on looking forward.
AK rocks, and brings value to my life, guess I need to show that, and re-up my subscription in the next day or so.
That said, keep up the awesome work.
Now back to finding another record to play.
Happy Listening to all, Thanks AGAIN Ms Grumpy.
Celadon
djwhy60 I just want you to know that I am not upset at all about your original post. As you stated many members are feeling the same way as you. You just opened up a conversation.
I agree with Tinkerbelle that it could have been done in a PM. But since it was done here it has given me some insight into what others are thinking as well.
I have heard you and the other members and will continue to do my best, in the best interest of AK and the other sites.
I agree with Tinkerbelle that it could have been done in a PM. But since it was done here it has given me some insight into what others are thinking as well.
I have heard you and the other members and will continue to do my best, in the best interest of AK and the other sites.
spicer
Lunatic Member
Yeah, and besides, it gives Dick a bad name.And now, I feel it appropriate to say something else here;
The op is a longstanding member and someone I consider an online Friend & kindred spirit. To go and dismiss his frustrations with the operational status of our site as him being a "Dick" really isn't in the spirit and ethos of who we are and so those posts have been removed. I have left the op's rebuttal post in print so as to make my point, friends aren't supposed to only be friends when things are going dandy, friends are there through thick & thin and if a friend is frustrated I'd far rather hear him out, try to talk through it by exposing the reason(s) behind the encountered difficulties, and hopefully reach a better understanding/agreement that the friend's concern IS valid and is not being dismissed or demeaned by calling him a "Dick".
We WILL work through this, in whatever time it takes and the site will be all that much better for it. In the meantime, we'd all do well to try to understand our fellow poster's, friend's, displeasure with the software snafus and know that there are times when we ALL get frustrated with something or other in life, and I'm sure we wouldn't want our friends sneering at us for being passionate about some this or that.
PS, no Richards were harmed in the making of this post, the Sermon is over, go in Peace.......
It is after all short for Richard...how that happened I'll never know.
Google that sh%t....Yeah, and besides, it gives Dick a bad name.
"Dick" became short for Richard in medieval England through a popular trend of creating playful, rhyming nicknames. [1]
People shortened Richard to "Rich" and then "Rick," and eventually turned Rick into "Dick". This rhyming nickname fad also gave us "Bill" for William and "Bob" for Robert. [1, 2]
I believe you will.....thank you.
I can pretty much guarantee that those in charge of AK made no decision to have all the issues that arose from the recent upgrades.