Messages

Actually, to be honest, I thought it was spam, which is why I didn't respond.  However, even if you missed the details on the hosting page (and I agree with reinder), the fact that you made it to the forums, which has an Application forum with a very clear explanation (Want a site here? Then this is the place to start.) means that you got 2 chances to find out how to go about applying.

I'm not saying you're stupid, but whenever applying for something, it's good to read all the details in case you miss something.  It could be more important later in life, like finding out hidden charges and pitfalls in contracts.

In any case, if you've never had experience making a website before, I would suggest Geocities or Tripod.  Many other independent free hosting sites often require an established site before they will consider your application.  If you can demonstrate that you have the basic HTML skills and a cool concept for the site, these independent sites are more willing to take a chance on you.

What type of site are you trying to create?  It may be that there is another host out there that is more suited towards your type of site.  I'm not trying to deter you from applying to Xepher.net, but there are other options worth investigating as well.

That's awesome...the white mage always dying...yeah.  Been there.

I haven't had time to say TGIF, because every F meant another weekend to do a paper, presentation, revision, etc.  However, I can say TGIF today, because the next paper is due on Tuesday, which gives me plenty of time to rot my brain with Sims 2 and fatty food. ^_^

Can you feature Miss Mab's site?  Or is that not good?  Also, what about Just Another Web Comic?

Her art is really cool...is she interested in starting up a website though?

5 year old kid playing DDR really really well *sobs*
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4232287009115643915&q=dance+dance+revolution&pl=true

the 2004 Cornell club DDR video
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-416431628064546280&q=otaku&pl=true

I suck...I go to benjaminmoore.com and look at their paint samples.

I got to level 6 too and got bored.  I never really understood why IQ tests and such were so useful.  I know a lot of book-smart people who are severely lacking in other areas.  And without the lower IQ testing people like me, they'd be screwed. ^_^

*dances to the Rockapella Folger's song*

All I can say is...even if you run out of every other Phase 2 site to feature, don't feature mine.  I'm afraid all the little 14 year old anime fans would pounce on it.  "Hey, will you host me?"  "I'm hosted...and no, he won't host you either.  Here's a pocky.  Now shoo."

I actually feel slightly guilty.  Bah.

I plan on having a fun funeral.  There will be good music and dancing and food and something like a wedding cake, only maybe made out of chocolate.  In any case, my funeral will be fun.

I think it's stupid that people die from video games and I know several people who are probably next in line in the WoW game.  I also think that having an in-game funeral is stupid too.  However, I think the clan was pretty stupid for wrecking an in-game funeral and then making a video of it because it just makes them look like assholes.  I'm guessing that for their actions, some other clan will wipe them out.  What goes around, comes around and if they start whining when that happens, that will just show how pathetic they are.

That really sucks...I hope your dad gets better soon.  I'm sorry about your not going to Japan too.

You've given me hope that spring break does exist after graduation. ^_^  Have fun!

6) For the whole increased income thing, you could always give some of the site owners the option to donate 100% of their proceeds to Xepher.net through the Donate button on their website.  I have no ideas for the other problem though...

Actually, that options already exists.  ^_^  I use it, mostly because I don't need my site for money.  Not like any visitors give any, except my friend, who was only using it to see if his Paypal account still worked.  *grumbles*

D'oh!  I had images in posts turned off.  Sorry about that.  It showed up as a link, which was actually a link to the thumbnail, not the larger image.

I'm kind of 50/50...video game comics can be really funny, but I'm not a fan of the pixel style.

I just don't get why anyone would coordinate to hit your service like that.  It's not like messing with xepher.net is going to make them famous or something.  And it's not interrupting a cash flow for you.  Weird people.

1. Do you think waiting to rebuild the system is a good enough option? Does it worry you undully that the server might be compromised in the meantime?

I'm not really all that worried...I've got back ups of everything, now that my personal CSV/SQL problem has been fixed.  If they take my site, I feel sorry for them.  It certainly isn't a trophy.

2. Please let me know which ones you actually use, which ones you'd like to use (or might in the future,) or ones I forgot or that you'd like to see

Webserver, SCP, Email forwarding, MySQL, SQLite (I only use the forum though...dunno if that counts), PHPMyAdmin (sorry), Virtual Domains, PHP.  I could see how adding web-based file uploading would be beneficial to some members, but I don't think I'd ever use it.

3. Do you think I should prioritze security, or ease of use / convience, and to what degree?

I think security should come first, although since there aren't any credit card numbers or anything to steal (is there?), it shouldn't be like a maximum security prison.  

4. What other features or services would you like to see added?

I pretty much like things the way they are....  I can't think of anything else to add.

5. How do you feel about the quality of service?

I think the quality of service is great.  Xepher.net has its ups and downs, just like any other hosting service.  I guess I'm kind of laid back about the whole server running/server dead thing.

6. I want ideas here. I have a couple problems I'm trying to solve.

Personally, I favor just getting more attractive sites here.  I think that the sites that generate the most revenue should not have the Xepher.net box on them so that they'll look like they're being commercially hosted.  It should just be a Paypal thing, like what Miss Mab has.  Of course, this means attracting those sites....  But I like the fact that people aren't separated by who pays and who doesn't.  It's kind of disheartening to see a split section on some of those types of sites.

7. How can I redo the application system? When I rebuild, should I make a system that requires current members to show up and vote on new people from time to time, or is that trying to force a community where there's not one? How else could I redo it? Do I deputize some trusted people to review and approve/deny applications?

I don't think requiring that people show up and vote is good.  Making people do something may put them in a bad mood and vote nay on all applications, even if the application is spectacular.  I'm going from the top of my head here, but what about limiting applications to a waiting pool of 10 or 20 at a time?  Once they're approved or denied, there's a spot open for someone else to apply.  While the applications are in the waiting pool, current members can give feedback and such.  If you use the queue system, I think someone you know IRL or who has been a constant feedback writer should be entrusted to automatically deny sites that don't follow the format or are just spam, thus opening up the spot for applications that follow the format.

EDIT:  I forgot to add...as for getting those spectacular sites...maybe, on some occasions, just going out there, presenting the Xepher.net package, and seeing if you can get them to hop on board.  And of course, applications.  But if there's a web comic out there that's awesome, but has ads or the owner is paying for it all, I think making a presentation isn't bad.  Or is this not something done by website hosts?