• @webmaster
    Administrator
    @webmaster --% (5x)
    free

    6958 Beiträge

    Belgien

    Dear friends,

    A Newsletter with 6 points for this week-end ...


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    1. Server off line

    As you most likely noticed, our server got struck by bad luck last week. Indeed, it broke down twice in the space of a single week because of its hard disk. The breakdowns were fortunately benign, but they necessitated rather long repairs. Each time, we were able to delay the closing of auctions, but we still wish to offer our most sincere apologies for these inconveniences, which were beyond our control.
    We thank those among you who sent messages of support. Even if it was impossible for us to reply to each individually, know that we were appreciative and encouraged.

    We were able to analyze the problem that caused these breakdowns and have already identified solutions. We have to face the fact that the site is getting very large (already 1,700,000 auctions since the launch), and our mission is to keep it performing and pleasant for all. For this, we are going to have to lighten the hard disks in two ways:

    1. We are going to archive the auctions closed for over three months. This means that they will no longer appear in your site lists but that you can still find them by entering the auction number in the search box.

    2. We are going to suppress the images linked to those same auctions.

    Those old auctions are rarely looked up, and we estimate that this could increase the speed of the site by a factor of 3 or 4 ... which, we must confess, is really necessary at certain times.

    These measures should be implemented during September. Therefore, if you wish to save pictures of auctions closed for over three months, it is better to do it before the 1st of September.


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    2. First report after the passing of the 1st of July

    We were somewhat apprehensive following the call for commission fees starting on July 1. Today, we are very happy to note that you have remained very faithful (with a few rare exceptions). It is still difficult for us to estimate the exact impact of this change because vacation time is obviously a slow time ... especially under the oppressive heat wave that we have been experiencing about everywhere in Europe.

    What we can already measure, however, is the very positive financial impact on the site. As we promised, we are going to be able to buy better performing hardware and prepare a serious advertisement budget by the end of the year.

    We wish to thank all who have already credited their account on the site. Your support is very appreciated and encouraging.

    We are counting on launching a rather important advertising campaign in the specialized press and in the general press (mostly national newspapers). It would greatly help us if you could suggest to us the names of magazines specialized in collecting, modeling, etc.


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    3. The Blaster worm

    A new worm (virus) has appeared this week. Unlike what we had been accustomed to, this one is not transmitted by email but simply through your internet connection. This makes it far more dangerous.

    We invite you to read the following page for more information:
    Link (http)

    We also invite all those among you whose computer run Windows (NT4, Win2000, WinXP or WinServer2003) to go to the Microsoft site to download the remedy:
    Link (http)


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    4. Did you get a virus with one of our messages?

    Many members have notified us that they received emails addressed to others and occasionally containing confidential information such as sale results or nickname/password sets. These emails are most often accompanied by a virus named W32/Bugbear.b @ MM
    Contrary to what you may think, these emails do not originate from us but from several among you whose computers have been infected by the virus and have transmitted it to others.

    You will find additional information on this virus at the following link:
    Link (http)


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    5. It is YOU who keep the site alive !

    Of course, you know the auctions ... but Delcampe.com is also first and foremost a community of collectors. You can participate in the life of the site ...

    - By writing an article in the magazine:
    Link (http)
    - By sending us your "eXPerience" message for the site's homepage:
    Link (http)
    - By participating in forum discussions:
    Link (http)
    - By using Usenet access:
    Link (http)
    - By talking about the site with your friends and acquaintances !
    - ...


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    6. Call for manners

    We have noted that a number of items were listed, voluntarily or not, in inappropriate categories. Besides incommodating buyers, this may incite errors and lead someone to bid on an item of no interest. We therefore appeal to your goodwill that you will replace your auctions in the appropriate categories and pay better attention in the future when you start a new auction.

    We take the liberty to remind you also of the importance of courtesy and politeness toward other members. During these last few weeks, several complaints were sent to us about this.

    This would make it better for all of us. Thanks!


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------




    See you soon... on Link (http) !

    Best regards,

    Seb Delcampe


    PS: Thank you to Benoit who has translated this newsletter.