Can we PLEASE rescue this board from it's sluggish misery?

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
1

This is neither mundane or pointless but I imagine it will get the most exposure here.

There has got to be a way we can rescue this board from hamsterland. Given all of the immensly creative minds here, I find it hard to believe that there is an obstacle we couldn’t overcome with a bit of persistence and ingenuity.

I’ve read several threads on the subject of how the SDMB can’t accept monetary donations, etc. and that the upgrades they have made were soon inundated with increased demand. But my god, it is just freaking unacceptable for a board this popular to be so damn slow (as far as I’m concerned, it is quite often the slowest board I have ever encountered, bar none). If they are unable to justify the costs of yet another upgrade, I can understand, but there has got to be a way for us to contribute in some meaningful way.

Lately I’ve been thinking of a way we could possibly help.

If they can’t accept money, could they accept a donation of hardware? I’m talking servers here, or whatever else it would take to get this board up to speed. Couldn’t we figure out a reasonable way to pool donations, buy whatever hardware is needed, and then just donate it to the Chicago Reader? Would this get around the accounting problems that they seem to have with monetary donations?

I realize that this may be a crazy idea but if it could work, I’d be the first to pony up a $20 donation to some sort of an SDMB upgrade fund. I am sure there are many people here who could justify even a small donation of $1. I have no idea how such a fund would need be set up but there is certainly an agreeable method.

Is this idea viable? Anybody else here care to do some brainstorming? Can’t we come up with a plan that would allow us to help the SDMB to be a more enjoyable browsing experience for all of us?

I must admit that my motivations here are purely selfish. I’m not a patient person and I’ve reached a point where I would rather forgo my SDMB browsing habits than deal with the frustration of (often) trying in vain to use such a sluggish board.

Put your minds to work here. Perhaps we hold the answer to this problem within our collective intellects. Let this idea percolate for a bit and then let’s see if we can come up with a plan that would be acceptable to the SDMB administration.

Constructive criticism would be appreciated.

Thanks.

2

Less pointless and futile posts would help.

Whoops.

3

I think we’d all like to see some more hamsters in the mix, but I think you’re posting in the wrong place. You’d probably want to try to get into contact with the Chicago Reader or something along those lines. I might be incorrect, but it’s my understanding that they would have final say in a situation like what you’re brainstorming.

4

**
Surely you jest. Hamsters are BAD. What we need is raccoons. Now those little buggers are smart and efficient. I will gladly purchase a few for a test program…though I’ve heard that they do not like running in place.

Good point, but I have nothing concrete to present to the Chicago Reader. Hence this appeal to the community for some brainstorming of possible ideas which might have a chance at success. Should we come up with a workable plan (and some community interest), it could be presented to the appropriate persons for their consideration.

I do think there must be a way to help them out. Given an effort by the community, who knows, we might just find a way to help…

5

Steroids! For the Hamsters! And maybe a low-carb diet too! Yeah! THAT’S the answer!

6

I’m in.
I usually can’t access the board unless it is very late at night or early in the AM. I’d gladly pay to buy track shoes for the hamsters!

7

I would glady chip in $10-$20 for a board upgrade.

8

Me too. Would love to help. $20 seems like a bargain.

9

Last time this was discussed they said they can’t do it and stop trying to raise money. I don’t know if they would accept hardware but I tend to doubt it.

10

Maybe pointing a 1920s style “Death Ray” at the hamsters would help.

11

Nope, that would just fry 'em! Then we really will need them racoons…

12

I’ve already worked out the details. You all just need to send the donations to me and I’ll take care of everything. No, really.