Why did LHC "crash"?

[contradiction]

I used to lurk on the old LHC for a few years, I'd visit every few months or so but because I wasn't actively growing long hair at the time I didn't stay for long. I remember suddenly I could no longer find the website and assumed it had shut down, then I found this one. I sometimes read about people talking about the LHC crash.

But why did the old LHC crash? How long was it down for? How long did it take to get up and running? How did you communicate with other members in the meantime?

Just some questions from someone interested.....

[Flaxen]

Many, many posts and huge threads can result in data becoming corrupted in the database. Mini crashes can be reset, but eventually it can crash BIG. The old site went down at the end of January 2008, and the new one wasn't up until the end of the first week in March, so almost six weeks total.

We didn't miss a beat, though. We all chatted over at The Beauty Bottle or at the old, old Net54 board. The link for that is in the database error sticky on Site Support.

[contradiction]

Does that mean this LHC could crash also?

[AnitaThorn]

Aww, I hope not!

[Flaxen]

It's possible, yes.

[akurah]

Yes, it could. It might take years though, depending on post volume, and if there are any vbulletin updates. Or if there are vbulletin updates, it may prevent it.

Software can always crash, anyone saying otherwise probably doesn't know better.

[redneckprincess]

They why save all old posts? Why not delete (or give the option to) inactive posts/threads after time has passed

[physicschick]

They why save all old posts? Why not delete (or give the option to) inactive posts/threads after time has passed

Because old posts are useful! My understanding is that we have plenty of server space. Using up all our disk space is not a concern. Keeping everything indexed and organized and searchable is what takes up more computer overhead, but it's worthwhile because it means you can draw upon years of member experience by searching for old posts/threads.

[Delila]

Because old posts are useful! ... but it's worthwhile because it means you can draw upon years of member experience by searching for old posts/threads.

Just chiming in with more along the lines of 'searching is worth it!'

I rediscovered LHC at some point in my life back before I was routinely "brave" enough to join a forum and post online, and spent MONTHS reading things, searching for advice, and learning a lot.

One of the most important things I learned, is that the advice that works best for me, tends to work well for others with my hair type (i.e., fine, thin, oily scalp). Searching for advice from other members with the same hair type saved me a lot of work, inspired me to try a lot of fun stuff, and really taught me a lot.

I started a journal in a word processor document on my computer, just keeping track of what I was doing, and one day I just couldn't resist the urge to join the conversation. I started a journal (this was before we had blogs), figured out how to upload a picture for an avatar, and all kinds of fun things.

Sure, it's fun to ask a question and get a specific answer, but it's also quite useful to seek out advice that others have already found useful.

[Arriens]

Does that mean this LHC could crash also?

The megatokyo forums still use the same database for the last 10 years which has by now over 3.7 millions posts. So I think the lhc can go on for a while now.