3D-Palace currently needs to upgrade it's core server system - because of this I have personally put down all my spare money for the month, which comes to about $400, to pay for the essential replacement of the core 3d-palace server, however we still need assistance which we are asking for in Sponsor Membership Deals.
Why does 3d-palace need a core server replacement?
3D-Palace runs on a massive fast server in the USA however the computer it runs on is now two years old and in urgent need of replacement - this is partly due to age but also partly due to the setup of the server as we recieved it two years ago. This is a complex technical issue however to put things into a simpler perspective, large downloads are failing on 3d-palace, timeouts are occuring and other problems are occuring because this has been a desperately needed upgrade for a while now.
So, how will the end users benefit?
At the moment 3d-palace can offer its downloads to you as just that - downloads. There are streaming options for 3d-palace however they are hosted offsite and are not really optimal due to various problems including;
- moderators cannot upload
- no tutorial author class user for uploading
- moderation is difficult
- reliance on third party stream delivery.
The new server will allow us to create a whole new user type on palace - approved tutorial authors will be able to create new content and then upload it for verification, conversion and publicaiton on 3d-palace to Sponsor Members and Members alike.
Speed - a large scale increase of speed on 3d-palace means that you will be able to browse the forums faster and find the information that you need. Downloads - Commercial downloads will no longer have timeout and broken file issues. There are a lot of other benefits however they are generally more 'under the hood'. Palace will also benefit from an additional 10 terrabytes of bandwidth on a 1000MB pipeline.
How will 3d-palace benefit?
- After upgrade site fees will be actually a small amount cheaper
- Stability means more time to work on tutorials
- New undisclosed features that will allow security to be maintained easier
What the funds will be used for.
This isnt a donation drive - this is a drive to raise money however to pay for the essential upgrades that are needed which are above the usual cost of 3d-palace's monthly maintenence. I have thrown my own money into the ring and I shall itemise the items that we are purchasing within reason (for security some items are not marked in detail).
- New server base fees - paid.
- Server installation fees - $140
- Server security hardware for server administrator - $130
- Additional security system purchases $300
- Site security setup fees - $350 (billed at $25 per hour and expected to be 2 days work)
Usually I prefer to be less transparent however I think as users you would prefer to see what the money is destined for. 3d-palace is not dying, we are not begging for money to keep afloat - yes the market is bad however we can make it through - however what we want is to improve services for you the end user.
Sign me up! What do I do, what do I get?
Sponsor membership is what you get - for how long is up to you. The longer you subscribe for - in advance - the faster we get this upgrade underway. Sponsor Membership is £10 for one month - all you need to do is decide how many months you would like. Multiply the number of months by the £10 and send the money to
paypal@3d-palace.com noting what your username is when you do so in the message area - or just post a reply in this thread.
The top five upgraders - the ones that upgrade for the longest - will recieve a special extremely limited edition run of 3d-palace tutorial sets posted out on a DVD, signed and numbered up, containing tutorials that have never been released fully, some unreleased sets and also the new District 9 Gun tutorial set.
Everyone else will be a sponsor member and will actually know for sure that their sponsor membership has made a direct difference in the running of 3d-palace itself and that you have supported our growth more directly than ever. Existing sponsor members can still donate ,they will get the new months added to their existing account.
What benefits do I get as a Sponsor Member?
Sponsor Members now get;
- Access to extra video tutorials
- 25% on demand discount against all downloadable content in the shop
- 20% on demand discount against all DVD content in the shop
- 25% discount against Maxterdam 2010
- Access to MemberSupport(*) for 15 minutes a month
- Free access to download commercial sets on demand (**) such as Master Seminar, ATMT, The APU and more.
- First access to new tutorials as they are released
- Download access to all streaming video tutorials released by 3d-palace
- Access to Primary Support forum - where you will get direct and peer based assistance wherever possible.
- Access to Sponsor Member forums - where you can request sets, discounts or just talk to your friends.
(*)MemberSupport is our premium rate one to one assistance system for peer support and live demonstration of techniques and requires you to have access to broadband speed internet. 15 minutes will be assigned per Sponsor Member per month when requested as long as there is a timeslot available and a support tutor available. Prices for sponsor members are charged at $30 per half hour if additional time is needed. Regular price is $60 per half hour or part thereof.
(**)Sponsor members may request one (1) commercial tutorial set per month from the list of commercial sets listed in the sticky in the Primary Support forum. To request a set please post in the appropriate thread giving your email address you wish the links to be sent to.
So please, if you love 3d-palace and what it represents then become a Sponsor Member today - its not a massive financial commitment, you can pay monthly if you prefer and you will be directly supporting 3d-palace as it continues to evolve!
Cris
3d-palace Admin
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