UT and the Slashdot Effect

[Vanamonde]

I see that the today's Soyuz story, "Science: Further Details From Soyuz Mishap", got "Posted by Soulskill on Friday April 25, @04:10PM from the remind-me-never-to-crash-my-spaceship dept" at slashdot.org.

You may have heard of the Slashdot Effect - when a website appers on their site, it can become very, very popular, very fast.

So, how ya doing? Holding up okay? Has this happened before?

I believe it is a sign of success...as long as the servers hold out and the bandwidth charges do not bankrupt you!

[01101001]

So, how ya doing? Holding up okay? Has this happened before?

Fraser doesn't pay me enough to speak for him, but I've been practicing this ventriloquist act...

As I recall it has happened before, to UT as well as the BA pages. Back in the day, not long ago, when both sites and the BAUT Forum shared the same server, the effect was usually quite noticeable. Since the services have spread out a little, one being slashdotted has not so much effect on the other(s).

When asked for comment in times previous, Fraser said something along the lines of visibility being a good thing. Visiting eyeballs present a value, even if they put a strain on things. It's a nice problem to have.

BA slashdotted! (http://www.bautforum.com/astronomy/10388-ba-slashdotted.html) (2004)
Forum Problems (http://www.bautforum.com/about-baut/37850-forum-problems.html) (2006)
Fraser, you OK? (http://www.bautforum.com/universe-today-website-feedback/65612-fraser-you-ok.html) (2007)


I'd much rather have the site crumple during the heaviest loads than no exposure at all.

[Vanamonde]

This is great news! Glad to see yall be battle tested and road weary, which is to say experienced at being famous!