We're ticking close to closing time, and no decision is clear.

I have to leave for lunch ten minutes ago.

I weigh Kristen and Monique, and I don't think it's worth the money to stay with Fangeek. There are too many unknowns. If we had a sweetly tuned board, I'd say, let's pursue that path. But I don't want us to be a millstone around their necks. It's stressful enough already -- I don't want it to get worse for them.

So, I vote Rob's suggestion. Let's make someone new miserable.

Huh. Looks like dedicated servers are the new black. I just got an email from my current host (hostway.com) offering linux boxes for $95/month with no setup fee. They've been a good host for me but I wouldn't recommend them only because I've never had extensive dealings with Customer Support.

t edit Thanks ita. Now go eat.

I've worked with hostway customer support, and they drove me nuts.

Can someone give me a link back to Rob's suggestion?

I appreciate the posts from you guys. Since we're half an hour away from decision time, I'm just going to say the following:

The concern for my well being is sweet. I actually think that, had you moved to a FG dedicated server, my stress level would've dropped drastically. One of the biggest frustrations in this scenario has been being the monkey in the middle. With the proposed plan, that wouldn't have been an issue.

Should you decide to go elsewhere, I would understand. However, I would urge you not to go with a virtual server. The concept makes me very uneasy and I don't think it will improve your current situation.

Also, the company that Rob is suggesting sounds great. It's clearly a very sweet deal and he has had good experiences with them in the past. But I would still recommend that you have some serious talks with them about limitations on the account and investigate them carefully. I think I'm just a naturally suspicious person because when I see someone offering something for half or one-third of what everyone else is charging? Warning bells go off.

So that's my two cents.

Yes to $$ for fangeek and IH for our time there.

Yes to humungous thank yous in whatever form to Kristen and Monique (pink things that are shiny and/or fluffy are always good).

Yes to Rob's suggestion for hosting.

Rob's original post

more info

and more

and more

Tom, I'm on the fly. He's made a few posts on it. Here's what I could find. The first time I can see that Rob mentioned istrata was here:

Rob "Buffistas Building a Better Board" Oct 22, 2003 11:31:38 pm PDT

see also:

Rob "Buffistas Building a Better Board" Oct 23, 2003 7:56:32 am PDT

Rob "Buffistas Building a Better Board" Oct 23, 2003 10:12:33 am PDT

Rob "Buffistas Building a Better Board" Oct 23, 2003 10:23:47 am PDT

Rob "Buffistas Building a Better Board" Oct 23, 2003 10:45:24 am PDT

THIS might be the current proposal: Rob "Buffistas Building a Better Board" Oct 23, 2003 11:16:35 pm PDT

I'm not certain which is which. I'm just an imitation Nilly.

Good luck geekistas.

The one major concern I have with Steve's offer is the required year committment. It seems like it has the potential to make many lives on all sides of this unpleasant if things don't work out, for whatever reason.

Rob's suggestion does sound like it's worth looking into. I lack knowledge in that area, so I'm happy to leave the final decision up to others.

Also of the opinion that Kristen shouldn't refund us. We've been way more of a PITA than $20/month can cover. You've more than earned it.