I wanted to take a moment to address the incredible slowness of Fodor's forums, an issue that has been discussed in many threads and emails.

We are very aware of the problem, and we are doing everything we can to address, it, including ordering new hardware for our servers and performing an exhaustive review of the software application behind the forums. Our preliminary research indicates that the design of the software, combined with a recent surge in fodors.com's popularity, is contributing to the website's slowness.

I cannot stress how much Fodor's appreciates the time you have taken to build these forums into such a valuable resource. We hope that those of you who continue to contribute will stick with us as we try to solve the problems behind the forums' abysmal performance.

Ironically, many of the features that make the forums unique, such as the ability to search through posts by keyword, are prime causes of the inefficiencies within the software that lead to poor performance. I would be very interested to know which features are most important to you, and whether you would be willing to sacrifice snappy features for basic performance. If you have the time, please let me know your thoughts by dropping me an email at [email protected]. I would greatly appreciate your feedback, and promise to incorporate your suggestions into the solution we hope to quickly implement. Furthermore, if you have an interest, I would be happy to give you regular email updates as we work through these problems.

Sincerely,

Brent Peich
Director, New Media
Fodor's Travel Publications Inc.

I hope everybody reads the message from the source. Fodors is aware.

check out the online Aruba bulletin board at www.aruba-bb.com

it is a simple, yet extremely functional bb and the best operating one
I have found.

First of all: many thanks for the forums. I'm new @ this and learning so much!

I would be very willing to give up the extras for better basics.

Anyhow, I'll bet many others enjoy just "scanning" as much as I do!

I recently started using this site and became a little frustrated but I am happy to see you have improved the problem within the last few days. I enjoy your forum and trust the information received. Thanks

OK - but you state that the preliminary research (preceding the exhaustive review) suggests that the main problem stems from how the software was written and how it's being used. This sounds positively Governmental ...

Thank you so much for informing everyone that you are aware of the problem and are working on it. Thanks also for this invaluable FREE forum. The information that we get from our fellow travelers is so helpful and informative.

You mention that you would entertain suggestions - how about seperating out Hawaii from the rest of the US. There are SO many questions from Hawaii, and until I have the pleasure to go there, I get a little tired of sifting through them to find other things! But really, there are a lot of them at any one time, and those who want info. on Hawaii might find it easier to have it all condensed into it's own forum. Especially considering that it's impossible to combine a trip to Hawaii with a drive into a neighboring state or with any other destination - at least for most people!

Stephanie is exactly right. Free Hawaii!

Stephanie is exactly right. Free Hawaii!

Brent,
Thank you for the wonderful update/post.

Since changing to a cable modem, I have had no problems searching for or bringing up posts. Unfortunately, cable modems are somewhat costly and are not available in all areas. For anyone who can get one my suggestion is to do it...it really makes a difference! BTW, I have Roadrunner by Time Warner.

Kittie

ditto on Hawaii
Perhaps it is the time of day I have used Fodors Forums the last few times, but the speed is better. And I haven't lost a post in 2 days. A record!

I've found the message board system at www.airshows.org is very easy to use. Through inquiries I've found it's called Visions 2.0 and was created by MagicTouch Designs (www.mtdweb.com). I'd like to see something like that for the Fodors Forums.

I am in the technology business and therefore understand that upgrading hardware many times can increase performance in software that was not designed for a greater number of users than originally intended, so that is likely a good short term solution. For a long term solution, have you considered two databases--one a current, on-line database with basic query capability, and a second historical database (perhaps even a day or two old) with detailed query capability. The first database would likely support the majority of users and likely give good performance due to supporting only basic query function. The second one would be slower of course with detailed queries, but that could be explained with the option, and it would keep the slower detailed queries from impacting the average user. These databases may need to be on seperate pieces of hardware as well. Detailed queries take a huge toll on even the best of hardware/software systems.

Is it possible to get on e-mail automatic list?

Is it possible to get on e-mail automatic list?

I second the thought of putting Hawaii on its own. And while you are at it, why not "free" Mexico? A huge hunk of the questions about Latin America are about Mexico.

Agreed! Independence for Mexico too!!!

I am new to Fodor's Forums (w/i last month or so) and have thoroughly enjoyed the priceless information I have seen. I haven't noticed any problems, but then I'm fairly new to the internet workings. Please keep up the good work. I concur with the opinion to free Hawaii and free Mexico!!!

Amen, Stephanie!
I suggested this about a month ago and was accused of suggesting that Hawaii suscede from the union. Where were all of you then? Thanks for jumping on the bandwagon! If the crabby gentleman that rebuked me so thoroughly is reading... I'm sticking my tongue out at him!