In order to keep FlyerTalk running at a useable level (some may say to bring it _back_ to a useable level), we've been speaking with the original designers of the board and have come up with a few steps we'll be implementing in the next few weeks.

Step 1 you've probably already noticed, as it involves truncating the main Miles forum listing into just categories. Don't worry, all the threads are still there, and in the places they were prior. By shortening the main page listing to just categories, we're reducing the amount of data that has to be sent every time a visitor hits that front list. This was a direct suggestion from the creators of UBB, and although we're hesitant about such a dramatic change, and are aware of the confusion it may bring initially, we're going to see if this actually does provide a little alleviation. Just click into the category you want, and you'll be provided with its forums as before.

Step 2 involves setting up another Forum which will serve as an archive area for old posts (greater than a year). You'll still be able to read these posts (in Archives), but since they'll be out of Miles proper, they won't be factored into searches, long display queries, and generally adding to the overhead of serving all these threads.

Step 3 will be adding servers. We've signed contracts for an additional server to pull all non-FT files onto. Based on how that performs, we're planning on then moving FT to a new, and more powerful server, and off the one we've obviously overgrown.

So, stick with us as you've been, and know that we are indeed working on things behind the scenes. And thank you for continuing to give Michael and our other techs your patience as they wrestle equally with our slowdowns as well as trying to squeeze information from vendors.