EDIT: I just did my first round of testing, and I'm amazed that literally nothing broke. ^_^;;  So I might be able to flip this tonight if I don't find anything wrong.  Yes, it literally went that well.  It sure beats my last server upgrade.  haha.  Anyhow, we'll know for sure once I do the swap.  Either way, expect a few bumps as things change over.  I'll update again just before I do the change.

EDIT2: Okay, we're go for flipover tonight.  So it should be happening anytime in the next few hours.  So keep me in prayer as I make this switch. :)

EDIT3: Switchover done.  Just doing cleanup.  Give me until the morning, and if you still see something broken, let me know.  Thanks. ^_^

EDIT4: I forgot to update this, but everything is done with the upgrade, and the old server is being torn down as I write this, so this whole project is now wrapped up.  If you see any new issues going forward, just treat them the same way you did before and report them to me so I know.  Thanks.

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I just wanted to let everyone know that I have a new server coming this week.  When?  I'm not totally sure.  It depends on when I get everything moved over, tested, and finalized.  I've already been doing prep for the move long before this, but now I've finally purchased the new server, meaning that my next project is to get it up, running and ready to go for the switchover.  I'll try to announce the switchover beforehand if I'm able.

However, if I do forget to, do understand that there will be a little bit of a hiccup when I throw the switch as some stuff in the background will need to happen when the changeover occurs that may render the site either broke, or unreachable for a short time.  I will be on hand live when the switchover happens, so whatever pops up will get handled quickly.  But, that being said, they will happen. ^_^;;  So I will greatly appreciate your patience as I make the switchover.

So why the sudden change?  Well, because the current server has reached end of life, so it has to be replaced, which is what I'm doing.  Again, I will try to make this as painless as possible.  But, as with any changeover like this, especially one this big, always come with issues.  If my last major upgrade I did is any indication (different server/purpose) of what this changeover will be like, know that antacid will be needed in generous quantities while this is underway. ^_^;;  Also, when the upgrade is complete, I will let everyone know.

After that it will just be vigorous efforts to find and squash any bugs that show up afterwards that I didn't catch in the pre-changeover testing.  With that, I'll greatly appreciate any reports you submit about bugs you find.  In fact, I appreciate them now, but especially during that changeover.  So again, this is your heads up, and forewarning of big, exciting changes coming.  Once those are done, we should be smooth sailing for the next 7'ish years.  I hope. ^_^;;  Lord willing it should be all smooth sailing.

Your Brother in Christ,
Steven Lake
Chief (and currently only) Admin 😅