~cKs~ ||Christian Key Smashers||

Hey all!  It's been a real busy month gaming and regarding internal matters!

First and foremost - YES.  I know the website is painfully slow.  It is PAINFULLY slow no matter where you are, whether it's (literally) 5 miles from the location or 1000, or across the world (say, In the U.K.).  PLEASE - I know it's annoying, but do not let the speed curtail your posting habits (though I woudl recommend CTRL-A, CTRL-C'ing any posts you submist just so they don't run the risk of timing out).  The reason for this is to date unknown exactly.  I suspect there is either some server issue massively crippling our servers upload, or SOMEONE has imposed a redicously stupid cap and not telling me (I assure you, it will be dealt with either way, one way or another).  I have been with the host for many years, however they were "acquired" by another company.  Our server was moved from Austin, Tx, to Minneapolis, Mn., assumedly where the acquiring company has a server farm.  This is what has changed, and why it is so slow.  As I said, what is currently unknown is WHY our server has such a lousy upload, no matter where you are.  

Next bit of news:  COD5/CODWW.  The Hardcore server is currently running in a modded state, featuring custom maps.  A list will be provided for any member wanting to load and check out specific maps (remember the fun days of checkin out COD4 maps???).  I'm seeking alot of comment over which maps SHOULD be in a rotation (and gametypes), what you think of the mod (settings good?) etc..  Please utilize the fourms for this, so others can contribute as well.  As if that is not enough, I have some really awesome news.  Our own Robedias27 (aka Robe) has spent many an hour customizing many of the gfx in the game.  It started as a simple project of relabeling some of the the weapons (okay, all of the weapons) based on some of the other servers out there custom content.  But Robe got ambitious and excited with the project, and all I can say is look on any map, any gametype and you're likely to find some really cool stuff, some things more obvious than others.  Lastly on the COD5-HC front, an updated version of the mod is out, and will be deployed in the next day or so.  I have reflagged the server with BETA in it, because we don't want to give any non-members the impression that 'any issues that might come up' are the way we run things :)  Oh, yea..  That and..  As a result of our webhosts speed being incridebly slow (and yes, the website is where the game redirects for all downloads, usually at 200KB/sce-1MB/sec, currently, 20-70KB/sec!!), I will be makin a forum post to a temporary location the files necessary for the mod may be required.  If it is not too disruptive, I may just make that the temporary redirect location untill the website issue is fixed.

(this is no joke).  If you know someone who works for a company, or can recommend an excellent fair-price webhost, let me know.  If things do not get cleared up, we will be moving.  Additionally (preferrably in the Phoenix-Mesa area, which I think covers NO members), if you know a good host, I REALLY want to know..  Affordability is the key for this, however I'm also interested in co-located servers, specifically a 2U setup.  For a co-location, again, my best scenario would be here in the Mesa/Phoenix area or somewhere East Coast (where the game server is currently held).

In closing, today I emailed our inactive members.  Everyone (I hope) puts real life first, and gaming second.  But there are a number of members, new and old, who I've not seen since I can't even remember.  If you are one of those members reading this, check your clan mail (or forwarded address).  You need to contact me or you will end up on the AWOL/MIA list, and eventually removed from the clan. 

Thanks for your time everyone, and see ya on the battlefields!

**UPDATE**  After several, and I mean several complaints and troubleshooting tickets, the "new" host (the one who acquired our old host and moved all the websites) finally after repeatedly telling my all was fine on their end that there was in fact a faulty switch which has been replaced.  So as of this posting date, no one should have any problems accessing the site or game server custom content.

While I was more than slightly irritated and felt like I wasn't believed, I would like to thank them for addressing and fixing the issue.

That's right!  Found a pretty cool stats package that shold parse all of our COD:WW servers (eventually).  There are a slew of medals that I'll be coding into the system, there are by default about 5-6 that come with it..  Pretty much anything, however CAN be tracked, as you'll see in the time soon to come.  You can find it on the main menu.  Click through and really get into it as it contain ALOT of detailed data.  As the days/week(s) progress you'll see more and more medals listed on the main page.  Bear with me in terms of the actual medals, as I feebly attempt to design/alter some of what currently exist for the the newly created medals (the medals are limitless, but the actual medals don't exist, Rooster has to make them :0!!). 

If you have any ideas, comments, feedback, please hit up the public forrms and look for the "Medals comments" post.  Thanks and enjoy!

Feb. 1st, 2009

**IT IS OFFICIALLY ON!!**

Stats have been reset (will not be reset anytime soon, this is it!).  So get on BOTH our COD:W@W servers and starts earning stats and medals now :) 

Also a shot-out to COD: W@W playing members.. Feb. 7th IS the date for the speedies vs. tackies 1st bash! Keep your eyes on the forums for the details.