This is the way you might expect it to happen, but, it doesn't always happen that way. Particuarlly when software is not mission criticle for a business, old software might be taken off line for extended periods of time while changes or updates are made. Paul
This is the way you might expect it to happen, but, it doesn't always happen that way. Particuarlly when software is not mission criticle for a business, old software might be taken off line for extended periods of time while changes or updates are made. Paul </font>[/QUOTE]Paul you are very right. Modelers would be surprised to find that one of the most well respected distributors in this hobby still does not have a computer.
I doubt the forum is running on an "Atlas" server, it is more likely one of many forums running in some shared area at some ISP. The "software revision" thing is baloney - they may come back on a different board, but there is absolutely no way it would take ANYONE two months to do this. As someone who has bought millions in web services over the past few years, let me explain how this works: You tell your service provider what you want and when you want it - and then - THEY DO IT!
I for one am glad to have found this forum, and I've always liked RailImages anyway. I'm another Atlas refugee/lurker, but have recently decloaked. I'll be staying here primarily, even if Atlas does return... It was time for a change...
It would be nice if Atlas updated their forum "vacation" page announcement, with a note of when, or whether, they will re-open. Re-open or not, I'm also glad to have found Trainboard, and will continue to spend time here.
If Atlas comes back up, that's great. If they don't come back up, then it's sad that we will be losing a repository of so much information. I never backed up my Atlas posts, and I'm sure that's the case with many others. I, for one, have gotten much more done on my railroad this summer than in the past two.
Pete: the reason you find it necesary to post this lament is exactly why we, as the users, should let the Atlas forum die, even if it comes back. if it does come back and old posts are there, we should retrieve them and post them here where they will be accessible in the future. Michael P.S. fortunately, we still have OC's classes here! don't know if his stuff on the Atlas forum was rescued or not...
If Atlas does not rescue prior posts, then I will never go back there. To me, it would be akin to the sacking of the library at Alexandria--well, not quite--but a big loss for the hobby.
Pete: great analogy!! as far as I can tell, when they shut down a few years ago, all the posts to that time were dumped. maybe that was accidental, but I am really bent out of shape about their high handed shut down with no warning this time. many would have retrieved posts given some warning. I think they should just stick to building great models. Michael
I would have rerieved some of my posts if I had just a little warning. The great majority I would not have retrieved. I'm glad I double-posted some of them here. A layout tour, for example, takes a while to organize and write.
It really would be a shame if posts could not be resurrected. I, for one, after laying track, discovered the Atlas boards and was able to gain much insight as to methods and materials for all facets of the hobby.
I think the library has been sacked...... but I can't tell for sure, because now the entire Atlas forum is down. good thing their model railroad stuff runs better Michael
well, it does appear that the past posts have been archived, so if you know where to look, you can probably find what was lost. OTOH, the search of the archives does not appear to work at all. somebody is going to want to resurrect an old post real bad in order to find it manually. you can't even search by your old login id, because only the new ones are there, and don't link to anything in the archives even if the same as the old one. I hope everyone uses the Atlas forum only as a nice place to chat, but if you see any useful information of enduring value, please repost it here! Michael
I have been checking out the new Atlas forum and it seems to have taken off where the other finished. Not sure if i like the new format but I'm sure all the Atlas fans are pleased with it so far.
Went to check it out, logged in with my old username & password- but nada, zip, zilch, bupkus. No forums. Wonder if they're still doing some cyberfumigating?
