I Could Use Some Website Help…

Every now and then, there are some issues with this website on the operational end… and I don’t have the skills to take care of it. Maybe a plug-in doesn’t work correctly, or there’s an issue with the server, or MySQL is being weird, or there are error logs that need to be looked at, or [insert your own problem using tech jargon here].

It’d be really helpful to have someone I can go to who might be able to fix these things if/when they come up (I have a small backlog of problems at the moment that I just don’t know how to fix…).

If you’re someone who’s good at these things and able to work on short notice, I’d love to hear from you. If you can do it as a volunteer, I’d be forever grateful, but I know that’s asking a lot. If you could help out but need to get paid for it, I’m sure we could work out a financial arrangement.

In case it helps, the site runs on WordPress. It has a dedicated virtual server and uses Plesk for all the behind-the-scene stuff. If you need more information, I’ll try to get it for you.

Any reliable help would be appreciated.

Having someone help me with the technical stuff would allow me to focus on content. I seem to spend a lot more time lately just dealing with other issues, mostly because I usually don’t know what the problem is.

Thanks in advance 🙂

Sister Mary

That’s God’s way of making you shut up.
Dan

Looks like Sister Mary is a typical caring, loving christian.
Lynn aka Kandlelight

I do several websites using Joomla. I don’t work with WordPress too much anymore but I used to when I blogged. Plesk is no biggie – it’s basically exactly like Cpanel that is offered by other host servers.

Feel free to email me if you’d like to see some of my work. I would be more than willing to volunteer because I don’t think this is going to require 8-10 hours a day work. 🙂
Justin

I have *some* experience with web administration (esp. with wordpress and misbehaving MySQL DBs 😀 ). If you can find no one better (you should try), I can take a look now and then (no guarantees, but no cost either).
Larry Meredith

I agree with Sister Mary. This is a sign from the heavens. You should quit before he brings the wrath of 404 on you.
Brian Fields

I’m a professional web developer with extensive php, wordpress and mysql experience. Let me know if there’s any way I can help.
Jake E

Have you tried hosting your site on a hosted WordPress server? http://wpengine.com/ is a great company and the cost might actually be less than you having to maintain your own server.
Christina

Have you tried turning it off then turning it back on again? 🙂
tlawren

If it doesn’t work, then throw it out the window! 🙂
Hank Vatican

I have to say, the comments from Christians here are a bit amusing. This post wasn’t even about atheism, but you guys still find the need to troll the comments. Isn’t there a site like “FriendlyChristianUnlessYouDontAgreeWithMe.com” that would be more enjoyable for you?
Synapse

Maybe you need to run scandisk and defragment your hard drive. 🙂
Michael Griego

Delete system 32 🙂
The Big Blue Frog

…or restart with the Option and Command keys held down.

LOL!

I host my own WordPress blog on a virtual server too, through MacHighway. I’ve never had any problem with the SQL database, so I’ve never had to get under the hood. Most I ever do is go in and do backups through myPHPadmin. I write some CSS, HTML and a little bit of PHP, but there are far more talented readers out there. If you need design help, I can throw my hat in the ring, but with the background programming, we’re probably on the same level.
Cobwebs

Add me to the list of folks who could help if necessary. I’m a professional Web developer as well, and have worked with WordPress.
Wrex

Rich,

Email sent. I’m a Unix Engineer, so maybe I can be of assistance on the server-side of things.

-Wrex
Jon Peterson

I’ve recently gone along for the ride as some fellows troubleshooted similar instability. As it turns out, they had their database set up with the MYISAM engine, which was fine while they were small, but now that the DB is enormous, it was having major issues.

They ended up (due to the size and number of users) doing a couple major things.
1) Switched most tables to the INNODB storage engine.
2) Added a slave DB server that picks up the load when the master is either doing backups, or crashing.

The process has worked out quite well for them, but because they’re looking at a minimum of 2,000 visitors/users at any time, their situation is not at all congruent to yours. It’s possible though, that switching to INNODB could help you. I’d recommend reading up on the differences between the two engines, so you know if that change will actually apply to you.
Hypatia’s Daughter

I’ve been visiting this site for about 2 years and this week I started getting warnings from my Norton Security that the site is unsafe. Anyone know why?
Richard Bass

If the more experienced folk aren’t available I am doing a degree in computing at the moment and have been doing a bit of web design work, am running a wordpress of my own and know a bit of MYSQL. Nothing fancy, but if it was donkey work I’d be more than happy to have a look and I’d be honest enough to say if I just can’t do it (rather that than ruin this awesome site) Let me know via the email addy if you can see it.
parv

I am on Hawaiian time, in both ways. If you need help, especially with parsing error logs, on weekends, feel free to email me.
Antigone

I’m also available if you need any help. I’ve been doing web development for a scary, long time and I loooove WordPress. I’d also be happy to volunteer my time for anything you need, call it payment for the entertainment you give me. 🙂

Just drop me a line if you ever need anything or have any questions.
AMW

I had the same experience this week, with Norton, as Hypatia’s Daughter. I let Hemant know about it and sent him a copy of Norton’s report. I don’t think the problem is this site, per se, but that Norton is sniffing out some potential hazards in the ad links. I’m sure someone who knows how to comprehend Norton’s report could help figure that out.
Lin

I’ve been getting the Norton warning that there are “8 computer threats” on this site as well.

I was really hoping it wasn’t anything too bad, because I can’t stay away, so I’ve been reading regularly anyway!
William

I’ve been getting the Norton warning that there are “8 computer threats” on this site as well.

I was really hoping it wasn’t anything too bad, because I can’t stay away, so I’ve been reading regularly anyway!
A Christian at Norton has a sense of humour.
Hypatia’s Daughter

Thanks,AMW. Not being very computer savvy, I suspected it wasn’t the FA site but something linked to it. At least, I hope so, because I can’t stay away, either.
Jesse

I know you’ve gotten a bunch of replies, but I’m a Linux/Unix server admin and have plenty of experience with MySQL and WordPress too. Let me know if you need any more help.