httpCity Email Announcement

[Jason]

This annoumcenemt concerning httpCITY was sent out earlier tonight. For those that it has not yet reached, I have posted it here:


As I am sure aware, httpCITY.com and the Big Resources Network of sites were maliciously hacked into, and effectively wiped out on July 14, 2001. Since that
time, we have been working around the clock to restore what we could of the network sites, and survey the possibilities for restoration of httpCITY.com.

As of today (July 25, 2001), the majority of the network sites have been at least partially restored because of the existence of local backup copies of the data from these sites. Unfortunately however, backup copies for the large
quantity of data on httpCITY did not exist, and our inquiries into data recovery were simply too unaffordable to consider.

We have also been exploring the possibilities and costs into restoring the httpCITY service as it once existed. Unfortunately we have found that these costs would be quite high to implement since not only would a restoration be needed, but improvements to security and a backup system would also be needed to avoid future catastrophes from occurring again. The economical climate of the web has obviously been at its lowest in many years, but we were willing to stick out the rough patches in order to provide a free service for the thousands that depended on it for their businesses, personal websites, and numerous not for profit organizations. But on top of the poor economical
climate that we were challenged with, we would have to pay these high out of pocket fees without even having the revenue from the long downtime that we have been faced with to afford what would be needed.

Having said all of this, there is one possibility that remains for the future of httpCITY. Depending on the response rate to this notification, there exists the
opportunity to revive httpCITY.com as a paying members site in order to cover the costs involved. If enough interest is shown in pursuing our services, httpCITY will be reopened, and will include:

*Regular tape backup system
*Increased server security protocols
*Unrestricted hotlinking to any file type off the server
*50 Megs of webspace
*1 Gig of monthly bandwidth transfer
*No restriction on the hosting of MP3 files
*Completely ad free pages
*The same super fast server with an unbeatable uptime record that you've become accustomed to

The cost of this service is expected to be $4.95 per month. Account data still exists, so your previous account name and password could be used for this service if that is
what you desire. If the response rate to this announcement shows a strong enough interest, then the project will be moved forward with immediately. If you have an interest in pursuing this possibility, then please send an email to: httpcity@bigresources.com with an affirmative response.

I would like to express a sincere apology to those that have experienced losses during this tragedy.

Sincerely,

The httpCITY Team
httpcity@bigresources.com

[cfhosting]

is it a final decision to make it a non-free service? I think that you should refer users to a free host if they still want that, such as mine or others.

[ronq]

First off Jason, I speak for everyone hosted by the network when I thank you for the work you've put into Httpcity. It's hard to find a web host with the same dedication as you, in that big crazy cyber world out there.

As for the idea of paying, I don't know whether I could or couldn't do that at this point. What I really need to be able to do is log back into my account and asses damage. I was too careless to have certain files kept on my hard drive and would like to see if they are available.

Again, thank you for all the work you have done. The network started out as such a great thing and I'm sorry it had to end up like it did.

[APF]

Jason for what we get it is not a bad price but how long will it take to come back on line?

[cfhosting]

hey you might wanna post this in the HttpCITY support board.

[Mark]

Also, Jason:

I don't know if this is a crazy idea but since the account names and passwords still exist, you might users to login to thier account and store their site to thier computer. This is in case they don't want to continue with httpcity services.

Just a suggestion...;)

[Paul]

Well if I didn't own my own host and didn't have a paid one I would certainly go for this. 4.95 a month is pretty much nothing for those features. Sorry this had to end up like this. Also will this just affect http city or will you have other sites come of the network.
Thanks,
Paul

[Dave Swift]

Originally posted by hacker
Well if I didn't own my own host and didn't have a paid one I would certainly go for this. 4.95 a month is pretty much nothing for those features. Sorry this had to end up like this. Also will this just affect http city or will you have other sites come of the network.
Thanks,
Paul

$4.95 a month works out at about 16 cents a day!

Now I understand certain members of httpCITY may not be made of money, hence why they use a free host, but 16 cents a day is pretty affordable.

[FunDMental]

As was noted earlier, $4.95 a month is a bargain for a quality host. I have one question, do you need a credit card to pay for it? If there is some kind of Alternate biling system I'd be all for it. right now $30,000 in medical bills from my accident keep me from getting credit.

[reifel]

Jason,
I have read your assessment of the situation, including the $4.95/mo cost for membership in httpcity.com. I like the idea, and the cost is reasonable.
However, the only way I would agree to do this is if you could salvage the sites I had up and running on July 14, 2001. My sites were, for me, quite large and detailed, and I had not yet backed them up.
If this is possible, please let me know.

[Jason]

Originally posted by Mark
Also, Jason:

I don't know if this is a crazy idea but since the account names and passwords still exist, you might users to login to thier account and store their site to thier computer. This is in case they don't want to continue with httpcity services.

Just a suggestion...;)

Hi Mark,

This actually seems to be a point of confusion so far. None of the websites exist any longer. All files stored by members were completely wiped out. All that remained was a database of member details, which new directories could be generated from, which would at least allow members to keep their same username and passwords. I hope this helps to clear things up.

[cloud9]

How much space did htty city take up?

[greedy]

Originally posted by Jason

This actually seems to be a point of confusion so far. None of the websites exist any longer.


and there it is, please be kind enough to post said info on yer front page, so all the people who keep going back there only to see the same lame ass message know for sure whats the deal, then they can cry some and move on.

ps man is my sig ugly, hahahahahaa

[Jason]

Hi Greedy,

A message on httpCITY will be posted in the near future, and a second email announcement will also be sent out. Say, how are things with things with the napsterites these days?

[Dave Swift]

Originally posted by cloud9
How much space did htty city take up?

Wasn't there 20 - 30,000 members?

Each with a maximum of 35mbs - say there were 25,000 users each using 25mbs - that's a lot of space!

[greedy]

Originally posted by Jason
Hi Greedy,

A message on httpCITY will be posted in the near future, and a second email announcement will also be sent out. Say, how are things with things with the napsterites these days?

somewhat dull with an occasional burst of hmmm..

alas its summer time in the us, and thats traditionally a slow time on the messageboards ive frequented. yawn. but hey, come on over, and post, if yer bored, everyone already knows you..


he he he

if any even remember........


be irie Jason and tell em to do something more on de front page cause whats up there now is worse than a geocities "this page hasent been started yet" page....


greedy_lars