Dear FileBuffer.org users;
You may have noticed that FileBuffer has been experiencing some difficulties lately. The system is manually shut down for at least 8 hours every day to conserve bandwidth. The adverstments can no longer cover the bandwidth overcharges, and unfortunately I cannot afford any.
I can understand how this may be very frustrating, and I do apologize, but please try to understand that FileBuffer has no (and never have had) other income sources other than two Google’s AdSense ads on the download/error page, that always barely covered the server payments.
I’ve heard people saying “You’ve got traffic, place more ads! Obscure the download button, add some popups!” however that’s never been FileBuffer’s way, I respect site’s public and personally I believe that taking the site down for the time I can’t pay for it to run is more considerate towards you, the user.
FileBuffer will still be worked on and upgraded with new and exciting features in the near future, because after three years I still consider it one of my favorite pet projects, and hopefully I will find a better way to support it for open public use.
*Edit:
Many have asked but unfortunately due to limited PayPal service here in Croatia there’s little most of you can do to help with my bandwidth payments. However if you by any chance have a MoneyBookers.com account this is the way to help FileBuffer: MoneyBookers.com Donations
January 15th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
What hours will the system be up and running?
January 15th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Hello Stephanie,
At 3:30 server time (in about 30 minutes) for about an hour.
Sorry I have to keep these downtimes random so everyone has a chance to get their files, announcing the exact time and duration would have little effect on the bandwidth.
January 15th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
can you please advise what timezone you are in?
thank you
January 15th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Hey Dana,
I’m in CEST, as is the server’s clock, however I believe that’s irrelevant because I’m unable to announce any future downtimes (or uptimes).
I’m stretching my budget for the overcharge bills, and since I’ve received absolutely no donations so far I don’t think I’ll be able to offer more than a few hours of total uptime daily.
It’s also becoming very likely that FileBuffer’s public use will be become limited over the next months, and probably nonexistent in not so distant future.
Sad, really, when you read the comments all over Internet on how visitors prefer FB over similar sites, and yet out of thousandths of downloads daily not one person would donate a single cent to keep it running
January 15th, 2008 at 10:38 pm
I have made a donation. It’s not what I would like, but money is tight for me this month. I just wanted to thank you for your generosity and encourage others to make a donation as well.
January 15th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
Shannon,
Thank you for your support, trust me when I say that no amount is too small and that I greatly appreciate any effort to help the site.
Thank you again!
January 15th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
Milan -
I have not yet downloaded from your site as yet, but let me see what I can scrape together to help you out as well. (Like Shannon, the new year is a little lean for me right now…)
Thank you for the update and and attentive follow up in the meantime!
January 15th, 2008 at 11:16 pm
Thanks Dana,
Every cent counts, and I’m the last person on Earth to judge how much it means to you because it means too much to me.
All I can do is be grateful and assure you that it’s helping me keep the site alive, thank you.
January 15th, 2008 at 11:29 pm
Guys, one of my favorite members just informed me that PayPal doesn’t support sending money to Croatia, so all of your donations should get refunded by their system shortly.
A slap in the face, what can I say.
I’m sorry for my lack of fate, you were indeed trying to help me and I am utmost grateful for that.
Until I find another option I’ll keep paying the bills, and overcharges as much as I can, but I’m afraid this is how the site might look for the most of the month: down
January 15th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
I am so sorry Milan.
If there is another route, let us know. A simple donation wouldnt take much. I know many of our members are thankful that there are no porn ads, etc.
This makes me sad. Please keep us posted if there is another route we could go to assist.
Thanks so much,
Lindsay
PIF Blogger
January 16th, 2008 at 12:01 am
Thank you Lindsay and a big thanks to all PIF Bloggers as well!
I’ll find a way, all is not lost, at least FB got a blog, right?
January 16th, 2008 at 12:04 am
Yes, now you have a blog, lol.
Again thanks so much. Please keep us posted.
(((hugs)))
January 16th, 2008 at 5:20 am
I would love to donate to help you out if there is a way to do that other than Paypal. FB is the best!
January 16th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Hey Amy, sorry for the delayed response and thanks for the comment!
Only other option I can think of is MoneyBookers (moneybookers.com), they completely expand their service to Croatia and I do have an account there: m.rajcevic(at)gmail.com
However I doubt people use them as much as they use PayPal, so I never seriously considered them as an alternative.