I just wanted to thank everyone for the kind messages over the past few weeks/months regarding closing the sites. I do appreciate the kind words in regards of not wanting to see the site closing. I want to be very open and honest in regards of the reason behind the choice. And also point out that it was not an easy choice to make on my part as well. Giving up on something I have done for 20 years strong was not a simple solution for me.
The reasons behind the site closing is really focused on a few main factors.
1. The chat software is nearly as old or older than I have been running the site. The creator is no longer supporting updates for it. Meaning issues that come up now a days will soon become far worse. In order to make sure the site is as secure as possible I need to be able to update the main server. The last time I did this it created a huge issue in the rooms where posting images was not working correctly, and things posted was all getting jumbled up as well. So the software being old is causing an issue in those regards because it's not being updated to support certain upgrades and fixes.
2. The dead room issues. Over the years I haven't been bothered to much in regards of people purchasing a room on the site and as well at another site. Unfortunately though then, money costs wasn't much of a issue for me to be able to keep things running without a worry of things. Now a days prices increases, the more I have to pay out of my own pocket. Room purchases has been slowing for years now, people finding elsewhere to chat while their rooms sit empty here doesn't exactly express to me that this site is worth the costs.
3. Last year my father passed away. And to be honest that really took a huge hit on me in regards of life. My mother who still has her own health issues, I also have other family members going through health issues as well. Because of all that around it's been a rough few years. And my response time has not been up to par for the site. Sometimes me answering very late in regards of tech support, general emails etc. I feel personally I let the sites down when this happens. And honestly, as I pointed out before I just don't feel safe inviting another in to help me at this time because of the trust factor. Chris as you all know has a busy life, and it really has prevented him from being around. For those who know and remember him. And the other person who was helping at the time if you want to call it that, considering all he did was call me when a issue came up, or sent me a message much like everyone else, through his weight around as a "Admin" but was no more than a moderator, decided to break a huge trust issue by telling everyone who would give and ear about my personal life. Someone I knew from 7th grade and one I had considered like a brother. So being able to trust someone with others info is not a option to me.
So with those factors....
1. In order to be able to keep this site going, I need new software to run it on. Now I have tested several different setups of chat but they are entirely different than what is setup here on Starlight and Chat Resort currently. One of those setups I have tested is what I called VIP Chat on Chat Resort. No you don't need to be a member in order to sign up for it. It's there to be used. I named it a VIP, as a extra bonus to those who wish to use it. VIP to me since you have to "sign" up freely in order to chat. But the style of this setup is completely different as I mentioned and honestly not many seem to care for it because of the format we have currently. So in order for me to really feel safe about running things, I would need to look at getting new software. Unfortunately anything of this setup is not for sale. If it is and someone knows of where, hey point me in the direction and I'll look into it. Other wise it's going to cost me in order to have something created. And that can be very costly. Something I have looked into, trust me I have. I don't have the skill set to write scripts of my own creation. I have some great ideas of what I would like for this place to have but that is far as it can go.
2. Looking into those other options, also brings up that second issue factor for me. Is it really worth the trouble of saving up, looking for help if the rooms remain so quiet and everyone focuses what time they have elsewhere? I'm not saying this to come off as I'm pointing fingers or anything. Your time is your time right?, but when SLC and CR come as a after thought, while other places gain more....it's a problem to me.
I do appreciate as I said the kind words, thoughts and most of all everyone being patient with me.