[giddykitty]

So I went to a website I frequent where I talk to other people and have developed a few connections. It is coming up with a notice saying "the server IP address cannot be found". There was talk about the site closing, but no official email or anything, and it wasn't likely going to be for awhile now. Anyway, I'm worried about it not coming back and worse, not being able to chat with my friends from over there...like, I feel really bad because I was going there to reply to someone and now I can't!

So, just a little upset right now...

Hi giddykitty. That doesn't necessarily mean the site is closed down. I've gotten that same type of message when trying to pull up PC and other sites, at times. I obviously don't know for sure what that site's status is, but try connecting again a little later and see.

I'm a software engineer...

It is possible the website was shutdown for good, but "the server IP address cannot be found" error means that the forum server is most likely: physically off, is not connected to the internet (e.g., connection was physically severed, internet outage where the server is located, etc.), is undergoing updates, or has crashed (e.g., Blue Screen of Death or DDoS attack).

I can't say how long it will take for the server to go back online because how long it takes depends on who is maintaining the server and I can't predict when they'll tend to their own server, but I would give it at least 48 hours before questioning if it was shutdown for good.

Also, I would recommend periodically clearing your browser cache. It certainly sounds like the site is down right now, but if the server goes back up, you may need to clear your cache so that you can access the site. Just be wary that clearing your cache will clear any shopping carts you have online, etc.. You shouldn't need to delete password cookies, though. The browsing cache is what needs to be refreshed, as sometimes an old cache prevents us from viewing any recent updates/changes to a site (which can give the false impression that a website is still down).

[giddykitty]

Thanks folks! This helps a lot!

[giddykitty]

update!

ok, so now I'm really starting to worry and be confused. I received an email saying that the site has been updated, but I still can't get on. Makes me wonder if I've been blocked! I don't understand it though. I was never warned or contacted about any misbehavior. It's gotta be a mistake. Something's up. I dunno. I actually have one contact from the inside and another who might look into it, but if anyone here would like to PM me to check for me if it's running, I can give you the link. Anyway, hope this all sorts out or my anxiety is gonna come back full swing again. Bleh! :/

Originally Posted by giddykitty

update!

ok, so now I'm really starting to worry and be confused. I received an email saying that the site has been updated, but I still can't get on. Makes me wonder if I've been blocked! I don't understand it though. I was never warned or contacted about any misbehavior. It's gotta be a mistake. Something's up. I dunno. I actually have one contact from the inside and another who might look into it, but if anyone here would like to PM me to check for me if it's running, I can give you the link. Anyway, hope this all sorts out or my anxiety is gonna come back full swing again. Bleh! :/

Try this website: Is it down? Check at Down for Everyone or Just Me

Just enter your URL and the website (downforeveryoneorjustme) will try to access the URL. If the website you entered is down, then downforeveryoneorjustme will tell you.

Remember to clear your cache!

Hi giddykitty. I have been a bipolar forum moderator in the past (not here at PC). It took a lot for a regular member to be blocked from using website I helped moderate. Even if a person wrote something really controversial or triggering to someone, usually they were contacted with a warning first. I can't imagine you were blocked. If you were for no good reason, then the site head could be contacted. Even those who were actually blocked were sometimes only blocked for a period of time, then given another chance. Exceptions to this were only clear trolls, spammers, or members continuously violating site Terms & Conditions. But that was at the site I was a moderator for. Different sites have different rules and levels of strictness, though I did consider the site I was a moderator for to be comparatively strict. It was stricter than PC.

[giddykitty]

Update!

Phew!
That site seems to be working now! (and this one too *fingers crossed they stay working) Hopefully that will be the end of that...but it sure is a wakeup call. Boy I sure don't cope very well in these situations. Maybe if it does happen again, I'll be a little more secure...(???) Is it a sign of anxiety if you do everything you can to sort of create a backup plan if this should ever happen again?? Am I crazy?? Or is it just crazy when my priority is on this and not my household? I think maybe I'm just feeling a little guilty about that...but I'm also super emotional because well, I'm emotionally attached to these sites (like PC too), and it sort of creates some stability in my life and also some excitement! I don't know. I'm definitely rambling right now...

Originally Posted by giddykitty

Update!

Phew!
That site seems to be working now! (and this one too *fingers crossed they stay working) Hopefully that will be the end of that...but it sure is a wakeup call. Boy I sure don't cope very well in these situations. Maybe if it does happen again, I'll be a little more secure...(???) Is it a sign of anxiety if you do everything you can to sort of create a backup plan if this should ever happen again?? Am I crazy?? Or is it just crazy when my priority is on this and not my household? I think maybe I'm just feeling a little guilty about that...but I'm also super emotional because well, I'm emotionally attached to these sites (like PC too), and it sort of creates some stability in my life and also some excitement! I don't know. I'm definitely rambling right now...

gittykitty, you are definitely not crazy! Though my experiences may make me think about the answers to your questions differently than you, perhaps not all differently.

I've grieved, to varying degrees, when sources of support either ended or seemed to go sour, making me leave or someone else. It is sad!

I think "backup plans" are a good idea. They are a protective measure. We all need such them for a wide variety of things in life.The fact that you visit more than one online community is a good protective measure. Losing the "one and only" and being left alone is frightening for almost everyone. Fear of rejection or loss of anything is something many of us have. I think that having a mental illness exacerbates such a fear. I know that few people here can say that their illness hasn't, at some time, ruined or prevented a relationship, to some degree.

I have definitely neglected household duties as a result of being online, particularly for social interactions. I'll admit that I'm fortunate that my husband rarely gets mad if he comes home and sees dishes in the sink or even, occasionally, dinner not really made. I don't make a habit of neglecting too much, and he knows that. My husband understands and loves me unconditionally. I'm really lucky. That knowledge does allow me to feel more at ease about letting some things fall to the wayside. It's a shame that not everyone is like that with others.

[giddykitty]

Thanks for this @BirdDancer ! And I'm happy you have such a loving and supportive husband. <3