Dead links, no files, bad.

So after sifting though code archives and finding something of note, the link to the file is dead. Probably has been for the past 2 years now.... Could make a public call for the file, but chances of anyone having it are slim to none.... OH WELL!

So I just picked this up for a pretty price:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=005&item=150020680022&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

and plan on moving all my friends and family's web stuff over to it. I currently run the following (in the basement on a 19" enclosed rack):
1. Celeron 700 with Win2000 Advanced server, 1 x 40 gig HDD, 256 MB Ram
2. P3 500 with Linux Debian, 2 x 40 gig HDD (Mirrored), 512 MB Ram, Tape Backup
3. Dual P3 800 with Linux Debian, 1 x 120 Gig HDD, 1 Gig Ram
4. (new) Dual P3 850 with Linux Debian, 4 x 70 Gig (10k 2xMirrors), 1 Gig Ram

Yeah, you guessed it, I'm a server junkie :-(
My Web and email are currently running on #1. Been on that for a loooooong time, time to move away from windows, so I picked up #3 and started the linux migration. Everything is migrated and converted to the new database, just haven't made the final flip of the router yet. #2 was originally a file server (Win2kPro for my backups and what not) until the 120 gig drive took a dump. Converted to linux and added a mirror for the time being. While out looking for a good NAS solution, I ran accross #4 and couldn't pass it up (hell, each 70 gig drive is 200 a piece). It is currently formatting on a desk behind me....

So what does all this mean, and what does it have to do with broken links? Well I am sick of finding broken links everywhere. I know people dont have the money to dump into their hosting to keep stuff up, or perhaps they just figure no one really needs such-and-such file and might as well take it from thier webspace...

I know offering free stuff to this community has bitten me in the past (cause no one seems to think anything is free). Well I figured I could devote some space just for community contributions that way they stay preserved and readily available to any random need for them without having to burden the author with storage concerns.

I will always have a need (even if it's basic) for webhosting, and will always have it covered (like I said, I have friends and family I host for as well). Might as well share in it a bit.

I am offering this up for open discussion, and open to your thoughts. Am I crazy to offer this? Would it be used?

No you're not crazy. Well, you might be - but not for this.

Yes, it would be used.

Anyone who complains about it can be summarily executed without fear of retribution. Figuratively speaking, of course.

That may not be the only reason why links end up dead.

Some people prefer to host their own stuff, because they want to have control over whether or not its widely available, and take it down because they feel its run its course and better alternatives are available.

I'm sure your 'offer' would be used, but are you really sure that you want to commit to what's effectively a mass archive? You could end up storing a lot of stuff that nobody is bothered about any more (which is kind of the point I was trying to make above).

Heh I remember what happened last time. I hope it goes down better this time- i don't doubt it would be used.

I still store stuff I don't use anymore (IE programs like lotus123, some win98 apps, etc) just because if I ever need them for whatever odd reason, I can find them.

If your asking if I know what I Am getting myself into, then I appreciate your concern and rest assured I fully understand.


True, but most cases they just let their site/domain lapse, and the whole site becomes a '404'. If they don't want to partake in it, they dont have to I guess. I'm not forcing anyone to do anything.....

Worse come to worse is that they would put their source up, and someone else would submit it to the archive so that everyone can can access it long after the author takes it down. An author that puts something up for free with intents to control it really has no business putting it up for free in my opinion. Heck, some people out there store that stuff (IE me) and keep it around on a cd somewhere just in case someone asks for it in the future.

All in all though, I will base the responses in this thread as to wether I set up the space for it or not. if only a few respond, I wont bother even waste the time...

Nice links don't go down on you!!!

Now if only someone would verify all the links in the toolbox section...

How do you host your own web server? Seriously, I would love to know.

Or even better, how would go about making that server dedicated to a specific game? Say..a small MMO of some sort.

:D