Downtime

(And not the vacation kind.)

Apparently my web hosting provider, HostMonster, has started enforcing a new rule regarding number of files allowed in their Unlimited Hosting Plan.  The new limit is 50,000 files, but I apparently had over 200,000, most of which were files created automatically by the image gallery that Hostmonster recommended for me, and which I wasn’t even aware of.  They took the site down because I was not able to delete enough files while in Peace Corps training or in Zanzibar.

So, for the past few days I’ve been deleting files nonstop from my Nairobi hotel room.  I eventually gave up on FTP because it would’ve taken years, so I emailed them a copy of my ID so they would grant me shell access.  I’m now down to under 100,000 files, but it’s an uphill battle, not to mention a terrible use of my time.

After a good amount of pleading, they put me back online and sent this message:

“Thank you for complying with the Terms of Service. Your account has been reactivated and should be fully functional.  If this continues you could risk your account status with us.”

Which translates to, “Thanks for paying for three years of service in advance.  Please leave.”

So when I get back to Mombasa I’ll need to find another solution.  If the site goes down again you can go ahead and shake your fist at Hostmonster.