You guys don't need a dedicated server for erie blogs. Look at media temple's (dv) dedicated virtual server solutions. There are some fairly high traffic sites running off of their entry level offering. I also run my site off a (dv) server. http://www.mediatemple.net/webhosting/dv/

Try VPS instead of dedicated it maybe cheaper without paying for entire server. You will get a 'slice' of a server that meets your bandwith, memory, storage space. Most good providers will work with you and customize to fit your needs.

Check out webhostingtalk.com and search for for feedback on all the companies out there.

Let me know if you have any questions. I have a small reseller account holding mostly blogs but have been thinking of upgrading to VPS account with reselling capabilities.

Good luck

Scott

For all the great information that you guys provide on a daily basis, I think I can put up with the ad. And from your mockup, it isn't in the way anyhow.

I've had great results from Midphase. 3 years and no downtime. http://www.midphase.com/newaff/redir.pl?a=0.698749756514193&c=1

Another option would be TextDrive/Joyent. I've been using them for about a year and a half now and have had very little problems with downtime usually less than 30 min when there is any.

Hey Mike-- I'm fine with whatever. If you want to place an add up, feel free. I don't think the big hot dog add is too annoying ;)

There are a few Erie Bloggers and readers who do reselling. If there was a reliable host, perhaps Erie Blogs could host (for a fee) some of the blog's around town.

I agree with JL. I love the site and rely on it daily. I certainly wouldn't mind an ad here and there. Keep up the good work!

As long as the content and the ads are separate entities, I don't see where it would be a problem for the average reader. And if it keeps the site going? My vote is "yes."

Mike,
There is no need for you to apologize to us for anything. Each and everyone of us who are part of your community extend our appreciation for all you do. Do what you must do and start advertising. You guys are great.

Being that I formerly ran a large site and at first did it with shared hosting then went to our own co-lo paid for with 1 rotating banner ad (as long as people paid for it) I strongly suggest doing your own thing... just MAKE SURE people pay. That's what killed fordexplorer.net, people stopped paying me and I couldn't afford the co-lo bill on my own.

Mike what ever you decide is fine by me. I had another thought I would like to run by you so if you could email me i would appreciate it.
thanks, toni

That is one of the most unintrusive ads ever! I like it. And quite frankly, I wouldn't care if there were more ads placed on the site just to keep it running.