First things first… Again, my most sincere appreciation to all those voices who have called, written and contacted us expressing support. The level of support during this effort to silence our voice is overwhelming and very much appreciated.
The people at WordPress open source software are apologetic, and they point to the people at WordPress.com/Automattic (the business) as the issue; two different groups.
On the technical side of the equation, there is a team of independent website engineers, platform designers and exceptionally skilled technology folks working to assist us. They are working brilliantly on this process, and our CTH community would be lost without their diligent efforts.
We are blessed to have brilliant people on task, focused and executing. To say this is a considerable task would be an understatement. It is very time consuming.
At first blush, the migration seems a simple process of exporting and importing the current CTH data…. until you realize the sheer scale of data involved. There are approximately 35,000 research articles and more than 7,200,000 comments in our decade-long archives each with an independent url to handle. The first step to secure the research library resulted in an export base of 60 files, each file holding massive amounts of data for transfer.
Ten years of graphics, pdf’s, charts, images, videos and millions of internal citations within that library equates to a lot of data. Combine that with a customary 10,000 to 20,000 word daily output of analysis, and then thousands of daily unique comments, and the server space needed for file transfer (as well as the import time) was a seriously unknown variable.
So, the team built a temporary site to see how long the transfer would take. After initial efforts, the engineering realized they could not auto-run the import. Simply the issue was overloading server capacity and few systems could handle the load.
The result is the 60 files can only be loaded in batches of five at a time. Each file takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes to import. The test run took place over two+ days, and we identified a total import time of 30 to 60 hours.
By taking this painstaking approach, we are ensuring that all internal links do not result in a “404” dead link notification. Meaning the library will remain intact, and all external links that lead to the CTH library will be able to find them. Additionally, and/all citations within the CTH library will be retained, and people will be able to use all the embed links; and also importantly, all prior links to your previous comments are retained.
After we knew the architecture and data import would take approximately two days; and adding the anticipated scale of bandwidth to foresee; we have signed up for host data services with an organization that should be able to handle the volume. We are soon to transfer the data from the temporary site into the permanent site on permanent servers.
NOTE: During the transition and data transfer we will need to shut down commenting function for CTH (WordPress) until CTH 2.0 launches. The mirroring of the site during this process will take (based on the test run) approximately 40 hours +/-. As a result, it is highly likely comments will be closed for around two days. Unfortunately, there is no other way to pull this off; it is simply a matter of volume and scale.
We will continue to post new articles and you will be able to see them, you just might not be able to comment on them until the full data transfer to Treehouse 2.0 is complete. Likely, I will have to cross-post to both websites during this transitional phase.
[Remember, the articles from CTH/CTH 2.0 cross-post onto Twitter, and you can also comment there. Or use the Twitter link to return to the CTH 2.0 article when live]
On the good news side… the functionality of the new site should be similar to what you are currently experiencing. There will likely be quirks after the launch that will need to be worked out, but the user experience will hopefully remain (essentially) as it is now, albeit you will not need a WordPress account for functionality. We are using the WordPress open-source software, so most of the current site functions should transfer.
There are some proprietary WordPress.Com features that will not transfer; however, we will immediately begin a priority process of building-in those features via plug-ins where possible…. there are a variety of add-ons that can enhance the new site and even make it better. We will use those features when feasible, and when possible in our budget.
♦ Some exceptionally kind people have requested a subscription platform; however, it has always been my mission to provide the raw and cited details, with an opinion toward what it means, totally free for everyone to use as they choose.
I do not consider my finished products proprietary, because they can always be made better by smart researchers who can find even more details for a bigger story, and make it even better. The site openness and accessibility is as important to me now as it was when The Last Refuge of misfits first assembled 10 years ago. CTH will never charge for access to the truth as we can discover it.
Just as many generous people had excellent suggestions for website hosting; however, many of those were disqualified simply because they cannot handle the volume of CTH traffic without major upgrades and CTH would be paying for those upgrades. The results of the test site disqualified a lot of hosting options. We simply have a ton of data and a great deal of bandwidth use on a daily basis. Our selected host has the capacity (fingers crossed) to handle the scale we need.
♦ The domain name will remain the same: “TheConservativeTreehouse.com”, and should be seamless in transition to the new website. However, after CTH 2.0 launch you may need to clear your browser “cookies” and “cache” so that your search or bookmark reaches the new servers accurately.
How you can tell – If you find yourself only finding older articles when you visit CTH this will be the problem. Clear your “cache and cookies”, search or use your bookmarks for CTH again, and your browser should redirect you to the correct website.
We are up against a deadline of December 2nd – As a result, the graphic design of CTH 2.0 should not look much different. The site will (should) appear the same to users until we go through a process of modifying the design but retaining the theme. Our website theme is over a decade old; we are keeping it but will be refreshing some of the aspects (like the blogroll etc). On an independent site we will have options to add enhancements and make the site carry more features. That part should be fun.
When the comments go live again, please be patient if you get hung up in a moderation cue. One of our challenges will be the absence of Askimet spam filtering. It may take time to release some comments if they are hung up in moderation. The site admins do a great job with comment moderation and release so it shouldn’t be too much of an issue; and quite frankly, there are likely to be benefits from not having the WordPress software filtering through the comments as they post. Spam removal will be a priority.
Please bear with us as we work through some of the challenges of comment moderation in our new platform. It should be seamless, but just in case… well, patience is appreciated. Be assured we will work diligently during this go live phase to deal with any comment issues as rapidly as possible.
♦ Random Stuff – You may not notice, but your user experience is a top priority to us. One of the ways we do this is through opening links in a new window on your browser. As you click on any citation in a CTH article that action opens a new window in your browser; and when you “x” out of that window you return to your original place in the article. This was always a standard convenience approach a decade+ ago on websites.
However, as people started monetizing their sites they realized if they forced the person to exit and come back they could inflate their clicks or impressions. 80 percent or more of websites today push you out of the article when you click a citation and force you to return to finish reading. CTH never subscribed to this inconvenient approach, and we don’t intend to do it now. Each link will open a new page in your browser. We will not inflate our statistics by forcing you to go back and forth just to read citations or more info.
Everything is essentially ready to begin the site changeover. As soon as I know when that process will initiate, I will let you know. Once activated the ability to comment will be closed for approximately one-to-two days (30-50 hrs), though we hope to make it as quick as possible. As soon as the changeover is complete, the commenting function will return to normal…. and you will be on CTH 2.0
Any questions feel free to ask below.
Again, thank you all for your support, this is your community. All of the Treehouse admins are stewards for this place, this Last Refuge, where you are what matters.
The key to Treehouse 2.0 is recognizing we are building something within a system that wants to see us removed. Being proactive will hopefully make us better stewards for our conversation. Remember, YOU are the important part.
Without you CTH doesn’t really have a purpose. I could stand outside shouting at trees with no impact; but together, sitting on the figurative porch, the conversation is rich with unique skill-sets, subject matter experts, and life-long experiences that make discussion so much more valuable. Myself and the CTH admin team cherish the value you represent.
Love to all,
~ Sundance
…Never fight until you have to. But when it’s time to fight, you fight like you’re the third monkey on the ramp to Noah’s Ark… and brother, it’s startin’ to rain.
So grateful or all I’ve learned at CTH. You’re the go to site with the best comments. Thanks for all the work. This DEPLORABLE is ready to be the UNGOVERNABLE and fight like that 3rd monkey.
Thank you again Sundance for your time and perseverance on getting the truth out there. Will be deleting my wordpress account today!
Any thoughts on hosting yourself, with your own servers, so this doesn’t happen again?
I think that would just be way to expensive with amount of bandwidth and server space needed. You’d basically be opening up a new data-farm, but shouldering 100% of the start-up costs. I’m sure that approach was considered but is just totally cost and man-power prohibitive, if I had to guess.
There are many of us praying for you and the protection of our precious country and of our freedom. There is an “army” of us out here who love, appreciate, and support you. There is strength in honor, integrity, and loyalty. We stand united behind you. March on behind the banner of truth.
Thank you Sundance, for providing an island of truth and sanity in an insane world.
Wow! What a heroic effort. Thank you!
Maybe off the subject, excuse please, but, did Biden sign the GSA transition agreement where he has to disclose whether he or any of his appointees have to disclose any activities involving foreign governments or agents. Or was that just an internet rumor?
You’re on the wrong thread. This is about CTH 2.0.
doohmax, do go and read Sundance’s Guidelines for Comments, linked in the header bar at the top of the page. Talks about “off topic” Replies, which are a no-no here.
Sounds like you’re moving forward at a decent pace. Thanks for update. Many would miss you terribly if you are gone.
I agree with everyone. This site was my fallback after I got disgusted with a number of others. In particular a certain alphabet news site used Disqus and it was sad that any comments no matter how neutral, were identified by the Mao Mob and the poster was digitally crucified. It is still that way.
Another site , Gateway Pundit, used to have some thoughtful comments but sadly it too has digressed and is littered with rumor and not helpful “I’m getting my guns” comments.
So, Thank you to Sundance and all the wise and “respectful” (let’s keep it that way) commenters. It appears the site is headed in the right direction. Let’s hope the country continues the same.
Have been a reader here probably since this site started up. I posted a few times here and there, but really started commenting when Jessica Chambers was burned to death in Mississippi.
Always love the conservative everything about this site, and when I dove deep into Donald Trump’s run for the Presidency in 2015 I was thrilled beyond words to see that the one site I counted on for common sense and truth — The Conservative Treehouse — not only dove into his Presidential run, but showed me with deep analysis why that was the best decision for a Presidential candidate ever.
How grateful I have been this entire fight for President Trump to have everyone who works at The Conservative Treehouse, with Sundance being the #1 person, there for any sane, patriotic American, helping us stay focused on what matters most, and on the evil we must know about in order to ensure our republic stands.
Thank you, Sundance and all the kind and gracious admins, for the WORK you do for us, for our county, and for our President, Donald J. Trump.
One day I hope President Trump awards you the Medal of Freedom, because you deserve it!
It’s very complex and time-consuming work. I’m delighted you quickly found a new home and all your invaluable work will be preserved.
It’s truly amazing Automaticc deplatformed you post-election.
Never forget God closes one door and opens a greater one. Godspeed. And Thank You.
Thank you for all you do.
Isn’t it time to censor liberals? The brainwashing is horrible.
Forgive my tech ignorance, but will there be a log-in requirement? How will the new CTH2 recognize us by our user name?
God speed and please use Parler, not Twitter as a tool to manage comments ?
Never used TWITT, bugt have an account on Parler. Cancelled my Fakebook account as well, and use Duckdickgo.com as the search engine. I hope that the social justice websites take a big hot when PRESIDENT TRUMP begins his second term n January.
Uh oh!!!!
I’m unable to get to CTH on my phone or work laptop….I get:
“Warning! Domain mapping upgrade for this domain not found. Please login and go to the domains upgrades page of your blog to use this domain.”
It then wants me to sign up for a WordPress account.
I’ve never signed up for a WordPress account. The only reason I’m able to write this comment is because I was already logged in on another tab on my phone. Otherwise, as of now, I cannot access the treehouse. If I close this page, or log out, I have no access. Help!!!!
I obviously can’t read other comments, so if the mods have been notified, please disregard.
Well, never mind…everything is working now…Weird.
Godspeed.
I love the fact that politics and religion are not outlawed, as a kid they were. May all your efforts be blessed!
Sundance…… A blessing above blessings. Thanks for all you do!
God bless you Sundance and crew. The Treehouse is a pinpoint of sanity in a world gone mad. Thank you for letting us misfits tag along.
I’ll follow CTH & Sundance wherever they land! Actually glad to be leaving WordPress. Good luck with the transition and thank you for this great site!
Happy Thanksgiving Treepers.?
God Bless you Sundance, CTH, admins and contributors! 2 days to be rid of WordPress will be a walk in the park for us Treepers. We are 100% behind you.
In faith & love…
Wolverines
I will support the CTH website at the new internet provider. CTH is one of the best websites in existence.
Sundance, et al….one of the few original sites on the ‘net. The level of research on any given issue has been…well, invaluable. Please know there are many of us who have come to rely on your site.
I offer this Psalm for your whole team
Psalm 31
O God, be my protector and my refuge.
In you, Lord, I put my trust: may I never be put to shame.
In your justice, set me free,
Turn your ear to me,
make haste to rescue me.
Be my rampart, my fortification;
keep me safe.
For you are my strength and my refuge:
you will lead me out to the pastures,
for your own name’s sake.
You will lead me out of the trap that they laid for me –
for you are my strength.
Into your hands I commend my spirit:
you have redeemed me, Lord God of truth.
Sundance, you are too honorable . . .
Thank you Sundance and the CTH team. I recognize that its a good thing not to comment for awhile. God Bless America, the CTH. Blessings to all with the arduous task of moving your site into
a new dimension. Signing out with comments until I get green light. Love to all Treepers and may you find your way to a Happy Thanksgiving. God is great, God is good. And the Universe is unfolding as it should.
I found the CTH, 2016, At least you will be back Sundance! The most informative news source that I have experienced. CTH new move means that I will not see word-press ever again, which is good enough for me. Looking forward to the new CTH 2.0 See you then! Thanks, Sundance, word-press loss!
believe we are a covenant nation and the gift of our abundant prosperity was granted so that we might be a beacon of hope, a lamp upon a hill. “To whom much is given, much is required.”
One Nation under God, not a motto, not just a creed, but a two-fold promise. God promised and We the People promised. God delivered and we received and then
we received some more, then more until we began to believe that our success was our own, no Almighty God, no covenant., no promise fulfilled, only promise reneged.
We slandered God, removed God and now we are here. Our great nation, America the Beautiful, the Land that I love, might become unrecognizable in a few short months.
The 2020 Election brought me to my knees in prayer. Honestly, I didn’t realize how much had already been lost. The Truth shall set you free! but where is it hiding? I’m about
to hold you to a very high standard, but I believe you hold the truth above all things. Please find a new home and please keep the flame lit in that lantern on the hill.
Love this site. It’s so hard to believe you/we can be censored for our beliefs/opinions in this country! Where will this end?
Okay, WordPress is “out.” Apparently Squarespace will shut folks down. Where can a small-time blogger go?
Faye from Australia, Thank You for that!! Hearing from an individual in a far off land in support of our beloved country and our magnificent, very stable genius, President Trump, just brightened my day.
It’s been a very tough year for everyone, worldwide, and here in America, the attempt to steal the election from all of us who voted for our President just has greatly added to the weight of it all.
Thank you for your kind words. Please continue to share the info found here at the CTH. And share the site itself, too!! God bless you, Faye! ??
Sundance, Thank You doesn’t adequately say what’s in my heart for your allowing all of we, the people, the opportunity to cut through the bull crappola and see, read, hear for ourselves from your posts and our fellow Refuge followers’ comments what’s the real poop. God bless you and all your behind the scenes helpers. Thank you. ♥️