New Computer

The new computer has arrived! It's been assembled, disk controller problem has been resolved, and the OS has been installed. OS updates and drivers are being worked on.
I should have this computer fully capable of running WitchCast in about 1 week!

Here's what's been given to me to run the station!

System Stats:

Drives: 1 RAID 0 array of 2 x 180GB drives, SATA 2
2 drives from the old system, 100GB and 200GB, SATA 1, non-raid (both tested)

RAM:
800Mhz
1GB Dual Channel (2x 512mb)

Processors:
Dual Core AMD Anthlon 64 X2 at 2.8Ghz per core

Optical Drives:
HP LightScribe DVD writer from old system.
DVD-Reader from old system
Both drives tested and cleaned

Audo:
Onboard Realtek HD!

Lan:
Dual On-board 10/100/1000!

PSU:
500 Watts

Extras:
Tamper switch option (detects the case being opened and alerts me upon boot)
D-Bracket displays diag indicators (currently damage, awaiting new part)
10! USB 2.0 ports
2 FireWire
Auto Fan Controllers
BIOS BASED RAID UTILITY
Digital Optical and Digital Coax audio outputs

Computer's Network Name: Brigit


Cost: Approxamately $1,200 (NOT including salavage and tested hard drives, optical drives, and card reader from old system)
Funding source: Ruth T. - Thanks!
Fund Type: Loan (I'll be repaying from my paychecks)

This system should be able to tear through MP3 recoding like butter, meaning I can update the station in less time, and therefor more often!

CRB

The Copyright Royalty Board has instituted new fees that are absolutely insane. This has prompted Live365, our broadcast provider, to instate new rules.

These changes include:

• VIP "Are you still there?" campaign: All VIPs will receive an "Are you still there?" prompt after 8 hours that they will then need to click or the broadcast will stop.
  
  
• Non-VIP "Are you still there?" campaign: We'll also be testing different maximum listening session lengths and reminders on some non-VIP listeners.
  
  
• PRO Broadcasts only on iTunes: Personal broadcast accounts are priced based on carrying full Live365 advertising and branding. Without that branding/advertising, along with the new royalty rates, it is not financially feasible to list personal broadcasts with iTunes. Professional stations are still eligible for iTunes listing.
  
  
• Disabling of direct 3rd party player listening from Live365 website: Listeners will need to keep the Live365 Player Window open if they wish to listen via 3rd party applications such as iTunes or Winamp. Professional broadcasters will still be able to have direct 3rd party links from their own websites.

The disabling of direct 3rd party player listening means that the project to make WitchCast available to Pocket PC users has been scrapped.
These new rules are unfortunate, as we do not cause Live365 any royalty fees. WitchCast's playlist is comprised of music for which we have permission directly from the artists and are therefore exempt from those royalties.
We will continue to broadcast, however, we may need to find an alternative to Live365. If that is the case, WitchCast.com is where you'll find out, and we will also notify you directly on the WitchCast stream prior to any provider changes. Fortunately, Live365 has NOT increased their fees. So, if the changes mentioned above do not impact our listeners very much, we will remain on Live365.

WitchCast Saved!

Ruth T. just loaned me the cash to replace the computer. WitchCast is saved!
If anybody would like to thank her, send a message to ThanksRuth@WitchCast.com and I will make sure she gets it.
The replacement computer (some assembly required) should arrive in 3 to 7 business days. After that, I'll have to assemble it and recover the data from the old drives. I sure hope the old drives still function, otherwise we've got a BIG mess. They should be intact. I do have all our software on CD/DVD Roms.
It will take us a while to get all caught up. Thank all of you for continuing to listen to WitchCast, and staying with us through this difficult time.

Hey Everyone

Tasha here, Captain of Ze Olde Press Shoppe!

I just wanted to inform everyone that The Spreadshop will be down for an estimated seven days. However, we expect a whole new layout and line of products when we do get it back up. Also the Cafe Press shop is still open so feel free to browse at leisure and buy our wonderful WitchCast products!

Devistating Blow

I had more time tonight than I thought, so I installed the new motherboard. Our biggest fears regarding that PC are true, there is further significant damage. Top suspects are the processor, the power supply, and the video card. None of that is cheap. Our only options are to either continue sinking money in to this machine in attempts to make it run, or to buy a new one and scrap any usable parts to recoup some of the cost.
In either case, we need you, our loyal listeners, to dig deep in your pockets and save this station!
I can't run it without a decent computer, and the computer I'm using to type this can barely load this web site.
Everyone who donates will get a say in how this problem is solved, simply contact me at JeffC@WitchCast.com. However, before exploring further to see what exactly our options are (or checking any prices), our goal is tentatively set at raising $2,000.
Now, I know that sounds like a lot, but I know there are at least 3,000 of you out there. WitchCast is destined for big things, but not if this downed computer takes us out. Please... Save Our Station!

A list of names and contact info will be kept of contributer who chooses to identify themselves.
If WitchCast becomes something more than a donation run internet radio station, you will not be forgotten.
I'll keep you all up to date. Until we get a computer capable of running the station, WitchCast will continue to broadcast it's current play list, but no new music can be added. All shows are canceled due to being unable to convert and upload new episodes. Our voip phone line is down, we have nothing to access it with.
E-mail is still accessible, however, we can't organize any of it. If you send us something and don't hear back, please try again after we fix this problem. The slogan contest is still open, but pointless if WitchCast isn't saved.

It's here! It's here!

In my hands, I hold our new ABit motherboard. I should have it installed this weekend, and if nothing else was damaged on that PC, running by Monday. I'm hoping the processor isn't damaged, I have no way of knowing until I get it seated in the motherboard and powered up.

Part Ordered!

Capital Computers decided to drop the vendor they were using to get the part, and never informed us. They also said they are not able to get an equivalent part. So, I've ordered a reconditioned motherboard, from Spartan Technologies.
The motherboard plus shipping came to approximately $130, which is considerably more than the $88 I was getting it for from Capital Computers. I didn't have much choice. It's the same make and model as the board being replaced, so it'll be a much smother repair since the drivers are the same ones already installed on the hard drives.
I'd like to thank everyone who has donated towards the repair, and thanks to all our loyal listeners who are still tuned in. This motherboard should arrive by the end of the week, and I should have it installed and running over the weekend.
It's been far more of a headache than it ever should have been. I assure you, WitchCast will not be doing business with Capital Computers in the future.

Another Vendor

Capital Computers still hasn't gotten us the part. We're forced to use another vendor.
It'll cost $50 more, but what good is a "bargain" if the part never arrives?
I'll be calling Capitol Computers in the morning. If the part isn't there for me to pick up, I'll fork over the extra $50 from the WitchCast account to get it from another vendor. I don't have much choice.