Thursday, May 29, 2008

AmericanTheaterWeb.com - why the changes? (repost)

I've had a number of people write and ask why there have been changes to the layout of AmericanTheaterWeb.com. The answer is that someone decided it might be fun to hack into the site and use it to spread a virus. Basically, any time a search was performed on the site, or I attempted to put in news or new information, the hack would try to replicate itself, not only across the 'net, but through the database. At this juncture, we've tried cleaning the database twice, and brought the site back, only to find that it's still not uninfiected. What this means for AmericanTheaterWeb.com as a whole, I don't know. There could be a lot of reprogramming and redesign involved in bringing it back as it was, and I am not sure that I will have the resources necessary to do that.

While we continue to work on the problem, I have wanted to make sure one section of the site - its most timely - the daily comprehensive newsclippings - have continued. Thus, I'm using the blog for the time being.

I will use the blog to keep you posted as to what's going on with AmericanTheaterWeb.com as a whole. If you have questions, suggestions, or moral support to send, please feel free.

Thanks a million for understanding and support.

Andy Propst

3 comments:

Michael Sporn said...

I don't mind the changes. The site is such an essential one that I'm glad to have it in any form. Thanks for keeping it up and running.

Gilbert Cruz said...

Hey Andy,
Sorry to hear all that..when you say you don't have the resources..do you mean financial?? Perhaps all the readers can contribute something on their own towards getting it back up.. I have been a steady reader for years and find it a great source of info and entertainment and would certainly be willing to help out.

llepsdog said...

My main reason for coming to the site was to search for shows that are within a two hour driving distance. I am also check for shows when visiting relatives or when I am in another city for vacation/business. Keep us posted when and where this feature will become available again. Thanks!