Update: Here’s what I’d posted when the initial crash happened. Since then, thanks to friends and fans, the site is well on its way to recovery, with most of the pre-March 2010 content back online.
Thank you to everyone who sent advice, files, and positive thoughts for a quick restoration of HollowHill.com. I could not do this without you!
—
You probably want to know where HollowHill.com is.
Well… it’s a long story.
The short version is: The site broke yesterday (24 Feb 2012) when I needed to install some higher-level security, and the outdated, 8-year-old file structure failed completely.
So, I’ll be rebuilding this site from Nov 2011 backup files, such as they are, but it looks like it’ll be one page at a time, and the comments will be missing.
I’m starting with my highest priorities: The instructional articles and the free ghost hunting course. The latter is here now, and the first articles I’m adding are the ones referenced by the course.
Here’s a more detailed summary:
This site adopted the WordPress format back in the Dark Ages (around 2004), when my hosting service — uneasy about WP — insisted that the software had to be in a separate folder. So, the main WordPress files were in /ghosthunting/.
However, I managed to do something sneaky, so instead of page URLs looking like http://HollowHill.com/ghosthunting/pagename, they were just http://HollowHill.com/pagename.
Of course, that was toxic in terms of SEO and my Google ranking, but… well, I only created this site to help others who were interested in ghosts. As one of the “old-timer” sites, I figured people would find me by word-of-mouth. (And, for a long time, they did.)
But then, my sneaky tactic worked so well, even the software started thinking some of the files were in the top-level domain. And… that’s my problem, now that I’m trying to restore the files on a better server: No matter what I do, the software keeps adding an extra /ghosthunting/ when it’s looking for files. That includes the login sequence, as well.
When the site failure happened, it was too late to salvage the database. I had a WP-Twin backup, but it replicates the problems of the previous installation, and I still can’t log in. Other backups contained the same problems.
This happened on 24 Feb 2012, so I’m still trying various ways to fix it, but it might mean what people have been telling me for years: I need to copy the posts manually, one by one, and fix the links and srcs as I go along.
This is a very odd event, and I’m sorry that Hollow Hill may be a bit of a tangle for awhile. Please don’t think I’m devastated by this. I believe everything happens for a reason, and — to be blunt — I can hardly wait to see what this is about. It’s so odd, y’know?
But, it’s also a relief. I’ve known for years that I needed to fix the code on the site, update many of the articles (they span from 1998 to the present), and bring my files fully into the 21st century.
7 Responses to Hollow Hill… it’s here, sort of.
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That really sucks, I read your site every day almost. which has made me create a site somewhat alike, yet totally different. Just some words of encouragement. You are awesome, and so is hollow hill, it will never be brought down. It has affected so many people out there and I’m sure they are rooting for you! The most important thing it will be rebuilt, better than ever and more secure!. keep plugging away I believe in you and know, youwill never give up on us.
Hi, Steve!
Wow… that comment means SO much to me. Thank you, thank you!
I woke up this morning with an idea for a way to involve other people in this project, and reward each of you.
I think it’s wonderful that you created your own site. Remember that you can copy any of my articles for your site (see the “About” page, linked at the top of this page for details) and if you need more articles than the 15 I automatically approve, just ask.
This will be rebuilt, and — with my project idea — this could happen quickly.
Thanks again, Steve. I can’t express how deeply I was moved by your words, and they’re greatly appreciated.
Cheerfully,
Fiona
Good luck with the restoration. We truly do appreciate all the effort you have put into sharing your knowledge with us.
Thanks, Nellie! The only reason I was willing to tackle this overwhelming job was because I know I have many friends and fans who rely on this website.
Thanks to support from people like you, it looks like this website will be back sooner than I’d dared to hope.
Cheerfully,
Fiona
hey fiona.im dont want to hurt your feelings or anything but i liked the last hollow hill with ACTUALL ghost experiences.
Hi,
My feelings aren’t hurt because the website content is exactly the same as it was, before. I’m simply restoring the articles as time permits, and — so far — I have about 400 articles online again (many are missing their illustrations) with about 200 more to restore.
The stories are still here, or will be back online, soon.
In haste,
Fiona
Ah, well…stuff happens, like you said, for a reason. The “New” site will be even better, I’m sure. I’m sorry the comments will be MIA *sigh*–had a stimulating and fun discussion there a year or so back with some other readers about “demons”. Kinda wanted to revisit it and see if anyone had added anything. Well, nonetheless…I STILL don’t believe in “demons”, but I DO Believe in Hollow Hill! Best o’ Luck with the restoration. I know you will be providing entertaining and informative stuff for all of us for years to come.–Damien