During our beta testing of 4.4.1 we were also collaborating with LL to help them load-test the Server Side Appearance code while on Firestorm. In order to accomplish this testing we had to enable special data logging which sends quite a bit of additional information to the LL servers as well as user logs for LL to analyze. Unfortunately turning this extra logging off for the release build was overlooked and did not happen. While there is no noticeable impact to you, less than an hour ago we were informed that our release of 4.4.1 was “crushing” the LL statistics servers. Suddenly we now find ourselves having to take some emergency steps to correct this issue.

Removing 4.4.1 from downloads

We have to remove 4.4.1 from our downloads NOW and will have a 4.4.2 out to you no later than tomorrow but possibly within the current day. The only change in 4.4.2 will be the removal of the additional data logging.

Blocking 4.4.1 once 4.4.2 is available

As long as there are users on 4.4.1, the LL servers will continue to be inundated. The only solution to this is for us to block 4.4.1 from logging into SL as soon as 4.4.2 is available. You can expect to get a message when you try to log into 4.4.1 stating it has been blocked, why and where to download the update.

NOTE: YOU DO NOT NEED TO DOWNGRADE TO 4.4.0. You do not have to do ANYTHING until 4.4.2 is available.

Our mistake

When I started this project many rules were created in order to keep us all on the straight and narrow. One of the most important of those rules was that “If we screw up… we own up, no exceptions.” No sugar-coating it, no excuses, no trying to reduce the blame or redirect it.

Well, we screwed up, and because of our screw-up thousands of you are going to need to upgrade yet again, only this time with little to no notice or choice whatsoever. We acknowledge this will be, at the least, very inconvenient to most of you and on behalf of myself and the entire Firestorm Team… we extend our deepest apologies.

With every mistake a lesson must be learned, and I can assure you, lessons have been learned here. We won’t make THIS mistake again.

Stay tuned to this blog for the 4.4.2 update.

Sincerely,

Jessica Lyon

Project Manager

The Phoenix Firestorm Project, Inc.

“We learn from failure, not from success!”

― Bram Stoker, Dracula