I love this site, but there is absolutely no excuse for this.
If the ISP decided to change servers, then they should have taken down the site and done a backup. If it was a crash, then that is different, but the system should still be backed up more often. I don't think there would be a problem if a daily backup were scheduled some time in the wee hours of the morning. Its a small price to pay for not losing so much progress.
I'm not being critical, just realistic. If Ross needs help with the site, there are a lot of members here with computer experience that would be willing to donate some time and/or expertise. If its just too costly to get a better ISP or to do more frequent backups, then I'd be willing to donate some cash, and I'm sure many others would be as well. This site has become much more than just a forum, at least to me, and I feel that we need to band together, address the problems, and take it to the next level.
I also think that we need to set up some type of "Plan B", so that if something like this ever happens again, we have a place to go, to stay in contact. I noticed that some of the members have their own websites. Perhaps we could designate one of them as an emergency alternate site or meeting place.
