To answer whiffler's question, the site has always experienced blips due to bouts of publicity. The first major one was the Piers Morgan/Mirror faked photos which led to our first mention in the national media. Our daily usage figures leapt up to nearly 70k for one day. At the time (early 2004) we were getting 20-30k day so this was significant event.

The next big event was the Amarillo video. At the time we were number 1 on google for 'British Army Amarillo" and the site just disappeared under the traffic. Back then we were running on a single server which was already getting perilously close to its maximum. In the end it took us a couple of days to sort it out and the site was down for quite a while. Shortly afterwards we bought another much faster database server and went for a twin configuration (stop me if you are falling asleep!).

More recently we've had a quiet summer probably due to the good weather and world cup but the recent prominence of defence in the media has upped usage considerably.

I love ARRSE with the same passion as I afford fine wines, gold coins and women with the morals of a stoat, though as a newbie I am deeply jealous of those with the 'must have' 2003 joining date.

Originally Posted by Bad CO

The first major one was the Piers Morgan/Mirror faked photos which led to our first mention in the national media.

And actually BCO you are underselling ARRSE! I had, shall we say, a close interest in this particular defining moment and it was some very observant contributor who was actually the first to question the legitimacy of the photos - because I am completely cr@p at using the search function I can't tell you the name of this stout fellow. But he/she certainly lifted the lid and found something very murky underneath.

The rest,as they say, is Piers Morgan's history.

I don't know who first questioned the veracity of the photos, but IIRC QLRs were still in Iraq and the Secretary? of the Regimental Association was interviewed. He certainly expressed his doubts from the outset as they just didn't look right. Of course, he may also have been an arrser - but I'm sure the arrse conclave played its part.

Digression ends - arrse got a mention by Libby Purves in Time online 4/5/2004, any earlier known ?. COs aware of any earlier mention in the meeja ?.

and it was some very observant contributor who was actually the first to question the legitimacy of the photos - because I am completely cr@p at using the search function I can't tell you the name of this stout fellow. But he/she certainly lifted the lid and found something very murky underneath

ViroBono.

Originally Posted by Storeman Norman

So - what about Mods then? How did you come about - were you volunteered or did you fancy the cut and thrust of interweb dominance? Was the appeal of thrashing posters from pillar to post and the chance to 'have it your way' too much to resist? How did you present your CV to the COs - or did you just turn up and give it large?

I'd love to say that there was an arduous selection process - an online equivalent of the fan dance for instance. Unfortunately it would be a bit of a lie. Some of the Mods are people we know (not that many). The majority though are people who came to our attention by being knowledgeable about their area and being good blokes (we think). Most were invited although a very select few pushed their cause. Before I get buried under cries of me, me, me - note that this hasn't worked for about 2 years!

I can only think of about two that have retired, one because he felt that he wasn't able to put in the effort and the other because he disagreed with some of our policies. Both remain site members (I think).

Something probably worth discussing is the users who are no longer with us for various reasons. How about LadyNavyVet and Leanne as two suggestions?

Originally Posted by whiffler

Worth mentioning the occasional boom in membership. Last week/end perhaps, but especially the QDG Amarillo video.

Indeed the times gave us a whole side quote thingum on sat was it?

Originally Posted by armchair_jihad

I love ARRSE with the same passion as I afford fine wines, gold coins and women with the morals of a stoat, though as a newbie I am deeply jealous of those with the 'must have' 2003 joining date.

There is of course only 1 must have date ......

Originally Posted by Bad CO

How about LadyNavyVet and Leanne as two suggestions?

LNV - what a fruitloop.
I've got a cached copy of a gijargon discussion highlighting her fruitloopedness (is that a word?) somewhere - I'll dig it out & post it for your viewing pleasure.


TTFN

BFG

Originally Posted by Bad CO

Originally Posted by armchair_jihad

I love ARRSE with the same passion as I afford fine wines, gold coins and women with the morals of a stoat, though as a newbie I am deeply jealous of those with the 'must have' 2003 joining date.

There is of course only 1 must have date ......

It is predictable to say that the best ideas come after a session, however I never thought I'd see the day when I praised a New Year's resolution.