For a while now no one has been able to access my forum – first of all it was coming up with errors, then there was a forbidden access message. Until tonight I’d not really looked into it because I only had a handful of members and even fewer of us ever posted so it wasn’t a top priority. However, I decided it was time I looked into it a little deeper…
It turns out someone had hacked into my forum and changed some of my files so they try and redirect you to another website, which in turn installs a virus on your computer. I’ve removed everything that was infected, but have to sort out the database connection issue which leads me to wonder if this is all worth it.
The previous forum I had was using phpBB and it was an upgrade that went horribly wrong that wiped that out. I started again with Simple Forums Machine after hearing how good it was, but I really don’t want to have to start again or sort out problems for something that got little use when I can work on something else.
And so I think I’m going to close the forum once and for all. I still have a private forum, a test forum and Horror 101 that I am Admin at as well as several forums I read on a regular basis… a forum discussing my website is taking up resources it doesn’t need to when I can post any updates on my blog. I feel somewhat sad to let it go, but I think all in all it’s for the best.
I hope the members of my forum understand why I have to do this. Thanks for keeping me company on there. 
I am really sorry about your forum and I am sorry that I am never around when you really need me.
It’s really okay, Cat. You might not have visited much, but you were a member and posted at the beginning – I’m grateful for that.
These things happen. Like I said, it’s probably for the best.