One of the worst things that can happen to a private torrent tracker is a database failure that results in data loss. Popular movie torrent tracker PassThePopcorn (PtP) just went though one such nightmarish database crash which resulted in a massive loss of user accounts, torrents, user stats, forum posts and lots of other data. Thankfully the majority of the lost data were recovered using a previous backup. This backup however was three weeks old – for existing PtP members it may seem like the site went three weeks back in time.
Following is quoted from a news post published on PtP homepage:
On April 14th, we lost our database. We have recovered the database from 3-27-09. Due to this loss, all torrents, forum posts, ratio histories, donations, etc. after 3-27-2009 were lost. Any torrents you have downloaded that are no longer on the site can be re-uploaded. Please check before uploading as not to upload a duplicate copy.
We have made each and every torrent freeleech. Enjoy! All site rules apply!
Steps have been taken to prevent this in the future
Judging by posts on various file sharing and BitTorrent forums, lots of PtP members have lost bonus credits, user class promotions, ratio stats and in some cases even invitees. This also means that if you registered on PtP on or after 3-27-2009, your account itself may have got deleted. This is why the administrators have opened signups for an indefinite period of time – those who lost their accounts can now create a new account and re-join the tracker.
Screenshot: PassthePopcorn runs on Gazelle, a BitTorrent tracker script pioneered by What.cd crew
Of course, those who were waiting to get into PtP too can use this open signup window to create themselves a free account. With 14500+ users and close to 8000 torrents (stats as of 16/4/09 – after data loss), PtP is still a good movie torrent tracker.
Site Name: Pass The Popcorn (http://passthepopcorn.org)
Signup URL: http://passthepopcorn.org/register.php
