for most is there a max number in the database?

[folgerj]

I'm having troubles with my hosting folks (ipower) when it comes to the database. and now I'm unable to post a new picture in my blog. So before I call them, what I'm wondering, is there a max number of pictures in the database. I only have 368+/- pictures in mine. They have been telling me that other folks out there have really large databases and it's slowing down the rest of us. I've been unable to access my blog on occassion...
They (ipower) tell me, that will be fixed if I purchase a $3-400/yr buisness plan so I don't have to share the database with a million other folks...
So what I would like to know is what is the norm for everyone else.
Thanks
Jeff

[dhdesign]

Neither of my hosts has a limit on the number of pics that can go into a database - the only limit is if I exceed my diskspace quota for my account. Have you checked to make sure you haven't exceed your diskspace quota for your plan?

Before giving ipower any more money, I would strongly suggest looking at other webhosts first. I have my photoblog on TextDrive, and have almost 220 images in it, with no problems. I also have an account at A Small Orange (ASO) that I've installed PP on to use for testing and template development, and have not had any issues.

You might also take a look at the plans at Eleven2, which is where this forum is hosted at (link at the bottom of the page).

It sounds like ipower has really oversold the server, and you are seeing the results of that with the diminished performance and downtime.

[dakwegmo]

I have worked for three web hosting companies, and have hosted web sites with at least another five. I can tell you now, things will get much worse before they get better. Bargain basement webhosting usually cram as many people onto a server as possible. If you are experiencing a noticeable performance problem with either the amount of space you have available or database performance, it's time to run. Hosting companies gamble that most people aren't going to use the ridiculous amounts of space they offer. When their gamble doesn't pay off it's the you, the customer, that loses not the company.

One of the things I always find out before buying hosting is how much space has been offered to each customer, how many customers will be allowed on any given server, and what the server's specs are. Some overselling is fine, it makes good business sense, but if only a few people using what they have been promised would bring down a server, it's time to look elsewhere.