I don't know the details on our deal with Pair (and i don't want to know, frankly). But i'm all for having a server on which we can install the software we want and need. Is see this as a way of future-proofing. Like, using LetsEncrypt, a full-fledged PostgreSQL database, maybe one of those in-memory search database thingies and some other modern stuff that is either available or will be invented in the next decade(s).
For example, i deploy my cash register software (based on PageCamel) to clients as docker images.
Yes, a full server does cost some money, but those things are not as expensive as they used to be. For my private stuff, i use a full server from Hetzner. It's an older model i got from their server auctions; it's got 64GB Ram, a mirrored 4TB drive and a mirrored 512GB NVMe SSD (used for database indexes and stuff), plus some additional IP addresses; all for 74 Euros per month.
We can either get the foundation or some other sponsor, or we could think of a way of paying for it as a group. Maybe pay for the privilege of posting pictures¹?.
Whatever we do, we should look into having more control over the software we run. Otherwise we'll be perpetually limited by external forces that may or may not have any interest in Perl and PerlMonks.
¹ Or, as PM is basically a sort of social network, pay for the privilege of not getting spammed with cat meme pictures...
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