Wow, customer communication is catching on

[Sean Donelan <sean () donelan com>]

It looks like this customer communication thing is catching on.  After three
consective problem Sundays, Microsoft decided it might be a good idea to tell
its network customers what was happening (no more nebuleous statements blaming
the "Internet").

> From Microsoft's web page:

> December 5 Connection Problems 
> As you may know, at 7 P.M. on the night of Sunday, December 5, there were
> severe connection problems, which resulted in disconnections and lag. This was
> because a reconfiguration in our datacenter was made at that time. Due to a
> communication breakdown (which we are assuring will not happen again), word of
> this change did not reach those of us who inform the players of such a
> reconfiguration. Had we known about the reconfiguration, we would have warned
> you not to play while it was going on. 
>
> Adding to the problem, after the reconfiguration stopped, we gave the players
> the "all clear" to re-enter the game. Unfortunately, within 20 minutes, there
> was a datacenter problem, and this caused more connection disruptions. We are
> still investigating the cause of this problem; it was not caused by another
> reconfiguration but probably was a consequence of the previous one.
>
> We deeply apologize for these problems, both that a reconfiguration was made
> during a busy time, and that you did not get adequate warning. 
>
> NOTICE: Datacenter Reconfiguration December 6
>
> In an effort to eliminate further connection disruptions in our datacenter, a
> reconfiguration is being done late on December 6. This will begin at midnight
> and end at 5 A.M., Pacific time. It is strongly advised that you do not play
> AC during this time, as bad lag can hit at any moment. After 5 A.M., cautious
> play is advised until we are sure the new configuration is stable.