[asset|aid=1084|format=image|formatter=asset|title=hacked.jpg|width=166|height=135|align=right|resizable=true]SoapBlox, a site that powers many progressive blogs, was hacked earlier this week. They took down four of their servers to minimize the spread of the damage, and the individual who ran SoapBlox declared defeat. (He’s since taken down the post, but you can still read the text at DailyKos.)

I don’t suggest reading most of the comments on that thread, but Karl-Thomas of Burnt Orange Report notes:

I think this is a very sobering moment in which a lot of people (other than the blog owners who understood this already) have the nickel drop that Paul Preston as an individual was single handedly one of the most crucial components of progressive infrastructure.

Everyone needs to realize that if Paul walks away from this because there is a lack of support or will to help him, that 90% of the the [sic] 50 State blogosphere will collapse. And not to mention anyone else served by his platform.

Within hours of the crisis call going out, many people had volunteered financial resources and expertise to keep SoapBlox alive. Discussions are now taking place about long-term sustainable planning.

A few quick takeaways:

• It’s essential to support the resources and institutions you rely on, whether that support is financial, political or technical. Paul has been running SoapBlox part-time outside of his regular full-time job.
• Find support community, and learn what's out there. Trying to work singlehandedly, though it can sometimes feel like the only option, isn’t healthy. This is one of the reasons why YP4’s Blueprint for Social Justice curriculum includes preliminary research (an environmental scan) and identification of potential allies or collaborators. In this example, there are several networks of progressive and radical tech folks who have established infrastructure and communities of support.
• Take the time to plan up-front for long-term sustainability.
• Ask for help when you need it.
• For any project, whether technical or otherwise, consider the bus factor. Make sure at least a few people have access to crucial information so your project won’t be incapacitated if one of your people is. This is part of planning for long-term sustainable change.

Kudos to everyone who's helped save this network of blogs. I look forward to seeing what will emerge from this process.