Fic/art access and links (AKA AO3 404s)

[sga_genadmin]

tridget just pointed out an interesting and rather annoying phenomenon: If direct work links are used, the art and fics at AO3 are generally available; but if the "expanded" collection link is used, folks not logged in at AO3 may get 404 errors

Comments

[madripoor_rose]

Not logged in, and I just got a 502 error on that direct link for Grit. I think it's bad timing/something we'll have to wait out. I've heard the Avengers fandom/a flux of people leaving ffn when they started another random enforcement of no explicit fic rules really hit the Ao3 archive hard.

[tridget]

The 502 error is a different one from the links logged in/logged out issue.

AO3 explains the reason for 502 errors at their site this way:

"Since 502 errors are associated with site slowness, it can be a bit unexpected to get a 502 as soon as you click. The reason this happens is that our servers are set up to keep an eye on how many requests are in the queue for them to handle. If there are more than a certain number, then the chances that the page will time out before it can be delivered are high. So, the server gives the 502 page right away instead so that you don't wait a long time only to be disappointed."

So you are right about it being timing. Try again later and keep your fingers crossed.

On the June 12 update, AO2 noted the 502 current errors and are working on the source of the problem but anticipate it may take until June 29 to sort this round of issues out.