I do know if you are free, then at least some of the video ads arent supported on Firefox....and yes I have the latest Firefox updates. Sometimes it lags for a minute or so....so dont play blitz if you are on free status...or try another browser.
I was a free member in 2008. Not since.
@Brendan_UK: interesting, thank you!
@hari: I can't imagine that there is only one server. The number of users that access chess.com simultaneously are so big, that one server could not handle that reliably. I expect that my data are not stored in America, but somewhere here in Europe.
This link starts telling why load balancing is cost effective and good for the user experience: https://www.javaworld.com/article/2077921/architecture-scalability/server-load-balancing-architectures--part-1--transport-level-load-balancing.html
Yes, I remember Eric mentioning it:
https://www.chess.com/article/view/an-open-letter-to-save-the-internet
(I've updated #20 for anyone experiencing lag).
Ziryab, you'll have to educate Milliern
Thanks Brendan 🤓
Considering these States United whipped the tails of the Brits in the Revolution and 1812, American English is the exclusive correct variant of spelling. History has endowed the victors that right. Pretty sure it was even in both peace treaties, too.
Um. In the War of 1812, our only real victory was after the war ended.
Dispute that, but not the mentioned inclusions in the peace treaties? I hope a Harvardinian's 5 on the AP American History isn't more reputable than your PhD in history. 
Yes, I remember Eric mentioning it:
https://www.chess.com/article/view/an-open-letter-to-save-the-internet
(I've updated #20 for anyone experiencing lag).
Ziryab, you may have to educate Milliern
Still stings, doesn't it, chap? HA!
As a British origin settler in America, I would have also fought for Independence from British rule 
Milliern wrote:
Considering these States United whipped the tails of the Brits in the Revolution and 1812, American English is the exclusive correct variant of spelling.
This is not only typical American arrogance the world has come to expect, but also an incorrect interpretation of history regarding the War of 1812.
By most definitions, a country that invades another, as was done when the US invaded Upper Canada in 1812 as part of the US’s “Manifest Destiny”, and is then repulsed, as happened in the 1812 conflict, is not consider victorious. Rather, it is considered a defeat. At the end of the conflict the border remained unchanged and the Americans did not gain an inch of ground. On the other hand, what has become the “White” House was torched and that is how it became white (whitewash to cover the burn marks). The US’s “Manifest Destiny” to take over all of North America failed when the invasion failed.
However, an argument could be made that Americans are simply lazy and inept, and that is the actual reason why so many words have had letters dropped from their spellings when used in America. But again, in typical American arrogance, their way must always be the correct way, even when most of the English speaking world uses the original British spellings of most words.
Logically, if a language originally developed in a country and is still in use in that country, the form of that language used in the originating country would be considered the correct form. Any other form would be considered a deviation. Frankly, I am surprised Americans still refer to their form of English as English and not American. E-Zed to understand, no?
One only has to understand how truly 'American' New York is to realise that mainstream accounts of history are needful of a more revisionist treatment. For what its worth I admire the intent of the American constitution, but always think 'Brit' bashing' - cowardly and 'gallery pleasing' - not only ignores the powers beyond the British throne at the time, as they still are now, but overlooks the ten elephants in the lounge of a very small house.
Logically, if a language originally developed in a country and is still in use in that country, the form of that language used in the originating country would be considered the correct form. Any other form would be considered a deviation. Frankly, I am surprised Americans still refer to their form of English as English and not American. E-Zed to understand, no?
not just a deviation, a bastardisation
You are very dissapointing sir. Proclaiming yourself to be a gentleman of chess, but then you go running away, leaving insulting messages after safely blockading me to get no posssible answer. You ran away from the game, without giving any rematch, which I accept, I don't accept you depicting yourself as a respected player, when you don't allow any response to your insults. I hope you will be unmasked.
Considering these States United whipped the tails of the Brits in the Revolution and 1812, American English is the exclusive correct variant of spelling. History has endowed the victors that right. Pretty sure it was even in both peace treaties, too.
That's an interesting distortion.
More generally to the discussion, I don't get the need to even establish which "English" is more legitimate, correct, or pleasing. Prior to the split, their histories were the same. Since the split, they've existed equally long. The whole argument is relative and reeks of nationalism every single time.
i've read that the united states has relatively crappy internet service.
Yes, I remember Eric mentioning it:
https://www.chess.com/article/view/an-open-letter-to-save-the-internet
(I've updated #20 for anyone experiencing lag).
Ziryab, you may have to educate Milliern