noodlez

this is how i solved my S3 hotlinking issue:

• generate a new random key every day, store in database
• build a redirect script, kind of like yours, that checks for the key in the URL of the images. if the key is the up to date one, let it through to the S3 image. if not, redirect to an error image.
• re-link all images to pass through the script, and make sure each url pulls down the newest key from the database.
• turn off all search engine spiders.

edited to note: "let it through" could be done several ways and does not necessarily mean a redirect, which exposes the s3 address

fair enough. i'm glad you shared and i salute you for making a tough decision

i'm not saying go nuts or anything, but i would say that you shouldn't put a lower value on your experiences just because the odds say you're going to have less time to sit on those experiences. seems like some enjoyment is in order, instead of brooding about stuff. like i said, if you have a job where you can telecommute, it seems to me like it might be worth trying to do that. go wander the globe with your laptop and work while traveling.

is seeing the world not on the list of things you want to try and do?

what are the odds that you'll be able to afford being able to take some time off and travel? have a job that'll let you telecommute? etc..