If you run multiple, mostly identical copies of a site, you should probably be using my new plugin acts_as_restricted_subdomain. It will allow you to run one application with n subdomains all with completely segregated data. It will prevent cross pollination of data while still allowing you to administer the site in a script/console session. Session access is restricted, so users that log into one site will not be authenticated for another site. Models get automatic validations and query restrictions for finding. Controllers will display a 404 error when a site is not found. Good stuff.