11 November 2013

Changes for the new Server

First of all, thank you all for your patience as we try to get hosting figured out. We will definitely go with MCProHosting for the service, and it should hopefully be happening very soon. Once it is up and running it will be publicized using our usual methods, to make sure members know it is running.

When the server is back up, hosted professionally, there will be some changes. The include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • New 1.7 World with new biomes nearby
  • Survival mode for all players
  • PvP enabled unless it becomes a problem
  • New sense of community with survival builds
  • Building a community from nothing with a nearby forest
  • Cooperative builds, both for style and function
  • Server roles for members, decided at a later date
  • Democracy-based decision system
  • "Elite" status for users based on donation status
If you have any questions, of course feel free to ask them! We want to make sure the new server is even better than the last one for everyone involved, and communication is key to making sure everyone is enjoying themselves. A world download of the original server map will be available here for anyone interested in using it for single-player.

03 November 2013

Changes in Hosting

Up until now, the server has been running from the personal computer of the server's host. However, this is severely limiting and recently the ISP controlling the network has began throttling data speeds due to excessive web activity. In order to restore speed and regain what is paid for, the server must be moved to another network location.

Enter MCPro Hosting. They are the lead provider of professional Minecraft Server hosting, it's the only thing they do and they excel at it. Tons of people use their services, and plans are relatively cheap compared to the alternatives. Going forward, the server will require donations to stay afloat with this new hosting solution, and that's where you come in! Donation widgets have been added to the server's website, where you can pay securely through PayPal to donate any amount you can spare in order to keep the server running. We aren't in this for profit; we only want to prevent losing money. All donations will be used for the server, and anything other than payment for hosting will be run by the server members first (such as the possibility of someday adding a professionally-hosted website or something similar to that, if such an opportunity presents itself and is seen favorably by server members)

If you donate, be sure to leave your name and Minecraft username in the memo field so we know who you are! You can of course remain anonymous if you choose, but we would love to acknowledge you for your help! If you play on the server, we can even offer benefits in-game in return for your assistance if you'd like. (Diamonds, anyone? Lots and lots of diamonds?)