Servers, whether big or small, need players to survive. That's basic, it's essential. It's like having a school without students, it won't work. It's pointless. 

I'm not one to judge all servers, but a lot of brand new servers that I join that seem interesting, are not at all what they claim themselves to be. Friendly staff? That sounds nice, but oh, you're lying. 

The staff doesn't care about you, they don't talk to you, they might say welcome, but after that you're on your own. 

This blog is about becoming the best server owner (in my opinion) that you can possibly become. It's about keeping your players happy, keeping them coming back for more, and keeping your reputation high. 

What do I know about owning a server? More than you think. Whether you might be reading this for fun, or you think there might be room for improvement, you might learn something. 


- Treat yourself, and your team, with respect. 
Your staff team is there for a reason. They've either had an interest in your server and applied, or they're just one of your friends who so happens to have Minecraft. Treat your staff with courtesy and like you've known them for years. Make sure you appreciate their help. Treat yourself with respect as well, don't abuse your power as a server owner, and don't think you're the hottest stuff to face the Earth. 

- Welcome new players. 
This is so basic, yet, some people don't understand it. Say hello to new players, make them feel as if they belong in this server. Spoil these guys, not with commands and in-game items, but with kindness. If you need a plugin to welcome new players (no disrespect to TechDoodle) then you're doing something wrong. Either you're just lazy, or you don't deserve to own a server. 
New players are the future for your server, you better treat these guys with utmost politeness. If they somehow end up being rude, don't be rude yourself. Keep your cool, always. Let the ban hammer do the work. 

- Be outgoing, ask questions, know how to interact.
You're a server owner, even if you happen to own a giant hub-based mini-game heaven with 30,000 players daily, it's a very social position. Interact with your players, be outgoing. Do you know what that means? Be open to answering any questions players might have in a kind way, ask your players how their experience is so far, learn to take criticism, and ask how the server can be improved. Use emoticons, it makes you sound friendlier. 

Just be friendly, that's it. Forget everything else. A server is as good as its owner. 

Play a round of MobArena or whatever with your players. Interact.

- You own a Minecraft server. 
Repeat that. You own a Minecraft server. Not a prison or an exclusive nightclub. Rules are rules, and they will end up being broken eventually. As a server owner, you should understand that better than anyone else. Don't enforce your rules so much, and don't shove them constantly in my face. If you parade your rules all over the server with an announcement plugin, that gets real annoying real quick. It makes me want to hack into your server and change your code for you.

Leave your rules conveniently somewhere in the spawn, where players can walk by and read them. You can also set up the /rules command so players can read them by will. Players shouldn't be forced to read rules, I'm pretty they are smart enough to understand the basic laws. If not, give them a warning and remind them. Don't ban for the little things. 

If your server is a little more complex than the basic rules, just ask players to read them, easy as that!

And don't trip so hard. If a player uses caps, don't mute them indefinitely. Don't stress your rules. Be a calm, chill person. If players see how cool you are, they will come back for more. 

UPDATE: To the people arguing with me about not enforcing rules, you're missing the point. I'm saying to not be so hard with your rules, it's a server, have a little lenience. I'm not saying to not have rules, I'm telling you to not be so harsh about them. 

- Conclusions. 
You own a Minecraft server! That's awesome! It's your own little spot of Minecraft Multiplayer. Show people why your server is awesome, why the staff is awesome, why its players are awesome! 

Keep your players happy, keep your cool, just be an overral Best Owner Ever. You can do it. I believe in you. 


Thanks for reading peeps, also thank you for Pop Reel and Front Page!!!