Hey guys,
any look at my recent posts all over the forums and one can tell I just created a server. But this is not about my server, it's about the lessons I've learned within the past 2 and a half months. First off, I've yet to launch my server 'officially' as I'm working on the internal structure of gameplay, rping, our website, application, plugins (going on 40+) and so much more... So obviously I have quiet a few things to share for those who want to do what make their roleplay server over the top.

1. Finding a good host.
I can't stress how important it is to find a good host. A good host would feature an appealing website, affordable prices and most importantly great staff and a forum where you can promptly contact them. Why? Plugins, emergencies and so on. I've had my host support go into my FTP etc. and fix so many things I could have never done alone. They've even personally fixed my configuration filed - it's like having an expert at your house. It's defiantly more then worth it.
I personally use BeastNode. I can upgrade or downgrade my plan at anytime and of course, get replies and issues fixed within the hour.

2. Structure of gameplay.
For me, this has been allot of trial and error. Every server will honestly be different and that's a good thing, but here are some of the things that have helped me the most.
Note pads. Yup, note pads. I have a notebook full of all the plugins, there commands, perms and even some illustrations. It's like making your own personal users manual unique to your server. Never give up on good ol' paper and pen.
Play! Make sure you're RPing on your server, get into the game. De-op yourself if you need to. You'll learn allot about what to add and delete based on actually playing on your server as a player. The benefits of this are exponential.
Plugins. Of course, plugins. For most people, plugins seem like a daunting task. but after my first 15 plugins, and 3 big errors, I feel like an expert. Once I had to re-install all the plugins - every single one. (And config them again as well) To avoid making these mistakes that make plugins seem so daunting I have one piece of advice - the only advice you'll need.
Read everything there is to read! Read there bukkit, google it, even watch YouTube tutorials. Then download it if it's a fit for your server. Oh and did I say read everything? Read everything? It eliminates deadly errors - so even read what you think may not be important.

3. When you need a "plugin for _____" research all the plugins that could work with "_____" before deciding.

4. You're the ring leader. If you want to get things started, you need to start them. Before releasing my server, we'll have not one kingdom, but a nation full of kingdoms. A structure and theme everyone can feel off of.

5. Applications! I can't stress this enough. If you don't have an app, lets say you get 10 new players a day. 5 players never come back, 2 players are under 12, 1 player is a hacker and the other just want mod ranks. When I didn't have my whitelist application up, I was lucky to get 2 dedicated players a week. Not having a whitelist may bring "quantity" but it will never bring quality.

6. Study other servers. Don't envy them or copy their ways, but if they're using a plugin for an issue you're having don't be afraid to use that plugin to. Studying other servers is also great for truly finding out what good roleplay server are. This also stops you from copying a single server if you do become self compulsed to copy.

7. Write a kick ass lore. You heard me, kick ass. We're working on ours but right now, I can tell you, it's kick ass. When you log onto my server, you get to live through the story based in the Lore - it's a real player keeper.

Wanna see a beta roleplaying server in action? Come visit us here on http://redcross.enjin.com/ Make sure to save our server and check back often - or join in on the beta player fun to get a head start in the world of RedCross.

This has been Brannflakes101, thanks for reading.

What's you're role play server tip?