You see i am admin/ op on 5 servers by using some simple steps:

1: ask if you can help bulid spawn (say youl do it on survival but only build like 1 buliding)
2: when your done helping ask if you can make a statue of the owner but this time say i need creative to do it
3: write a blog about the server then direct the owner to see You earn op useualy by being helpful so brag about how nice and generous youve been and how that deservs mod/ admin/ op
If the owner ignores your questions build sometihng to impress the owner like a nice hotel and then get the owner to tpa to you.
This strategy has worked for me and i hope it works for you PLease diamond and comment :P :)