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How to professionally run a large Minecraft server #2

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HammerCraft
Level 48 : Master Pyro
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* We're finally back with another blog! Sorry for the delay, but we think you'll all like this one. *

Afterreceivinga large amount of publicity on first blog post, we decided to make another, further elaborating our points. These points, along with the things in our first post, are good to keep in mind when setting up and managing your server. Without further ado, here they are!

First post:www.planetminecraft.com/blog/how-to-professionally-run-a-large-minecraft-server-redo/

NOTE: These points are geared towards larger servers that aim to create revenue, but many can be adapted to fit in the for-fun small server environment.

1) Create an attractive website that is both informational and functional.
Your server's website is extremely important, especially if you utilize a whitelist. People will visit it to participate in the forums, check your documentation, and donate. It may be worth your while to explore custom webpage development, as a way to differentiate yourself from other servers.

2) Take time to make a smart and beautiful spawning place.
Your spawn is what gives people their first impression of your server. While we should all try not to judge a book by its cover, most players do. So, you want to have an original and thought-out spawn. Also, don't blast people with loads of signs or chat spam right when they join, the less you have, the more likely people will read it.

3) Focus on user retention and be kind to new players.
This point ties in a lot with #2. The spawn is a big part of whether or not users stay and want to come back, but there are other pieces. For example, They want to have enough basic permissions, and be greater by the community. There are numerous other variables, but it's mainly about thinking through what a first joining player with experience.

4) Keep backups of your worlds and other fileso ¦ you'll regret it if you don't!
We all know that things can go horribly wrong very easily when dealing with Minecraft servers. Plugins conflict, worlds corrupt, consoles spamo ¦ and sometimes there is only one solution: backtrack. You don't want to be left in the dust and have to start over when something bad happens, so be prepared!

5) Be careful with how much power is given at to low ranks and people you do not know.
Power. Power in the wrong hands on your server can lead to some very bad things happening. So, be careful with what all of your users can do. Don't let problems sit, like a ticking bomb, but instead watch for and fix them. Also, avoid giving .* or '*' (permissions) unless you are entirely sure of the consequences.

6) Have clear rules and punishments that are simple enough for all of your staff and players to follow.
Some servers try to go the easy way out, sometimes just stating "use common sense". Unfortunately, "common sense" is not quite what it used to be, and often players need a more clean cut "break this rule = punishment". This discourages breaking the rule, and gives you somewhere to point when they say "I didn't know I couldn't (o ¦)".

7) Social Media and Youtube are essential to obtaining the user base needed to keep your server alive.
Especially for larger servers, social media and Youtube are very important. Social Media is a great way to send out updates and receive feedback. Youtube, on the other hand, is good for showcasing your server. Both of these mediums attract new users very well. And if someone new joins who just saw a build that you posted a cinematic for, they'll be more likely to stay.

8) Have good and understandable documentation on and off the server.
For on server documentation, we recommend MCDocs, a Bukkit plugin. If you instal and configure this, you'll never need to answer usual questions again. You can just tell the user who asks to type the command. For off server documentation, wikis are best, but forums work as well. These things will help users to better understand your server and everything it has to offer.

9) Create a TOS.
A TOS (Terms of Service) describes what you do for the user and what different things they can do effect their ability to use your service. It's a simple thing to do that will save you a lot of trouble if you're ever brought in to a legal battle. Yes, it does happen.

10) Check out our other blogs on plugin and permissions management.
How to professionally set up server plugins.
How to professionally set up server ranks and permissions.

We hope you enjoyed this blog! Let us know if you have any questions or suggestions.
- The HammerCraft Team
CreditBlog post by: Cheese512
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1 Update Logs

Update #1 : by HammerCraft 11/01/2013 5:35:00 pmNov 1st, 2013

Added the new image.

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SkaarjLord
04/02/2014 4:13 pm
Level 1 : New Engineer
whats the best and cheapest host to go with? I need somthing reliable and preferably 4g for like 30$ a month.
1
TwoTowersMC
06/27/2013 8:05 am
Level 54 : Grandmaster Mountaineer
You don't even own a 'large' minecraft server, why should we take your advice?
1
Lucky_Diamond555
03/18/2016 7:54 pm
Level 1 : New Miner
It's a tutorial, not advice. Can you read?
1
HammerCraft
06/29/2013 3:28 pm
Level 48 : Master Pyro
Sorry guys, looks like someone hacked Golden_Duckling's account. No harm done.

- The HammerCraft Team
1
HammerCraft
06/27/2013 3:27 pm
Level 48 : Master Pyro
"NOTE: These points are geared towards larger servers that aim to create revenue, but many can be adapted to fit in the for-fun small server environment."

By this I mean servers that are hosted, have a large user base, and aim to be profitable. HammerCraft does have these qualities, so I don't see what you're getting at...

I personally have been in the Minecraft server business for 2 and a half years, and seen firsthand on a variety of servers the effects of how they manage their servers. This is not even mentioning the years of experience that our other owners possess.


This is a blog... it is not directed at you. You can choose to take the advice or not. If you'd like to talk further or obtain information about what other experience we have, feel free to hit us up via PM.

- The HammerCraft Team

P.S. We contacted you about building awhile back, and added you on Skype. If you're still interested, msg us on Skype please.
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Reynard
06/26/2013 10:48 pm
Level 11 : Journeyman Ranger
Hammer? Wait till stark industries gets here XD.

(Pardon me if you dont get the reference)
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HammerCraft
06/27/2013 12:48 am
Level 48 : Master Pyro
Nice one :)

- The HammerCraft Team
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Arona
06/26/2013 7:06 pm
Level 26 : Expert Architect
"3) Focus on user retention and be kind to new players."



All my yes. Also, to add onto that, having a massive player-base quickly is not the way to go either. A relationship with each player needs to be built between server, staff, and player to keep any server going strong and not become one of "those" servers. The majority of the most populated servers, in my experience, are the worst and they become extremely money oriented because they have to buy donations. On my server, people donate solely to keep the server up and running because I work on that staff/player relationship. But, that doesn't mean they shouldn't get perks for it, which they do.



Fantastic guide! Wish more servers would go by this.
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HammerCraft
06/27/2013 12:47 am
Level 48 : Master Pyro
Yes, relationships are always key. Unfortunately, there is a point of size when you have to limit this, and some servers handle this badly.
Thanks for the support!

- The HammerCraft Team
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ShrubRhino
06/26/2013 3:56 pm
Level 32 : Artisan Creeper
Could u make a tutorial on how to make a server (the actual server not how to make it good) also thanks for the comment on my Herosplash skin btw
1

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