I own a server and am constantly bombarded with requests. Requests I deal with on a daily basis include those for plugin additions, gameplay tweaks, and more. The most annoying requests I receive have got to be with out a doubt those for increased permissions. I understand that the vast majority of my playership is young, however this does not excuse the complete lack of netiquette. I realize my future players are not likely to read this but this post is for me, not them.

Just as in life privileges in minecraft are earned, not given. I have spent the last year or more growing my server from a couple friends playing together on a server hosted on my home PC to what it is today. I am not about to give someone the power to ruin in mere moments what I have built over the past year. I have chosen my admins slowly and carefully, over the past year we have become more like brothers than friends and I will be damned if I am going to ruin the bond and trust between us because some stranger simply asked to be an admin. I have earned ownership of this server through hard work and education. My admins have all earned their roles through proving themselves trustworthy and decent people. We have all worked this server from the ground up to make it what it has become and what we wish for it to become in the future. so the next time you want to appear out of nothingness on a server I want to ask yourself one honest question, "Have I earned the trust and respect of the people on this server", if the answer to this question is no then by all means keep your delusions of grandeur to yourself.

HELP ME BECOME AN OP!!!!

So as an every day user when do I know when I'm ready to be moved up in ranks? This is a very good question, the short answer is that you aren't ready until others know you're ready. One way you know you're ready is when you know all the regulars on the server, you've met and conversed with all members of the staff and had many positive encounters with them all. Have you noticed a need for more administrators? Is there a hole that needs filling that you could help with? Think things out before rushing the issue.

Active forum users and helpers are often chosen for positions in server staff. Why choose active forum members? they have proven themselves to be friendly, knowledgeable, helpful, and there is a permanent record of good deeds. Contributing to a server WIKI is also a good way to gain the notice of key decision makers in the community because you are easing their workload and helping the community in a recognizable way.

Patience will earn more respect than rage, be patient with others, be patient for answers, and above all be patient with the advancement you seek. No person in their right mind is going to hand over the power to create and destroy in mass to those who just ask. To deal with others impatience you must first master your own. Server owners are always on the lookout for people that can handle people with a cool head and respect, part of respect is patience and tolerance.

Lie in the bed you make. if your actions caused your unfortunate situation deal with it like a grown man, or grown woman as applies here. Admins are not charity robots, they are players just like you, here are some examples of things that can happen and what you could do.
Did you just loose your stuff because you fell in lava? Deal with it without involving staff.
Did you just get grieved because you didn't protect your creations? Deal with it without involving staff.
Did you get killed by someone and you want revenge? Deal with it without involving staff. (or breaking rules)
Did you loose your home? Deal with it without involving staff.
Did a server bug cause you a MINOR inconvenience? Deal with it without involving staff.
Did a server bug cause you some major trouble? Involve staff but be patient.
Did you just find some odd bug that can be exploited for gain? Involve staff but be patient.
Did something go wrong but is still within the rules of the server? (grief pvp)Deal with it without involving staff. (or breaking rules)

This wall of text is poorly formatted, it is poorly thought out, there is a reason for that, This is not aimed to help you. The reason for this post is to help me vent and help others deal with people like you in the future. So, if you enjoy getting banned, kicked, harassed, staying in the lowest permissions rank, then disregard this rant, otherwise take heed!