Topic: Worst Dedicated Server Ever (Read 5310 times)

Brentai · « **on:** October 03, 2010, 01:43:03 PM »

So the problems with running a Minecraft server on Joxam's whatever personal computer has sparked some conversation about alternate hosting solutions. This has lead to the thinking that our little community might benefit from having our own, fully-controlled dedicated box somewhere, where we can just run a Minecraft or TF2 or whatever server we like.

Cost is the obvious issue here - these things run from $70/mo for something that probably won't work to $300/mo for a SERIOUS BUSINESS game-optimized machine. There are a few of us here that could probably actually do that but I doubt anybody's going to actually want to.

So, in the vein of Joxam's panhandling for TF2 server contributions, I'm thinking we could do this IF we required an opt-in contribution, ideally split evenly with no overage. The concern has been raised that, for example, a Minecraft-only player would end up paying the same as a TF2+Minecraft player, so it would be more "fair" to only charge them for what they use. Dunno about that one. If we went down that road we come dangerously close to running a "service" of sorts, and someone would probably start making a profit for their "labor" (which may or may not be out of line, who knows).

Anyway, this thread is for questions, concerns, suggestions, or confirmations of phat cash loaves. This is not a set in stone thing but rather a possibility worth exploring, for now.

Joxam · « **Reply #1 on:** October 03, 2010, 01:50:05 PM »

As was discussed in #finalfight I can and would be in on something like this. Big picture we can host pretty much anything we want on it so even if our taste in games slides or changes, we can just change what we're hosting. I like that idea a lot, personally.

Brentai · « **Reply #2 on:** October 03, 2010, 02:08:40 PM »

If we do this it seems increasingly likely that we'll end up moving the forum to it, which is more than fine. Also, webhosting.

Given that, it's more likely that we'd recoup our money on a voluntary donation basis, since we have enough population problems here without charging for access.

Zaratustra · « **Reply #3 on:** October 03, 2010, 02:24:18 PM »

At least in Minecraft it's easy to reward donators with extra items.

Mongrel · « **Reply #4 on:** October 03, 2010, 02:28:18 PM »

I think it's a generally good idea - and it addresses the fact that you guys tend to move from one game to another over time. I don't mind supporting this eventually, but I'm going to have to plead destitution for now, until I get another job.

TA · « **Reply #5 on:** October 03, 2010, 02:33:15 PM »

I think having a donation-supported server for private activities like Minecraft or TF2 is a good idea. Gating access based on donation level, though ... that's not.

Do also need to wonder about the viability of a single machine doing all that, though. If Minecraft starts chewing through the CPU, do TF2 and the boards essentially shut down?

Joxam · « **Reply #6 on:** October 03, 2010, 02:37:36 PM »

This is mostly why we're looking for donations. I can handle a cheap end server fine, hell I could even handle some medium range servers ok, but I don't want to pay 150.00+ a month for something if I don't have to, you know?

the asshole you hate · « **Reply #7 on:** October 03, 2010, 05:26:04 PM »

sorry broke and don't care lol

pls don't turn my forums into pay to use

ok ok

Joxam · « **Reply #8 on:** October 03, 2010, 05:27:32 PM »

No one said that. Ever. And anyone that suggested that is completely out of their mind. We're just looking for people who have money that could contribute for the community as a whole.

Smiler · « **Reply #9 on:** October 03, 2010, 05:32:25 PM »

Guild you must pay me money to reply to this post.

Kayma · « **Reply #10 on:** October 03, 2010, 06:03:14 PM »

I don't exactly play a lot of games that would necessitate a dedicated server, but if I get some webspace and minecraft out of it, I'd through some money around.

R^2 · « **Reply #11 on:** October 03, 2010, 06:04:28 PM »

I don't play any of your reindeer games, but I gave Colin money for the forums so if you start taking donations to keep the forum server running I'll see what I can do. Caveat: every post I've made in Shit Days for the past year.

Niku · « **Reply #12 on:** October 03, 2010, 07:58:31 PM »

Frocto · « **Reply #13 on:** October 03, 2010, 09:26:56 PM »

Burrito Al Pastor · « **Reply #14 on:** October 03, 2010, 09:34:43 PM »

I think that "I wouldn't use it" is probably a misleading option, especially if we'd end up moving the boards to it; unless somebody is conscientiously objecting to the server, "I wouldn't use it" could perhaps be better phrased as "I wouldn't find it advantageous or convenient" or something to that effect.

Dooly · « **Reply #15 on:** October 03, 2010, 11:42:16 PM »

I almost never participate in whatever multiplayer game is popular around here at the moment, but I'd certainly appreciate a bit of image hosting space out of the deal. I'm not in a position to be able to throw a lot of money at it, though, so my opinion's probably not all that relevant.

patito · « **Reply #16 on:** October 04, 2010, 02:06:18 AM »

If we move to a new server we can probably get to upload our avatars once again, so I see no problem with this.

Also, even though I'm not currently in on minecraft I may be in the future so I'm all for this.

Mongrel · « **Reply #17 on:** October 04, 2010, 04:29:29 AM »

Question for you guys to consider.

Keeping the TF2 server up (prior to Joxam's bankrolling it) didn't seem to be a huge issue, but the cost there was like a fifth of what it is now. The main issue is that it was kept up by a few members with deeper pockets and a handful of other members who would chip in occasionally.

I mean, I think that the poll is a smart idea so you can gauge commitment levels before making any big moves, but we have to assume that things will be worse than the poll results, because there will always be some number of members who say they'll chip in, but don't. Donator privileges really won't affect that number much either. The main problem is that you really won't know how many that is until we hit a lean period.

So, what is the "not enough people are donating this month" contingency plan? What if the dry spell goes two months in a row or longer? And if we're short, whose responsibility will it be to nag everyone to chip in?

Joxam · « **Reply #18 on:** October 04, 2010, 06:42:27 AM »

Actually, in contrast to what mongrel said. I have always bankrolled the server and only ever asked for money when I didn't have enough in a month to pay for it completely. It has always cost me a lot but I only ever needed money once or twice. This is of course not an issue now as my mom is better and I have free moneys because indian, so.

Joxam · « **Reply #19 on:** October 04, 2010, 06:43:38 AM »

Also this might not be blatantly obvious but I'll be the one buying this and brent will probably be the one admining it.

News:

Poll

How much would you be willing to donate monthly for a dedicated server?

Author Topic: Worst Dedicated Server Ever (Read 5310 times)