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#Post#: 12234--------------------------------------------------
Ground Zero Changes and More
By: Madman Date: February 23, 2018, 9:52 pm
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Hello ladies and gentlemen. We are going to be making some
changes to the setup and rules of the server once we start a new
seed upon the release of Alpha 17. I will go into further
detail of what some of those changes will be in a moment. But
first, I want to address a concern that some of you have brought
up about the lack of admin visibility and interaction lately.
Let me preface this by saying that managing a server that has
been up and running every single day, without exception for
nearly FOUR YEARS (I started this server on March 1st, 2014), is
a challenging task. We have the longest continuously-running 7
Days to Die server in the world! For the vast majority of this
time, we have ranked in the Top 10 worldwide and have ALWAYS
been ranked as the NUMBER 1 password-protected server out of
thousands of other servers running this game globally.
Although most of you have not seen admins in game much recently,
we have still been taking care of the server behind the scenes.
I back up all of the regions on the server every day, which
takes nearly an hour each and every morning. We also diligently
try to restart the server every 8-9 hours to help reduce lag and
sync issues caused by the game's inherent memory leak problems.
We also do unscheduled restarts whenever we are made aware of
lag or other problems and we are constantly checking the server
remotely to make sure the server is running well. If we are
ever made aware of a problem or an issue with either the
performance of the server or with other players, we are quick to
respond and handle it. Hell, I have my personal cell phone
number listed in order to make it easier for you to reach me in
the event of a problem
(
HTML http://kamcraft.createaforum.com/emergency-contact-info/admin-contact-information/).<br
/> How many other server owners can say that?
In addition to this, I rarely get enough donations to pay for
the financial cost of running a server like ours. Between the
hosting company, cloud-based server manager, website, forum,
monthly contests, and other miscellaneous expenses, it costs
around $1,400.00 per year to keep Ground Zero operating. I
don't complain as I dig into my own pocket nearly every month to
pay for a server I rarely get to enjoy playing on myself. I
have always wanted to provide a safe, friendly, and stable
environment to all of you. I want this to be a place you can
call home and feel confident that regardless of how often you
play this game, you always know that Ground Zero will be there.
Our four-year anniversary is less than a week away and I take
great pride in that. I have met some amazing people here, many
of which I now consider friends. That being said, I have never
intended to run a server where "Big Brother" is always watching.
I don't want to babysit grown adults, which is why I made this
an adults-only server. Don't expect me to be on every night,
because I won't be. Running this server isn't my job, but I am
fortunate enough to have one that allows me the opportunity to
keep our server running. I am ALWAYS reachable when there is an
issue, but if I'm in a meeting, in the middle of a task at work,
at dinner, or in bed asleep, I may not be able to answer you
immediately. However, I will respond as quickly as possible,
just as I always have. I have been unusually busy with new
projects at work and have been working toward being able to
purchase my first home. I just finally accomplished that and
signed the contract only yesterday! Also, I have also been
travelling out of state quite frequently, as well, for personal
reasons I will soon disclose to all of you. Basically, I've
been busy as hell and it's been a struggle to stay on top of
everything going on with the server. However, I do realize that
the server could use more assistance in the admin/moderator
department. To that end, I would like to invite any of you that
may be interested in a moderating position to please shoot me a
message, especially if you are a player that is usually playing
in the evening and/or early morning hours.
Now for some of the changes on the next update seed:
PvP Zone:
There will be only one rule in the South: Never do more damage
than necessary to gain entry to another player's base when
raiding. That's it! Land claim blocks will no longer have
infinite protection. If you can't take the heat, get out of the
kitchen. That's why we have a split-map.
Please see the following link for more updated information. -
HTML http://kamcraft.createaforum.com/one-stop-post-for-new-player's/pvp-rules/
Economy:
1. With reference to the player mall situation, I have
discussed it at length and given it a lot of thought. There will
be no restrictions as to the location or size of player-created
shopping/trade facilities. However, if you build it, you are
responsible for securing it and running it. Do not create more
work for myself or other admins. Obviously, if there is blatant
abuse or destruction, I will investigate and address that. I
don't want griefers on our server.
2. We will be building an admin-created "Capitol" that will
serve as a central shopping/trading area. I encourage those of
you wishing to create a store to either move into one of the
shops that will be available or to build nearby so we can
increase player interaction. However, do not feel compelled or
required to do so. One thing about an economy is competition is
good for everyone. ;)
3. We will NOT be using Zgates, period. Not for anything. The
number one reason for this is that Zgates compromise the
integrity of PvP combat. Since we cater to both PvE and PvP
players on our server, I need to make sure to help protect the
play styles of both groups. Also, this is supposed to be a
zombie apocalypse survival game. Teleportation belongs in the
realm of super heroes and Star Trek, IMHO. Plus, there really
is no need for them given the many new forms of travel that the
Fun Pimps are adding in Alpha 17. If this were strictly a
Minecraft-style, PvE-only server, it wouldn't matter, but that
is not the type of server we have ever been. I added the Zgates
late-game on this current seed to simply add a little bit of
shameless fun until the new update drops. I have never before
used Zgates on our server.
As always, feel free to share any thoughts you may have. Just
keep things civil. :)
#Post#: 12235--------------------------------------------------
Re: Ground Zero Changes and More
By: guest307 Date: February 23, 2018, 10:56 pm
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As always, Madman, you and the admins continue to have the
support of myself, Lady Reyven (she’s been ill of late, and
sends her regards), and the folks we represent. As players, we
will always strive to help you in upholding whatever rules you
feel appropriate.
Personally, I love the game without an over abundance of
teleports, although I’d appreciate if we can keep having the
/home option, because it makes life easier in case of a RL
emergency. I know this wasn’t discussed, and therefore probably
not changing, but I thought it was a good thing to mention.
Also, I think the 6+ hour cool down was better; people thought
carefully before wasting it on an easy trip home.
I also am glad you’ve chosen to sponsor a central meeting
location. Travel times aside, I think it is critical for a
server’s community to have a place everyone knows. And while I
applaud the efforts of players to make that happen on their own,
they simply don’t have the tools or level-of-investment you
have. This is basically a volunteer job for you. By comparison,
this is a game to all of us; and the only obligation we have to
the server/community is ones of our own making. And that simply
isn’t reliable enough!
One question for you: you mentioned a need “late night/early
day” assistants. What time zone is this based off of? I doubt
it will fit my schedule, but I’ve had limited experience in this
type of thing, and if it turns out to be a good fit, I wouldn’t
mind throwing my name in the hat, so to speak.
Keep on being awesome!
- Jak
#Post#: 12236--------------------------------------------------
Re: Ground Zero Changes and More
By: Madman Date: February 23, 2018, 10:59 pm
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[quote author=Jakdaw link=topic=2005.msg12235#msg12235
date=1519448168]
As always, Madman, you and the admins continue to have the
support of myself, Lady Reyven (she’s been ill of late, and
sends her regards), and the folks we represent. As players, we
will always strive to help you in upholding whatever rules you
feel appropriate.
Personally, I love the game without an over abundance of
teleports, although I’d appreciate if we can keep having the
/home option, because it makes life easier in case of a RL
emergency. I know this wasn’t discussed, and therefore probably
not changing, but I thought it was a good thing to mention.
Also, I think the 6+ hour cool down was better; people thought
carefully before wasting it on an easy trip home.
I also am glad you’ve chosen to sponsor a central meeting
location. Travel times aside, I think it is critical for a
server’s community to have a place everyone knows. And while I
applaud the efforts of players to make that happen on their own,
they simply don’t have the tools or level-of-investment you
have. This is basically a volunteer job for you. By comparison,
this is a game to all of us; and the only obligation we have to
the server/community is ones of our own making. And that simply
isn’t reliable enough!
One question for you: you mentioned a need “late night/early
day” assistants. What time zone is this based off of? I doubt
it will fit my schedule, but I’ve had limited experience in this
type of thing, and if it turns out to be a good fit, I wouldn’t
mind throwing my name in the hat, so to speak.
Keep on being awesome!
- Jak
[/quote]
Thanks for the kind words and please give Reyven my well wishes.
I hope she feels better soon. As far as the time zone, it's
based on EST. :)
#Post#: 12237--------------------------------------------------
Re: Ground Zero Changes and More
By: guest215 Date: February 23, 2018, 11:59 pm
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[quote author=Jakdaw link=topic=2005.msg12235#msg12235
date=1519448168]
Personally, I love the game without an over abundance of
teleports, although I’d appreciate if we can keep having the
/home option, because it makes life easier in case of a RL
emergency. I know this wasn’t discussed, and therefore probably
not changing, but I thought it was a good thing to mention.
Also, I think the 6+ hour cool down was better; people thought
carefully before wasting it on an easy trip home.
[/quote]
GG. The reason for the /home option was precisely that.
#Post#: 12238--------------------------------------------------
Re: Ground Zero Changes and More
By: guest307 Date: February 24, 2018, 1:38 am
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[quote author=MADMAN link=topic=2005.msg12236#msg12236
date=1519448385]
As far as the time zone, it's based on EST. :)
[/quote]
Ah, as I suspected. Well, I currently work overnight shifts
(CT), and alternate my days off (e.g.- If I work Monday this
week, next Monday I’m off). To keep my sleep rhythm sound, I
try to be awake around the same times I would be working.
If this is something you could work with, shoot me a message and
we can discuss if/how I can help you further. =)
#Post#: 12239--------------------------------------------------
Re: Ground Zero Changes and More
By: gremlyn6 Date: February 24, 2018, 9:12 am
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Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your time and
effort; I can't even imagine the time sink involved in
caretaking the server. Thanks for all you do!
#Post#: 12240--------------------------------------------------
Re: Ground Zero Changes and More
By: Indoorsman Date: February 24, 2018, 2:45 pm
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My interest in 7DTD will wax and wane with the release of each
version, so naturally having been on A16 for so long I've not
played in some time but I always appreciate that the server is
still going any time my interest in the game is roused, and
while I've not been a regular participant in quite a while, I
sincerely appreciate all you do to maintain the server. And with
A17 seemingly "near" I'll see you all soon :D
#Post#: 12241--------------------------------------------------
Re: Ground Zero Changes and More
By: obijohn Date: February 24, 2018, 5:05 pm
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h0tr0d and MADMAN ... gratitudes to you. The server is constant
and fair. Thank you for keeping the server up and running.
#Post#: 12247--------------------------------------------------
Re: Ground Zero Changes and More
By: frankencow Date: February 27, 2018, 10:59 am
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Now we'll know what to expect when A17 drops sometime in 2020.
;)
#Post#: 12248--------------------------------------------------
Re: Ground Zero Changes and More
By: Zidac Date: February 27, 2018, 8:17 pm
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Thanks for everything you do for us h0tr0d and MADMAN! You are
the unsung Heroes.
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