MUST READ!! GAME SERVER MOVING!!!

[[bass]-The Black Knight]

Apparently, GOI decided to get out of running a game server, so Timoid is setting up a server in his house with all our chars.

The address is:

freelancer.timoid.org

Here is the link for the announcment:

forums.getonit.net.au/viewtopic.php?t=5816

There is a discussion as to what to name the server here:

forums.getonit.net.au/viewtopic.php?t=5820

So, we will no longer "only fly on GOI." ore than ever, we should be thankful for Timods generosity.

TBK

[[bass]-Procene]

Is this move immediate or do we have to wait a few weeks?

[Hans Solo]

This move happened a couple of days ago Proc

[[bass]-ramBler]

Was I waay of track here? I thought Timoid owned the server, GOI simply provided the bandwidth and location??

[[bass]-The Black Knight]

I'm not sure of the full arrangment, but here is what know. Timoid did work for GOI, and the server was set up in part to promote GOI services. Things probably got muddied a bit when the server was upgraded with donated money.

Now Timoid has taken another job, and a few weeks later, GOI decided that they didn't want to maintain a game server. Timoid was supposed to be still looking after it, but it could have been a penny pinching moment at GOI ("Do you know how much POWER that thing uses?")

Now, we've all noticed some more lag as of late. I am told the server is not in it's official home yet. In about two weeks, we should see a drop in lag. (It takes time to set up new services and such to run one of these.)

So we'll lag about for a couple weeks, and if all goes well, all will be well!!

TBK

[Hans Solo]

My brother has worked out the power bill alone on his servers is around A$60/month. Although some donations were given towards the new server & ongoing costs, the 50% community contribution was never met (far from it) and GOI generously shelled out for the new server of their own accord. I gather this server has now been required for alternative use.

I don't know whether Timoid is personally intending on hosting the server, or whether he will be leasing a server online, but loosing our sponsor we'll have to get creative to foot the bill.

I've had several ideas for fund-raising, as a community, rather than in straight donations.
*GOI garage sale, where peeps can stick 'something' on E-Bay and donate the profits. It wouldn't have to be much, sell your old PC games or an unwanted book...
*GOI working bee. Like "Bob-a-job week" we can all do an hours work, mow your parent lawn or wash the car, and then post the money in. (GOI Car Wash?)
*A community website. We have plenty of talented individuals, I have one idea and I'm sure so do others, designed & run by the community with adverts raising funds for the server.

Once we have a new home, and a ball-park figure, I think we can all find ways to contribute other than just writing a cheque. And if we can find ways to do it as a team it may just bring the community even closer together.

TBK, there is always a bright side mate

[[bass]-Thor]

wash the car, and then post the money in. (GOI Car Wash?)

Im their ill just get my bikini

[[bass]-TwoDogs]

What about a nudie calendar? ;D

*kidding - lol (although, Princess........... ) *ducks Grisha's right cross, catches Princess's left hook....

Seriously thought, here's some ideas I have:

A 2008 calendar of clans? Make proper ones up, printed professionally and pre sell orders for cost and work from there. Say, costs $2 each to make, sell for $5 on pre order. Get, say 50 orders @ $5 = $250 less 50x$2 cost makes $150. That's something. Least this way people get something tangible for their buck. Artwork can be by the guys who do that well and put their name to it so that it might lead to more work for them (free advertising, so to speak)

With the art work in mind, T shirts, caps, etc, merchandise - "Timoid Freelancer" and put the cow logo on there, etc... get costings and see if it's worth while.

But I firmly believe the best way for any group to start making money is...

Set it up as a proper club, with a designated President, Secretary and Treasurer and run regular meetings to brainstorm ideas and such. Register it as a "non-profit" organisation and get the tax benefits that goes with that. Also, any money raised then easily becomes accountable and trackable and everything is transparent. You need to hold monthly meetings of the committee but that can be via Teamspeak (tele-conference). Also, you'd need a charter and a list of members. Membership can be free or there can be a membership fee of anything you decide, say, for arguements sake, $5 per year. Membership ONLY gets you membership of the committee, NOT the server. It does NOT give you rights on the server or the forum, only the right to attend and have a voice in the monthly meetings.

This of course depends on how serious you guys are. If you are, post this idea on the GOI forum and see if it takes off.

[Hans Solo]

That sounds good TD, I like the way your thinking. I think most people, especially those willing to part with their won cash for the cause, are totally against anyone receiving any membership/donation benefits in-game.

As for merch. I looked into several "souvenir" options for OSG a while back, even when we had 25 active the costs were extortionate for most things. If we could organise a pre-order of 50+ people more options become available. Stubbie holders were a popular option with OSG & FU

As for a club, fantastic option. We could easily elect a board, and I could see regional "chapters" organising events beyond Freelancer.