Woody2

Some of us are trying. Some of us actually care enough about the game to pay for a server out of our own pockets, to try and persuade and encourage people to play on a public server in the way they want to. We've set up multiple avenues to monitor the server, Gametrackers, DaRT, Steam, etc. And in over two months, we don't get one single response from any player at all. Ok, 1PP isn't everyones cup of tea, but it makes you wonder what the point of it all is when you TRY to do it by the rules, to make a PLAYERS server, not a private loot factory for some teenage keyboard warrior, and NO ONE can even be bothered to make a post in the server thread. Not a single "Great, will try it out" or "Ok, sounds cool, but...". Presumably, they are all too busy moaning about the game and the developers to actually support it by playing on a public server where the stated objective is to drive cliques, biased admin, cheaters and 5 minute loot up merchants OFF the server. Far from "killing" the game, on an honest public server, cheating and duping notwithstanding, in theory everyone is equal. A clan "sponsored" by the server owner can't make the rules as to who plays and who doesn't. Moreover, it is actually the "private" servers, where everyone has to think and play the same or they don't get in, which are compartment-lising the game into different strands. Eg - "Northern PvP" "Role play only" "No KoS" etc. Once you make the whitelist to join, you play a narrow version of the game with other like minded individuals. Fine, but how it that any less "killing" the game than by welcoming everyone regardless of playstyle and trying to ensure there is a level playing field for EVERYONE.

Interesting to see what other players definition of a bandit is. Obviously, being in the act of robbing or killing another player is proof enough but by then too late. Raised or carrying weapon? Covered face? Acting suspiciously? All of these things, and many more, while not in themselves proof of banditry, can get you shot.

I'll put my two penny worth in. I've got a public server which is relatively new and feel a little confused about the negative comments about public servers. I have had a "no kicking" policy from the start and that will remain constant (also a no unscheduled restarts or closing the server policy too). I see lots of negativity about the game on this forum (mainly about the behaviour of players and the rule flouting of server owners) and I decided to try and fix that for the average player by giving him somewhere to play of a better quality. The alternative for me, eg of going to a Private hive, would mean an empty server or a long period of trying to fill it with whitelisted players, neither of which would provide a very interesting playing environment. at least for a good few months. Without a player base already in attendance, a Private hive is a slow starter So far, these are my observations 1) For the first few weeks, the server languished down at 700th position on Game-trackers (not helped by this forums extended period offline). During this period, the amount of players online would be at best 2 or 3 other than myself, most of which would stay on for an average of 15 minutes (server hoppers gearing up) 2) In the last 4 weeks, with me pushing it at every opportunity, the server has gone up to 306th place with up to 20 players online at peak periods. What is most encouraging is that now players are coming online regularly (the same names night after night, and they staying online, some for over 3 hours. Fewer players are hopping in and out too, probably because with more players online, quick hit gearers feel their character is more threatened. Ultimately, the way to support "public servers" (and by extension the game and its development) is to play on them. When I first began playing the game, I was put off by being excluded as a "newbie" from the cliquey Private servers, and more often than not, immediately being kicked from so called "public" servers by server owners protecting their own loot farms. What kind of advertisement for the game is that? In the end, without new players, this game will die or become marginalised. As it stands, new players are not particularly welcomed to this outstanding game by the server set up and the attitude of some (not all, but some) players.

-warning- Go into Deer Stand. Fall out and break legs. Wonder how that happened. Inject morphine and get "my legs feel numb" message. Run around getting ""my feet hurt" message for an hour. Eventually figure out boots are "ruined" Spend next 3 hours looking for footwear with blurred eyes and "my feet hurt" message Don't drink alcohol and operate a DayZ character

What is the "general" preference? I know there are static 24hour daylight servers, but is that really what people want? Wouldn't you rather have a balance of sensible daylight (eg, its daylight on the server when most people are able to play the game, sort of 5pm to 11pm real time = daylight in the game), and then some night time (dawn/dusk and full darkness) to complete the cycle at other times? For me personally, darkness is a time of extra danger, especially when looting or searching for food and water and your situational awareness is often limited to sounds. I guess this will be influenced by playstyle, in that those seeking combat situations are less likely to find an opponent in the dark, and PvE'ers get bored with constant daylight as it's no challenge. I know this is complicated by real time zones, but can I get some feedback? eg, "I like 70% daylight, 30% darkness" or "I don't care" etc?

I understand the "fear" of others players. The distrust that is kind of endemic among human beings I guess. Perhaps the game replicates human "nature" a little too accurately at times. I was on the other day, just going about business I suppose. I'm a lone wolf mostly, and I usually try and keep clear of areas where I know there will be lots of players. Anyway, I'd just collected water and was moving across a fairly well known hill with a landmark on it inland when I decided to stop for an "ears open" break. I do that often. Just stop and listen. You have to when you are alone. Then, after a few minutes of just crouching there in the bushes, as luck would have it, I suddenly spotted a figure, quite by accident, moving across the landscape from my right about 600-700 metres away. As I was in an elevated position, it was fairly easy to see him. I quickly pulled out my bins and zoomed in on a player, happily making his way across an open field heading north, probably for NWA. I zeroed my rifle in on the figure and tracked him for a few seconds. My breathing was flat calm as I led the figure perfectly in the crosshair of the scope. The figure was within range of the weapon in my hand. I could have ended his journey there and then. My mind said "fire". But I didn't fire. Something prevented me from pulling the virtual trigger. I relaxed my aim, and watched for another 10 seconds or so, as the figure crested the rise opposite me and disappeared into the tree line. See, that's what makes this game so different. The player was no threat to me. He had gear which, like me, he'd probably worked hard to get. He was oblivious to my presence. He didn't deserve to have his character die like that in the virtual world of Dayz. And you know what? Am I proud to say I DIDN'T kill another player? You bet I am.

I'm trying to boost players numbers on my server (30 slot public, 1pp only). After 6 weeks, ranking is improving week on week, numbers are increasing with evening peaks going up to 15/20 players on occasions and a few players online regularly. But the big task is to fill it regularly, and in order to do this I'd like to ask what players look for in a server? Stability, accessibility, events, specialisation, or whatever? I'm looking to introduce events and possibly prizes, but I'd like to hear what other players want from a server. EDIT - added server details and link IP-81.19.216.50 Port 2300

Thanks Johnny, I understand that, and commitment is something I've tried to give in terms of players knowing the server will be here for a long time (and the name isn't going to be changed or messed about with either). Have switched to quarterly billing from March and keep my account topped up so GD can collect payment as soon as the invoice is issued. In the thread I posted in the servers section, I said I'd welcome and help however I can a clan to set up on the server and set up a safe zone (or make an area their own) or whatever. Offer is still there. I'm also looking for someone trust worthy to act as 2nd admin, as obviously I can't be on the server all the time. PM me if you want further info.

I know this sounds daft, but I'm an old analogue dinosaur. How do I get the Gametrackers banner to appear in the thread? I've adopted the server and I've got all the stats coming through now, but for the life of me and I can't get the banner to appear on the thread.

Thanks guys for the really constructive comments. It's clear to me this is a wonderful (albeit unfinished) game, with such immersive atmosphere, and a good core of loyal and dedicated players. Although not all are necessarily looking for the same experience from the game as me, I will take these comments on board and see what I can do going forward. My primary objective was always stability. No one gets kicked (provided they observe the basic rules), there are no special treatment cliques, and this is going to be a server that will not disappear overnight. I have committed to pay for it out my own pocket for 12 months at least. I know 1pp is aiming at a smaller player base, but I want all who come on the server, especially new players, to know they are welcome and can always contact me if they have a problem. I'm sure, along with the suggestions already made, that in the long run this is a sound strategy for keeping players coming back.

Thanks to all players supporting the server, and good to see traffic is steadily increasing. As a result of that, first 6 months now paid up.