Manager Notes

Right, so to keep all of you up to speed with what's going on, we've decided to have a thread for general updates. A way to be more clear with what's going on in regards to the servers, if you will. Any time something comes up that we deem necessary to be public knowledge, we'll post it here.

I'll start it off with a few clarifications, and then some links to what has already been cleared up.

-First off, our server for Prison is NOT going to be returning for the foreseeable future.

-Secondly, the playerheads plugin. This has been a topic of discussion for a while now. It was disabled because it made obtaining the wither skeleton skulls much more difficult, and in an attempt to keep the whole experience "vanilla"(and who doesn't like fighting the wither, right?), we decided that having the wither skeleton heads was more important than those of players. Again, this plugin will NOT be returning for the foreseeable future.

-Third, Skyblock is in the works. We're working with the WorldGuard Dev to further our progress with it. We hope to have it completed soon.

-Fourth, yes, there will be promotions coming soon. Pestering managers and other staff about it will not speed up this process, so we ask that you do not.

-Fifth and finally, yes, the server was down for a short period of time while we switched out a plugin. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Topics already discussed

Agharta Land Claim Request Guidelines

http://www.minetown.net/forum/m/672632/viewthread/16868554-agharta-land-claim-request-guidelines

Top of the Nether Guidelines

http://www.minetown.net/forum/m/672632/viewthread/16752698-top-nether

An important Note

There's been some rumors going around recently that specific staff do all the work. This is highly untrue. We work as a team, and it's rude to think otherwise. Yes, if a staff member handles a PE or something along those lines, you can thank that specific one, but singling people out and excluding others is, as they say, "not cool".

I will repeat. We are a team, and we work as such, even if the average member doesn't see it. It is insulting and disrespectful to think otherwise.

That's all for these notes, as more comes up, we'll continue to update

Manager Notes Issue 2
Time for Issue 2 of Manager Notes, following the staff meeting that took place yesterday. We can just jump right in, and fill you in on what we discussed.

First, quick update to the playerheads issue. While we are disabling the drop rates of Mob heads to help fix the issues with wither skulls, we are going to allow members to be able to obtain these heads(of players specifically). Simply sumbit a PE asking for a players head, and only if that player gives consent for you to have it, it will be brought in game for you. All heads will have a fee of 5000 MTC to go along with it.

Second, An update on Spawn. Those of you who go there probably noticed a few changes, those being, the top level of the pyramid has been leveled off, and the sewers below have gotten a re-vamp. For the top of the pyramid, you may have noticed that there are four quadrants open for builds, and in the future, we plan to host contests to let members decorate them. We're going to be working on spawn as a whole over the next couple of months, revamping and swapping out things. We'll keep you updated on the progress.

Third, Events. All of you may have noticed that there's been a lack of events recently, but, we're planning to change this. We are currently instructing our team as a whole on how to host different events, along with starting on creating new ones. We also discussed bringing a few "minigames" over from the event server to Agharta that can be run through at any time by players, which we are going to be doing. Again, we'll keep you all updated on the progress for this.

Fourth, A new policy for land claim guidelines was introduced, specifically speaking of towns. It is in the "please note" section at the bottom, so if you have not read it yet, I recommend that you do so. Here's a link to the thread:

http://www.minetown.net/forum/m/672632/viewthread/16868554-agharta-land-claim-request-guidelines

Fifth, Directional warps. Over the next couple of weeks, you will see some updates to the directional warps at the 3k and 9k levels. We plan to make make them look better as a whole, but along with that, we will be creating a road from each of the 9k warps to the edge of the map.

Sixth, Gold farms. Yeah, it's a hot topic still. They were originally disabled due to people abusing what they could do and stockpiling massive amounts of pigmen into one area. Suffice to say, this was not good for the server, but it is something members greatly enjoyed having access to. So, in the meeting, we discussed bringing these back, to an extent. There will be one created, and open for public use. But, it comes with a catch; Not only will the pigmen be auto-killed, but PvP will also still be allowed in the area. Want some gold? Then you better take your swords and armor with you. A thread will go out when this is completed.

Seventh, and lastly, the Noob City. Previously "meef City", home of our very own LeronZadok, a new City will be born. It's largely under construction at the moment, but it will essentially act as a way for new players to have a home starting out. We'll keep you updated on its progress.

An Important Note

As you may have noticed, we had two "internal" promotions. Firstly, we welcome xk_cortex into the ranks of us Managers(No more "Council of 5", eh?), and we also would like to congratulate MischievousGrins for her promotion to full Moderator.

That's all for these notes, as more comes up, we'll continue to update

Manager Notes

Issue 3


One word: Updates.Yup. It’s here. Minetown is 1.8. Let’s get started on what this means.

The new blocks: While you’ll have access to most 1.8 blocks, until we regen certain portions of the map(more specifically, portions of spawn where there isn't anything built), the only place you’ll be able to buy certain items is the admin shop. The shops prices will be updated within a week of this post.

Spawn: With the regen of the areas surrounding spawn, there’s going to be quite a few changes. What you see here is the Agharta spawn now.

After we’re through, everything in the green areas seen below will be regenerated with 1.8 terrain, so get your claim blocks and golden shovels ready!

That said, obviously there’s some things in the outer rings that we’ll want to keep. Those will be placed around the world as a whole for you all to find and explore(most likely with some hidden prizes!)

Top Voter: With the 1.8 update and revamp of spawn, we’re bringing back top voter. With it comes a few changes;

A. A “town” for the #1 top voters will be introduced. This town will be in spawn, have plots for the voter to build in, along with a discounted shop.

B. The top 8 voters for each month will receive “lottery tickets”, which will be drawn at the end of the month for an extra prize(this prize will vary per month). The amount of tickets per position will follow a format of #1 receiving Eight, #2 Seven, #3 Six, and so on.

C. The #1 Top voter for each month will receive a forum tag titled “top voter”

Unsure how to move to 1.8?

That's no problem! It's quite easy to change to minecraft 1.8. Take these quick and simple steps and you'll be on your way:

A. Under profile on your launcher, you can either make a new one or edit a current one. There is no real difference other than if you want to go back, it'll be faster. If you want to make a new one, click 'New Profile' then follow the next step. If you want to edit, click 'Edit Profile' and continue to the next step.

B. You can name the profile whatever you'd like. Don't worry about all that other stuff like directory and stuff like that. Under version selection, you can either chose 1.8, 1.8.1 or "latest version". Latest version will automatically update you when a new version of minecraft comes out. This is sometimes not good because our server can be running an older version.

C. Click 'Save Profile'

D. There you go! Click 'Play' and you're all set.

An important note

We would like to thank you all for your patience in this update. It may have taken longer than expected, but we're happy to be able to release this to you. Enjoy, and have a Merry Christmas!

That's all for these notes, as more comes up, we'll continue to update

Manager notes

Issue 4

This is more of an “update” notes, if you want to know what’s going on with staff, feel free to read on.

The Gold farm. This is now under construction. It was put off while we were finding a suitable design, and now that we have, Blackshark has graciously volunteered to be the one to build it. Again, we’ll keep you updated on the progress of this.

The Roads and 9k warps. As I type this, the East9k road is being built, and we expect to have this done within a week. As for the other roads, both the North9k and the West9k have been completed, while the south will be after the East. The warps themselves are also in the works. West9k has been revamped with a “western” feel, south is under construction with a medieval style, and the north will be following an “Icy/wintry” theme. The east warp will remain as it is.

The Build Team. Obviously, the Build Team is being brought back to Minetown. As it stands, Leron and myself will be leading the team, which consists of EMTDrifter and (hopefully) a few others that we have in mind. The BT will be helping out across the server, with everything from building the 9k roads and warps, to regenerating the land outside of spawn, to revamping portions of spawn to better suit our playerbase nowadays.

Spawn regen. It’s been a large work in progress, largely due to us not wanting to take the server down to do it. We’ve been regenerating in small portions so as to not cause too much lag for the average player, but unfortunately, that requires a much larger amount of time to be put in to it. At the moment, we’ve completed roughly 3/4ths of the spawn circle, and we hope to have the rest done soon; hopefully within two weeks.

Top Voter. I’m happy to inform you all that the preparations for top voter in this 2015 year have gone to plan. The town has been built, the raffle item for this month has been chosen, and the forum tag has been set up. Now we just wait and see who will be the victor. (*hint, be watching the news section on the front page!)

An Important Note

Danny. It’s with great regret that we must inform you of the retirement of Danny. He was a wonderful manager, but due to personal reasons, he had to resign. We wish him the best of luck to his future endeavors, and hope that you all do the same.

That’s all for these notes, as more comes up, we’ll continue to update

Manager Notes Issue 5
Been a while since an update post, so here goes;

Today marks a new dawn for Agharta, hence the “2.0”. Most players have by now noticed that there’s been quite a few changes going on around Agharta, specifically at spawn. This post is going to be an update about that, along with y’know, those other things.

Starting off, the long awaited Market release. We decided that not only are we going to release the basic plots and admin shop, but also a building to house signs to warp to player owned shops outside of the market. You may get to this area by either walking through the Andesite/Acacia Archway at spawn, or by typing “/warp market”. The Market itself has been built by our wonderful buildteam, so give them some love while you explore it! For details, click the spoiler below!

The AdminShop:

The general idea is the same as the previous, but this time we want player input onto the prices and items in it. As it stands, we have the previous items in there, but there’s room for more. If you’d like to see an item in the shop, submit a PE and we can consider it! Along with that, we’re also willing to consider editing prices of the shop, but bear in mind, they will always be higher than what’s found in average player shops.

The Player Owned Shops building:

This building will house signs that will warp you to player owned shops. If you own a shop(either inside or outside of the market), and have a working /home to it (such as “/home sawine Shop”), you can purchase a sign with a Petition at the location you want the sign. The building itself houses three floors, each being a different price to gain a sign on. They are as follows:

Ground level(Floor 1): $3000

Mid level(Floor 2): $1500

Top level(Floor 3): $750

The Market Lots:

The Market Lots work just as the last did. To claim a plot, make a petition at the location of the plot you want, and have $5000 MTC ready. Please note the guidelines laid out when you enter the market; Once you claim your plot, you have a 1 week period to build your store, and if your plot does not comply with the following rules, it will be placed on probation. After a period of 1 week, your plot will be removed along with everything on it.

The Guidelines:

• 
  
• Decoration - The lot must be presentable, no ‘ugly’ builds
  
• Materials - No limits other than lag conductors
  
• Sales Signs - Must have 5 in-stock signs
  
• Buy signs - Must have more ’s than ’s
  
• Owners - May Co-Own a market plot. May NOT be an owner of more than 1 market plot.
  
• Lot merging - Not allowed whatsoever
  
• Activity - Inactive for 2 weeks = Probation
  

Next, on to Town Embassies. This was something asked for by you, the players, so we’re delivering! Basically, the idea behind this is to allow players to ‘show off’ what their town has and can offer, along with housing a warp sign for it. You can visit these islands by either going to the birch/prismarine building at spawn or typing “/warp Embassies”. Once again, it was built by our amazing buildteam, so give them some thanks if you see them around! Check the spoiler below for more details about the islands.

The cost is $7500 for the island. The general rules are as follows, and if there is not compliance to these rules, the islands will be reset without a refund.

The Rules:

• 
  
• The build must be visually appealing, and not look ugly.
  
• The Embassy must have signs outlining general rules/perks of living in your town.
  
• Your town MUST have a warp.
  

Now to the other stuff:

For those that don’t know, our gallery had an update! This update included the organization of folders, and bringing about more things based in Agharta, rather than the old Classic pictures. If players want to submit photos to be added, contact a member of management or the News Team via forum mail with the images attached.

Minetown is releasing a new branch of its staff team; the News team. The members of this team are Huntress54 and Irethena. They will be working closely with members of management to keep players better informed on the workings of the server through media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, the forums, and things of that nature.

The next buildteam project for Agharta. The next project will be a Game District for Agharta. This will include minigames, events(both player and staff run), and a bunch of fun things to do. It’s largely in the works for now, but it’s on it’s way.

The Creative Revamp led by myself and leron is nearing a point where it will be underway. This revamp will include an entirely new style for our creative server, one that actually gives a purpose for building. The idea behind it is that there’s different ‘ranks’ of builders on the server, starting at Novice and ending at Master. The novice rank would have basic creative permissions, and a small plot. Once said player finishes the build on their novice plot, they can call a member of the Build Team to ‘Inspect’ their plot. If the plot is good enough, they will be ranked up, and have access to a larger plot/extra permissions.

More of a teaser than anything, but we may have some visitors in the coming months… some UNDEAD visitors at that. Stay tuned for more spooky hints <object class="emojione" data="https://resources.enjin.com/1489581540/themes/core/images/emojione/svg/1f609.svg?0" type="image/svg+xml" standby=";)">;)</object>

That’s all for this update, stay tuned for the future!

Manager notes

Issue 6
This post is going to cover a few things, but let’s get started with the large release of the week, Minetown creative!

As the post on the front page says, we’ve now released our revamped creative server. It comes chock full of new features, and has a ranking system that allows you more things to do. This post will go through what each rank has, and how you can get to each one, along with a few other things. If you want to know about a specific topic, click on the spoilers to read more!

Ranks explained:

NOTE: YOU CANNOT RANKUP IF YOU ADD SOMEONE TO YOUR PLOT

Novice:

This rank is the starter rank on the server, gained by completing the quick guest tutorial. After you complete it and rank up, type /plotme auto and start building!

Access to 31x31 Plots

2 plots

Basic plot permissions

Access to /skull

Access to /uc menu

Apprentice:

This is the rank you achieve after your first plot review. To gain this rank, your novice plot has to show promise that you’re improving as a builder, or at least have the capacity to do so. Generally, landscaping, a few structures, and basic knowledge of organics can allow you to gain this rank. To achieve this rank, you must have fully filled an Novice world plot.

Access to 51x51 plots

4 plots

Access to /hat

Access to 'hats' section of /uc menu

Advanced:

This rank is where you’re considered to be an adept builder. You have great qualities, such as detailed landscaping, structures with depth, and have a much better grasp of organics. To achieve this rank, you must have fully filled an Apprentice world plot.

Basic Worldedit permissions

Access to 101x101 plots

8 plots

Access to a colored name in chat

Access to the 'pets' section of /uc menu

Expert:

This rank would be considered sub par to build team quality, basically as an “almost there, but not quite”. At this rank, you are expected to have extremely detailed landscaping, good styling, strong structures, and a proficient handling of organics. To achieve this rank, you must have fully filled your Advanced plot.

Full Worldedit permissions

Access to 201x201 plots

16 plots

Access to any multi color name

Access to /i <item>

Access to /thunder

Access to the 'gadgets' section of /uc menu

Access to the 'mounts' section of /uc menu

Master:

The absolute best of the best. If you’re a Master rank, you have the qualities to join the build team. To get to this rank, you must have filled at least a 201x201 area on your Expert world plot.

Full Worldedit permissions

Access to 301x301 plots

32 plots

Access to nicknames

Access to /lightning <player>

Access to /fireball

Access to a special tag

Access to the 'particles' section of /uc menu



Helper:

This rank is here to help out with general moderation and give opinions on builds. They do not handle reviews, so please do not pester them about handling them.

Mod:

This rank handles the reviews for Apprentice. They handle reviews in the order that they are received, so do not pressure them about handling yours. They are also available to give opinions, and help with general moderation.

Manager:

This rank also is for those who handle the majority of maintenance for the server. They handle plugin updating, permission fixing, make decisions for the server, fix things when they go wrong, and generally try to keep the server running smoothly.

Build Team:

Members of the Build team are considered “Better than the best”. They handle all reviews from Advanced up to master. If you need opinions on builds, they’re your best option. They also have moderation permissions.

Build Team+:

Buildteam members with a “+” are the leaders of the team. They handle management for it, and delegate projects and tasks out to the members.

Basic server guide:

After joining the server, you will be prompted to read the rules. Once you have done so, you will be promoted to Novice. As a novice, you gain access to claiming two plots. You can claim your plots in two ways:

Type “/plots claim” when standing in the one you want

Type “/plots auto” to be automatically claim a plot.

Once you finish building on your plot, you can submit it by typing “/plots done”, and your plot will then be put in the queue for review. If your plot is accepted, you will be ranked up and have access to the next world. If it is denied, you will be left with comments on your plot that you can read of how to improve it.

Command Guide:

Plot Commands:

/plots help: General command information

/plots claim: Claims the plot you are standing in

/plots auto: Claims the nearest plot

/plots done: Puts your plot in the review queue for a rankup

/plots clear: Clears your plot

/plots delete: Removes your ownership of the plot you are in, and clears it

/plots visit <playername>: Allows you to visit a player’s plot

/plots add <playername>: Adds a player onto your plot

/plots kick <playername>: Kicks a player off of your plot

/plots biome <biome>: Sets the biome of your plot

/plots sethome: Sets the home of your plot at your location

/plots rate <1-10>: Rates the plot that you are standing in

/plots comment <owner/report/public> <message>: Allows you to message the plot owner

/plots music: Allows you to set music on your plot

/plots check: Checks the status of your plot in the queue

/plot description <message>: Sets the description of your plot for /plot info

/plot info: Gives you information on the plot you are standing in

World Commands:

/mvtp N: Takes you to the spawn world

/mvtp A: Allows Apprentice’s or higher to get to the Apprentice world

/mvtp AD: Allows Advaced or higher to get to the Advanced world

/mvtp E: Allows Experts or higher to get to the Expert world

/mvtp M: Allows Masters to get to the Master world

Extra Commands:

/menu: Opens the list of commands for cosmetics, such as hats, wardrobes, discoarmor, particles, and tags.

/nick <name>: Allows Experts or higher to name themselves something different

/thunder: Plays the sound of thunder

/lightning <player>: Allows you to smite those which annoy you

/fireball: Shoots a fireball

/pe new <message>: Allows you to submit a ticket for staff to look at. Used for server issues, private help, nicks, and things of that nature

/skull <playername>: Gives you the skull of a player.

Along with the release of Creative, Agharta has also had a new addition; the game district at spawn. Thanks to the Buildteam's hard work, we built the district with the idea of having events and 'fun' there, hence all the things to do even without staff running it. If you go north after you type "/spawn"(across the bridge), you can easily get into the district and explore to your hearts content.

Apart from that, if anyone see's "JessicaRabit" in game, please give her a congratulations for her promotion to Build team leader(BT+).

Hope you all enjoy!

~Management