important [9-15-16]GFL's Current State, Many Decisions, Etc...

[Roy 10,832 / 0]

Hello everybody, while this isn't the "big" update I planned on making a while ago, I still think this update will be important. I am here to talk about the current state of GFL. Let's get straight to the point.

 

Decisions

As of right now, we have a total of six major decisions to make (along with other small decisions). These include possible Division Leaders, Community Advisers, team leaders, and system changes such as this. A majority (not all) of these decisions will be made with promotions and I am going to say it right now, there will be risky moves. Sadly, there really aren't any obvious picks for these promotions. When we (Trusted, BoD, etc.) pick potential Division Leaders and Community Advisers we take into consideration their activity and professionalism along with many other factors (e.g. do they get along with people). All individuals we have discussed have at least one weakness in that list of categories. Therefore, I am calling these moves risky. However, there is a good chance they will work out.

 

It's Time To Step Up

That leads me to the next point, with school starting, a majority of our servers have suffered population loss. For a long time now, GFL hasn't been as populated as it once was. For example, look at these images:

Back Then (2015)

 

Now

 

It's very obvious that GFL isn't as populated as it once was. While we could go on a rant about Valve's support for community servers, I would prefer getting straight to the point. With there being no obvious choices for Division Leaders, I believe this is a great time for our admins to step up. Make it so there are obvious picks for the future. Now, I'm not talking about giving Server Admins more power to help (they already have a lot of power to help, just not a lot of them realize that), I am talking about Server Admins proving themselves as trusted and somebody who will help the community so we can promote them to a higher rank.

 

"How do I prove myself?"

• Act mature/professional.
• Get along with people. Don't start useless fights on the forum with other members.
• Take it upon yourself and learn a bit about managing servers (e.g. install a test server). I made a series of videos here for training.
• Help members on the forum and in-game out.
• Recruit as many players in-game to the forums and TeamSpeak 3 as possible.
• Generally spread GFL's name around.
• Give ideas on future expansions or on how to improve our current servers.
• Stay active on the forum unless you have a valid excuse on why you can't (you'll be surprised at how many admins I plan on removing due to two+ months of inactivity without notice).

 

Overall, GFL needs as much help as we can possibly get. This is a great time to step up.

 

MOTDGD Ads On Lowest Point

We run MOTD video advertisements to help pay for GFL's expenses. The ad money actually saved GFL from cancelling multiple machines/servers a couple months ago when we were hit by a series of negative events. Back in March/April, we received around $600.00/m from these ads. However, due to these ads being on our CS:GO servers only and a majority of our CS:GO servers suffering big population loss, there has been a big decline. I doubt we're going to even hit $100.00 from ads this month (yes, we went from $600.00 to possibly below $100.00). I believe we need to start running these ads on our Garry's Mod servers as well.

 

Currently, our donation income is still very unstable and I don't think we can last without MOTDGD ads helping us. While we are looking into getting OVH machines in the future, I have no ETA on how long that will take. It will also take a while for us to completely move onto OVH. I will try making this a priority but with what I want to do with it (for the best chances of success), it will take a while.

 

We just paid $100.00 for a TeamSpeak 3 license (annually) and that certainly doesn't help us battling our ridiculous NFO expenses. 

 

Garry's Mod Division

The Trusted team (BoD, DLs, and CAs) is still discussing what the next steps are with the Garry's Mod community, however, this has been a very slow process. As @Cypher has stated in the past, many of the BoD team members work and have school. This leaves scheduling a meeting with all the BoD members at once being very difficult to do, especially with the time zone differences. While I agree it shouldn't be taking this long, I do believe we need some other method of communication. Getting us all on TeamSpeak 3 at the same time is something not easy and I don't think we should rely on something like this to discuss the GMod division's future. Therefore, perhaps forum messages or Discord will be the best choice (as long as all BoD members are on there a majority of the day). 

 

I also believe there really isn't much more to talk about. Only actions should be done now.

1. Promote potential DLs. Make sure they know what our main goal is and how we're going to fix our GMod division.
2. Finally fix performance issues our servers highly suffer from.
3. Remove inactive admins and admins who are causing issues (a system we plan on implementing will help with future admin picks).
4. Expand into non-serious RP and other game modes such as DeathRun with a new approach (these type of game modes ARE our strengths).
5. Other small things such as organization, MOTD Ads, Supporter/VIP perks, automation, etc.
6. SUCCEED!

 

CS:GO Division

Our CS:GO division has been suffering for a while now. While I personally believe it is not our faults, I still think there are places we could improve. Firstly, I feel we are short on Division Leaders. Dano has done an incredible job as Division Leader, but even he admits that it would be nice having another DL to help out. After going through possible candidates, we've failed to see any obvious picks (inactivity being the biggest concern). However, there will be at least one Division Leader promoted in the future specifically for CS:GO.

 

Something I've realized in CS:GO is that United States servers are dying. Last week, there was only one US server in the top 15 (that was of course, our ZE server). Now, there are two, however, I still feel US servers are dying. I believe it might be worth trying to expand into Europe a bit more and seeing if we can get something going (e.g. FFA in Europe). At this point, it definitely couldn't hurt to try.

 

I also believe getting a beta server (would be regular CS:GO) for players may be worth it as well (I will have to see if NFO can support it).

 

Other than that, I still think we need to look into why servers like Bunny Hop are dying. I believe Bunny Hop's issue might have to do with a non-unique timer (and the fact that Valve just hates community servers).

 

Overall

Although there are plenty of more things to talk about, I would prefer leaving those things for the big update post. I will probably be making another post later discussing my activity in the next couple months.

 

I hope you enjoyed reading!

 

Thanks.

[Mary 198 / 5,248]

I have the position of Roy's Girlfriend. Just making sure all these hoe's know.

[Roy 10,832 / 0]

 

Yes, I know, I use the "etc" statement far too much.

 

Don't hurt me, @Shuruia

 

I will correct the post and remove some of the useless "etc" statements.

 

Thanks.

 

[Hello. 1,450 / 24,174]

8 minutes ago, Roy said:

MOTDGD Ads On Lowest Point

We run MOTD video advertisements to help pay for GFL's expenses. The ad money actually saved GFL from cancelling multiple machines/servers a couple months ago when we were hit by a series of negative events. Back in March/April, we received around $600.00/m from these ads. However, due to these ads being on our CS:GO servers only and a majority of our CS:GO servers suffering big population loss, there has been a big decline. I doubt we're going to even hit $100.00 from ads this month (yes, we went from $600.00 to possibly below $100.00). I believe we need to start running these ads on our Garry's Mod servers as well.

 

Currently, our donation income is still very unstable and I don't think we can last without MOTDGD ads helping us. While we are looking into getting OVH machines in the future, I have no ETA on how long that will take. It will also take a while for us to completely move onto OVH. I will try making this a priority but with what I want to do with it (for the best chances of success), it will take a while.

 

We just paid $100.00 for a TeamSpeak 3 license (annually) and that certainly doesn't help us battling our ridiculous NFO expenses. 

 

I support this idea, and would suggest seeing about possibly expanding the ads into other games, such as TF2 or PVK2, if possible. Other than that, sounds like you have a good game plan set.

[Ben 2,373 / 30,812]

4 minutes ago, Roy said:

 

Yes, I know, I use the "etc" statement far too much.

 

Don't hurt me, @Shuruia

 

I will correct the post and remove some of the useless "etc" statements.

 

Thanks.

 

You shouldn't do that, although, if you're going to do that, you could consider the word "however"

 

1 minute ago, PB-n-J said:

support this idea, and would suggest seeing about possibly expanding the ads into other games, such as TF2 or PVK2, if possible.

That's not going to happen on TF2. Using ADs in community server is frown upon by players. If we add it in, we'll lose some regulars on Combat Surf.

 

Idea: Take away ad-free from members and start selling them as perk for Supporter and VIP. That way, we might get more donators. 

[Pyros 1,793 / 30,401]

I think the major problem is the GMOD division, its a big division with a lot of admins and we only have 1 division leader (we used to have 4 in one point), we have admins trash talking each other (although the worst passed I think) and we have servers fading away. 

14 minutes ago, Benroyjam said:

You shouldn't do that, although, if you're going to do that, you could consider the word "however"

 

That's not going to happen on TF2. Using ADs in community server is frown upon by players. If we add it in, we'll lose some regulars on Combat Surf.

 

Idea: Take away ad-free from members and start selling them as perk for Supporter and VIP. That way, we might get more donators. 

or it could make us lose even more population, its a risky move in my opinion.

[Coolest Cat 1,266 / 14,449]

5 minutes ago, TheKingOfPyros said:

I think the major problem is the GMOD division, its a big division with a lot of admins and we only have 1 division leader (we used to have 4 in one point), we have admins trash talking each other (although the worst passed I think) and we have servers fading away. 

or it could make us lose even more population, its a risky move in my opinion.

Man, put your signature under a spoiler. It's way too big.

 

 

Anyway, regarding ads, we should definitely encourage people to use the !ads command when there's a period of not doing anything on the map/gamemode. *cough* ZE admins *cough*

[Rcool64 1,007 / 16,294]

I can reassure that we're in the process of getting more higher ups, but Roy's point is that he wants admins to step up to higher positions. We lack people who are willing to step up. If you want to step up, please let us know by doing all the actions Roy stated above.

 

As for problems for the community, you can ask me or  other higher ups. I've been taking recent complaints to higher ups so feel free to tell me anything you dislike.  As Roy said, the BoD are discussing these problems and I'm willing to bring more up any new ones. It's nice to see that we're going to drastically improve :D

[Hello. 1,450 / 24,174]

9 minutes ago, Major_Push said:

Anyway, regarding ads, we should definitely encourage people to use the !ads command when there's a period of not doing anything on the map/gamemode. *cough* ZE admins *cough*

 

Nice callout, there.

 

But in all seriousness, this has given me something of an idea I want to discuss with Delta later.

 

23 minutes ago, Benroyjam said:

You shouldn't do that, although, if you're going to do that, you could consider the word "however"

 

That's not going to happen on TF2. Using ADs in community server is frown upon by players. If we add it in, we'll lose some regulars on Combat Surf.

 

Idea: Take away ad-free from members and start selling them as perk for Supporter and VIP. That way, we might get more donators. 

 

The same could potentially be said for GO, and yet we still have ads. I want GFL to succeed, same as most anyone else. If ads are specifically deflected from TF2, then it is what it is. At least, could still push for ads on GMoD and possibly request admins go each round with typing in ads. (Please note: I did say request.)

 

The only hesitation I would have about Roy's suggestion for improving yourself is the suggestion for installing a test server, more so is the question on if it costs money to install one. If it does, then it limits quite a few individuals out there, though this is really dependent on cost.

 

Nice update though. Thanks for keeping everyone informed!

[Dano 933 / 15,500]

1 minute ago, PB-n-J said:

The only hesitation I would have about Roy's suggestion for improving yourself is the suggestion for installing a test server, more so is the question on if it costs money to install one. If it does, then it limits quite a few individuals out there, though this is really dependent on cost.

 

It is completely free. There's also a tutorial on how to do it: https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Counter-Strike:_Global_Offensive_Dedicated_Servers

[Winter 1,704 / 25,731]

56 minutes ago, Roy said:

Expand into non-serious RP and other game modes such as DeathRun with a new approach (these type of game modes ARE our strengths!

 

If we end up expanding into Prop Hunt again, I'd love to help out or even manage. Naturally, with no experience (which I believe I needed to say right off the bat) I can and will watch the Manager training videos. I'm pumped to help out and I'll do anything necessary.

[Pyros 1,793 / 30,401]

21 minutes ago, Dano said:

It is completely free. There's also a tutorial on how to do it: https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Counter-Strike:_Global_Offensive_Dedicated_Servers

do you know if it is the same to gmod?

[Ben 2,373 / 30,812]

Just now, TheKingOfPyros said:

do you know if it is the same to gmod?

Yes.

[Nubz 216 / 4,590]

5 minutes ago, TheKingOfPyros said:

do you know if it is the same to gmod?

Here is the GMOD wiki's link for it

https://wiki.garrysmod.com/page/Hosting_A_Dedicated_Server

 

Or, a YouTube video, if you prefer that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-1c0NQtBIE

 

Edited September 15, 2016 by Nubz

[Pyros 1,793 / 30,401]

will take a look after my test are over, thanks for the help @Benroyjam and @Nubz

[HackingPotato 1,297 / 14,161]

I was about to link the same thing nubz just posted lmao. 

 

1 hour ago, Roy said:

 

"How do I prove myself?"

• Act mature/professional.
• Get along with people. Don't start useless fights on the forum with other members.
• Take it upon yourself and learn a bit about managing servers (e.g. install a test server). I made a series of videos here for training.
• Help members on the forum and in-game out.
• Recruit as many players in-game to the forums and TeamSpeak 3 as possible.
• Generally spread GFL's name around.
• Give ideas on future expansions or on how to improve our current servers.
• Stay active on the forum unless you have a valid excuse on why you can't (you'll be surprised at how many admins I plan on removing due to two+ months of inactivity without notice).

 

I like this list. Everyone should be aware tho, that it is ok to have debates in the threads but when it gets over board you should take it to PM or a voice chat and try to find a middle ground. Thats how we move forward as a community, much like what me and violator did when he had a 'disagreement'. 

 

 

Anyway, very nice thread. I look forward to seeing the changes and progression. I think we have been making some half decent decisions recently and although we are moving slowly, it looks like it is in a good direction. Also @Roy, you shouldn't been afraid of taking risks when promoting people(unless it is a trust risk). If the risks are performance and knowledge I think it would be more beneficial to try them then to not. You never know what could happen. 

Edited September 15, 2016 by HackingPotato

[Joshy 4,297 / 42,786]

Nice little update about our status.

 

I think GMOD is such an interesting creature as someone who plays CS:S more often.  I had always wondered why people thought this was the problem server; without a doubt, it does have problems, but I wouldn't necessarily call it a problem division.  While I was working in retail I had two sets of associates in the returns department: A) the associates who helped with any kind of return including televisions, laptops, desktops, electronic components such as system boards and other hardware (basically everything), and B) associates who took back the most complete and easy returns such as a toy.  Obviously, type A associates were the ones that I wanted to keep the most; however, when I'd return from vacation or days off, other managers would write up and even terminate my type A associates, and my team would only have the remaining type B associates.  In the long haul, I could hardly get people with type A characteristics to join my team even if I had offered them the highest pay (I'm not even kidding that I offered them more pay than supervisors in all other departments), and I had a difficult time getting rid of the type B associates.  Some type A associates would eventually become type B associates.  Why did this happen?  It's because type A associates did a lot more and would make mistakes more often; type B associates did hardly anything, so they would never make any mistakes... it's difficult to get rid of someone if nobody makes mistakes, but the converse is true too.

 

With that story in mind... lets take a look at two servers I have been playing the most more recently:

 

My favourite CS:S Surf RPG DM

 

GMOD TTT (still awesome IMO)

 

Based on numbers or looking at the activity, and of course the number of complaints on the forums, I think it's natural for someone to quickly call out the GMOD TTT server...  "it's a problem server", but I'm honestly more worried about CS:S Surf RPG DM.  While we have the highest ranked CS:S Surf RPG DM server (gametracker), I worry about that server because we have very few players, a small team, and admittedly no incentives for players to donate or become a VIP; GMOD hardly has this problem by comparison.  So when people say we need to fix GMOD - I'm not denying that there are problems - but my retail story really resonates with me and I think we need to redirect our concerns.  CS:S players "have nothing" to complain about, but that's because we almost have and do nothing.

 

A great example of the income side problem is the advertisement.  I know it has become a necessary evil, but if we were more aggressive with our incentives (and especially now as we don't offer permanent VIP anymore), then we would have enough income to eventually skip it all or dampen it.  Without that incentive, we impose the advertisements; when we impose the advertisement, then current players begin to seek other servers or communities that do not have advertisement.  We're basically digging our own grave slowly and we are using a system that is not sustainable although it is working for now...  we'll be screwed if that nail in the coffin arises such as a bad attack or problem with untrustworthy leadership.

 

While it may seem risky, I definitely think more leadership members, access to resources, and aggressively pushing for incentives will help our community a load.  I think the slow time such as the school year is a great time to be taking risks (I'm talking small risks just as @HackingPotato meant too), then we can tune these updates as we better understand how they affect us or people will master them by the time our activity improves.  I've made a few proposals and definitely support ideas regarding multi-disciplinary leadership where Server Admins can work with each other on other servers to a certain degree beyond talking on the forums, and opening up about the community and our goals to improve community relations (I think the eSports stuff is a great example [SM+]).  Another set of resources aside from informational/opening up is possibly train leadership members for the next position before they even have it or apply.  I think it would be a great idea to get Server Admins stoked for other positions- even if they stayed as a Server Admin for their entire GFL career, I'd really like for Server Admins to think more like SMs, CAs, DLs, and BoD leaders; when positions open up, then the hard part would be selecting one not because everyone has a weakness, but because there would be too many great candidates to choose from  . 

 

I think we focus a lot on the technical side, and quite honestly, if we wait for someone to come here who already knows it all, then it's going to take us forever.  We're better off taking someone with the right attitude and philosophies, with ideas, and letting them learn on the job or training them to our best ability (again, @HackingPotato already mentioned this).  I think there will always be people who complain about the mistakes, which would happen if we did this, but the majority of people would rather see us try and make a mistake here and there compared to doing nothing while we wait for this awesome person to arrive.

 

This post isn't a complaint- I think we have a lot of great things in discussion and I think we're going to do great as we continue moving forward.  I'm really stoked about all of it!  Sorry for dabbling too much and it's not clear to me how bad my grammar is, but this post is getting too long even for me, lol!  Thanks for reading if you made it through!

 

[Snoopy 1,480 / 15,610]

3 hours ago, PB-n-J said:

 

I support this idea, and would suggest seeing about possibly expanding the ads into other games, such as TF2 or PVK2, if possible. Other than that, sounds like you have a good game plan set.

 

TF2 will not bring in any money and in fact it'll most likely harm GFL more then benefit it by killing off whatever little activity we've been able to muster recently.

[SwegBuster 879 / 15,298]

I would like to mention, not all the csgo servers have the MOTDADS still. At least the few I played on. At least the US ZM was never set back up after I resetted it awhile back. Sidenote: I have been laid back on trying to run US ZM while EU ZM takes priority since it is more populated at times. This is a sad excuse for me. I had done better when I first took it over. We all make mistakes, we just need to learn from them and try to push making the communities within our servers better while trying to promote GFL.

 

I like everyone's point of views on things. But my concern is pretty much like @Joshy's comment about type A and type B people. I have been working in retail for almost a year now. My time on here has been affected due to it. Anyways what I am trying to say is we should really be looking for the hardworking admins and asking them if they are willing to at least learn how to run a server. I know it is not easy as it sounds, but even with help nominating admins via other admins would be a nice way to get that system going.

 

 

[Pyros 1,793 / 30,401]

in my opinion, if possible, we should have a few adds on the forum, that way regular players who doesnt play CSGO and doenst have spare money to donate, can help the community, and by add Im not talking about the ones that cover the whole screen, more like a small banner above ChatBox, but it can also make us lose a few forum users, and it coud be also good to add adds to in big servers in Gmod such as TTT and Purge, but making that Member+ get almost no add and Supporters+ get no add at all, could be a way to get more donations, or it could kill the server