[Gandalf Parker]

I dont usually do this but I will reply here to an anonymous email to a server I dont control (otherwise it would not have been as anonymous as you think). If you are not running a free server, then I would avoid using the word sucky when talking about one.

Apparently I have "let down" the community by letting the other games fall off my servers.
Well I didnt let them fall off. What happened is that I never received requests to do them anymore. I do the game host on a 24/7 server, provide an email account for receiving pretender files, provide email backups to the person running the game (if they request it), email notifications to the players for turns (if they request it), ftp support if desired, webhosting for maps and status pages and anything else they want added, map generation for maps larger than most people can create on their own computer, various file conversion requests, security, anonymity (when requested), scripting automation, and hours worth of consultation. All for free. I think that was plenty. Some who have been around for abit might remember my frequent reminder about people forgetting how to "pay" for free things. If you dont please & thankyou the way your mom taught you then dont cry when the free things go away.

You have no idea how many and what types of games Ive hosted for free since many of the people "running" that game did not bother to mention that I was hosting it. I didnt mind if they redirected their own address to my server. But if no one is willing to be the one running a game, creating a thread, ironing out the parameters, handling the many player requests and letting me know to change hosting times or ai players so I dont have to read 35 game threads (at its peak) 20 times a day; then dont whine to me about letting things drop. I think I was covering more than enough for the flak I was getting on the forums.

And no offense but your list of "good servers" made me smile. There are great people on the forums who do the beta testing and reporting and recommending additions in areas such as modding, and balance, and new spells, etc etc. But for Server, and Maps, go back thru the forums and see if I wasnt at minimum considered deeply involved in nearly any major part of it (not trying to put myself up with the devs of course). Those great servers you mentioned are good people doing great server service but I wonder what their reaction would be to you saying I should be more like them.

Dont bother with me but you might think about those servers that are still servicing you for free. I HIGHLY recommend that you NOT treat them the same way. And you might wonder why people stopped being the game leaders when it involved so little to do. Was that your fault also?

Damn, now Im sounding like Zen and many others who went before me. My apologies to those who do not fit this post. I will probably delete it when I calm down.