The server is currently in Manchester (Another part of the Uk) and has been for the past year. We are moving to London to upgrade the machine and speed, which will be better for all players across the globe.

No, you can only edit the chunk if you have purchased it. Land that has not been purchased cannot be built on either.

Correct. Unless you have been added to someone's land of course then you can build on another players purchased land.

Hello everyone, long time no update or see for that matter! (Busy times)

The Administration team have been working tirelessly since the announcement, working towards and preparing the new version of Noobstown. The project is quite ambitious and is taking a long time as you
may imagine, which we apologize for. We don't plan on keeping you waiting any longer than need be, so, when the update is ready it'll be released.

First I will talk about what will happen on the opening day and week leading up to the release.

A week prior to the release of the update we'll be moving the server to London, which will take some time since we are shipping the machine down. This means the current Version 5.0 server will be down for a full week leading up to the release of the new server and won't come back online until the brand new Version 6.0 is up and ready to go. The full week will not only allow us to ship the server down, but also allow setup time and general maintenance on the main server to prepare for the big release day.

Upon entering the server for the first time you'll be spawned in the dungeons in which will act as a small tutorial, allowing you to learn information about the server and an understanding of how we run. Obviously, as some of you already know the server each section is skip-able so you don't need to be dragged through the tutorial section by section and you don't need to re-sign up either. Your ranks will be transferred across. New members won't have to sign up initially like we have forced in the past but eventually will have to join the website to gain full benefits from the server. These benefits include our Auctioning system, Town and Player Profiles and any Server-wide event campaigns such as the 'Advent Calendar' we offered last Christmas.


Donation Points and their use

Donation points will be transferred across to version 6.0 we aren't changing the way the shop works but will be offering different purchasable items and packages. All packages and perks haven't been set in stone but expect a wide variety of options to spend your points on.


Token Points and their use

Tokens will be used to give you a 'boost' so to speak during the early days of 6.0, giving you access to basic materials. The ability to unlock perks such as increase skill gain, reduced cool downs, increased drop rates for mining and excavation and more. We'll also be offering kits and other such fun perks for token holders to spent their points on. Not to mention those who have worked up to 20,000 Tokens can buy out the Veteran status right off the back!


Auction system - Brief Information

Simply put - Imagine Ebay but for Minecraft. Place all your items on our online Auction house via sending them in game, once sent they will be transferred to an on-site inventory. In this inventory you are able to place your items onto the global auction house, enabling you to sell items and buy them with ease. This allows for bidding and competitive trading.

Prices will be generated dynamically depending on supply and demand, therefore you'll always be putting the prices up for the correct amount without ruining the value of an item. We'll also reserve the right to reduce sales on a certain item if the value is rapidly dropping in order to re-gain demand for an item therefore increasing its value on the server.

Brief example:

Imagine you are building a large town and you require a vast list of materials. Farming these items yourself would take months and will really slow the growth of your town!

The solution would be to use the auction house system to buy the items in bulk. First of all you would hit up the search function and simply type for example;

'Wood'

This would display every single person on the server selling wood, the amount and the price. It'll be listed from cheapest to dearest so you'll always be getting the best possible deal at the time. Once bought you'll transfer the items from your on site inventory to your in game inventory. Once all items are in game, you can then get started with that large town expansion you've been planning without the fuss of gathering. Simply and as easy as that.


Towns & Wilderness plots - General information/Cost etc.

So, I understand there is a lot of concern over Towns and what is going to happen with them as a whole. First of all, towns won't be the same price as they are currently, they'll be much, much, cheaper to suit the new state of the economy. We really want to push people towards Town creation and building a community rather than being held back because of cost. That's why I have decided to reform the way towns will be developed on the server, instead of raising the price to make people work harder for a town or to understand the responsibility, I believe a fair petition system would work much better.

How will this work?

So, you have enough money to start a town - Let's say 60k Noobz. You'll go to the website and create a petition (Like an application) to form a town. On this side of the website you can learn everything about towns and the responsibilities of running a community on the server. Once you are ready, you can then apply. Applying isn't going to be a restrictive process it's simply to give an understanding to staff and most importantly; your residents. What your intentions are for creating a new town.

Once accepted you will be granted the right to form a town with the money you have saved.

I'm a Mayor in version 5.0, do I still have to apply?

Yes, but you will be allowed to apply earlier than the rest of the community. Before the version is released infact. This means on first log-in if accepted you can get straight into the action of building a town. (Once you have the money)

I'm not a Mayor in version 5.0, but I want to start a town in v6!

Unfortunately, you won't be able to apply early. However, we will be accepting most early applications from the begging of the version for dedicated members of the community. Don't let this you hold back from applying!


Wilderness World

The wilderness world is where you can build outside of town life, your own personal paradise.

What is a Wilderness plot?

All building in version 6.0 will be in a protection environment, this way we can offer every single one of our community members 99.9% grief protection. When entering the wilderness world for the first time you'll simply type a command which will set your home block, you can type this anywhere out of the spawn region. One protected chunk is 16x16.

Each member will be given 10 Free Chunks of protection, and will be able to buy more as you please. The price for chunks will spiral upwards in price depending on the amount of chunks yo have. This means, the more land you wish to gain the higher the cost will amount.


So... what If I want to build with a friend?

Our Chunky system will have a build in friendship system, this way you can add people to your plot and give them rights to build. This of course is the only way you can be griefed - Adding a friend to your plot is a risk and if you are willing to take the risk you can't complain about being griefed. So remember, if you are giving away rights to your land make sure it's someone you know and trust.

My friend has land next to mine and we want to merge our land. Can we do that?

Yes, Chunky will have a merge option to allow friends to merge their land together.

Why will the world stay clean... I don't understand?

Our Chunky system will first record all natural landscape data on the server before anyone touches it (even me) and will store that data for chunk. This means whenever you reset your plot after use or whenever someone is banned or becomes super in-active the chunk will revert to it's original natural state. This means, the world will continuously stay fresh for years to come.

Well... what if Mojang release a new biome or item which is naturally generated? Will the world support it even though the data recorded is old?

The Chunky system has options to add items or data to it's reset code therefore in future updates we can add new biomes to the landscape. Such as the Jungle biome which cannot be found on the current 5.0 Main world.

When can we expect the release?

We will continue to stick to our Summer release schedule, we cannot at this time give a specific date as there is still a lot to do. All we can do is promise that this version is worth waiting for and that we want to do it correctly and not rush into things. As much as we'd love to release the version tomorrow, we cannot. Patience is a virtue!

Since the announcement of the build competition it has sparked a great response from the community. Many of our players got involved and created some awesome looking inspiring builds, which represent the server as a whole.

 We thank all those who entered the competition, we enjoyed looking through all the images/videos of the builds. Unfortunately, we had to come down to our favorite two entries which A) Fit with the v6 theme and B) Represent the v5 version as a whole.

The finalists!

This is what I have, captured a few of the major builds and ideas from the server and smashed it into a 40x40x25  The castle wall makes the height jump a bit.  But I hope that can be overlooked.

Signs may be hard to read so in the caption I will provide the words on the signs as well.

Overview


Ye Ol' N
"Lost, But Never Forgotten Noobstown V5"


Portals 1
Left "Events World - Parties, Games - Good Times, And - Fond Memories
Right "Mining World - Where Friends - Were Made Deep - In The World"


Portals 2
Left "The Nether - Towns Defended - The Overworld - From Fiery Evil"
Right "The End - Mighty Battles - Waged Against - Dark Souls


Bridge Over The River


Cherry Blossoms
"Donations - Helped Keep - The Server - Strong"


Side Note - The walls are fully accessible and there are two more signs I didn't want to waste forum space on that read, "These Walls Serve As A Reminder That Noobstown Protects The People Of This World At Any, And All Cost"

Here is the submission I have for the contest.  The screenshots capture the overall feel and design I wanted to express, but there are other rooms and attractions you may want to see. 

Coords:  -1730 , -850 ,  65
On the southern edge of Dragonfire.  Just behind the Sugar Cane Farm.

- Front / outside
- Inside / main
-  Inside / Olde Noobstown Room

Birdman's piece was a great representation of the version 5 spawn and would serve as a great memorial for the version as whole.

Duelcons was slightly different, although on the outside it did not represent the version but on the inside is packed full of fun/interesting information about everything V5!

Now it's your chance to vote! ~ Which build would you like to see in v6? Birdman's V5 Spawn representation or Duelcons v5 Museum type build.

Voting will end on the 31st of May 2013!

Hello, I thought I'd just join this discussion to put some points straight regarding the new version and the reasoning behind the change.


Since the announcement to the public I have been working tirelessly to help the community understand the reasoning behind v6. We have lost many members and have lost some staff but to secure the future of Noobstown this decision was necessary.

Why?

Key Points

- The Map, it's a mess. We hold our hands up and say that the anti-griefing systems put into place were too late in the version and the current tools which Staff are using to tackle this are awful. The battle to fight griefing in v5 is a losing battle and it's highly stressful for our current staff. Implementing the Version 6 grief system now would not work. The version 6.0 grief system will A. Record all natural data of  the world, chunk by chunk. B. Players can only build on bought land, this is in both wilderness and the town world (Town plots etc.) C. When a player becomes inactive or is permanently banned the system will grab the original natural data from this first recording and re-generate the land.

- The Economy, situations rose during Version 5.0 which allowed 'cheaters' to manipulate and poison the economy, which lead to a server wide price drop on all rarities which players had worked hard for. What's going to change? From the begging of version 6.0 we will be monitoring the economies growth, each players earnings on a day to day basis which will include graphs and other statistics to aid us in tracking down potential cheaters or dupers. We can then track down trading through the Auction system and slowly back-track every in game transaction made by this player which will heal the section of economy they had corrupted.

- Future, The future of Version 6.0 is key, we want to provide a platform for all survivalists of the Minecraft community to enjoy. Why should you put up with griefing? You shouldn't. Your time and work on the server will be treasured and kept safe, from the very minute you enter and the second you leave. The task of Version 6.0 is highly challenging, we are working non stop each day to try and get this version out as the server is currently at a stand still. The token system was introduced to promote online activity and interest in the version, to allow those who stick by us to be rewarded.

The aim is to keep the server running for years to come. Version 5 is currently our longest ever version which had a life span of around One and a half years. Version 6.0 will be much more towards the range of 4+ Years, provided everything goes to plan. The change after that (v7) may be much smoother which will only include the world no other data.

Extra notes:

- " Let's say someone finds diamond under one of those 16x16 chunks. You mine that out, then go back to the top and wreck it. A mod resets the chunk, you go back and get your diamonds, wreck the top, etc. There's no real rule being broken here (as far as I know). It's wilderness land, you're able to destroy it as you please. If they didn't want you destroying the land, they'd lock it."

We have already thought of the potential cheating which could happen with our Chunk based land system, however the problem you have stated above has been covered. When a plot is first bought (The very first owner) they will have access to every single unique block from Coal to Emeralds, Diamonds and Lapis. It's all yours, once you finally decided to reset the plot or leave it all ores will be replaced by stone.

P.S Mods don't reset plots anymore, it's automated. Their time will be spent looking after you all, not the server functions itself.

Why not keep the version 5.0 map up as-well?

We can't, simply put. The resources required to run the map would be wasted, it's not very efficient on our end. Unwanted lag is not enjoyable and people don't appreciate that whilst trying to play a server. We took the decision to be fair and offer a Museum world for a period of time so that you can re-visit old builds, copy them block by block or wonder and enjoy the sights (Well, the ones still standing)

I like the sound of the Museum world but I'm worried about losing my house position. How can we travel quickly or find our builds?

- Basic portals will be setup at spawn linking to all towns you can then walk from there or if you lived in a town, simply head towards your place of resident.

- Note down co-ordinates, they'll be the same. Want to re-visit something in v6? Save the co-ordinates!

- Map Mods - We allow certain map mods that allow you to set coordinates and way-points. I suggest downloading one of  those and pin pointing all of the spots you'd like to re-visit.


I tried to answer all the questions which seem to confuse people, if you have any further concerns do not refrain from asking. I'll happily reply to each one if I haven't covered it before ~ Don't want to keep repeating myself.

also what about my previous question?

Quote from: OMGUFB on 10 May 2013, 01:32:23

Also can we post a video? I want to my build but with pictures i will have to put lots to capture it. With 1 quick video i could minimize the amount of pictures.

Quote from: OMGUFB on  9 May 2013, 22:37:03

Foob, can i split the prizes like 1 person gets veteran and 1 person gets 5000 tokens? I think that is fair because you wouldn't be putting in more tokens into currency and giving out more veteran titles. also it says winner(s). itslawrence told me what u meant to say but that did confuse people and made them think groups were ok. That is not fair to the people who did it in groups. to conclude if your are not give away more things, allow it to be split plz.

Also can 2 names be on a plaque? (the one that gives credit in v6)

You can indeed split the prize, but the prize stated is the only prize given. Obviously you cannot split the rank so one will have the rank and the other points. No more rewards than the ones stated will be added if you are in a team.

Guys this question might sound stupid but when it says instant veteran does that mean you get in in v5 or when v6 comes out? not sure because it says Instant. if you could reply that would be great.

Means you are first in line for Veteran in v6. Top of the list!

Just to set the record straight, Olah0001, zebra903, SmithB0118, deebles17, and myself are doing a project together. I agree with Olah on everything he has said and will again cite Fatnoob's comment for you. "WINNER(S) of the Build Competition 1 will get 5000 tokens and instant Veteran status. Also, your build will be featured at the spawn of the museum world in V6, forever leaving your mark in V6." I can even get sworn testimonies from each and every one of the people stated above that it is the 5 of us and only the 5 of us that are working on this project. THIS MESSAGE I GIVE DIRECTLY TO THE ADMINS: IF OUR GROUP WINS THIS COMPETITION I FULLY EXPECT EACH OF US TO BE GIVEN VETERAN. THE TOKENS CAN BE SPLIT INTO 1K PER PERSON, I DON'T CARE ABOUT THAT, BUT AS EACH OF US HAS PUT IN A FAIR SHARE OF WORK AND OUR TIME WE SHOULD ALL BE GIVEN EQUAL RECOGNITION FOR IT.

PS. If this seems a bit radical, I apologize beforehand. I am just trying to be a good friends. True friends stick up and fight for each other and that's what I'm trying to do here.

~HarryX11

There will only be one Veteran status given out for this competition. If you want to work with friends, that's fine but you need to select a group leader which will be entitled to all the rewards.

P.S This is not really a group competition, but in the future there may be.

Very nice entries so far, really liking the amount of involvement in this competition. Good luck everyone.

On a side note: I'm not too fussed about height 20-40 blocks seems reasonable, just nothing that will over face the surrounding areas of town.

I'd say 48x48 at the very maximum anything under is fine.

Competition now closed, finalists will be announced shortly.


Today will mark the first of our building competitions, entering this competition will give you the opportunity to win instant Veteranship and Tokens for V6. The overall winning build will be placed inside the spawn of Version 6.0, forever leaving it's mark on the community.

Theme

The theme for the first build competition will be a Version 5.0 Memorial. As there will be a museum portal in the new spawn, we want to create a small area which can pay homage to the fantastic memories we have all shared in the current version. Design something that shouts Version 5.0 - Something the whole community can relate to.

As stated above this will be a fairly "Small" area so don't go too wild, once you have created the build post at least 3 images below of the finished build. When the competition ends the Admins will select the most creative builds to be put into our grand final. The overall winner will be voted by our community in a server wide poll!

Winner(s) of the build will be required to either send or give co-ordinates to the build, if building outside the server you must be aware of .schematic files as this will be the only format we accept outside the server.


Rules

- Build in an open space
- If building outside the server be prepared to create a .schematic file. (Unsure? Google it)
- Must fit the theme stated above
- Anything that is too large will not be valid

Reward

- Instant Veteranship
- Build in v6 including a plaque (sign) with your name on the build
- 5,000 Tokens

Due Date

The competition will end on Monday the 20th May 2013.

Good luck,

Noobstown Staff

Thanks everyone for your growing support and patience. Today I am pleased to release an update video to show our current progress with building since the last announcement. Roughly around 50% complete on the building phase. There will be plenty more exciting updates to come next month, stay tuned.

Be sure to subscribe to our Youtube channel ~ Sneak previews of features will be posted throughout the month.