Eagleworld updated to Minecraft 1.6!
Hi, everyone!
This update was a long time coming. My apologies to everyone that it took so long. The Bukkit team recently released an excellent recommended build that works with 1.6.6 that solved a LOT of the bugs I was coming across in trying to update. Either way, 1.6 is here, and it's stable! You should find the server to be in a far better state than it was when I rolled out 1.5.
I am also very happy to say that very little functionality has been lost between 1.5 and 1.6, and that we have a bunch of new great stuff thanks to Essentials. Things HAVE changed, though, so please make sure to familiarize yourself with the following:
1. The Global Shop is now a Local Shop
Unfortunately, for now, this is the best solution. The person that took over SimpleShop has stripped many of the features that are compulsory for Eagleworld. There IS another plugin I can use called BetterShop, but it doesn't have the full functionality, either. So, LocalShops is our savior. Here's what you need to know:
- SimpleShop is no more, so you can't use the Global Shop everywhere.
- The Global Shop is located at the Walmart in Capitol city. There are two warps you can use to get to the Walmart: walmart and globalshop. The second one plops you directly into the shop.
- Use the Global Shop as you would any local shop.
- Now, /lshop and /shop work with LocalShops. Using either one is fine.
- ALL Eagleworld members now have access to /back to make using the new Global Shop easier. However, only Artisans or better can use /back to teleport to their death location.
2. Bug fixes and new bugs
I believe the mass-majority of issues we had on the server are now good. Here are things I know are fixed now that were previously problematic:
- The area around the spawn point with performance issues is now okay.
- Any nether issues as a result of the 1.6 upgrade are resolved. Nether works as before.
- The dynmap site issues are fixed and the dynmap works normally again
- The CreativeStick server crash is now fixed, as well as other cstick bugs
- Residual iConomy database bugs (that caused performance issues) are now cleaned up
There are plenty of other bugfixes I'm sure, but I am unsure what else occurred.
Here are some new bugs that I am aware of:
- Possible TNT detonation issue...investigating
- Possible spawn point lag issue...investigating
Also, please let me know if you do see any new bugs..I will update the blog accordingly.
3. Dynmap is back...and bad!
The Dynmap plugin was long overdue for an update, and it is finally fixed. There are some new features to look out for, such as seeing player health/armor bars, and general performance improvements. Also, the isometric view works again, and it is available for both the normal world and for the nether. Please note that right now, it is not fully re-rendered, so that will be done during the early morning.
4. Promotions all around, and I'm listening to you on them!
Promotions are LONG overdue on the server. And yes, I will be doing more this weekend. I am sorry it's been so long, so I have automatically promoted a bunch of you. I will give you your salaries/raises tonight:
Builder to Architect:
- xcaboose22
- jbkarate9
Architect to Artisan:
- Archer665
- Nonagrrl
- WARRIORSPARTON
- ugonalose
Artisan to VIP:
- MrKindLife
- ZackBlaze164
VIP to Moderator:
- openminded
Please note that if you are not promoted, DO NOT FRET. I am still evaluating users. These are just those that I knew were long overdue. If you wish to plead a case for a promotion for yourself or someone else, I will welcome your opinions. I will not hold it against you if you ask for a promotion at this time (for yourself or someone else). The server has been in a rough state for a while (as have I been), so I am not 100% in touch with every user. That will slowly be rectified over the next week or two, but in the meantime, I am counting on you to speak up if you feel you deserve a promotion.
Conclusion
There's still plenty for me to do. The blog will be updated with all the new commands and stuff over the next few days. Feel free to let me know about promotions for you or someone else, as well as any bug information. Tell me in-server or make a comment below!
Almost There
Well, after battling with the global shop plugin forever, I can't get it to work, SO, the solution is that in terms of the global shop, you will have to visit a store to do so. I will make the Walmart in Capitol City the Global Shop, so you can buy all the items there for the same price as before. I will also make a warp to it so you can get to it very easily. I am also going to give /back access to everyone, to make your lives easier in the transition. Sorry for those of you that earned /back, but I believe this is a fair exchange.
The latest Craftbukkit stable release is working VERY well on Eagleworld, and has solved many of the issues. I am working on the Global Shop now on the test server, and I am also working on redoing the permissions for the latest plugins. After that, I will be just about ready to roll out. The only caveat here is that I will have to work on the dynmap plugin AFTER the upgrade, but at least you will be able to play in the meantime. Dynmap isn't working well now anyway.
So, hang in there. I am hoping to get the server up and running tonight, but just in case I cannot, you can expect it up Tuesday or Wednesday the latest!
Another 1.6 Update
It's been a while since 1.6 is out, but I see no easy solution for this one. I'm going to try to hack my way to a solution this weekend. I have had a rough time the last week or so and haven't had the full brain power to devote to the server. I will get this done, though, and either with a LocalShop prescribed for the Global Shop or with another plugin, I'll roll this out this weekend.
I also owe a bunch of players promotions, so hang in there.
More 1.6 News
Hey, everyone.
Unfortunately, I have hit a bit of a road block here, and fear there is no easy solution. Right now, for the version of Craftbukkit that supports 1.6.6 (version 818), there is no working plugin that will give us a Global Shop. Basically, all plugins that exist don't give even close to the functionality we want/need, and the ones that do are all out of date and not updated. They won't work at all on the latest version.
Unfortunately, I don't see an easy fix to this. We will need to wait a bit longer until I can find some kind of fix. It might involve me creating a Local Shop in Capitol City with an unlimited supply, but I'll find some kind of fix. In the meantime, be patient until we can get past this showstopping lack of functionality.
Update Updates and Monthly Salaries
Hi everyone!
Just a quick note that the Bukkit team has finally been able to create a semi-stable build for the new 1.6.6 release. I will be starting to roll out the changes to 1.6.6 to the test server today.
However, please note that this Bukkit release is a mere 10 hours old as of this post. Most plugin developers have not yet updated their plugins to work with the latest version of craftbukkit. Therefore, until the plugins catch up and work with Bukkit, I will NOT be updating the server. I will, however, update what I can, so that by the time all the plugins are up-to-date and working swimmingly, I'll be ready to roll out 1.6.
And, to the idiots that keep connecting to the server in the blind hope that I might have magically updated it to 1.6 (you know who you are), it's not going to help. Rather than wasting your time and looking like an idiot by connecting to a 1.5_02 server with a 1.6.x client, just take three seconds to view the blog first. If it's updated, trust me, this blog will be the first place notified.
In other news: It is now the first of June, so June salaries will be taking effect! Make sure to claim your salary the next time you see an admin online. And, to those of you that have been sticking with 1.5, avoiding SNS Syndrome, and not asking me stupid "When are we updating?" questions, I am giving you a 1,000 Talon bonus on top of your normal salary! Many of you have stuck with 1.5 and have made my life a lot easier in dealing with this last Beta update, so consider the bonus a small thank you out of appreciation for your efforts.
You will get your bonus as long as you have logged onto Eagleworld any time between May 26th (after the update) and May 31st, and you haven't asked me when I plan to update. Just make sure to ask for it when you ask for your salary!
I hope I will be able to post to the blog again soon regarding 1.6 updates. Until then, have fun!
Quick note about 1.6
Well, Mojang's having "that time of the month," so it's time for Eagleworld to be outdated for a while.
As usual, updating to 1.6 completely obliterates the Bukkit server wrapper and any form of functionality it might have had in 1.5. Therefore, the Bukkit Team has to work their ass off to get craftbukkit back into working order. Therefore, I cannot update to 1.6 at all, unless we lose just about everything of use on this server. If you want to see what the Bukkit Team has to say about 1.6, please Click Here.
As far as what this means for Eagleworld, it's basically the same as before. The server is (somewhat) stable on 1.5, and it's going to stay on 1.5 until I have the ability to roll out 1.6 in a stable manner without loss of data or loss of stability. As usual, I will be testing out all of the server changes in a test instance that will not affect the production instance. Once I feel confident we can roll out 1.6 without too many regressions or bugs, we'll go from there.
P.S. - For those of you that don't know what a "regression" is, it's basically a term used in software development for an unintended loss of functionality or a previously fixed bug popping up again when moving to a new version. For example, if something worked in craftbukkit build 733 (the build we're on now), but doesn't for a version tested for 1.6, that's a regression.
Minecraft Beta 1.5_02 Updates and Changes
Hey, everyone!
Well, the Bukkit team put out their recommended build yesterday for Beta 1.5_02. For those of you still grumbling about it, the wait was warranted. The team had a lot of work to do not just working on Beta 1.5, but restructuring their entire update process. Let's remember they're not coding in Logo here...there's a lot of effort that goes into this. Try to curb that immediate gut reaction of chagrin and show some appreciation for these guys. They DO make Bukkit for free, after all. 
Anyway, let me go over everything you need to know about Beta 1.5. Yes, you need to read it. Everyone's gonna complain about it, you might as well read the page of info I have for you regarding the updates.
Server Changes
Here's the quick view of what I actually had to update this release:
- Minecraft - Now on Beta 1.5_02 (no, that's not a typo...the server is on 1.5_02)
- Craftbukkit - Now on Build 733
- BigBrother - Now on a development snapshot of 1.8
- LWC - Now on 2.31
Nothing really outstanding here. All other plugins seem to be working in a stable manner (or, at least as stable as they were in 1.4...). Note that some of these plugins are not being actively developed, but seem to still work (such as SimpleShop and LocalShops).
Permission Changes and New Kits
I've tweaked some of the permissions in the game, and added a bunch of new kits! Some of these were requested, some I came up with myself. Here's the list:
- /tptoggle - Guests now have access. Now, you guys can use /tpa to show guests around.
- /tpdeny - Guests now have access. Allows guests to clear existing /tpa or /tpahere requests.
- /kit bedtime - New Architect kit. Gives you 1 bed to allow server-synchronized sleeping.
- /kit armor - New Artisan kit. Gives you a full set of leather armor.
- /kit snowballs - New Artisan kit. Gives you a full stack of snowballs.
- /kit jewellry - New VIP kit. Gives you 1 watch and 1 compass.
- /kit doggie - New VIP kit. Gives you 8 bones and 8 cooked pork for use in taming/healing wolves.
- /kit cookie - New Mod kit. Gives you 1 cookie.
- /kit boobtasmic - Restricted to admins only (per Runninghobo's request).
Known Dynmap Issues
Currently, the Dynamic Server Map seems to have some problems on the new release. The web page seems to work fine when in top-down view. Chatting, user locations, and map scrolling works perfectly. However, when you switch to isometic view, the web page crashes. I have to look into this to see what is going wrong. I might be able to fix this with a simple plugin reinstallation, but it could take me a while to fix. Note that complaining about this to me will not fix the plugin. Thanks.
Otherwise, Business as usual
Besides, the changes above, the server is the same as it was before. Towny, iConomy, FlatEarth, and everything else you're used to is the same as usual. I hope everyone enjoys Beta 1.5!
P.S. - I still owe you the jar backup tutorial...I'll post that this week.
Updated Rules and Beta 1.5 Updates
Hey everyone!
I've got two major things to cover here today, so I'll do them in one post:
Updated Rules/Blog Info
Please kick on over to the Server Info page and check out the new Server Rules. I've also adjusted the Important Info under Server Settings. I've made things a bit more concise and clear, as well as added a few rules. No real surprises here...just stuff I've been enforcing for a while but weren't officially part of the rules.
I also changed around the New Players page a bit and made it a bit easier to read. I trimmed some of the language and made it more concise and to the point.
Beta 1.5 Updates
Several of you have been bugging me about this, so let me give an update about where we stand. Right now, there is no recommended build for Bukkit that works with Beta 1.5. There IS a Bukkit version that will work with Beta 1.5, but it is untested and buggy. Also, I did a quick scan to see which plugins were updated for 1.5...not many. So, if I update now, we'll have a buggy Bukkit plugin, half support for the plugins that do work, and a bunch of plugins that don't. Not what we want, is it?
If you want more info on this, the Bukkit team has a post on it: Link Here
For those of you too lazy to click the link, here's what the Bukkit team said about updating to 1.5:
"We have completed the update to Minecraft 1.5_02 (and have had it done for a while now) and are working out a few issues before we promote a recommended build. A TEST ONLY build is available but we highly recommend that you wait until we promote a Recommended Build before putting it on your production server."
In other words, Bukkit is not ready for production yet. If you're still not convinced and are saying, "But Eagle, can't we just use a version that works? They said they have a build, it's just not recommended." Well, here's another statement regarding the Bukkit Team on non-recommended versions:
"Only Recommended Builds have gone through extensive testing. Anything else could result in unforeseen problems like Bukkit eating your cake or your world. You have been warned."
I'm not dealing with that. So, we wait. Might I remind you the server is working 100% with Beta 1.4. Everything is functional, and we have no issues whatsoever. The only issue on the server right now is a severe case of SNS Syndrome.
Speaking of SNS Syndrome, I will be making another post soon about how to back up your Minecraft Directory to test the new versions of Minecraft, yet keeping the old one so you can still play on Eagleworld. Stay tuned!
Bukkit for 1.5 Delayed
Hey, everyone.
Just a heads up for those of you that are still afflicted with SNS Syndrome. Bukkit for SMP 1.5 is going to take a while. The Bukkit team just released a post on their blog stating the reasons why. You can read the details from the Bukkit team's blog using this link. I recommend that you do, just so you realize what happens on the back-end of this game.
The basic jist of the post is as follows:
- Beta 1.5 is riddled with bugs, as most of that have tried it know
- Updating Bukkit at this time will be futile because of all the bugs
- Mojang will probably be releasing multiple updates to fix 1.5 in the next few days
- The Bukkit team will start working on a Beta 1.5-compatible Craftbukkit once SMP is stable
A prime example why having SNS Syndrome is a bad idea. Even the Bukkit team doesn't want to touch Beta 1.5 in its current state, and frankly, I can't blame them.
In other news, when I DO roll out Beta 1.5 on Eagleworld, I'll make some kit tweaks, and I will allow guests to use /tpaccept, so they can be teleported by Architects and Artisans.
A Serious Disorder
Hi everyone,
I need to talk to you today about a serious matter that affects many Americans, Canadians, and all of those across the world. It is a serious disorder that has spread across the world, and seems to have no signs of slowing down. It will eventually take over the world without serious intervention from the general populace.
I am, of course, talking about SNS Syndrome.
SNS Syndrome is a disorder that can affect people from all walks of life, but most commonly affects those that are heavy computer users. It has been diagnosed to many people in the Linux community, gaming circles, and yes, the Minecraft community at large.
If you are unfamiliar with SNS Syndrome, please read the information I have below on this serious condition.
SNS Syndrome Explained
SNS Syndrome is really an acronym for Shiny New Shit Syndrome, which is the disorder currently plaguing the US, Canada, and nations abroad. It was brought to my attention by the knowledgeable folk in the Debian IRC Channels, and now that I know about this condition, I see it all around me.
Here are the symptoms of SNS Syndrome:
- Uncontrollable urge to blab constantly about new updates
- The inability to stop asking about when updates are coming
- The feeling that you must have the latest version of something
- Making nonsensical decisions, such as upgrading to the latest version of something opposed the stable, older-version counterpart
If you exhibit these symptoms, you might have SNS Syndrome yourself.
What you can do about SNS Syndrome
SNS Syndrome tends to break out in an epidemic whenever a new version of something comes out, such as Minecraft Beta 1.5. If you or someone you know is exhibiting symptoms of SNS Syndrome, you can help. Here is what you can do to help yourself or help someone else:
- Try your hardest to resist the urge to upgrade to something instantly.
- If you feel urges to try out Beta 1.5, back up your Minecraft directory first.
- If you do not have the knowledge on how to back up your Minecraft directory, ask someone that does, or don't do it at all.
- Realize how great something is that works and works all the time.
- Remember all the great things about Beta 1.4_01 before immediately abandoning its status as a good game
These simple steps will help you and your Minecraft brethren and sistern fight the ever-prominent SNS Syndrome all around you in your daily life
In case you didn't get the hint
SLOW THE FUCK DOWN if you are bitching about the fact Eagleworld is not on Beta 1.5 yet. Bukkit has not yet been updated for Minecraft Beta 1.5. That means NO plugins, NO iconomy, NO security, NO nothing. The server will have about 5% of the functionality you are accustomed to if I upgrade right now.
And when Bukkit is updated, I have to wait for ALL OF THE PLUGINS WE USE to get updated. That could take days. And after THAT, I have to test it all. If you are not familiar with the amount of work this takes, take a look at this post about Beta 1.4. It takes a lot of work, usually on the scale of 10-20 hours per version. It's not going to happen overnight.
The spoiler contains the upgrade plan I used on Beta 1.4, updated for Beta 1.5:
| Spoiler Inside: Minecraft Beta 1.5 Upgrade Plan | |
|---|---|
So, please do not forget how good Beta 1.4 was to you. Don't abandon it for the latest and greatest. While Beta 1.5 is partying all night, getting drunk and high on cocaine, Beta 1.4 is sitting right here, ready and waiting for you. Don't let Beta 1.4 fall into obscurity while Beta 1.5 is still partying hard, making life difficult for everyone.