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
Prepare the testing environment for Beta 1.5 once it is released
Clean environment and duplicate the production environment
Tweak settings so environment will not touch production data
Run test server under Beta 1.4 to ensure no issues pre-upgrade
Install Minecraft Beta 1.5 and perform testing as a vanilla server
Download all necessary files/configs for Beta 1.5 SMP
Perform and validate all new configs necessary for latest version
Test vanilla server for bugs/configuration issues and fix as needed
Move on to next steps once bugs are eliminated or minimized
Document any persistent bugs/issues from Minecraft SMP
Install Craftbukkit (Bukkit API) once stable version is released
Check Bukkit.org for a recommended build compatible with Beta 1.5
Download and install craftbukkit once recommended build is released
If recommended build is not released in acceptable time, test with a build preferred by plugin developers
Move on to next steps once craftbukkit successfully launches SMP 1.5
Check for Essential build compatible with version of craftbukkit
Download and install all modules of Essentials used, including GroupManager
Test server with old configs for server stability
Play with versions of Essentials/craftbukkit until acceptable level of stability is achieved
Redo configuration of Essentials to take advantage of latest features
Redo configuration of GroupManager to provide new functionality to user groups
Move on to next steps once bugs are eliminated or minimized
Document any persistent bugs/issues from Essentials plugin
Install core group of plugins on top of existing server install
Core group of plugins to install: iConomy, Townymod, LWC, and BigBrother
Copy all configs from production server and make sure to tweak as to not affect production databases
Download and install latest builds of each plugin one-by-one and test each one for stability/functionality
Tweak version of craftbukkit and releases of each plugin to find a balance of functionality across all core plugins
Document any bugs/loss of functionality from core plugin group
Install secondary group of plugins on top of existing server install
Plugins that depend in iConomy: SimpleShop, LocalShops
Other secondary plugins: CreativeStick, FlatEarth
Copy all configs from production server and make sure to tweak as to not affect production databases
Download and install latest builds of each plugin one-by-one and test each one for stability/functionality
Tweak version of craftbukkit to work with plugins only if it does not break functionality of Essentials and core plugins
Test a migration of SimpleShop and LocalShops SQLite Databases to MySQL Databases
Document any bugs/loss of functionality from secondary plugin group
Make a determination whether or not server is ready for live use
Check documented buglist and and see if any bugs can be eliminated
For bugs that require developer work to fix, determine whether or not bug is release-critical
Once buglist is acceptable for production use, proceed to live rollout
Roll out new server build to production
Back up server state completely for failback purposes
Back up all pertinent databases
Bring down server and lock down network from users
Move all plugin versions to production
Deploy all server configs, ensuring all configs are set for the production environment, not the test environment
Migrate databases from SQLite to MySQL if applicable
Bring server up and perform tests on all plugins/functionality
Perform health checks on the server and application
Bring network up and allow users to log in
Update and install Dynmap to work with latest version
Dynmap cannot be worked on from the test environment due to its configuration
Once Beta 1.5 is in production, Dynmap plugin can be updated/tested
If Dynmap does not work after rollout, add to buglist
Over time, update craftbukkit and plugins to reduce/eliminate buglist
As bugs are fixed in future versions of craftbukkit and the plugins, rollout new versions
Perform testing in test environment to ensure no regressions occur
If regressions do occur between plugins after rollout, weigh regressions to functionality gained and determine which rollouts are desired
Make rollouts over the days after server is live on Beta 1.5 to improve server state over time
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.
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.
So………………. 1.5 is that hot chick with the fake boobs and 1.4 is the librarian with the thick glasses? I will take 1.4 please. I KNOW what they do when the lights go out.
NOTICE: I know how to back up, if you need to backup your minecraft folder, ASK.
( I get extra talons for helping you.) ((not really, but its a great idea Pete…hint hint))
April 19th, 2011 - 19:58
I lol’d at the first part
April 19th, 2011 - 21:26
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.
So………………. 1.5 is that hot chick with the fake boobs and 1.4 is the librarian with the thick glasses? I will take 1.4 please. I KNOW what they do when the lights go out.
NOTICE: I know how to back up, if you need to backup your minecraft folder, ASK.
( I get extra talons for helping you.) ((not really, but its a great idea Pete…hint hint))
April 19th, 2011 - 22:30
SNS Syndrome, sounds like something that effects many within the Apple cult.
April 19th, 2011 - 23:25
Actually, it is what drives home Apple’s profits.
April 20th, 2011 - 08:40
Oh no! Our whole server has SNS Syndrome!!!