All I can say is this, finally. Fuzzlr, I have played on your server since 2012, don't know if you remember me or not, but, this is an amazing server. In 2012 - 2013(I think), I played happily as an uninformed citizen with my friends. Once they left I slowly lost interest in the server. But, in my return in mid 2015, I realized that this server has and has had a lot of potential. Sadly, until recently, that potential had gone to waste as the player count has slowly but steadily decreased. I can't say that all these threads titled "Make the server great again" or "This server is dying" should be endorsed, but they certainly have their place.
Frankly, this server is a big part of my life. I love MeepCraft, it's a unique server with a great community, and an amazing staff team. It would be not only sad, but plain out depressing to see it fall under. I love to see that there is work (solid steps) being put into the server to make it a better place for all. Until now, I didn't even know anything was under development.
I have seen the hate you've gotten from the community. Especially about the new spawn. While I cannot say that I fully agree that it looks great, I know that it was your choice, and probably thought out. I don't think it's entirely fair to say that it was, "A waste of money". I hate to see you be the butt of so many bad comments. You have saved MeepCraft from a lot. Including saving the server from basically becoming barren from CrueltyGaming's "ideas".
Regarding the player base, I think what some people are saying is right. You need to know your audience. This isn't a minigame server, it isn't a hub server, and it definitely isn't a "big" server. I'm not saying you shouldn't have any minigames at all. But instead focus on two to three minigames and make them top notch. I mean, how appealing is it to come onto a server and see "Hunger Games", but to no avail, there is nobody in the game at all. By far, Infected is the most popular game, which you stated in your post. You should add more elements to this game and scrap others. SkyWars is a great idea. Basically everyone I know who plays minecraft plays skywars. As I have said before, make it top notch
Relating the minigames, sometimes the custom features need to be a little less aggressive. Of course, custom features are fun and innovative, but sometimes nobody wants an awkward feeling skywars (for example). Tying into the player base, most people who play this server are likely looking for something they can work towards. That's kind of the entire point of the economy base. This is about player retention, seeking out people who're looking for a casual minigames server isn't going to benefit us. However, finding people who like a challenge and working from rags to riches would create a viable stimulation in the player count. Back to the custom features, you start with a good idea then build onto it until it's not even itself anymore. I don't want to go into this as much as it's not so relevant anymore.
There are a lot of scrapped ideas or features that I feel the community really liked. The gold trade, one of my favorite features ever implemented on the server, only second to dungeon. It created a great simulated stock exchange. I would like to see this return. Dungeon, dungeon is my favorite thing on meepcraft. Before it was scrapped or "under maitenance", it was such a great and innovative idea. I was really sad to see it go and originally thought it was going to return soon. I don't know exactly what is going on with this. If it's going to be replaced with mobs or if it's coming back. But something similar or dungeon itself (preferably), would be amazing. I know from many people that dungeon was a viable way for people of all stature to make decent money.
Another thing I have noticed is a pattern of unprofessional actions. Such as creating announcements that fail to meet their deadline or basically fall in the cracks. I don't mean to whine about this, but Mobs was planned to release in January (if I'm not mistaken), and it is now April with no public progress. The rank info is also another example, it's less important, but in a way is just as important. If we don't treat all of these matters as important, none of it is going to get done.
I don't want to impose, start a flame war, or upset anyone. This isn't to harm or insult anyone, I just feel some of these may need to be worked on/taken notice of. I love MeepCraft, and always will. Please Fuzzlr, do what is best for the server.
EDIT: I love the new renovations with the shop. You may want to consider removing the witch/silverfish spawners, and maybe the wolf/ocelot spawners. I know a lot of people payed insane amounts of money for wolf and ocelot heads as well as silverfish spawners.
EDIT 2: For the love of god please fix this in the new spawn,
Plus the drop down Pvp arena in the middle is a hazard, i myself have lagged while logging on and accidently falling into the arena and getting killed (plus you have speed in spawn).
~ @InfernoJack
