Thinking about renting a server...

[gottasummer]

Hell I have a dedicated Windows Server 2003 box... I had a hard time setting up the new Emu ver.

I will give you hosting on it if you would like.

Also, what is CentOS?

[Doodman]

I'll tell you this.

A lot of people have tried to run servers based on donations. Out of all that have tried (including GuildWars), only two have ever made it.

Scorpious2k and Winter's Roar. Both have custom content and are very actively expanded/maintained.

If you wanna to run a server and rely on donations to keep the server running, be prepared for one of a couple of things:
1) Your server won't last.
2) You'll be footing part/all of the host bill yourself, which will lead to #1.
3) You need to be spending -a lot- of time actively doing custom content and custom code or you'll lose your player base, which will lead to #2.

I'm not trying to be a nay-sayer. If you can pull it off, more power to you. But many have failed on that path before you, so watch for the bodies if you tread that path.

[Oxalic]

Guildwars did good with expansions, i know tons of players who donate $20-40 for a nice "donator's" ranged slot

[Oxalic]

Got a question for Krusher, how much would hosting be for a 20 person or so server with your company? I'm some-what considering opening a server, if i do i might as well repay the person who funds all of this.

[phasepuma]

How many players could a server handle over lets say, a DSL or cable line?

if yo u are a good coder and tweek the code, 20ish on busness cable.

[Richardo]

Average Cable runs about 44KB Upload, im guessing a player takes up around 3 - 4KB, so... 3x20=60KB which would hurt a bit, 10 players at most would probably be what your looking at... (without lag problems) And by the way, with mattmecks statement, im considering that you dont run on Business Cable and are neither a Coder, if you are then im probably wrong for your question...