Argonath past, present and future

[Gandalf]

The last week we have made a major operation on Argonath, one that we have not done for a long time. We have decided to move the server to a new IP and hardware.

This is something that has had a number of reasons. First of all we have been getting complaint about in game lag, and one of the possible options was the current hardware being old and low in RAM.

Another reason was that the owners of Argonath are also not immune to the world crisis. Our personal finances have limits, and with the end result of the year 2009, we have had to take some steps.

When we created Argonath there were two things we were sure of. One that it would probably cost money, second that we wanted to continue once we started.
In 2006 we started with just MTA:VC and spend about Eur 50,00 per month.
During 2007, with the opening of SA:MP and VC:MP, that amount was raised to Eur 150,00 per month. When opening Parallel Universe, we split the cost between te communities, and went down to Eur 100,00 per month. However as we have been using a lot of extra servers, we also take part in Azellus, which was intended to partially cover the cost.
Due to the crisis in 2009, which saw many clients disappear, we have actually made a loss, with as a result a much higher cost as foreseen.

On top of this, the old servers got in to hardware trouble, causing loss of data for Paruni and a number of Azellus clients.
This has lead us to cut all extra servers, and change all Argonath and Paruni servers to the latest hardware. As for cost, we are back to Eur 100,00 for each community monthly, but it may grow if we want to have some extra features.

For the future we do wish to upgrade the current hardware, and get it to the best available level. For that we will need some continuing support from the community, and we will soon release some plans to help things forward.

Argonath will continue, and we will move forward.

[Aksel]

I'll go donate a few bucks now, Gandy

Argonath will continue, and we will move forward.

Oh yeah!

[cDa]

You brought us the best gift any stranger can give, a gift of Friendship, Thousands of people became friends, thousands still remember fondly the server and community.

Thank you for this Gift, it will newer be forgoten.

[Alsatian]

Argonath has brought me many things of which I'll never forget. I honestly thank you for the hard work you've put into Argonath.

[Fabio]

Agree with Alsatain's words completely.

[Frank_Hawk]

I'm extremely grateful for the ongoing efforts into the Argonath community. We have seen vast improvements in processes from top level down which have greatly increased quality control throughout. Despite financial woes as a result of the credit crisis in 2009. Please rest assured that our community are behind their leaders in paving forward a new generation of humour, enjoyment and gratitude.

It's clearly time to exhaust all opportunities of strength within the community and perhaps introduce new policies which bear close to the Argonath vision. We may want to closely analysis our competitors to see whether we are maximising the impact of our community to its effectiveness. This may help offset the current expenditure.

We may also want to consider closing down non-core operations which may be deemed exploitable or resource draining. For example, sub-communities such as VC:MP or MTA:VC should be reviewed, restructured or perhaps closed down in a effort to shore up strength in core assets such as SA:MP.

This community has been a pillar of strength, learning and understanding for players from different cultural and traditional backgrounds. Whilst the outlook is challenging, we can remain confident that community commitment and moral are at it's highest for a long time.

You can rely on my and others professional support whenever you need Gandalf.

[Fabio]

We may also want to consider closing down non-core operations which may be deemed exploitable or resource draining. For example, sub-communities such as VC:MP or MTA:VC should be reviewed, restructured or perhaps closed down in a effort to shore up strength in core assets such as SA:MP.

Frank, are you seriously out of your mind?

MTA:VC has always been ArgonathRPG's home and always will be.

VC:MP is slowly growing into a big part of the Argonath community, with VC:MP R2 released as well, there is big potential for VC:MP in the coming months.

Just because the servers are not full with 100 people 24/7 dosen't mean people don't play them and don't appricate them, maybe you don't, but the players if the communities do.

[Gandalf]

We have been thinking of closing down, however apart from that we feel we should not rest on a single base, the amount of resources these servers need are vastly lower, and have little to no influence on the hardware.

[battle]

I agree to with Alas, i have met new friends on argo, gotten better in writing and for that sake writing english also. I hope this will keep going for years to come

[Frank_Hawk]

Fabio, I was wrong to jump to the conclusion that VC:MP or VC:MTA may be considered non-core to the vision being envisaged. I really do think though, if my assumptions are correct about the projection of finances is that we should sit down and review whether the business model of Argonath is running effectively. This includes reviewing whether VC:MP or SA:MP for example is operating at capacity and fits in line with the view of the owners and community members.

Whilst no decision is taken lightly especially considering the scale of impact on community members, it's vital for the business model to be operating strongly and with a future proof mindset which will be sustainable for years to come. I agree that closing down areas which have a strong heritage and track record may come as a shock but ultimately are paramount to rebuilding commodity in the Argonath brand and improving playability in core areas. 

[Boozman]

Well, First i would like to say Thank You Gandalf.
The money you have spent on this humble community has been much appreciated.
I am glad that it has stayed open because to be honest, without Argonath i would be very bored

There is no server quite like Argonath, Not just the scripts but the Entire Community.
I love Argonath a lot and hope to see it live on for many years to come.

:ps: Once i obtain more Money into my Paypal account, I will gladly donate more Money.

[Petey]

no matter what happens, we always seem to push through and continue what we do best.
we have developed a great comunity for everyone and have made some great friends out of this.

to the future! and beyond

[Gerrie = Banned (Daco)]

You brought us the best gift any stranger can give, a gift of Friendship, Thousands of people became friends, thousands still remember fondly the server and community.

Thank you for this Gift, it will newer be forgoten.

Word up.

[MasterNeo]

Thank you for everything that you have made on the server. The way i see it, we are all a guess that is sleeping on Gandalf house without paying any rent.  . Somehow some people do paid 



(( I cant pay because no /sms system in our country and i dont have credit card ))

[Tim_Boston]

Thank you.