That's the point of the intellectual exercise of seeing what people would donate and what number you could get it up to. At some point there is a number that would motivate someone

I mean, in the abstract you are both correct. In the real world however, we're talking (at best) an order of magnitude of thousands of dollars.

Let's generously assume the community can raise $5k (100 donations of $50). Let's also assume Rogean makes $180k/year ie. $15k/month (a rough but reasonable number for senior dev ops).

In other words, at best Rogean can get 1/3rd of one month's salary in exchange for years of maintaining an entire server ... such a deal! ;)

As I said before, Rogean has never been doing this for the money: he has to have been doing it for the love of the game, and it's only that, not $$$, that will keep him doing it.

If I thought donating would help I might be willing, but I think Loramin is probably real close to reality. I have faith they will make another fresh server, but not going to hold my breath.

I could care less if they wipe or merge existing servers, but my guess is whatever comes will attempt to cater to and mitigate all the haters they would get with any outcome other than keeping existing servers in some way.

Not like any other MMORPGs with the longevity of classic EQ are releasing soon. :D

The servers are located in the northeast, currently everything up in that area costs an arm and a leg.

If you want a new server, it's time to look at the policies choking out that region.
hint hint, when the cost of living comes down, the server costs ALSO come down.

I haven't heard anything about their infrastructure in years, but awhile back Rogean posted a picture of a (physical/rack) server. I'm pretty sure he maintains the server himself (no AWS/cloud stuff), and I would imagine he doesn't want to drive to a 3rd world country every time a hard drive fails ;)

But even if he wasn't, costs aren't that different, and the North East isn't actually the most expensive area, at least going by AWS costs (the West is: https://openupthecloud.com/which-aws-region-cheapest/).

Plus, even if he's not somehow using the same host/cage as his real business (which I suspect he might) I'm sure by doing all the dev ops work himself P99 is getting a great deal on hosting.

Which brings me to ...
I'd argue you shouldn't donate to get a new server ... but you should donate. Even if Rogean didn't lose money on P99 (and I imagine he does), the guy has literally given years of his life to make this place possible (as has Nilbog and many other hard-working volunteers).

Making sure he's not out of pocket seems like the least we can do.

Host new green in Europe :)

I dont think its the hosting costs but rather the tiny whiney man babies that would keep any sane person the fuck away from here.

I was actually more referring to energy costs. :rolleyes:

Ok, but energy cost are only relevant to P99 when they impact hosting costs. P99 is not a bitcoin mining operation.

I could swear you out and point out the stupidity of your statement but let me just ask you this.

In what world would lowering the energy costs NOT help the server?