[sdogg2m]

removing unlocks is dumb because it's still a pub no matter how you look at it

True but since it has the name PRO rotation, why not try to get as many elements true to comp play form while still keeping it open to the public.

Selecting the right maps are easy

The main server commands I know that comp guys prefer are sv_pure 2, tf_weapon_criticals 0, and tf_use_fixed_weaponspreads 1

Class restrictions are restricted in comp play so whats the harm of doing so on the pro rotation server? If people are like me and hate the restrictions, they can just load up on All Maps or Gold Rush.

----

Update on the server population, it maybe too early to tell whether any changes have had something to do with it but the Gold Rush server is staying populated for longer periods of time.

2fort seems to be picking up as well.

Valve Maps #2 is on life support.

----

Another idea that is popular as of late is MGE. Possibly convert Valve #2 into an MGE server?

Pros: Greater population than 0
Cons: Less potential for donations

[WombRaider]

sourceop mge mod server would be cool

[DataStorm]

2 engy's is on a bunch maps too low. Some maps just 1 engy is needed for a good defense (goldrush stage 1, attic with some help of pyro/medic & a demo.) Stage 2 of goldrush is only better defendable with 3 engy's.

If its such a "pro" server, any class hugging should be no problem, they have their weaknesses too.

/edit: MGE mod :S, there are lot of players on that that know EXACTLY all the spawnpoints the maps has, and just turn and headshot with each spawn. There is no randomizer position, its all fixed positions, they just choose a position with a view on all positions and zoom in to the spawns and be4 you can do any your dead already. No fun.

[Snarf]

You don't know what mge is do you? It's ammo mod only better.

[ibby]

I was going to suggest an MGE mod server, but there are already 2 official ones, and 3 other really good ones (that I know of), so I doubt having a SourceOP one would be useful.

[Hell-met]

implying drunken will ever use a plugin that isnt his

[TheDopp]

A pro server is all well and good, but from the perspective that DF is still $200 bellow this months goal there should still be some mind paid to the mouth-breathing lowest common denominator in TF2. Converting one of the 2Fort servers (even if you leave it strictly as 2Fort, a CTF server or just 3-4 other maps) to a true "pub" server, annoying server text spam and all, should be strongly considered.

[Takara]

Since a problem is money, I have one idea that I would be interested to be a part of.

Maybe take server 2, and allow for SOP members to pay a fee or rental to pick the rotation for a day, or some amount of time.

I would love to be able to pay for a day of my favorite rotation!

Maybe included can be the who donates, can decide whether or not to have random crits, autoscramble, class limits etc.

Also, this would allow many people to be able to organize "events" and whether they get the server filled or not doesn't matter, since they have already helped pay for the server.

[Snarf]

That is actually how nomnomus pays their bills. Considering server 2 doesn't have nearly as large a member base I would see nothing wrong with it.

[sdogg2m]

The steam wallet and items opens up many opportunities to raise money.

A raffle is possible:
For everyone who donates $10 in the month of March they will get their names entered into a drawing for a first, second, and third place prize. I would recommend that a trusted member of the community with a good rapport run this (like a sunkistadora). I know the Bonk servers are doing such promotions with unusual hats.

Other than that you could run a yearly donation for reserved slots but getting more than the core to donate may be hard as the server turn around is great.