How do you feel about customization in pservers?

[Star Platinum]

Just curious.

I notice a lot of servers take off and die a month or two later.  Some being classic type servers, some being heavily customized.  But then one comes along, which is basically the same as many others, and it takes off with hundreds of players.

So, what do people actually look for?

I've been playing RO since 2006 and personally I can't play a server without some customizations to it.  I don't like doing the same ol' thing over and over for so many years.

[Creme]

Personally, I've come to the opinion that highly customized servers are what I am looking for.  Pre-Renewal RO (which I prefer) is no longer being developed actively, so there's no growth to it.  Because of this, imo, private servers need to add customized stuff in order to keep their servers fresh and interesting.  I love custom maps, custom dungeons, custom monsters, custom quests, custom events--all stuff to keep the server active, but nothing that replaces official kRO content.  Ideally, customs should be an alternative, not replacement, of official stuff.

[yC]

I am the opposite, but since I am not actively playing everyday you can probably ignore my opinion.  Played RO since way before 2006, I am too used to the general environment and don't really ask for any customize other than convenience stuff such as healer / warper to save time but can surely do without.  That does not mean I refuse to play any moderately customized server, as long as not too much learning needed.

[Sziadan]

I am the opposite, but since I am not actively playing everyday you can probably ignore my opinion.  Played RO since way before 2006, I am too used to the general environment and don't really ask for any customize other than convenience stuff such as healer / warper to save time but can surely do without.  That does not mean I refuse to play any moderately customized server, as long as not too much learning needed.

This pretty much sums up how I feel about it as well.
When it comes to customization it would have to be subtle and not interfere too much with the normal gameplay. But I don't mind convenience stuff, like yC mentioned, such as healer/warper.
However, that only applies to mid-rate server for me (I usually don't play on rates higher than 100).

While it's not very likely that I would pick up at new low-rate server since I really do not have the patience for that anymore + I wouldn't join a low-rate server with less than 300 players, I wouldn't join one if they had customs that played a role in the server.

The only customs that I would allow in a low-rate is:
Custom PVP rooms
Stylist
Banker
And possibly custom headgears for donates (That give absolutely NO stats at all, as in they are only for looks  + no wings - hate those)


As for why some servers get successful launches while others don't.
Probably, in my own opinion on this matter, because of 3 reasons:
1. Timing - A lot of people are for some reason looking for a new server.
2. Reliable - It's likely that it will last longer than a month.
3. Professional - The staff comes off as  professional/capable and not just some kid attempting his first server without any prior experience.

[Star Platinum]

Also, I should have added into the topic:

Do you prefer Renewal, pre-renewal, or a hybrid of the two?

[Makiness]

I severely misinterpreted the topic!  When you asked about 'customization' I thought you meant everything: custom items, scripts, modifications, npcs, end-game content, etc etc.  At this point after reading some of the replies I don't know what you mean anymore.

Your poll implies custom items only but your post itself is confusing as it can imply all customization in-general =P  Creme, yC, and SZiaDaN all speak of customization past items (mods, mobs, content, etc).  So which is it? 

Personally, I like customization in servers in almost every aspect.  Only sometimes does it get too complicated, but as long as their is some guide (especially an in-game tutorial) to explain what to do I am pretty content =p


Edit:

Do you prefer Renewal, pre-renewal, or a hybrid of the two?

Hybrid of the two, I have yet to play a full RE server so I do not know too much about it

[Thoth]

if people wanted the pure, vanilla, official experience they'd probably be on the official servers. private servers are most successful when they can provide something other servers cannot, and that be something players want for whatever reason. disguises, custom items that open up new possibilities. the more pathetic example being pay-to-win for mvp cards.
what are people looking for? there are things they look for without even realizing it, things they wouldnt be able to tell you even if you asked. often these are unique, creative touches. perhaps the most important thing people definitely look for but rarely mention is a good community.

[Star Platinum]

I severely misinterpreted the topic!  When you asked about 'customization' I thought you meant everything: custom items, scripts, modifications, npcs, end-game content, etc etc.  At this point after reading some of the replies I don't know what you mean anymore.

Your poll implies custom items only but your post itself is confusing as it can imply all customization in-general =P  Creme, yC, and SZiaDaN all speak of customization past items (mods, mobs, content, etc).  So which is it? 

Sorry, I reworded the poll so it's less confusing now.

Though custom items are usually what breaks the balance in a server.  But this topic is to share your opinions on every possible type of customization.