Server Operators: Etiquette, MOTD and other questions

[darklurker]

Is there a way to change the motd while tremded is running?  From the tremded console, I tried
seta g_motd "Howdy Y'all"

I then did
g_m <tab>

and g_motd showed up with the new value.  But when I started a client and joined the game, the loading screen still showed the motd that's in the server.cfg file.

Also, in a related way, is there a generally accepted way of restarting a  server?  I'm talking human etiquette here, not server mechanics.  I don't want to piss off the folks who are playing on the Lair, but ya know, sometimes ya gotta restart/reboot/shutdown.  Do I just scream from the console "SERVER SHUTDOWN IN 10 SECONDS YOU SCALLYWAGGED MOOCHERS. GET OFF NOW!!!" or do I try to wait around and kill the server after the current game finishes (very inconvenient for the Operator...).  Or is there a way to tell tremded itself to die after the current game is over? (OK, so there was some server mechanics to this question...) :wink:

Also, does anyone have a script to rotate the game logs (on Linux)?    Does the server have to be stopped for that?

Thanks for any suggestions.

DarkLurker


Dretches rock...

(edit: after I posted this, I joined the game again and the motd showed the "Howdy Y'all" value.  So I guess there must be a lag before the new value goes into effect?)

[PIE]

Yup.. pretty much.. admin announce something like =
"SERVER WILL BE SHUTTING DOWN/RESTARTING AFTER THIS ROUND"
then let them finish and do what you have to... alternately you can just do it without warning.. and say "OOPS" when you get back

[Mario]

Try switching maps and see if the motd changes.

[Teiman]

I'm talking human etiquette here, not server mechanics.  I don't want to piss off the folks who are playing on the Lair, but ya know, sometimes ya gotta restart/reboot/shutdown.  Do I just scream from the console "SERVER SHUTDOWN IN 10 SECONDS YOU SCALLYWAGGED MOOCHERS. GET OFF NOW!!!" or do I try to wait around and kill the server after the current game finishes (very inconvenient for the Operator...).

Set nextmap to "You dont have this map.bsp".
Set SD.

wait and see

the console way its too boring and normal.

[darklurker]

Teiman: Thanks.  so that's what !nextmap does.  who'd think it would be so self-explanatory?  I'm slow...

Mario: Thanks.  that might be it.  there mighta been a map change while I was typing.

Pie:  Thanks.  Hadn't thought of the "hiccup" excuse in relation to Trem.  I use that occasionally at work when the email servers need a boot, 'cause warning the users only causes wailing and gnashing of teeth.

 

[Shaydee]

Also, in a related way, is there a generally accepted way of restarting a  server?  

According to my experience, unfortunately, no. I don't have much experience with tremulous servers, but i got some experience in running gameservers for other games. Whenever i had to alter fundamental settings in their configuration, i at least *tried* to wait until the server was empty. And if it was urgent, i did at least wait until the map was over.
This might be strict, but on the other hand, i prefer maintaining my image of being able to administer stable servers. And if you abort a game, people will definitely attempt to get you by the throat, no matter if justified or not.
Also, personally, i dont like spoiling a game for 20 people (if they were having fun), just because i changed my mind about some random server settings.