The server has a big perception problem.

[DougJustDoug]

Unfortunately the JoinServer window (the one that shows the server welcome message) uses a JTextArea to display the text. That widget can only display plain text. The only way to change it, is if Colin implements a different widget in the main Shoddy Client. I cannot affect this window from the server.

 

[chronostrike]

ASCII art maybe? It's fairly eye-catching, but if it isn't very clear, no one will bother reading it.

 

[darkie]

Do something like Colin does with the Official Server when something is up.

! **** ! ! **** ! ! **** ! ! **** ! ! **** !
PLEASE READ ALL OF THE FOLLOWING!
! **** ! ! **** ! ! **** ! ! **** ! ! **** !

 

[Magmortified]

In my personal opinion, the welcoming message could use a tune-up in its design. As of now, we've got this:

This is a modified server created by DougJustDoug for the purpose of play-testing new pokemon created in the Smogon Create-A-Pokemon project. To load the new pokemon sprites, and for general information about this project, visit:

http://www.smogon.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38360

Please use English in the main chat area.
Have fun!

This is probably a bit too long and bulky for the average newcomer to immediately look through. So, maybe put this at the top, instead:

If this is your first time on our modded server, please visit here for relevant information: http://www.smogon.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38360

It gets most of the the needed information out a bit faster, at any rate.

If it's really needed we could try to abridge the first paragraph a bit:

Modified server created by DougJustDoug to playtest Pokemon created in Smogon Create-A-Pokemon project.

And even though it's somewhat redundant, especially when paired with the rest of the rules:

English only in Mainchat. Have fun!

The "Have fun!" was added in because it's very decorative.

So, the abridged message ends up becoming:

If this is your first time at this modded server, please visit here for relevant information: http://www.smogon.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38360

Modified server created by DougJustDoug to playtest Pokemon created in Smogon Create-A-Pokemon project.

English only in Mainchat. Have fun!

I dunno, it may help, or it may not. But streamlining things to make it readable for the short attention span couldn't altogether hurt.

 

[DougJustDoug]

In my personal opinion, the welcoming message could use a tune-up in its design.
<snip>
So, the abridged message ends up becoming:

If this is your first time at this modded server, please visit here for relevant information: http://www.smogon.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38360

Modified server created by DougJustDoug to playtest Pokemon created in Smogon Create-A-Pokemon project.

English only in Mainchat. Have fun!

I dunno, it may help, or it may not. But streamlining things to make it readable for the short attention span couldn't altogether hurt.

I agree that is a better welcome message. I'll change it on the server. I've got some other new features I plan to make later that will also help solve this problem. But, right now, my top priority is getting Revenankh implemented.

 

[Cathy]

It is now possible to use HTML in the welcome message (you do not need to put your text in <p>...</p>, however), which might let you spruce things up, Doug. (See the Official Server's welcome message, for example.)

Java's implementation of HTML is a bit iffy but I am sure you are familiar with this.

 

[Time Mage]

You are just awesome, Colin, thanks a lot.