Server rankings and donations are managed to recognize contributions and highlight top performers.
Server rankings and donations are managed to recognize contributions and highlight top performers.
I was considering launching a small side project by renting a 24/7 Garry's Mod server and trying to keep it running through ranks and donations. To make it work, I’d also want to include ads, but that alone wouldn’t be enough. I’m concerned about potentially losing money each month just to maintain the server, and I’d prefer to stop if that happens. My main worry isn’t about making money, but about keeping the server online. I was thinking about adding a terms of service on the donation ranks page, something like this:
Terms of service for xxx's TTT Server [IP address here]
1. Server’s Lifetime – You agree the server may shut down if it can’t get enough financial support from the community and won’t refund any money you’ve spent.
I’m not sure if this would protect me if I ever decided to permanently close the server. Is this agreement legally binding? Would having a parent or guardian sign it make it official? And am I allowed to do this under the law, especially since I’m under 18 in Singapore? It seems risky, so I’d like advice from anyone familiar with this situation. Thanks!
Having done set up a garrysmod server myself (among other game servers) youll run into this thing where you pay monthly and it takes a little bit to configure everything how you want it. This doesn't include the costs of any scripts you may want to buy like a pointshop or donation script. You're better off literally saving your money and buying a server you can stash in a closet or basement. TRUST ME well worth the cost. Then the only thing you pay is electric and donations can be used to payoff the equipment, plus a server is pretty powerful, garrys mod wont be enough to make a server work hard so you could run other things on it. However, if youre dead set on renting a couple things you should do, configure everything on your desktop using a linux VM or something. like I stated earlier itll take you a bit to set up. That way when you do eventually buy some service you have everything pretty much ready to go and the only thing you will need to do is adjust for bugs that occur from switching machines. Second, you always want a terms of service. Yours is good, but allow me to help, and feel free to use what i type out: "Should you buy a rank or make any donation you agree not to charge back for any reason whatsoever. Whether it be the server shuts down, or you get banned. You also accept that you NOT entitled to a refund, refund are given at the owners discretion, getting banned, server shutting down, or any other reason does not merit a refund. Should you do a charge back you accept your rank will be taken away and you could be banned for violating the terms of service" Far too many people leave loopholes. Let me be clear I am NOT a legal expert but I have watched a learned from a number of bigger servers, server owners and myself included. If you have questions you need only ask
Thanks for your response. It really made a difference in understanding the situation. For now, I’m leaning toward renting a Garry's Mod Server instead of building one at home. Perhaps later, when my budget is more flexible and my internet stays reliable, I’ll take the chance. Appreciate you sharing the updated terms with me—I was overlooking some important details. I hope it’s acceptable as long as everyone involved confirms their agreement. Thank you!
Just mark the box if you use a donation script from sources like script fodder. They’ll provide an options page or config file where you can enter a terms of service, and you must agree before making any purchase. Regarding legality, it seems acceptable in many regions—especially where you meet the age requirement. In the U.S., minors under 13 generally can’t sign binding contracts, but most places allow agreement once you reach the specified age. There are exceptions, but overall it looks fine.