Well, you're definitely corrupt with the idea that this server's terrible, like I once was. ;~;
And dig down below with your hands right? Wooden tools are slow and last for 5 seconds, yet you still need trees. To grow trees underground you need coal or charcoal and to even make that you have to first dig it or make it. For what you again need trees and rocks to make a burning place to make some. You basically have to start on top where you'll also basically get killed from minute 1. First by creepers because you don't have a place to stay (apart from a 3x3 cubicle and waiting for night to pass. And then by those idiots.
To start off, when you're at spawn, you're essentially safe. Even right outside of it, as that would be considered spawn-killing.
There are usually trees planted near spawn, and you can instantly grab some of those, replant some trees.
With that wood, make some wooden tools, and find a nice place to dig downward. You'll instantly get enough stone for stone tools, and you can upgrade from there.
Plus what's the point of the game if everyone would be hiding from everyone?
Yes, hiding from everyone does suck, but that's only the beginning. After some time, you'll get enough money from killing monsters to make a village. Don't confuse the name with an actual village, as it's basically a place you can deem a safe haven on the surface, similar to spawn.
I for one would much prefer to roam around, explore the world, gather exotic materials, visit interesting villages and even cities and then head back home where i'd use those materials to turn my home into something beautiful, something others can enjoy looking at as well. If i'd want to make everything for myself, i'd be playing single player... If you've ever played The Elder Scrolls Morrowind/Oblivion/Skyrim you know what i'm talking about. I was always like wow when i visited all the beautiful settlements, villages and hideouts in caves. But in MC, you should spawn, dig down and stay in the eternal darkness forever just because 90% of players are dicks. C'mon, is this the game you want or you'd enjoy more in my version of it?
Honestly, I've experienced your version of it, and that was Journey to Elysium. For some reason I felt that was a bit too calm.
It's hard for me to find the right play-style for Minecraft, especially with how unbalanced everything is in SMP, but you make with what you can get.
The difference between Dusk of Discordia and Morrowind, Oblivion, and Skyrim is simple: DoD has multiplayer, and those are singleplayer. When you have other players, you add in a hint of distrust and caution, but it gets rid of the loneliness and emptiness of being alone.
Sure, you can play SMP alone, but eventually, you'll meet other people. People you can really trust. People you'll build with.
I'm sorry if I'm trying too hard to convnce you, Rej. I can stop here, if you wish. I just feel like you're thinking too negatively about this situation, and hey, I'm a pessimist, myself.
If you can't enjoy DoD, please find another great game out there. There are plenty to choose from, even the ones that are free and not too taxing on an old computer! I would know, I've had a computer built in 1994, with some 2000 upgrades here in there, for the longest time now.
As for me, I'll be on Mabinogi, as this is the game I enjoy myself the most, not getting to angry, always chatting with friends, and playing some music I deeply enjoy listening to.
But just wanted to suggest the idea in-case it did change. :)
