-by Paul Barchilon, AGF Vice President, KGS Liaison
As many of our readers are aware, the American Go Foundation (AGF) agreed to take on ownership of the KGS Go Server in 2017. Our goal was to stabilize and grow the server, and also provide a financial buffer for the service after its creator, Bill Shubert, no longer wanted to run it. We think KGS is the best place for reviewing games online, with unparalleled game review tools, and terrific chat features that allow people to build real community. Although there are many other go servers out there, including Asian ones with beautiful graphic design and strong players, we think KGS is still a unique and valuable server. A common complaint has been that many high level dan players have moved to other servers. The AGF’s mission focuses on education and learning, and we think KGS is the perfect place for beginners and more advanced kyu players to learn and grow. Dan players are important too, but we think the server can grow more of them, and that more strong players will come back to the server if we can revitalize it.
We had hoped that by providing financial security for the server, it would be able to survive and grow on its own. However, as time has passed, it has become clear that we need more support from the community to make that a reality. Our team of programmers (all volunteers) have busy day jobs, and although they do their best, there is too much work to be done. Our admin team has also become smaller, and is greatly in need of an infusion of volunteers.
The go community should have lots of programmers out there who can help. We should also have lots of people who are willing to be admins. If you are interested in volunteering to help make KGS the best possible server it can be, please email me at kgs@agfgo.org.
On the programming level, we need people who can code in Java and Javascript. The code for ShinKGS is actually open source. Skilled coders could help us bring more features to the web compatible version of KGS and – most urgently – to create a registration module that can run from any web-browser and doesn’t require Java. If you are willing to help us with our task list, email kgs@agfgo.org.
On the Admin side, we need team players who have a helpful, forthcoming attitude, can stay calm under pressure, and are able to properly judge if, when, and how to intervene in public chats, deal with complaints and enforce KGS policies on escaping. A community only thrives with the support of those in it. The more people maintaining the spirit of KGS, the easier for all.
Admins need enough spare time to be on several times a week and should be able to keep an idle window open on the server. They should be quick to step in when needed. We also need admins in many languages and time zones, and would like to have at least one admin on at any given time.
While the AGF owns KGS and, with the help of many donors, provides the basic financial support, KGS really belongs to all of us. If the server is to move forward, we need help from the community.
