1) What “Paper” and “Purpur” represent

In Java hosting, “server type” often means the server implementation you run. Paper is widely used because it targets practical performance improvements and broad plugin compatibility. Purpur is commonly chosen by admins who want even more configuration toggles and quality-of-life controls on top of a Paper-like baseline.

2) Paper: a safe default

Paper is popular for survival communities, minigames, and general public servers because it is well documented and widely understood by plugin developers. Many server guides assume a Paper environment.

3) Purpur: more control, more responsibility

Purpur adds additional configuration options. This can be excellent if you want to fine-tune mechanics or reduce specific griefing patterns. The tradeoff is that you should document any meaningful behavior changes so players are not surprised.

4) How to choose

• Choose Paper if you want predictability and the most common baseline.
• Choose Purpur if you want extra control and you are willing to manage it carefully.
• Keep your plugin stack minimal at the start and measure TPS in real gameplay.

5) PortalMine recommendation

If you are new, start with the simplest stable choice (often Paper), then move to more advanced tuning only when you have clear reasons.

Bottom line: Paper is the safe default; Purpur is for admins who want more configuration control.

Practical checklist

• Write down your goal (friends-only, public community, modded pack, minigames).
• Start with the simplest configuration that meets that goal.
• Document every change you make (date + what + why).
• Test with a small group before you announce it publicly.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Installing too many plugins/mods at once, then not knowing what caused problems.
• Changing ten settings at the same time instead of one variable per test.
• Giving operator access too widely (a fast path to griefing and accidents).
• Running without backups or relying on “I’ll remember to back up later”.

PortalMine tip

If you’re using PortalMine, keep your onboarding simple: link your players to one message that includes the server address, version, and a short rules page. Then link the FAQ for quick fixes and the Status page for maintenance updates. Clear, stable information reduces “support spam”.

Practical checklist

• Write down your goal (friends-only, public community, modded pack, minigames).
• Start with the simplest configuration that meets that goal.
• Document every change you make (date + what + why).
• Test with a small group before you announce it publicly.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Installing too many plugins/mods at once, then not knowing what caused problems.
• Changing ten settings at the same time instead of one variable per test.
• Giving operator access too widely (a fast path to griefing and accidents).
• Running without backups or relying on “I’ll remember to back up later”.

PortalMine tip

If you’re using PortalMine, keep your onboarding simple: link your players to one message that includes the server address, version, and a short rules page. Then link the FAQ for quick fixes and the Status page for maintenance updates. Clear, stable information reduces “support spam”.

Practical checklist

• Write down your goal (friends-only, public community, modded pack, minigames).
• Start with the simplest configuration that meets that goal.
• Document every change you make (date + what + why).
• Test with a small group before you announce it publicly.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Installing too many plugins/mods at once, then not knowing what caused problems.
• Changing ten settings at the same time instead of one variable per test.
• Giving operator access too widely (a fast path to griefing and accidents).
• Running without backups or relying on “I’ll remember to back up later”.

PortalMine tip

If you’re using PortalMine, keep your onboarding simple: link your players to one message that includes the server address, version, and a short rules page. Then link the FAQ for quick fixes and the Status page for maintenance updates. Clear, stable information reduces “support spam”.

Practical checklist

• Write down your goal (friends-only, public community, modded pack, minigames).
• Start with the simplest configuration that meets that goal.
• Document every change you make (date + what + why).
• Test with a small group before you announce it publicly.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Installing too many plugins/mods at once, then not knowing what caused problems.
• Changing ten settings at the same time instead of one variable per test.
• Giving operator access too widely (a fast path to griefing and accidents).
• Running without backups or relying on “I’ll remember to back up later”.

PortalMine tip

If you’re using PortalMine, keep your onboarding simple: link your players to one message that includes the server address, version, and a short rules page. Then link the FAQ for quick fixes and the Status page for maintenance updates. Clear, stable information reduces “support spam”.

Practical checklist

• Write down your goal (friends-only, public community, modded pack, minigames).
• Start with the simplest configuration that meets that goal.
• Document every change you make (date + what + why).
• Test with a small group before you announce it publicly.