Righto, gonna make the usual Sunday backup in a moment, and I'll let it generate a new map after that. We'll do another grace period without mobs, say 'till noon tomorrow.
And er... a few words;
I think a "problem" we are having is too much focus on building something impressive. At least, it's something I run into after a while: You start off making something out of nescesity, but once you are settled in comfortably, the focus shifts towards building for the sake of it, just to make something pleasing to the eye. Often it ends up driving someone to build bigger and bigger, inevitably getting burned out on the seemingly never-ending task.
I think that's not really what the game is about. It's part of it, certainly, but especially now there's more beyond that. I'm hoping we can stick more closely together this time around, and at least focus out initial efforts into establishing some "roots" in a town/city/stronghold/what-have-you. Perhaps even several, using nether-routes to connect them together.
It's not a directive of course, everyone is free to do as they please, but it's certainly more in the spirit of a multi-player game: to play together.
For the competitive individuals we might put up a colosseum.
Also, if everyone agrees, I suppose mods are doable. But I'm really not familiar with the scene for MC so you'll have to fight it out amongst yourselves. :P
* teehee, village right at spawn. That makes things easier.