Stupid question... How do you people keep them up even when not on them yourselves? An admin mod or something? A domain that you pay for to have? And why doesn't Steam's dedicated server list Natural Selection as a game available for hosting?

Responses about how to make a custom map to NS would also be great. I have lotsa ideas for some maps but can't make them since Source SDK doesn't make maps for NS, and can't find a prog from the net that does.

for the mapping go to the ns mapping forum and look thru the sticky posts, and if u need to kno anymore post in the "Mapping Help and Troubleshooting" section

To answer why you can't launch an NS dedicated server:
First, you have to launch the HLDS with any game. Close it, and download the NS Dedicated Server. Then, install it, and it should show up.

As for perma-dedicated servers, there are companies that are dedicated to hosting these off of high-speed T1 and up internet lines, providing you with fast speed. They monitor the servers also, thus ensuring you the most uptime. If a server does crash though, there are programs which can automatically restart it.

Thank you to you two. This'll get me started. A friend and I have had in mind of making maps and hosting a server of our own, in which we are the Gods that others practically have to bow to

Not really. Just have fun and test custom maps and host games with respect and keep it safe and fun for others.

heres a link to valve hammer editor 3.4

http://collective.valve-erc.com/data/docs/.../hammer_v34.exe

and the 3.5 upgrade

http://collective.valve-erc.com/data/docs/...testbuild04.zip

have fun