What Is the Trash Motd Plugin for Minecraft Servers?
If you run a Minecraft server, you know the message of the day (MOTD) is that tiny line of text players see in their server list before they join. Most servers stick to a static greeting, but what if you could randomize it, add player heads, display join boards, and even confuse pinging players? That's exactly what Trash Motd brings to the table. This plugin, now at version 1.7, is a lightweight yet powerful tool that turns your server's MOTD into a dynamic, ever-changing experience.
Why Choose Trash Motd Over Other MOTD Plugins?
Unlike basic MOTD editors, Trash Motd is built for randomness and integration. It picks a random MOTD every time someone pings your server, supports custom variables from other plugins, and even shows a temporary info board when players first log in. Plus, you can add hover text over the player count in the server list—a small touch that makes your server stand out. And yes, it can deliberately confuse players who ping your server, just for fun.
Key Features That Make Trash Motd Unique
The plugin's feature set is surprisingly deep for something that sounds simple. Here's what you can do:
- Random MOTD rotation: Define a list of messages, and one is chosen at random every server ping. No more stale greetings.
- Join info board: Display a scoreboard-like info panel with set text for a configurable duration right after a player joins.
- Hover text on player count: When someone hovers over the player slot number in the server list, custom text appears.
- Plugin hooks: Pull in variables from other plugins to create dynamic MOTDs that reflect real-time server data.
- Player head as server icon: Use a player's Minecraft skin as the server image in the ping response.
- Auto-update and metrics: Optional features that keep the plugin current and gather anonymous usage stats (all can be disabled).
One thing Trash Motd does not do is add rainbow colors or flashy animations—it's designed to be functional and playful, not a visual overload. It also won't force players to join or magically make you money, but it will certainly make your server more memorable.
Commands and Permissions at a Glance
Managing the MOTD list is done entirely in-game with simple commands. Here's the full list for version 1.7:
/tm reload— Reloads the configuration. (Permission:trashmotd.reload)/tm help— Shows available commands and help./tm list— Lists all current MOTDs. (Permission:trashmotd.list)/tm add <line#> <text>— Adds a new MOTD at the specified line number. (Permission:trashmotd.add)/tm del <line#>— Deletes an MOTD from the list. (Permission:trashmotd.del)/tm about— Shows credits and plugin info.
Permissions are straightforward: most are set to OP by default, and the wildcard trashmotd.* gives access to everything. This makes it easy to delegate MOTD management to trusted staff without handing over full server control.
Variables: The Secret Sauce of Dynamic MOTDs
Trash Motd supports a rich set of variables that you can use in your MOTD lines and info board. These are split into two categories:
Server Ping Variables
These are placeholders that get replaced when a player pings the server. They include things like the current player count, max players, server version, and even data from hooked plugins. The exact list is extensive and can be found in the plugin's config, but examples include {online}, {max_players}, and custom placeholders from economy or rank plugins.
Board Variables
When a player joins, the info board can display dynamic text using similar placeholders, plus some join-specific ones like the player's name or their first-join date. This is perfect for welcoming new players or reminding regulars of server rules.
Getting the most out of variables often requires a bit of tinkering with the config file, but the plugin's documentation is clear. If you want to quickly test different MOTD setups without restarting your server, the /tm reload command is your best friend.
Configuration and Planned Features
The config file is the heart of Trash Motd. It lets you define the MOTD list, set the info board duration, enable or disable the player head feature, and toggle auto-update and metrics. The plugin has been renamed from its earlier "NoVoMoTD" and now requires Minecraft 1.7.8 or higher (use versions below 1.6 for older Bukkit builds).
The developer has a clear roadmap: many features like in-game commands, auto-update, and the join scoreboard have already been implemented. More variables are continuously added, and external connections for skins and metrics are optional and transparent. The plugin even grabs player skins from Minecraft's official Amazon servers, ensuring compatibility and speed. For those who prefer a streamlined installation process, you can easily get Trash Motd up and running via the foxygame.net launcher, which lets you browse and install mods directly from its menu without any manual file wrangling. This modern launcher is especially handy when you want to keep your server plugins organized and up to date.
How to Get Started with Trash Motd
Installing Trash Motd is no different from any other Bukkit/Spigot plugin. Download the JAR file (version 1.7 for current servers) and drop it into your server's plugins folder. Restart or reload, and a default config will generate. From there, you can start adding MOTDs with /tm add 1 Welcome to my server! and watch the magic happen. Remember, the plugin's auto-update feature will keep you on the latest version, but you can turn it off in the config if you prefer manual control.
For server owners who love tinkering, the ability to hook into other plugins opens up endless possibilities. Imagine an MOTD that says "Join now and earn 2x coins!" only when your economy plugin has a booster active. Or a hover message that shows the current online staff members. Trash Motd gives you the framework; your creativity does the rest.
Final Thoughts
Trash Motd might have a quirky name, but it's a serious tool for any server admin who wants to add personality and interactivity to their server listing. Its random MOTD rotation, join board, and hover text are features that players notice and appreciate. The plugin is actively maintained, well-documented, and respects your privacy by making external connections optional. Whether you run a small community server or a large network, giving your MOTD a trashy twist could be the fresh change you need. So go ahead, confuse a few pingers, welcome your players with style, and let your server's first impression be anything but ordinary.