Own Server

I think you can make a successful server only if you make a new game mode and advertise it. Something really fun and enjoyable. Also if you live in a country other than usa and uk you can advertise your server as being from the country you are fromand probably attract many players' attention. After getting some players to play you can then advetise the server even more as a global. You can make it possible if you have some money to spare or else its pretty much game over. But if you want a sever just to play with your friends it totally fine and you should go for it.