I need to get back on and play some more. Last time I tried, my internet wouldn't let me. : (
I suggest that either:
1. We embark on a grand crusade to rid the world of this taint (I think we have to rip it up from the ground and kill all the magic dudes who spawn on it), or
2. Start a new map, because this one is kind of awful... Massive area of taint, huge mountains in every direction, it's just terrible trying to find a good place to build. I know that's easy for me to say, since I haven't built anything yet that might get lost, but it's just a suggestion. I've heard others complaining that the map is not very good, at least not anywhere near the starting area.
I have to say, it's tough trying to join a server where people are already established. That whole "let's survive and build up from nothing" feel is kind of ruined when there's a massive farm at the start with every type of food growing in it, and people have stockpiles of all kinds of stuff that they're happy to share. I know I could just ignore that stuff and strike off on my own, but it wouldn't make any sense to do so when everything is just right there.
You guys have built some lovely stuff, though. My creations are always ugly and functional. I don't seem to have that ability to look at all the parts and figure out how to put them together in an aesthetically pleasing way.