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A Discussion of Ethics and Game Play
https://mail.black-squirrel.com/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=33987		 Page 1 of 3
Author:  Helix [ Wed May 22, 2013 10:31 am ]
Post subject:  A Discussion of Ethics and Game Play
I thought I'd restart this thread in Game Play where it really belongs.

I got into a heated discussion about the morality and ethics in TradeWars.

I, personally, feel that anything the game mechanics allow is ethical in the game with the exception of rules the sysop might make barring certain tactics.

Bug use (mega rob, alien planet farming, fig desyncs in v1) are all a part of the game as we know it unless the op says dont do that.

Blockades, Blowing class9/0 ports, planet buyouts, megacorping, ship buyouts, the game mechanics allow it unless the op says no blockades and no blowing ports, no buyouts, no mega-corping.

Truces are simple and don't need a lot of rules, per say, mostly its all defining what a truce is as far as the game goes. Its easy, don't do anything that would interfere with another person or corp's play during the truce period.

Its not supposed to be a game of "How to we play in the grey area" or "How do we figure to go against the posted rules without getting caught."

Follow the op's rules or do not. Its black and white. Its not about finding loopholes, its about using the allowed game mechanics and using all of the available tools to kick the other teams' butts.

I do want to admit to realizing the gray area is not about game mechanics but about the psychological and social aspect of game play.
Author:  Micro [ Wed May 22, 2013 2:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: A Discussion of Ethics and Game Play
I have a "No Bug Use" rule, but what does that really mean?

I thought shield riding was a bug, but found out later that it is set up that way by design. How is anyone supposed to know what is a bug or not?

Here's a good example. When you enter and exit a game 200 times to clear all the limpets in a sector, are you using a bug?
Author:  Helix [ Wed May 22, 2013 2:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: A Discussion of Ethics and Game Play
Micro wrote:
I have a "No Bug Use" rule, but what does that really mean?

I thought shield riding was a bug, but found out later that it is set up that way by design. How is anyone supposed to know what is a bug or not?

Here's a good example. When you enter and exit a game 200 times to clear all the limpets in a sector, are you using a bug?

The game mechanics allow it so it is up to the operator to make the decision for their server on whether the tactic will be allowed. Its still a black or white ethical issue.
Author:  Micro [ Wed May 22, 2013 2:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: A Discussion of Ethics and Game Play
Helix wrote:
Micro wrote:
The game mechanics allow it so it is up to the operator to make the decision for their server on whether the tactic will be allowed. Its still a black or white ethical issue.

But... There is no way I can list all the bugs... I don't know all of them, and I don't know which ones are bugs...

Here's another one... Is hiding on a port bug use?

I'm not asking if it is ethical, is it a bug?
Author:  Helix [ Wed May 22, 2013 2:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: A Discussion of Ethics and Game Play
Micro wrote:
Helix wrote:
Micro wrote:
The game mechanics allow it so it is up to the operator to make the decision for their server on whether the tactic will be allowed. Its still a black or white ethical issue.

But... There is no way I can list all the bugs... I don't know all of them, and I don't know which ones are bugs...

Here's another one... Is hiding on a port bug use?

I'm not asking if it is ethical, is it a bug?

Generally speaking if the game mechanics allow it, it is not a bug.
Author:  Micro [ Wed May 22, 2013 2:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: A Discussion of Ethics and Game Play
Helix wrote:
Generally speaking if the game mechanics allow it, it is not a bug.

So booting players off by logging on a server with the same user name was not a bug until JP fixed it?
Author:  Oso [ Wed May 22, 2013 3:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: A Discussion of Ethics and Game Play
Helix wrote:
Generally speaking if the game mechanics allow it, it is not a bug.


That would explain why some Sysops who play on their own server use TEDIT to their advantage. Hey, TEDIT is a game mechanic right?
Author:  Helix [ Wed May 22, 2013 4:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: A Discussion of Ethics and Game Play
Oso wrote:
Helix wrote:
Generally speaking if the game mechanics allow it, it is not a bug.


That would explain why some Sysops who play on their own server use TEDIT to their advantage. Hey, TEDIT is a game mechanic right?

Nope. That statement clearly shows your ethical outlook though.
Author:  Cruncher [ Wed May 22, 2013 4:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: A Discussion of Ethics and Game Play
Micro wrote:
I have a "No Bug Use" rule, but what does that really mean?

I thought shield riding was a bug, but found out later that it is set up that way by design. How is anyone supposed to know what is a bug or not?

Here's a good example. When you enter and exit a game 200 times to clear all the limpets in a sector, are you using a bug?


My rules are simple, as for bugs I state if they are unsure, ask me. That is in the announcement file in every game.

I find that my "regular" players are pointing out different things, mostly asking to check if a player is a dupe, or if I can please make the Ferrengi less mean. :) Treat your players well and they will help "police" your server. They want clean fair games, and appreciate a sysop that responds.

When I do find a dupe and delete the account, I'll update the announcement file stating that fact. I won't point fingers, but this explains why someone was in the CLV one day and gone the next.
Author:  Oso [ Wed May 22, 2013 4:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: A Discussion of Ethics and Game Play
Helix wrote:
Oso wrote:
Helix wrote:
Generally speaking if the game mechanics allow it, it is not a bug.


That would explain why some Sysops who play on their own server use TEDIT to their advantage. Hey, TEDIT is a game mechanic right?

Nope. That statement clearly shows your ethical outlook though.


I asked my "WWHD" question.
Author:  Oso [ Wed May 22, 2013 4:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: A Discussion of Ethics and Game Play
Cruncher wrote:
Micro wrote:
I have a "No Bug Use" rule, but what does that really mean?

I thought shield riding was a bug, but found out later that it is set up that way by design. How is anyone supposed to know what is a bug or not?

Here's a good example. When you enter and exit a game 200 times to clear all the limpets in a sector, are you using a bug?


My rules are simple, as for bugs I state if they are unsure, ask me. That is in the announcement file in every game.

I find that my "regular" players are pointing out different things, mostly asking to check if a player is a dupe, or if I can please make the Ferrengi less mean. :) Treat your players well and they will help "police" your server. They want clean fair games, and appreciate a sysop that responds.

When I do find a dupe and delete the account, I'll update the announcement file stating that fact. I won't point fingers, but this explains why someone was in the CLV one day and gone the next.



I've found it helpful to build a relationship with your fellow players. People are less likely to abuse the game you are playing if you have respect for and are on good terms with your fellow competitors. That is one reason I avoid trash talk. Some of my biggest competitors are now some of my closest friends because of respect.
Author:  Helix [ Wed May 22, 2013 4:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: A Discussion of Ethics and Game Play
Oso wrote:
Helix wrote:
Oso wrote:
Helix wrote:
Generally speaking if the game mechanics allow it, it is not a bug.


That would explain why some Sysops who play on their own server use TEDIT to their advantage. Hey, TEDIT is a game mechanic right?

Nope. That statement clearly shows your ethical outlook though.


I asked my "WWHD" question.

So you dont have anything better to do besides trolling every thread I post in?
Author:  Oso [ Wed May 22, 2013 4:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: A Discussion of Ethics and Game Play
Helix wrote:
Oso wrote:
Helix wrote:
Oso wrote:
Helix wrote:
Generally speaking if the game mechanics allow it, it is not a bug.


That would explain why some Sysops who play on their own server use TEDIT to their advantage. Hey, TEDIT is a game mechanic right?

Nope. That statement clearly shows your ethical outlook though.


I asked my "WWHD" question.

So you dont have anything better to do besides derailing this thread?


How is discussing an unnamed Sysop's unethical use of TEDIT on their own server derailing a thread entitled, "A Discussuion of Ethics and Game Play"?

That's a good laugh!

Edit: Good effort to edit your post after I quoted it.
Author:  Helix [ Wed May 22, 2013 4:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: A Discussion of Ethics and Game Play
Oso wrote:
How is discussing an unnamed Sysop's unethical use of TEDIT on their own server derailing a thread entitled, "A Discussuion of Ethics and Game Play"?

That's a good laugh!

As soon as you can post some proof, I would love to hear about it instead of all this ridiculous hearsay and innuendo.

After all its not like I got caught impersonating a reputable player. Or let some disreputable admin get away with altering user account info on a forum I was also an admin for. But you are right, how you play and who you play with definitely shows your ethical/moral outlook.

Edited to remove the trash comment
Author:  T0yman [ Wed May 22, 2013 4:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: A Discussion of Ethics and Game Play
Helix wrote:
Only trash plays with trash.

I would disagree with this for short term corping.
Long term I would say it might be closer to accurate that rule breakers/unethical players tend to group together. Not sure calling them trash is appropriate.

We all had this discussion once, why not just ask the Admin or Mod to move it to the correct location..... was there something said wrong in the other?

I not a fan of seeing the same titled thread over and over.....one and done :)
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