How to remove automatic chat ban - without much coding!

rokurocaris

I can't believe I didn't get this idea earlier! It's so somple! :redface:


The Report Spam and Ignore buttons are linked to a counter, right? 5 reports or a few more ignores get you silenced.

Now, how about simply setting that counter to 0? I mean; so reports and ignores give you 0 points towards a ban?
So, instead of compleatly removing this auto-silencing "feature" from the code, it would be simply be recalibrated to do nothing, effectively disabling it.

I have no idea how exactly the Cryptic engine is constructed, but changing numbers in a counter system should be easy.


I know, many people suspect that the higher-ups simply don't want this "feature" removed. If that's really the case:
If you simply want to handle things your way or highway, stop using the code as an excuse. True authoritarians don't need to lie, they boldly enforce their will. If you don't want to be benevolent and cooperative, at least be honest.

Also, if you can remove, the silencing function from the ignore button, if not also from the report button, so players can ignore others without unintentionally silencing them.

P.S.
A response from trailturtle would be nice.

tripph

Without seeing the actual code, we have no way of knowing for sure how easy or difficult it is to change.

It does have to be more than a simple counter, since there has to be some kind of time limit involved, too. "X number of reports within Y minutes", that sort of thing.

Having done more than a little programming, I agree that it shouldn't be that hard to simply turn it off. Comment out a few critical lines of code. Change a counter. Change a time limit. Something like that.

But without seeing the actual code, we're all just guessing.

chaelk

5 complaints cumulative over any number of days.

bioshrike

I have a feeling that first Atari, then PWE, mandated that there be some means to combat RMTs implemented in-game. If the devs took this out, they'd likely have to hire actual GMs, which would dig into their bottom line. Instead, they'd rather frustrate their playerbase instead of thinking outside the box.

IMO, the solution, (assuming that the auto-ignore won't be removed), is to send a warning to anyone that uses the Report Spam feature incorrectly, and to issue temporary, then permanent bans, for repeat offenders, Once it catches on that misuse of this "feature" carries penalties, people won't use it to grief, (or at least won't use it as much).

rokurocaris

bioshrike wrote: »

I have a feeling that first Atari, then PWE, mandated that there be some means to combat RMTs implemented in-game. If the devs took this out, they'd likely have to hire actual GMs, which would dig into their bottom line. Instead, they'd rather frustrate their playerbase instead of thinking outside the box.

IMO, the solution, (assuming that the auto-ignore won't be removed), is to send a warning to anyone that uses the Report Spam feature incorrectly, and to issue temporary, then permanent bans, for repeat offenders, Once it catches on that misuse of this "feature" carries penalties, people won't use it to grief, (or at least won't use it as much).

We seriously need this. It would serve the griefers right if their abuse backfires at them.

As for the GMs: We have voluntary forum managers. I don't see why that shouldn't work in the game as well.