Please,
when unexpected (yet apparently scheduled <g>) server maintenance is needed, or what when I was a network manager we called a 'oh **** it's fallen over again' moment, or a major flaw is noted (cracked planetoid PvP = the alternative respec with TRIBBLE on) then it would be really nice if the latest breaking news were in one place.
Currently, if you want to know whether the server is REALLY up or not (as the message on the launcher saying 'server up' lies like a cheap changi watch) you have to check the launcher, then this website, then you have to open all the threads titled 'server. server status 25 march, state of the game 26 March' or whatever and so on to find the genuine TRIBBLE - customers shouldn't have to trawl round to find current status, but if you don't check 6 different threads out you are behind the 8 ball.
The first notice you really get of in game problems and server issues is via chat and threads (usually threads that include the WTF mnemonic) and some time later - sometimes quickly, but often not - an 'official post' from the clangers soup dragon (PM me for explanation if confused).
As a matter of course, in my opinion, when things are getting shaky two things should happen:
1) A chat message goes out on all channels, saying 'the server is getting flaky' (adjust wording to suit)
2) The launcher message area says the same
Consequently those in game, and those joining, know things might go belly up soon. A simple 'all fixed' message to 1 and 2 would tell us all that it's okay to carry on.
What is so difficult about that? WHY as a player do I even have to come to this site to find out why the latest patch bugs are going to knock me offline for 5 hours...why isn't that info in the launcher (and chat) immediately it is realised? I am NOT griping about downtime or bugs, I understand that new bugs appear and coders scratch their heads and can't imagine how changing X and Y caused section z to go wrong (I have been a system manager in my past, I also have had a couple of commercial releases - I do understand that bugs pop up in seemingly unrelated code after a new release). I should, however, not have to go play detective to find out things aren't working, and I think Cryptic customer support could usefully spend 30 minutes reviewing how 'it's down again' is transmitted to customers.
On the plus side, I think this game is quite good and I would like to see it get better.
Three greens, one amber....
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If it is unintended, usually network upstream problems, that Cryptic has no control over that often are not addressed in the above manner. It might be a good idea that Cryptic should also announce those issues to the world in the same way once they are aware of them.