Redbridge
06-14-2011, 05:04 AM
Post #1 - Outline and bullet point top tips
Bad Language
Bans
Begging
Booting
Extreme Bad Behaviour
Posting examples on the Forums
Scamming & Fraudulent behaviour
Spamming
The Extra Mile
Post #2 - More Detailed info
Post #3 - Useful URL's
[SpaceTimeStudios' (STS) Terms of Service are very clear and can be found here (http://www.spacetimestudios.com/showthread.php?11694-Pocket-Legends-Terms-of-Service), and the Forum rules here (http://www.spacetimestudios.com/showthread.php?1768-Message-Forum-Rules).]
Whilst below par behaviour is still a rarity in game and on the forums, there have been a few comments recently which have highlighted that it still exists.
It isn't just bad behaviour, it's also pointless or provocative posts/messages, which are all avoidable with a little thought by all of us beforehand, even if we are on the receiving end.
There have been various threads regarding standards, etiquette, manners, etc which have covered this topic and many of them can be found in the 3rd post below.
The aim of this thread is to bring together the community's thoughts on what should be the expected behaviour of PL players and forum members, in one central place so that people can be directed to a single thread which hopefully summarises the generally agreed standards of the community, as expected by us the community, and in accordance to STS rules. It also aims to give a few suggestions on how to deal with some of the most common problems we all encounter, of which many are avoidable.
I have taken most of this content from various threads (many referenced in the 3rd post) and tried as best I can to group it into relevant sections and to summarise it as impartially as I can. As always, this is a work in progress, so please feel free to make any suggestions, amendments or raise any disagreements and suggestions for improvement.
One final point to make is "this is just a game", and as such is meant to be fun & safe for everyone. But it is a game which many people have spent a large part of their lives becoming immersed in, or even addicted to (LOL). With this in mind, some of us may become deeply protective, frustrated, angry, and even annoyed on occasion but this does not permit inappropriate behaviour. Luckily this is still very rare, and I'm hoping this thread will highlight some good guidelines/ideas to help us all avoid the many pitfalls.
If all else fails remember you can take any player vs player disputes to the Court of Alterra - see here (http://www.spacetimestudios.com/showthread.php?23033-Court-of-Alterra-Launched!), or simply report/ignore. See Post #2 (1st Paragraph for Report/ignore info)
Bad Language
Isn't Acceptable - you could be standing next to someone's younger brother/sister, or mum, dad, gran, etc...
Mild bad language results in a 5 minute mute.
Multiple occurrences may result in a day's ban.
If serious, or offensive enough can result in a permenent ban. No Exceptions
Bans are NEVER discussed in public. If there's a genuine misunderstanding STS will sort it, as they have access to your chat logs at the time you were banned, and everything you have ever said. email them all the details but be prepared to wait 2-5 working days as they get 1000's of emails every day. send an email to support[at]spacetimestudios.com replacing [at] with @.
Bans
Bans are NEVER discussed in public. If there's a genuine misunderstanding they'll sort it, as they have access to your chat logs at the time you were banned, and everything you have ever said. email them all the details but be prepared to wait 2-5 working days as they get 1000's of emails every day. send an email to support[at]spacetimestudios.com replacing [at] with @. Good Luck with that.
Begging
Simply - DON'T BEG!!
Begging is very frown upon in game & will often result in you being ignored permanently by everyone in the room
If you need some help then ask your friends in game to assist, they may know a better solution
If you need some help then ask on the forums, they will definitely know a better solution
There are no shortcuts, only more effectively solutions. Check this list of great guides (http://www.spacetimestudios.com/showthread.php?20352-Guides-Indexes-Helpsheets-amp-all-other-wonderful-stuff-in-one-place...) for many answers
Booting
It happens and pays to just let it go.
To avoid booting - Ask before joining games
To avoid booting - Ask if it's ok to join and maybe what type of runs they are doing.
Never buy Elixirs until you have permission to stay.
Never join a game and run straight in the fray.
Don't get offended with single letter boot reasons. The host might have been busy. Find another game.
Never engage in an arguement with the host or the booted player.
For Hosts - Where possible use a password protected game.
If booting try where possible to give a valid reason. At least a 'sry', if mid battle. A valid reason goes a long way to diffusing an issue before it even starts.
It is rarely acceptable to boot players halfway through a map, or even at a boss if they helped you get there, at least warn them first if something isn't right, better still just remake.
Booting before the boss drops doesnt increase your chances of getting a pink, and is extremely rude.
Extreme Bad Behaviour
Mostly results in a life-time ban.
Should always be reported.
Posting examples on the Forums
Pros - Allows somewhere to vent your frustrations
Pros - highlights the other player's behaviour
Pros - Allows others to validate whether you were right or wrong
Cons - Publicises only one side of the story
Cons - the whole community are exposed to individuals' in-game issues & disputes
Cons - can cause real offense or mis-information if one-sided or infactual.
Suggestion - Think b4hand whether it is actually necessary to post. It often isn't.
Suggestion - Never post a person's name unless it is vital.
Suggestion - Always remain factual, stay calm & don't get personal.
Scamming & Fraudulent Behaviour
Just report to STS and don't post a new thread unless you're warning players about an ongoing issue.
A list of known scams can be found here (http://www.spacetimestudios.com/showthread.php?23590-beware-of-scamming!-list-of-common-scams)
Spamming
The in-game messageboards belong to everyone so please don't fill them with your repetitive rubbish. We heard you the first time...
Increase the amount of time between repeating your message, let everyone else speak too.
The Extra Mile
Make it part of your game to help someone out everyday..
Our community is a key part of the game so be helpful, supportive and friendly in all interactions, even the painful ones.
Redbridge
06-14-2011, 05:05 AM
Contents
A quick reminder of how to ignore & report in game and on the forums.
Bad Language
Begging
Booting
Extreme Bad Behaviour
Posting examples on the forums
Scamming & Fraudulent behaviour
Spamming
The Extra Mile
A quick reminder of how to ignore & report in game and on the forums
As already highlighted above it is hopefully very rarely you will see inappropriate behaviour but here are some quick tips on ignoring and reporting.
To ignore someone in game highlight the persons character by pressing their name in a map, or pressing their character in a town. Just press the IGNORE button and you will never have to listen to them again. To un-ignore, just remove them from your ignore list, which can be found in your friends section on the third tab (first tab is friends, second tab is requests)
To report in-game highlight the persons character by pressing their name in a map, or pressing their character in a town. Just press the REPORT button and you will have sent a report to the dev team. If you can't see the person you can also use the chat box to report using the following function "/report playersname" (without the "" marks) so to report me you would type "/report redbridge". Very important, don't forget to include the "/" before the text as it can be very embarrassing telling the whole room you are reporting someone.
Unless you are very confident you can add something useful, it is often best not to even let the person you are reporting know you are reporting them as this may just invite unwelcome arguments, comments, etc
It is always best, if possible, to also take some screen shots of the incident and send those and the dates, times and other info to support[at]spacetimestudios.com (replacing the [at] with @), stating that you did press the REPORT button at the time.
To ignore someone on the forums, press their forums name, click view profile and press 'Add to ignore list'.
Reporting on the forums is now ultra easy also. Just press the little black triangle at the bottom left of each individual post. If its a long post check just above the name of the following poster, you should see it. Once pressed fill in the message box with the details of why you are reporting the post, ensuring you are adhering to the reasons for reporting explained below that message box. For more info see SamHaynes thread on the topic of reporting on the Forums here (http://www.spacetimestudios.com/showthread.php?26332-How-to-Report-an-Abusive-Spam-or-Otherwise-Bad-Forum-Post)
Bad Language
Most of us have used bad language at some point or another, but everyone is reminded to be aware that the player standing next to you could be someone's young brother, sister, son, daughter, mum and/or dad and that at all times it is vital we all watch our P's and Q's (language).
Also, bear in mind that there is now an auto filter system in place, in game. So even, if you are in private chat with someone, this auto filter will mute players for bad language. Multiple occurrences can result in temporary or even permanent bans so please ensure you read the related threads both here (http://www.spacetimestudios.com/showthread.php?24524-Regarding-Auto-Mutes-and-Auto-Bans-for-Offensive-or-Vulgar-Chat) and here (http://www.spacetimestudios.com/showthread.php?23892-Inappropriate-chat-auto-muting-and-auto-banning).
Some have suggested this auto filter system is just censorship but also every one of us, and our children, has the right to play a game in a clean and safe environment without a small minority ruining it for the majority. As always its the occasional bad apple that ruins it for everyone, makes more work for the dev team and places a slight, but welcomed restriction on the rest of us. Intentional mis-spelling of words are not allowed either.
The Auto-mute/auto-ban system is still being perfected and gets it right most of the time but occasionally gets it wrong. Bans are NEVER discussed in public. If there's a genuine misunderstanding they'll sort it, as they have access to your chat logs at the time you were banned, and everything you have ever said. email them all the details but be prepared to wait 2-5 working days as they get 1000's of emails every day. send an email to support[at]spacetimestudios.com replacing [at] with @.
Begging
Begging is asking players public or privately for money, items or even help levelling. This is very frowned on in game and will often result in you being added to everyone you asks IGNORE list. It is a very good way to lose respect from the community and isolate yourself. Bearing in mind the fastest way to progress in Pocket Legends is to gain a good group of friends and run maps with 4/5 players every time, it is very detrimental to your PL future to isolate yourself.
The quickest way to earn money is to play the game, and then play it some more. To get lots of money takes lots of game play, lots of really learning to play the game (see lots of guides here (http://www.spacetimestudios.com/showthread.php?20352-Guides-Indexes-Helpsheets-amp-all-other-wonderful-stuff-in-one-place...)) and often 100's or often 1000's of hours of playing.
Top tips for asking for help. If you need money then go and play the game. It's the quickest way of getting it. You really shouldn't need money until you get to the top levels of the game as everything you NEED to play the game drops regularly. If you still need money then ask friends politely to help out a little, and importantly explain why you need it. Most of the time, your friends will be able to help you get the item you need, or even suggest a cheaper alternative.
At worst, let people know you need money, and the reason, and if they can't help out they will generally run a few levels with you until you get the money you need and may even give you some top tips, and may even become a great friend for the future.
Begging is often frowned on in all walks of life, but if you're clear why you need help, and are polite, your friends will alway help out a little with suggestions/advice/support.
Booting
Booting when it happens can be very frustrating, but booting does have it's place and is an important part of the game. Where it often falls down is the lack of communication, so here are some tips to ensure booting is always carried respectfully so it doesn't result in angry "i got booted" posts.
- Being Booted -
Try to ask before joining friends in maps. There's a 4 in 5 chance they aren't the host.
Always ask when entering maps. Ask if it's ok to join, and maybe even what they're up to. This is someone else's game. That group could be there for a specific reason and might be waiting for someone else, who's spot you've just taken. That other person could be waiting to get into the game to play with the team they've played with for the last 2 hours. They may be stopping half way through (i.e. not killing keeper) so this might not be the game for you if you need to kill the keeper. Asking right at the start will save a lot of hassle if you're not wanted in that game.
Never buy Elixirs unless you have been told you can stay. It is an entirely avoidable waste of your Gold/Platinum if you get booted after buying one.
When joining a map, especially with unknown players, don't assume anything. They all may have a playing style so fit in with them and understand their style until you become part of the team. If you think you can improve the game in anyway, only offer your suggestions for change after a run or two, or when you think it is suitable.
NEVER join a game and run straight into the mobs whilst everyone else is standing around. They maybe trading, sorting something out, discussing a planning, going the the toilet, grabbing some food, or anything. Wait and ask.
If you get booted with a single letter. please don't be offended. The host may have been mid boss battle and unable to juggle fighting, booting your and the constant 'let me in' requests from his best friend. Just move onto the next game there are loads.
NEVER engage in an argument with the host if you get booted, or the player who was booted. Its a waste of yours and their time. If what they did is reportable, simply report them. If it isn't count to ten and walk away. Even consider putting them on your own ignore list if you think they were rude but engaging with them is a sure fire way to start an argument and them adding you to their own ignore list. The host is in the middle of a game after all and they haven't got time to discuss it. Ignoring you is the only way to stop you talking whilst they're fighting.
- Booting Others -
Where possible, use a password protected game if you are running the same team over and over as it will avoid unwanted problems
Always explain where possible, to new entrants, what your game is for so they are clear if they can help of contribute to that game.
If booting try to always include a reasonable explanation. If its not possible then at least say 'sry', it goes a long way to reducing stress levels.
It is not acceptable to boot players half way through a map, or even at the boss if they have helped you to get there, unless they are being rude or unhelpful. You should normally warned them first really. But better still just remake, start a new game (with a password) and don't allow them to rejoin.
Do not boot players if they buy Elixirs after you have let them know they can stay.
Extreme Bad Behaviour
No matter what your personal/private views, it simply isn't acceptable to use racist, sexist, homophobic, or any other type of behaviour, or any language, which is likely to cause even just one person great offence.
This is normally lifetime ban-able, and directly breaks the terms of service that everyone has agreed to abide by.
Posting examples on the forums
There are plenty of posts on the forums highlighting the various examples of frustrating behaviour that go on in game. I don't disagree with posting these types of threads but you should ask yourself whether posting a new thread on the forums is the best course of action. Is it going to benefit anyone except yourself?
- Pro - Allows somewhere to post your feelings, allows other players to be aware/warned, allows others to validate whether you were in the right or wrong
- Cons - Publicises one one side of the story, the whole community are exposed to individuals' in game issues & disputes, can cause real offence or mis-information if the thread is one sided an not factual
Suggestions
Try not to post a person's name on the forums unless there is a very good reason for doing so. If it is serious, then a report to the dev team will normally suffice.
Always remain factual, stay calm and don't get personal.
If it is an ongoing issue consider adding you're information to the already created thread.
If its is known issue (for example on the known scams list - here (http://www.spacetimestudios.com/showthread.php?23590-beware-of-scamming!-list-of-common-scams))
Scamming & Fraudulent behaviour
There is a full list of known scams - here (http://www.spacetimestudios.com/showthread.php?23590-beware-of-scamming!-list-of-common-scams)
If you see ANYONE in game asking for email and password, or trying to rip people off, please take a screenshot and let STS know by emailing [support at spacetimestudios dot com] and the matter will be investigated, and if proved true, they will be banned without exception.
Dont give out your email & password thread - here (http://www.spacetimestudios.com/showthread.php?3866-Do-not-give-out-your-account-email-and-password)
Thanks to Rusalio for the following two useful links regarding internet security
Cyberethics for adults and kids here (http://www.microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/cyberethics-practice.aspx) and Online security basics for kids - here (http://www.microsoft.com/security/family-safety/childsafety-internet.aspx)
Be smart about playing and interacting with people you do NOT KNOW.
Spamming
Spamming is basically any time when the same person repeats the same thing over, and over and over........ E.G. "S) rare lvl1 pinks, cheap" or spam invites 'join me' , 'join me', 'join me' over and over.
(admittedly spamming can also be posting totally random adverts for unrelated things on the forums, but let just cover the repeat messaging issue)
With in-game message-board spams there is a real problem for various reasons. Mainly because the same person is filling the message-board with the same message over and over, which means no one can see the other messages of discussions that are going on. Often when asked to stop and volley of abuse follows. Often lower level players are selling something that is important to them to sell, but of no use to 90% of the people in the room. So one message is bad enough, let alone infinite amounts. Also, these repeated messages are normal in Balefort Castle, with the person standing right next to a perfectly good store, which has fully functioning selling features.....
Also, spamming in maps (not towns) is very frowned upon. Repeated in fight messages should NEVER be done. If a message for selling (or anything not related to what is going on) must be done, it should only ever be done at the start of a map. It is always best to save chatting, trading, etc for when you are in towns.
With spam invites, you really only need to ask once. If someone is busy the last thing they need is repeated requests to join you. Where possible I often thank people for their invites but politely decline if i'm busy, but you just cant do that all the time. If you get no response to an invite please don't repeat the invite over and over. Its a sure fire way to get removed from someones friends list and even ignored.
-Suggestions for spamming sellers-
You want to sell your item, right? Well repeating the same thing over and over is putting people off buying anything from you ever.
Try reducing the amount of times you repeat the message, for example maybe once every few minutes or once every 10-20 messages, not every other second. People will still see your message, but will also see you're being respectful of everyone else, and will be more likely to trade with you.
Why aren't you using the Consignment Shoppe (CS) in Balefort Castle to sell you're items? It is purpose built for the job. If you are desperate for the money then post on the forums but bear in mind you will get the best price for your item in CS, as it has a much much larger audience than 24 people.
Remember, just because you're selling something doesn't mean any of the other 24 people (maximum) want that item. Use the '/w' function in the chat box to find out who is in the room. If the same people are there for the last 5 mins, it might be best to move to a different location.
Consider sending a SINGLE message to your friends asking them politely if they would be spreading the word that you are selling the item and to let people know to get in touch. Again the results will be much better/quicker.
-Suggestion for those fed up of spammers-
NEVER engage in a rude or offensive manner no matter how frustrating it becomes.
Remind the 'spammer' politely that "the dev team/mods have banned people for spamming and they are around today, thought i'd better warn you. good luck". This allows you to highlight the issue to the 'spammer' in a way that appears you are doing them a favour. Those who appreciate the assistance often say thanks and reduce the amount of messages they put out (hopefully problem solved). Those that aren't so grateful will probably never learn, or maybe you haven't taken the time to explain correctly, and check they understand why it's not good to spam.
You could always just leave and go to a different instance of the town.
If the person is really annoying you use the 'IGNORE' button. Even if only temporarily until you leave that town.
If the spamming is really inappropriate just report them and the dev team will take the action they consider justified.
The Extra Mile
This community is very much built on the foundations of people helping each other out. Many many players, still do this and it is what attracted me to this game in the first place. My first few days, was an amazing experience, where people were falling over themselves to be helpful. I don't remember the first few people that helped me but I'll never forget the little bits of help that many current players have given me and this is something I think we should all try to partake in on a regular basis. LADYHADASSA quotes an amazing story of her lvl5 alt being helped out by a lvl51 player, not knowing who she was, and she was so pleased she logged on with her main and gave the player some items to say thanks. This is a really good example of what many of us do every day. It doesn't take 10mins to make someone else's day, every time you log on and it continues the community we all love and enjoy.
Remember just because they are a lvl 5 doesn't mean they are a lvl 5 player.
Redbridge
06-14-2011, 05:08 AM
I'd like to credit all these people for their really useful threads, which helped me gather the info above, but please feel free to post anything else you think would improve the OP (Original Post)
LADYHADASSA's gaming etiquette thread - here (http://www.spacetimestudios.com/showthread.php?23264-gaming-etiquette-(manners))
Various examples of booting example threads
here (http://www.spacetimestudios.com/showthread.php?25131-Booting-these-daysXD) - here (http://www.spacetimestudios.com/showthread.php?8401-The-Booting-reason-and-Suggestion) - here (http://www.spacetimestudios.com/showthread.php?25131-Booting-these-daysXD) - here (http://www.spacetimestudios.com/showthread.php?25864-Can-this-guy-be-banned) - here (http://www.spacetimestudios.com/showthread.php?25632-booting-again) - here (http://www.spacetimestudios.com/showthread.php?25636-Q-s-about-reporting) - here (http://www.spacetimestudios.com/showthread.php?25321-Wow-xD) - here (http://www.spacetimestudios.com/showthread.php?24039-Booting-is-getting-ridiculous) - here (http://www.spacetimestudios.com/showthread.php?26106-Any-other-mages-encounter-booting-for-not-using-plat) - here (http://www.spacetimestudios.com/showthread.php?25417-Booting-ethics) - here
Bad manners examples
http://www.spacetimestudios.com/showthread.php?26163-Aaaarrrghhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!-!-!-!-!-!!!!-amp-!-)-)
Forum related threads
Message Forum Rules - here (http://www.spacetimestudios.com/showthread.php?1768-Message-Forum-Rules)
Is it worth reporting (http://www.spacetimestudios.com/showthread.php?28636-Guide-What-is-worth-Reporting)
Happy Players needed
http://www.spacetimestudios.com/showthread.php?25706-Happy-players-needed
Corpser
06-14-2011, 05:27 AM
you a guardian of alterra y dont u just lock the thread till you done
Redbridge
06-14-2011, 05:32 AM
We have ability to Close a thread but I suspect not reopen.. (I'll test that later LOL).. I have all the info, just needs transposing and re-arranging... so shouldn't take long..
Johnaudi
06-14-2011, 06:22 AM
I'll Label u BORING :banana: Just kidding You Rock!
Redbridge
06-14-2011, 10:25 AM
That just about does it for a first effort....
All feedback very much welcomed.... No problem at all if you disagree with any of this but please suggest how you'd improve it if I've got anything wrong....
Pandamoni
06-14-2011, 12:25 PM
Thanks for putting this together :) I don't know how many people will actually read it, as the ones who are naturally not rude don't really need it and the ones who have no social skills and do offensive things probably won't care to read it but it's nice to have a place to refer others to when they might be acting kind of "off".
I'm often shocked at the way people speak to one another in game. The only time I'm rude is when people beg or say rude/offensive things in town. Even then I'm not terribly rude but I'll be snarky.
I also see a lot of grandstanding and showing off in game. I don't care how good you are, if you are a jerk to others and make fun of them for not playing as well as you I don't want to play with you and would rather play with the less skilled player if they're nice.
Johnaudi
06-14-2011, 12:36 PM
Lol Red try to post Pictures to get readers attention ;) I didnt wanted to read first i saw it but then I read it anyway Because u written it... Thanks anyway Good Job!
Btw thanks For the Credit :)
Otukura
06-14-2011, 12:39 PM
Awesome job... and add it to your sig!!
noobmigo
06-14-2011, 01:07 PM
Too Big.
But dang great job!
Redbridge
06-14-2011, 01:14 PM
Too Big.
But dang great job!
Yep - Agreed. Its waaaay too big, but not sure how to resolve that? Ideas?
Was considering separate threads for each topic? But then just went for it all together. That's why I put contents at the begining of each post...
One large thread? Mistake or not?
noobmigo
06-14-2011, 01:18 PM
I would make it more...visual.
Subtitles, like Bad and Fraudulent Behavior should be size 4, maybe.
Or, you could group Bad Fraudulent behavior, with begging, into extremely bad behavior, etc.
Easier to find the things you need.
Johnaudi
06-14-2011, 02:22 PM
Add this to you're Guide : http://www.spacetimestudios.com/showthread.php?28671-Money-Potions-Elixirs-and-Farming-Guide. its my second guide :) Altho it is hard work !
Edit : YAY! 100 Post! lol