Forum and Organizational Changes
 

The SWGEmu PreCU Emulator Project has been Open Source since 2007, and in that time we've seen over a dozen developers use that open door to contribute their visions to the game and its code. We now recognise that while the project's code has been open to change, the project as a body - as a community - has been less open to change. This is a situation that the Team is committed to fixing.


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Voicing Your Concerns

We welcome your advice, your ideas and a wider community consensus. By opening up the concerns@swgemu.com email address for concerns about staff or management issues, we are hoping to resolve isolated incidents before they become real issues. Eventually a web based form will be implemented to direct concerns to the appropriate people. Emails about support issues will not be answered from this email address. Threads discussing the overall nature, direction or history of the project are permitted within the revised Forum Rules and the revised Infraction system.

The concerns@swgemu.com email address goes to the Communications Director and Manager only as those positions are serving in a Human Resources role as well as official communications. We hope this provides an efficient means for concerns about staff or management issues, but please continue to use support email addresses. For those cases when the concern is directed at the Communications Department, the comms-concerns@swgemu.com email address goes to the President and Test Center Director only. The use of these two email addresses will allow the person submitting the concern to have anonymity when requested, while still providing a means to convey all the details to the right people on Staff.


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Forum Rules and Infraction System

The Forum Rules have been updated to clarify them for everybody. Each rule now has an assigned infraction point value and duration. With the updated Infraction System, infractions will only be lifted when the infraction time has expired, ban only removed when the ban period is completed, and permanent bans are in fact permanent and final. This system will be applied to ALL members of the Community and Staff. Please read through the rules and infraction system carefully as this is in effect immediately.

Forum Rules Update Highlights

• Item 1.1 has a link for help with account issues and requests for multiple accounts.
• Item 2.4 has been updated, "Troll posts or threads. We define troll posts and threads as those which knowingly lead to inflammatory or off-topic messages with the intent of A) provoking other users into a desired emotional response or B) disrupting normal on-topic discussion."
• Some guidelines/rules were removed.

Infraction System Update Highlights

• New point levels and durations for each rule
• Removal of 0 point warnings, they are now 1 demerit point
• New punishment levels based on accumulated points: warning (1 point), 3 day ban (2 points), 3 week ban (3 points), 3 month ban (4 points) and permanent ban (5 points)

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Test Center Exploit Testing Policy

The Test Center rules pertaining to testing, reporting and use of exploits has been updated. We hope to make it clear that we want to get all exploits reported and as long as you report them without further use, there will be no penalty or infraction points given.

3.12 The SWGEmu Team encourages the reporting of any and all exploits. You are required to immediately report and discontinue use of all discovered exploits or face disciplinary action listed below.

• 3.12.1 Exploits include, but are not limited to; all forms of hacking, exploiting and all other actions intended to break, bend or in anyway alter the SWGEmu gameplay experience in favor of one player or against another player.
• 3.12.2 Report all exploits to the Quality Assurance department at http://www.swgemu.com/bugs using the Exploit category or send to quality@swgemu.com
• 3.12.3 As a first offence, there will be a warning issued directing the guilty party to the Quality Assurance department. Offenders are required to immediately disclose all known information about the exploit. Failure to comply with this policy will result in an immediate permanent ban from all SWGEmu services. This ban will include the immediate deletion of all known characters, items, disbanding of guilds if guild leader, and removal of all items being sold by the user on the marketplace.

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Official Communications



The official announcement banner above will be used on all official communications at the top of the post. This will help clarify "official" vs. "non-official" posting by Staff members.


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The Object Restructure and New Website are Coming

As stated in the End of Summer Update, the long awaited Object Restructure code is coming to TC: Nova soon. As often happens with volunteer projects, SWGEmu is no exception, we are behind on our projected goals for releasing the OR. Our staff can only volunteer so much time, and non-development issues have occupied a substantial amount of that time in recent weeks. Our efforts have been refocused and the Developers are pushing to get you the best testing experience in the shortest amount of time for the OR to be put full time on TC: Nova. We truly wish we had a good estimate but as has been stated many times, estimated times are very difficult in a volunteer project.

We have more in store than the OR code on TC: Nova, work has made significant progress towards a single account management system that registers in all SWGEmu services. This means you will have to register just once to gain access to TC: Nova, forums, IRC and the bug tracker.


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Wiping the Slate Clean

The new account management system and new forum software means a complete reset on your accounts. The new registration page will check the old forum database for names and passwords so your unique name will be reserved just for you, but you can also choose a new name if you wish.

For the community, there is also an unexpected benefit from our infrastructure upgrade. We will not be transferring any of the bans or infractions to the new forums or IRC server. This means that everyone gets a final chance to start fresh in being a valuable contributor to help us bring back the game that was taken away. This will be the last time we wipe our infractions before the eventual release of 1.0 and your infractions and bans may carry over to SunCrusher.

Please be aware that the updated Forum Rules and Infraction System will be used on the new forums and this will be STRONGLY and FAIRLY enforced.


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Organizational Changes

The organizational chart has been updated to better reflect the structure and chain of command for the SWGEmu Team. The major changes include the position of the Founders being added and the moving of the Communications Department out from the Test Center division.


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1. ACCOUNT GUIDELINES

SWGEmu Accounts are used to access the SWGEmu Network, including but not limited to: the SWGEmu Forums, Website, Test Center(s), Bug Tracker and IRC Server. All SWGEmu Users must follow the following rules in respect to their SWGEmu Account:

• 1.1 Multiple SWGEmu Accounts are not permitted. Each user may only have one account. Measures are incorporated to detect multiple user accounts. Please see the Account Issues Policy for help. 3 points, never expires
• 1.2 SWGEmu Accounts are non-transferable. Registered users are responsible for any actions that take place on their accounts or private messaging systems. 2 points, never expires
• 1.3 If you are banned, it is not permitted to get back to the SWGEmu Network on an alternate account. You may contact an SWGEmu Community Manager to discuss the nature of your ban and its duration via email or private message. Email community@swgemu.com if you feel a ban has been issue unfairly.
• 1.4 You may not attempt to acquire a password, other account information, or other private information from a Member or any other user on the SWGEmu Network. Remember: SWGEmu staff members will NEVER ask for your password. Do not give out your password to anyone. 4 points, never expires
• 1.5 Users under the age of 13 may only create an account to access the SWGEmu Network with the expressed permission of their Parent / Guardian under the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act 1998.
• 1.6 Account names and all subsequent user names must be appropriate and must not conflict with the Conduct Guidelines or Use Policy of the service in which the user name is involved. Inappropriate naming conventions are covered in, but not limited to, the subjects mentioned in section 2.7 of this document. 1 point, expires in 12 months
• 1.7 All account and hence user activity on the SWGEmu Test Center(s) are subject to the SWGEmu Test Center Rules and Policies, not transcribed in this document. Please view our rules portal at http://www.swgemu.com/rules to view the said document.

2. WEBSITE AND FORUM CONDUCT GUIDELINES

In the interest of maintaining a constructive and equal environment for everyone, all users of the SWGEmu Forums and Website may not:

• 2.1 Post, transmit, promote, or distribute Content that is illegal. 3 points, never expires
• 2.2 Harass, threaten, or making personal attacks against another Member or guest. This includes: repeatedly sending them unwanted messages, attacking their race, sexual orientation, religion, heritage, and cussing or insulting them personally. 1 point, expires in 6 months
• 2.3 Transmit or facilitate distribution of Content (including images or videos) that is harmful, abusive, racially or ethnically offensive, or overtly sexual. 2 points, expires in 24 months
• 2.4 Troll posts or threads. We define troll posts and threads as those which knowingly lead to inflammatory or off-topic messages with the intent of A) provoking other users into a desired emotional response or B) disrupting normal on-topic discussion. 1 point, expires in 9 months
• 2.5 Posts that have been removed are not to be reposted. 2 points, expires in 12 months
• 2.6 Impersonate another person (including celebrities), indicate falsely that you are a SWGEmu Staff Member or a representative of any other community, or attempt to mislead users by indicating that you represent SWGEmu or any of SWGEmu's affiliates. 3 points, expires in 24 months
• 2.7 Upload any software or Content that you do not own or have permission to freely distribute. 3 points, expires in 24 months
• 2.8 Promote or encourage any illegal activity including hacking, "web raiding" or distribution of counterfeit software. 3 points, expires in 24 months
• 2.9 Upload files that contain a virus or corrupted data. 5 points, never expires
• 2.10 Modify any part of the SWGEmu Network Service or any SWGEmu website that the SWGEmu Team does not specifically authorize you to modify. 5 points, never expires
• 2.11 Post any user’s real-world personal information without his or her expressed permission. 3 points, expires in 18 months
• 2.12 Attempt to interfere with, hack into to or disrupt functionality from the servers which contribute to the SWGEmu Network. 5 points, never expires
• 2.13 Spam, defined as the re-posting of content repeatedly. 1 point, expires in 2 weeks
• 2.14 Advertise or attempt to sell products for profit. Only products authorised by SWGEmu may be advertised for sale. 1 point, expires in 3 months
• 2.15 Modify, Copy, Rerelease, Edit or Change the Design, Content or Imagery featured on the SWGEmu Website and Forums. The code base for the SWGEmu Website is the proprietary property of the WiseMon Team. The SWGEmu Forum code base is the proprietary property of Jellsoft Enterprises Ltd. 3 points, expires in 24 months
• 2.16 Promote, Advise the use of or use yourself the Star Wars Galaxies Trial Client, Digital Download, or any other illegal client versions, to connect to the SWGEmu Test Centre(s). Only legitimate, physical commercial versions of Star Wars Galaxies may be used. 3 points, expires in 24 months

Free speech and the necessity of fair discussion are held in the highest regard, however when the line between debate and brawl is crossed, it is the job of the Staff to regulate so that the standards of the community are maintained for all. At times, anybody can "get off track" so we have to make sure the primary focus is for Development to return to us the game we love, Star Wars Galaxies Pre-Combat Upgrade.


The SWGEmu Infraction System is a system employed by SWGEmu to keep track of trouble makers and alert them that their actions are inappropriate. It is used for infractions on the Forums and TC, or occasionally on IRC.

The system operates based on a tally of demerit points. Each user has a personal point count (beginning at 0 upon registration). Points are global across all networks: a point awarded for a forum flame war has the same weight as a point awarded for abusing a Test Center player, and they contribute to the same total.

The infraction system incorporates three key elements:

• Infractions are given for violating any of the listed Website Terms of Service. These are worth specific points assigned by the system automatically. Each rule lists the associated point value and duration to expiration of that incident's points. They are also archived for reference.
• Bans are not simply handed out by Staff but are done automatically by the system. Once it has been determined that a rule has been broken, then there is no choice but to assign the associated infraction points. Only when the tally of demerit points equals a Ban level will a person receive a ban.
• As points accumulate, bans are imposed by the system automatically. The first point has no ban associated with it and should be treated as a warning. A total of 2 points incurs a 3 day ban. As points increase beyond 2, so does the ban length. 3 points equal a 3 week ban and 4 points equal a 3 month ban. When 5 points has been accumulated, expired points do not count in the total, a permanent ban is given that will never expire.

The Moderator staff that can give infractions can't set the number of points or duration. They only may choose from a pre-determined list where each rule violation comes with just one point value and duration option. The points or duration will ONLY be changed by official changes to this document and not for personal reasons. This is done to make the Infraction System clear and fair for everybody.

On the forums, infractions aren't given for things like swearing in one post, making a thread answered in the FAQ, or any of the other countless daily mistakes made by young and old: rather infractions are more commonly awarded for continuous negativity, personal attacks, "flame wars", and cross-thread brawling.
The Test Center follows the same philosophy. For most minor TC rule offenses - improper names, spamming etc warnings are given. It is uncommon for infractions to be given in response to IRC behavior.

Each infraction has an expiry date set by the system automatically. Generally infractions have a 3-12 month expiry. After an infraction has expired, the point(s) no longer count towards a users tally of demerit points. When an infraction is awarded, a Private Message is sent to the User explaining the reason for the infraction, as well as stipulating if the user was awarded a ban with that infraction.

We hope this allows everyone to be on the same page. We don't go around banning people willy nilly at a whim, and 95% of people will never need to know what an infraction is. But for the sake of clarity and transparency we felt it was important to let everyone know how we deal with trouble makers.

Revisions

• 2.13 Spam, defined as the re-posting of content repeatedly. Spam includes QFE's without explanation, +1's, Bumps, blatantly off topic posts and "In Before Lock"s. 1 point, expires in 2 weeks has been revised to 2.13 Spam, defined as the re-posting of content repeatedly. 1 point, expires in 2 weeks. All infractions given based on the old incarnation of this rule have been reversed.

Points of Clarification:

• The new account management system comes along with new versions of all our services.
• The new account management system will allow the separation of infraction points so all our services will have their own, independent tally of demerit points and independent bans.
• The old forums will be archived so useful posts can be brought into the new forum easily by Staff.
• Those that currently have multiple accounts at the same location, we don't have it tested yet, but you will eventually be able to continue with approved multiple accounts.
• "Impersonate another person (including celebrities)" is so people don't hide behind a name or account that is not their own.
• The policies and rules listed in this announcement are effective immediately to all users registered on this site.
• Your account name can only be changed when the new site is released. This will likely be with the release of the OR to TC: Nova but we will not hold up the OR release waiting on the site to be finished.

Nice, I like the new ideas and additions!

Interesting.

One question...

Means just that or new forums too?

No way these are the corner stones to a healthy forum.

This ones a bit harsh? An instant ban for advising to use the digital client... its a commen mistake to think that its ok.

Also all the expiry dates are out of wack, half a year for reposting something? I lol'd.

lol what is this?

Why does this have a longer expiry time than harassment or reposting deleted messages?

Vlada,

We're upgrading to vBulletin 4. We thought that would be a good opportunity to advance our plans for a central account management system. Unfortunately it is simply too hard (and potentially unstable) to migrate the whole forums from the current v3 to v4, hence we have to take what we need and archive the rest.

You will have to register again at the new site, but when you register as Vlada it will ask for your old password and copy all your old info over. This way, no one will lose their name in the move.

So in one line: both. Hope that answers your question.

Cheers

What about old guides, profession section, screenshots etc? There is a lot of knowledge not to mention memories there, it would be a shame to lose all that.

You will archive old forums, but what about re-posting those threads? Would that be an option later?

Yes, that's the plan. We'll have an archive of the forums so you can repost anything we need (which is obviously a lot - guides, info, collaborations etc).

I don't know if an automatic mechanism is possible, but you'll certainly be able to copy/paste. Its a pain to be sure, but it may just be a technical concern.

Great, thanks.

That's all i needed to know. :)

Be honest Vlada, the Don Quijote of Don Quijotes, you cant wait to have to write new guides and stuff! I bet it's getting boring to just have a repertoire of replies and links for each and every request on the forums?

@Joshino: On 2.16: Don't take my word on this (notice the missing official comm banner? :D), but I would assume there's a difference between a new member asking whether it was allowed, and, let's say, Vlada deciding that he would from now on tell everyone who asks to use the digital download version. There's a legal issue involved, I believe. On your other concerns I can't really commit, because I dont know, and I don't think fighting over infraction expiry periods is worth more than fighting windmills. Most people will never experience expiry periods to be an issue for them.

If we decide to change our account name, will the system still be able to transfer old info or will it essentially be creating a new account from scratch?

If you change your accout name, it won't be able to transfer over the old info, but considering you're after a new account name - is this really an issue? All you would be missing would be profile info, join date etc.

Sorry if i missed it but i could not find when it was going into effect. Is this going to be around the same time as the OR?

When are they switching to the new forums? Will this be soon or just something planned in the distant future?

Max,

What effect will these changes have regarding two accounts out of one home? My brother and I are both registered users and I have submitted an email with our info to avoid a ban a year ago. Will we have to resubmit our info if we keep the same account names?

Good question Reken. Same here with me and the wife.

from what i get it looks like unless they lift the ban on two accounts for a short time for the registration one of the accounts will most likely be banned for the time being.

We are not banned. I was concerned with the changes regarding the detection software they use to avoid being banned.

It may take a little extra work to get both registered, like the first time, but we will certainly have no problem with people that have legitimate multi-accounts in a household.

sry if i wasnt clear i know you are not banned atm im saying when you reapply one account will most likely get banned

Thanks for the response, Kyle. When the change comes, I will make sure my account is active and then submit a new email with our info.

The long expiry dates are to keep users from 'playing the system'. We found with the old system certain users would rack up enough infractions to get a day or two ban, let the points 'cool off' if you will due to short expiration times, then do it all over again. This lead to several users getting a slap on the wrist over and over and over again. The long expiration times give more weight to the infraction system, whereas a short expiration makes it into a little game.

It doesn't.

Some of the stuff is already in effect, such as the new rules and infraction system.

As for the forums, they're coming at the same time as the account management system, which is coming at the same time as the OR. Unfortunately an exact date is impossible, but we're trying to have it all done as soon as possible.

Basically you just want to get rid of some people and have no real reason to, ok sounds good.

Aslo YES it does, 6months vs 3months, anyone can read and confirm what it says in the post? Apparently you can't.

Seeing as a you can't edit posts in here this is what I actually meant, however the point is valid, why would that warrant less of an infraction time? Somebody trying to sell something on this site.

cute stuff

Not a huge fan of the vB4 look, but it's definitely a step up from vB3 security wise. I managed to try it out myself locally, and, for the most parts, the ACP is exactly the same.

The look is only as good as the theme designed. The default look is bland and boring, but we won't be sticking to the default.

looking forward to it. love progress :)

Can not wait! Got to having somthing to do when im bored at home. No point of playing on TC cause of the WIPE!!!

I'm curious to see how long this lasts, considering how many parts of the forums never get moderated full stop.

How do you change your account name anyway?

Just being helpful but it says in the long original post that when the new forum website is online you will have to re-apply to those forums.

When you re-apply to the new forums you do not have to use the same name for those new forums as no info will be transferred automatically unless you re-register under the same log-in name.

Again just being helpful and only highlighting what they already said.

You asked me that some ten days ago, did you even check your visitor messages?

Back on topic, you will be able to register under a different name once new forum is up.

I say Great Job!! Just happy to be playing SWG again. I appreciate all those volunteers for their hard work and personal time spent in making us a game we can come to love once again. Everytime I log on here i see something better for us...... Again awesome job keep up the good work.

you can test on the TC because of a wipe?

The wipe has an estimated time. Keep playing on NOVA and testing the OR thats what we are supposed to be doing. The wipe may not come for a while, these guys are working hard on fixing stuff so just enjoy what we have. If we all quit playing because a wipe is coming, whats the point. Just keep playing, wipe or no wipe.

I hope not too much time and aggravation because Myself and my two nephews live in the same house and it was a pain for me to get them set up the first time.

i have to agree with some here in that the expiration times seem way too long. there is short and there is long and then there is way too long. most of those expiry times are way too long. even if a troller gets slapped over and over again. a three month suspension would work for that troublemaker. i mean, who is gonna remember him after 3 months?
i think the expiry dates should be 3 months and 6 months max. naturally the permanent bans are permanent.
but if someone does some really stupid stuff here, i think a 6 month spanking would be appropriate. not friggen 2 years. and boy do those points add up fast in the new system, especially with 2 year expiry dates!