[hlds] Dynamic Slots the Policy of Truth

2013-05-05 Thread Jason Tango
Fletcher Dunn and/or TF2 Team:
Can we get a ruling on the use of Dynamic Slots with TF2/CS:S servers and 
their compliance with the Policy of Truth?
Specifically, there are server operators using them to keep their servers at 24 
slots (to gain the maximum benefit from quickplay, I assume) until they fill, 
and then switching them to a higher slot count, etc. I know that there are much 
fewer server operators using these anymore (and one of the major TF2 gaming 
communities stopped using them about 6 months ago simply because they didn't 
want to run afoul of the Policy of Truth), but there are still quite a few 
operators using them, and it gives them an advantage (when filling their 
servers) as a result.
I asked Fletcher this question many months ago, but never received a reply. We 
were considering using a similar system to keep our servers at a slot count of 
24 until one of our donators needed to join a full server, at which time we 
would have the system change to a 32 slot server (and report all appropriate 
tags, etc.). We had no intention to game the system, but we wanted to 
maximize server population while preventing as many players as possible from 
getting kicked due to reserved slots. 
In the end, since we never received an answer back, we decided to err on the 
side of caution and not use a such a system.
I know this is kind of a grey area, because on one hand Fletcher has said the 
Policy of Truth says that all servers must report the correct sv_tags that 
are actively in use, so technically, as long as the server reports 
increased_maxplayers when they change to 25+ slots, then I suppose they are 
in compliance, but as I've never heard a definitive yes or no as to whether 
this type of system would cross the line, I just wanted to pose the question 
here so we can know if using the kind of system I described above (to prevent 
too many reserved-slot kicks) would be ok.
To be clear - this is not meant to call anyone out who are using dynamic 
slots, I'm merely trying to finally get a ruling on their use and compliance 
with the Policy of Truth
Thanks.   ___
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Re: [hlds] Dynamic Slots the Policy of Truth

2013-05-05 Thread Saul Rennison
As long as you report increased_maxplayers when you increase your
maxplayers, you aren't lying whatsoever, and so complying with the Policy
of Truth.



Kind regards,
Saul Rennison


On 5 May 2013 13:46, Jason Tango jtrun...@outlook.com wrote:

 Fletcher Dunn and/or TF2 Team:

 Can we get a ruling on the use of Dynamic Slots with TF2/CS:S servers
 and their compliance with the Policy of Truth?

 Specifically, there are server operators using them to keep their servers
 at 24 slots (to gain the maximum benefit from quickplay, I assume) until
 they fill, and then switching them to a higher slot count, etc. I know that
 there are much fewer server operators using these anymore (and one of the
 major TF2 gaming communities stopped using them about 6 months ago simply
 because they didn't want to run afoul of the Policy of Truth), but there
 are still quite a few operators using them, and it gives them an advantage
 (when filling their servers) as a result.

 I asked Fletcher this question many months ago, but never received a
 reply. We were considering using a similar system to keep our servers at a
 slot count of 24 until one of our donators needed to join a full server, at
 which time we would have the system change to a 32 slot server (and report
 all appropriate tags, etc.). We had no intention to game the system, but
 we wanted to maximize server population while preventing as many players as
 possible from getting kicked due to reserved slots.

 In the end, since we never received an answer back, we decided to err on
 the side of caution and not use a such a system.

 I know this is kind of a grey area, because on one hand Fletcher has
 said the Policy of Truth says that all servers must report the correct
 sv_tags that are *actively* in use, so technically, as long as the server
 reports increased_maxplayers when they change to 25+ slots, then I
 suppose they are in compliance, but as I've never heard a definitive yes or
 no as to whether this type of system would cross the line, I just wanted to
 pose the question here so we can know if using the kind of system I
 described above (to prevent too many reserved-slot kicks) would be ok.

 To be clear - this is not meant to call anyone out who are
 using dynamic slots, I'm merely trying to finally get a ruling on their use
 and compliance with the Policy of Truth

 Thanks.

 ___
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 please visit:
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Re: [hlds] Dynamic Slots the Policy of Truth

2013-05-05 Thread Jason Tango
I actually agree, in theory. In fact, the system we had been working on would 
have given the existing players on the server a 90-second warning that the 
server was going to change conditions (i.e. increase player slots), so they 
would be given fair warning if they wished to leave first. The system also 
performed checks to insure that the proper sv_tags were always set (to prevent 
any accidental omissions/glitches) when the slots were increased.
I also agree that as long as the sv-tags are correct and describe the 
current/active server conditions, then a server operator is staying within the 
letter of the law.
However, I still think it's important that we get an official ruling on this 
issue from Fletcher  co. - if for no other reason than to prevent any 
misunderstandings with the TF2 team.


From: saul.renni...@gmail.com
Date: Sun, 5 May 2013 13:57:35 +0100
To: hlds@list.valvesoftware.com
Subject: Re: [hlds] Dynamic Slots  the Policy of Truth

As long as you report increased_maxplayers when you increase your maxplayers, 
you aren't lying whatsoever, and so complying with the Policy of Truth.



Kind regards,Saul Rennison


On 5 May 2013 13:46, Jason Tango jtrun...@outlook.com wrote:





Fletcher Dunn and/or TF2 Team:
Can we get a ruling on the use of Dynamic Slots with TF2/CS:S servers and 
their compliance with the Policy of Truth?
Specifically, there are server operators using them to keep their servers at 24 
slots (to gain the maximum benefit from quickplay, I assume) until they fill, 
and then switching them to a higher slot count, etc. I know that there are much 
fewer server operators using these anymore (and one of the major TF2 gaming 
communities stopped using them about 6 months ago simply because they didn't 
want to run afoul of the Policy of Truth), but there are still quite a few 
operators using them, and it gives them an advantage (when filling their 
servers) as a result.


I asked Fletcher this question many months ago, but never received a reply. We 
were considering using a similar system to keep our servers at a slot count of 
24 until one of our donators needed to join a full server, at which time we 
would have the system change to a 32 slot server (and report all appropriate 
tags, etc.). We had no intention to game the system, but we wanted to 
maximize server population while preventing as many players as possible from 
getting kicked due to reserved slots. 


In the end, since we never received an answer back, we decided to err on the 
side of caution and not use a such a system.
I know this is kind of a grey area, because on one hand Fletcher has said the 
Policy of Truth says that all servers must report the correct sv_tags that 
are actively in use, so technically, as long as the server reports 
increased_maxplayers when they change to 25+ slots, then I suppose they are 
in compliance, but as I've never heard a definitive yes or no as to whether 
this type of system would cross the line, I just wanted to pose the question 
here so we can know if using the kind of system I described above (to prevent 
too many reserved-slot kicks) would be ok.


To be clear - this is not meant to call anyone out who are using dynamic 
slots, I'm merely trying to finally get a ruling on their use and compliance 
with the Policy of Truth


Thanks.   

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