Artisan Archive

I was just wondering if this is considered to be an exploit, or a violation of the EULA, or just bad manners......

(I know what the EULA says, but it is ambiguous about whether using the in-game macros is illegal, as opposed to using external macro programs.)

Does SOE consider AFK sampling to be something that can get a character sanctioned somehow, or do they consider it to be something they want to discourage but not necessarily ban outright?

Do other players consider this to be something which hurts or annoys them, or is it generally standard practice among artisans?

The reason I'm asking is because I have a musician/medic who AFK samples for resources to make meds. I would never use AFK macros for playing music, because getting experience without playing the game seems like an exploit. Also, having AFK entertainers in a cantina really screws up the experience for the entertainers who are really there. On the other hand, I don't see any of these problems with sampling, once you are maxed on surveying experience. Also, AFK sampling seems to be extremely common among artisans. Most of the artisans I know use AFK sampling.

-Cebo Omade
-Musician/Medic

Hey Cebo.

To say this topic has come up before would bea huge understatement. I don't know that anyone here will be able to definitively answer your question about SOE, although some will certainly try, but you correctly point out that many people do it, particularly Artisans.

A quick search of the boards failed to find an instance of punitive measures taken against afk samplers, but you may hear tales or urban legends here which I would discount thoroughly. You will also have the legions of legal experts try to interpret the EULA for you - I recommend you ignore them and enjoy the game.

AFK sampling is a necessary evil for many people who cannot afford an infrastructure at the start. Once you can grab yourself a harvester or two, even the personals, it changes your life forever. Run one wind and some personals, sell your excess energy for quick credits, or keep it for a rainy day. Harvest more than one thing at a time. It's all good.

Don't worry about anything terrible happening from SOE - they've clearly taken steps to make it less attractive, but they're not going to slap you in the head for it. Their bank account of goodwill is not in good enough standing to let them get away with aggravating players over issues like this.

I also wouldn't lose sleep over anybody claiming to be annoyed by this. You might hear all kinds of arguments about "ruining the economy" or other nonsense - it's all baloney.

Have fun, since that's why we should all be here.

- Arek

You'll find lots of people passionately for and against this. For what it's worth, I'm against it (not because I think it ruins the economy, but just for the something-for-nothing attitude it implies).

My impression fromthe past discussions I've seen, it's a shady way to play. As far as legal issues, though, I would be shocked if any punitive measures were taken against someone for that alone. The worst I thinkthey would ever do is try to make small programming changes to thwart the macros.