Entertainer Archive
Thread: In response to the In Concept Improving Entertainer Interaction Thread
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Imcus
Fri Jul 16, 2004 6:15 pm
#1
While we entertainers do appreciate the fact that the devs have finally asked for some input in fixing their broken system, I still feel that there are a few simple things that could be done to fix these problems (and are much simpler to code than the option they have presented).
First... take thedeveloper that is responsible for the UI and have them remove the checkbox from the AFK page of the in game options. Instead of being able to choose if a person can be flagged as AFK or not the only option they would have is to select the amount of time (1 to 30 minutes) before they are marked as AFK. This would give a more than sufficient amount of time to grab a snack or do any necessary function without abusing the system by going to work or school and allowing their character to continue playing.
Then... once a person is flagged as AFK, have them receive NO XP. This will prevent not only unattended entertainers from leveling, but unattended fighters from leveling by just standing in any known spawn spot and killing while AFK.
This option has been brought up time and time again. Having some knowledge inprogramming (and knowing people who are extremly adept programmers) these are the simplest and fastest solutions available.
The next (and slightly harder to fix) problem that the devs need to address is the unattended buffbot characters. Once again thoughthere is a simple solution, remove the ui actionToolbar slot XX command. While macros are a great feature (especially useful in creating entertainer routines) I do not believe that the ability to call and loop them forever was intended and should be fixed.
These are simple changes that could be implimented immediatly and would solve 99% of the complaints that entertainers have.
Imcus
Fri Jul 16, 2004 6:17 pm
#2
While we entertainers do appreciate the fact that the devs have finally asked for some input in fixing their broken system, I still feel that there are a few simple things that could be done to fix these problems (and are much simpler to code than the option they have presented).
First... take thedeveloper that is responsible for the UI and have them remove the checkbox from the AFK page of the in game options. Instead of being able to choose if a person can be flagged as AFK or not the only option they would have is to select the amount of time (1 to 30 minutes) before they are marked as AFK. This would give a more than sufficient amount of time to grab a snack or do any necessary function without abusing the system by going to work or school and allowing their character to continue playing.
Then... once a person is flagged as AFK, have them receive NO XP. This will prevent not only unattended entertainers from leveling, but unattended fighters from leveling by just standing in any known spawn spot and killing while AFK.
This option has been brought up time and time again. Having some knowledge inprogramming (and knowing people who are extremly adept programmers) these are the simplest and fastest solutions available.
The next (and slightly harder to fix) problem that the devs need to address is the unattended buffbot characters. Once again thoughthere is a simple solution, remove the ui actionToolbar slot XX command. While macros are a great feature (especially useful in creating entertainer routines) I do not believe that the ability to call and loop them forever was intended and should be fixed.
These are simple changes that could be implimented immediatly and would solve 99% of the complaints that entertainers have.
sej
Fri Jul 16, 2004 7:37 pm
#3
First idea is great, i myself much prefer non AFK dancers who i can interact with.
As for the second idea, removing ui action toolbarslot command will destroy all crafting macros thus making levelling a crafter a lot harder. Although this might be ok for some professions where the grind is only a day or so, for other crafting professions this will make levelling perhaps way too hard and tedious. Trying to grind crafting without a macro can triple the time it takes to level.
Rrowann
Sat Jul 17, 2004 4:58 am
#4
I'd have to disagree on nixing the toolbarslot command as well. I've used it for so very many things that have nothing to do with XP grinding. When we did Nym's datadisk missions I made a repeating /target datadisk macro so I could run around and look more efficiently. When I do missions where I have to converse with members of a faction that hates my guts, I make a macro to spam /conversationStart at them in that brief time they're peaced out so I can complete the mission.
Though I am fine with the adjustments to the AFK tag. It's annoying having to sit around and look for covert-AFK-entertainers so I can not patronize them. 
Tarnak_Archvold
Sat Jul 17, 2004 7:45 pm
#5
The easiest way to take care of buffbo'ts are to:
A) remove the passive buff ability for group members.
B) remove to ability to accept group invites with a command.
A) remove the passive buff ability for group members.
B) remove to ability to accept group invites with a command.
Daker-Naritus
Sun Jul 18, 2004 3:09 pm
#6
Yes but all of your "remove this function" ideas over-nerf great functions that help players do many things other than afk-entertain.
Why overnerf, when there is an easier solution: Targeted buffing.
Why not just combine the direct performance function with buffing, and make it so that buffing is only accomplished through targeted buffing?
Estevan_Starshard
Sun Jul 18, 2004 3:54 pm
#7
Why not just make it so that the system marks you as AFK if you go inactive for 15 minutes. The user can't change this time limit. Once you go AFK, all macros are automatically terminated. Case closed. Its that simple. You don't have to nerf what commands are available. You don't have to make any changes to the UI. It simply prevents people from going AFK and having the game play for them.
Daker-Naritus
Sun Jul 18, 2004 3:56 pm
#8
Estevan_Starshard wrote:
Why not just make it so that the system marks you as AFK if you go inactive for 15 minutes. The user can't change this time limit. Once you go AFK, all macros are automatically terminated. Case closed. Its that simple. You don't have to nerf what commands are available. You don't have to make any changes to the UI. It simply prevents people from going AFK and having the game play for them.
Because that is too easy to get around. All you need is to have the mouse move or a key pressed every 15 minutes to keep the game active.
Windows itself comes with a built-in program that will let you do that automatically....
Message Edited by Daker-Naritus on 07-18-2004 05:57 PM
NewJedi
Mon Jul 19, 2004 6:44 am
#9
I agree with your ideas about the AFK flag and the recursive macro. I've raised both with the devs. As the recent AFK patch indicates, I think they're willing to consider ideas about AFK status. But I'm not optimistic that they'll do away with the recursive macro. I will continue to badger them about it, but they seem to think it has its uses. Me, I don't see how unattended gameplay of any type makes SWG a better game.
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