Merchant Archive

Vass wrote in latest TC update notes::" Droid: Merchant Barker Module: Changed the functionality of the barker module to only say the message if a player passes close by, with a minimum delay of one minute."

This change does not help at all. In a busy location, there will always be a player comming by that will stimulate the spam module.

It does reduce the value of the module somewhat. If it is in a relativly unpopulated area it will have to be stationed at a choke point (like a starport enterance) in order to be stimulated. Putting it on patrol or in an open area is likely to be ineffective, as there is likely to be nobody to stimulate the bark. This wouldn't be a problem if the "close by" range were the same as /say range, but I suspect it is not.

There does seem to be a possibility that it may prove helpfull an a low usage starport, since the droid may bark when an occasional run-through visitor is still in range. Otherwise,he best that can be said for this change is that it will avoid repetition in a very static environment (like a cantina with only AFK performers), or when nobody is nearby.

If the droid barked, and there was nobody to hear, would it make a sound? Perhaps this was done to reduce server load.

Are the devs making these changes on their own, or are they at least checking with you, Doc, for your opinion on them before implementation?

I suspect it was to reduce server load.

No they don't check with me or even inform me of any changes before they are put on Test Center. I didn't know about that change until you posted about it. I'm not sure its a bad thing though. It does reduce the chatter a bit. I wonder what the range you have to get to it is. I'll try to test thta this weekend. But I might have to get a new droid to do that I don't know if it is retroactive or not.

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Chataka Windae
Rifleman/Combat Medic
CEO, Windae Enterprises
Mesric Sanctuary Founder