New Policy - Match Observers

Beginning now, all team captains are requested to post server name, IP AND PASSWORD for match server in match comms. Added to this, you will need to leave AT LEAST 2 extra spots open on your server. TWL staff members will now begin observing Classic matches...7 v 7 and 14 v 14. All attempts will be made to have at least 2 observers, so make room. If the password is not in match comms and there is a dispute, the hosting servers team will be granted a forfeit loss and dropped no less than 50% of the ladder, same goes if the server is full.

I hate the fact that this has to be done, but I find it hard for any of you to question why, considering all the accusations lately. This rule is in effect immediately, expect to see observers within the next week.

To play devils advocate, not that I can think of any instance where this would happen off hand. But what happens if a team dislikes whatever TWL official joins up? Can they request a different official or whatever? (Past grudges/played for old teams/etc could factor in, in such a situation)

No. I have 100% trust in all the staff members that will be involved, simple as that.

The ONLY staff member that may bring too much question in my mind is Smaqaho. Not because I do not trust him COMPLETELY to make fair, honest and non biased opinions...It's probably best to not make him observe to avoid any negative feelings. Although, if I need help and Smaq is available, he is due the same courtesey as any other admin. I you have an extreme problem with any of the observers, you are welcome to talk to me in IRC or over email, but this is not really up for negotiation.
Post edited by biscuit at 5/6/2003 1:20:44 AM

Another thing as well. What exactly can observing a match catch that a demo can't. I can't even imagine anything that could be solved by obsing a match first hand.

You know better than to think that.

or

possibly you are just not aware of whats out there.

For a free online gaming service that does its best to keep competition high, this is about as good as I can do right now to keep cheats at a minimal.

I'm not aware of what's out there that wouldn't be caught in a demo. Even if not the own persons demo, someone elses demo would surely catch it.

The only real use for match observers I could see would be stopping the match if the server died or became extremely laggy for whatever reason. Since teams can't do that on their own for obvious reasons. Outside of that I just don't see what could be caught by someone observing that wouldn't show up in a demo.

Because of my association with Rapture and it being a high-ranked team, I'll basically be an emergency backup observer or at the least will try not to observe any matches higher than rung 15 or so.

To do otherwise would only give people reason to assume I'm merely there to watch what their team does, and I have T2TV for that .
Post edited by Smaqaho at 5/6/2003 5:28:43 AM

What happens if people can't afford a larger server. I only have a 20 person private for 40 bucks a month, and to get a 21 or 22 private is like 60 bucks. That is a pretty large leap. Also, I wouldn't change my settings, even if it was just for a match, just so two admins could get in and obs a match.

I still don't understand why this has been implemented. While we are at it, lets give them all telenet access!

Originally posted by: Ahemuro

What happens if people can't afford a larger server. I only have a 20 person private for 40 bucks a month, and to get a 21 or 22 private is like 60 bucks. That is a pretty large leap. Also, I wouldn't change my settings, even if it was just for a match, just so two admins could get in and obs a match.

I still don't understand why this has been implemented. While we are at it, lets give them all telenet access!

We have no need for Telnet, thanks though. A 20 person server is fine for 7 man matches. This isn't being done to punish any teams, it is merely being done to cut down on disputes, accusations and so forth.

What if you already have a TWL staff member on your team?