Since I haven't seen any mention of it yet (may have gotten buried in the million nerf, line, NPC, or summerfest threads), thought I'd point this one out.
We've all heard GMs can only do so much because they're limited by what they are allowed to do. Well, the Rules of Conduct for FFXI have been updated today (which you agree to every time you login). To be honest, it's been a while since I've read through it, so I don't remember what's been changed, but I thought I'd point out some things in this new RoC that can be used against current player complaints. (Italics are quoted text from the new RoC).
The following are examples of prohibited behavior in FINAL FANTASY XI...
- Stalking behavior
Now GMs can't just say to /blist someone, they can take further action against it according to RoC.
- Using language that is not appropriate for a public place
For all of those loving to use four letter words in say, tell, or shout.
- Deliberately disrupting conversations, or dominating the log window, in order to exclude others from chat
- Deliberately flooding the chat log window with say, shout, or tell messages that are unrelated to gameplay
Which would include casino spam.
- Using any programs not specified or provided by Square Enix
For conflicting reports that some 3rd party utils are ok, some are not; this line says any program is against RoC.
- Engaging in fradulent acts within the game... deliberately breaking a promise, deceiving other players, or conducting an exchange unfairly... such acts are, therefor, strictly prohibited.
For all of those that have gotten screwed in trades, bazzars, bcnm,etc.
Gridlocking: crowding commonly visited places and/or blocking popular pathways for an extended period of time in masses...
For all the bazzars that you trip over while in Lower Jeuno.
Monopolizing monsters ... for example, monopolizing notorious monsters... for extended periods of time is a clear example of disruptive behavior towards other players.
Says it all. Wish it included constant camping, but at least it'll get rid of those trying to hold NMs/HNMs for hours so it'll spawn again in their time zone.
It also claifies some things about "absentee play" :
Absentee play... is any situation where players use third party equipment or programs to control charaters' actions and do not manually control the characters...
Please note that you may still make use of existing FINAL FANTASY XI features that have been provided... For example the use of autorun while locked onto a target is not considered to be a prohibited act. Stepping away from gameplay during bazaar is also an acceptable act.
And on reporting all of this --
If you encounter prohibited acts by other players... please report them to a GM (Game Master) for assistance.
However, you are not required to report any PCs you suspect to be engaged in absentee play... Inaccurate reports can hinder the ability of GMs to assist other players, and may be considered to be a violation of regulations as well.
So if you encounter any of the above, the RoC encourages you to call the GM. That is, except for botters it looks like, apparently they're getting tired of hearing about those. >.>
You can access the new Rules of Conduct from the Final Fantasy XI Playonline menu, under "Rules & Policies".
