TasteeWheat. - MXO Forum Archive

#10400067926 01/13/2006 17:46:09 TasteeWheat.

matrixreport.com

Tonight I would like to express, on this great community fueled forum, a great disappointment I have just had with this game.

Now it seems as if my family in real life is taking a hit (One of my oldest cousins commited suicide on Thursday) and my "family" here on the Matrix Online has been stolen of one of its greatest members.

I will not ask how, what, or why such an exploit(s) was used by TasteeWheat; however, I will ask why it was something so serious as to amount to such sudden and extremely harsh action.

TasteeWheat was never about "personal gain". That is what confuses me. Everything he did went towards bringing great things to the community such as the amazing ZionMainframe system, a system through which just one dedicated man was able to achieve things that the developers had not even implemented yet (Such as email and an all-server-wide announcement system for alerting players to fun or interesting things in the game world).

Not only did TasteeWheat give so much to our failing community on Syntax then, but he helped find many, many critical flaws and exploits.

Rarebit, at one time, expressed admiration to TasteeWheat (On the forums at least).

So you see, I did not notice that TasteeWheat was raping this game of 'personal' explicit gain; in fact, I saw that TasteeWheat was more like giving to this game as much as a professional player can.

So, Customer Service, I would like to express my extreme dissatisfaction through this message and you will see that others will do the same in response to the banning of TasteeWheat.

This is my offical response as a player who has concern for this great game's future, and in summary: I find the response from (whomever is in charge) to TasteeWheat's exploiting extremely flawed and wrong.

Good evening,
-Sykin

#10400067948 01/13/2006 17:58:57 Re: TasteeWheat.

Seconded. Tasteewheat being banned is terrible news. I don't know what it is that he did, but TW has been a phenomenally huge figure in the community for a long time and surely that should count for something... I sincerely hope that the devs reconsider their decision. Until then, you'll be very much missed, Tastee

Message Edited by Plectrum on 01-14-200601:59 AM

#10400067953 01/13/2006 18:00:33 Re: TasteeWheat.

I agree with you Sykin, that this punishment is harsh and just plain unwarranted. Yes the man was caught using an exploit but let's take a look at this situation here. He has found and reported many bugs in this this game that have helped you devs better it. He did NOT spread the information on this to anybody. I agree he should receive some form of punishment, a temporary ban or a warning etc on his record but not a perma-ban across all SOE games. This is far too harsh A) for a first offence B) For someone who has supported and built the community like he has and C) For someone who has helped to better the game as much as he has.

I urge you to reconsider this punishment. Make it a 2 or 3 month ban even. I could live with that but don't just rip a valued member of the community away from us all for a first offence that was not spread to anybody.

#10400067959 01/13/2006 18:04:17 Re: TasteeWheat.

TasteeWheat was even helping us lot back in beta, he has done so much to the game, like previously mentioned, going out of his own way to provide a serverwide email system long before soe took over e.t.c

Its a bit unfair that his first offense was lead to a perma-ban when people who exploited to 50 just get a character reset, which isnt really that harsh as they most likly to grind back to the top

#10400067960 01/13/2006 18:04:28 Re: TasteeWheat.

TasteeWheat will be missed. If any more of my in-game friends leaves (via quit or ban), then ima cancel my SOE account. I love MxO, but the community is what has kept this game alive. If SOE removes the community's greatest members, then they are basically choking the little life MxO has in it.

#10400067962 01/13/2006 18:07:45 Re: TasteeWheat.

I must agree with the others here. I think the banning was an extremely harsh move. TasteeWheat was a great member of this community and brought much to it. I would hope that the devs do reconsider this punishment and allow him back into the community. I think it would be a terrible mistake not to.

#10400067969 01/13/2006 18:15:07 Re: TasteeWheat.

to show my feelings to this issue i have even modified my prized spoon sig

#10400067970 01/13/2006 18:16:46 Re: TasteeWheat.

you sig link need altering as the links broke not properly formatted

#10400067972 01/13/2006 18:19:10 Re: TasteeWheat.

yes i no me fixed it

#10400067975 01/13/2006 18:22:38 Re: TasteeWheat.

hmm, well here is the stuff he wrote on matrixreport.com just in case some people are lazy....

Current Feeds

ZionMainframe was pulled in the whiteroom. However everything took place via tells.. so no cool screenshot with a CSR

Fri Jan 13 13:42:46 2006 [Area] ZionMainframe: Hello
Fri Jan 13 13:42:49 2006 [Tell] CSR_**EDITED**_SYNTAX> Greetings, this is Senior CSR **EDITED**. May I speak with you please?
Fri Jan 13 13:42:55 2006 [System] You target [Chair]
Fri Jan 13 13:42:59 2006 [Tell] ZionMainframe> Yes
Fri Jan 13 13:43:19 2006 [Tell] CSR_**EDITED**_SYNTAX> It looks like you've been doing some exploiting there, care to tell me about this?
Fri Jan 13 13:43:25 2006 [Tell] ZionMainframe> The **edited** thing?
Fri Jan 13 13:43:31 2006 [Tell] CSR_**EDITED**_SYNTAX> That would be it
Fri Jan 13 13:43:40 2006 [Tell] ZionMainframe> Ya I found a mixup in it
Fri Jan 13 13:43:52 2006 [Tell] ZionMainframe> I didnt report it because I got greedy
Fri Jan 13 13:43:59 2006 [Tell] ZionMainframe> I have reported exploits in the past
Fri Jan 13 13:44:01 2006 [Tell] CSR_**EDITED**_SYNTAX> I can see that
Fri Jan 13 13:44:14 2006 [Tell] ZionMainframe> heck they still havent fixed the **edited** bug where people can **edited**
Fri Jan 13 13:44:17 2006 [Tell] CSR_**EDITED**_SYNTAX> Well I'm sorry to say but all of your accounts have just been banned for exploiting.
Fri Jan 13 13:44:31 2006 [Tell] ZionMainframe> Well.. that sucks
Fri Jan 13 13:44:41 2006 [Tell] CSR_**EDITED**_SYNTAX> I would also like to mention that if you come back with another account that will also be banned.
Fri Jan 13 13:44:48 2006 [Tell] CSR_**EDITED**_SYNTAX> That goes for any SOE game.
Fri Jan 13 13:45:12 2006 [Tell] CSR_**EDITED**_SYNTAX> If you have any questions about this you may email [email protected].
Fri Jan 13 13:45:20 2006 [Tell] ZionMainframe> Naw... I understand
Fri Jan 13 13:45:26 2006 [Tell] CSR_**EDITED**_SYNTAX> Great, Thank you for your time.
**Disconnected from the Matrix**

What was I banned for?
I found an exploit.. a REALLY good one. I did not report it, but used it for my own gain. I did not tell anyone about this exploit or how to do it. (It was not the XP exploit that was being heavily used and people were being put back to level 2.) They gave no indication if they know what I did or how I did it, but it was obvious that I was doing something you aren't supposed to. I won't get into the details of it because it wouldn't be good for the MxO Community. There is no "injuction" or anything like that forbidding me from talking about it. I just know that if I told people how to do it, it would be duplicated and the already heavily taxed mxo Team would have even more issues to deal with. Questions or comments... contact me below.

Oh, and he also goes on to say that he will post screenshots eventually.... maybe when the exploit is fixed?

#10400067976 01/13/2006 18:28:25 Re: TasteeWheat.

In a game that is so heavily community oriented, I don't see what sense it makes to perma-ban such a long standing member of said community over admitted exploiting after a history of bug reporting and support for this product. Banned? Sure.

Perma'd? I'd have to say overboard.

This hurts the game tremendously. What a shame..... hopefully someone at SOE will pay attention, realize how much TW means around here and has done for MxO, and how dependant this game's continuance is on the community it has, and reverse this decision to a lesser ban or punishment.

I wish I could say I thought there was a snowball's chance of that...

Message Edited by PhroG on 01-13-200606:29 PM

#10400067977 01/13/2006 18:28:46 Re: TasteeWheat.

You'll be greatly missed. I'm sure this will allow you greater freedom now.

I'll just make reference to Mek and how he perma-banned but was clearly back after this, so who knows what the future holds.

But with the current SWGing of MxO who know it might have been better in the long run mate!

Take care and hope to see you around, you skill and professionlism will be sorely missed in the MxO Community.

The Matrix Online @ rumbaar.net - Contribute to your community resource!

You know Morpheus was killed at my Sewage Plant? Read all about it ... Who Killed Sewage Crew? - 1st July, 2005 The Sentinel

#10400067979 01/13/2006 18:31:39 Re: TasteeWheat.

I'm sorry, but if I got banned after all I've put into the game............................I'd let everyone know the exploit.

I guess that says something about his character. (and mine lol)

Message Edited by Resurrected. on 01-13-200606:32 PM

#10400067983 01/13/2006 18:57:59 Re: TasteeWheat.

This makes me very sad. I'm not around much anymore, but TasteeWheat was one of the best people I knew in game, and an unbelivable asset to the community. I think a little bit of Linenoise just died. ::tears::

TasteeWheat, we're really going to miss you...

~ CheshireCat

#10400067988 01/13/2006 19:17:40 Re: TasteeWheat.

What a great place to get in my two cents to the loss of our favorite cereal brand... TasteeWheat.

The man had more then just character, more then just community spirit, and more gumption then words could eloquently express. From the time I met TasteeWheat in early April or May he was constantly at some device, some event, some way to improve the every moment every player in this game spent here. There is something about a person who is constantly thinking about others. Do they make mistakes like the rest of us? Sure. What matters most is their intent, and TW had the kind of ingenuity to fill any void he saw.

When the Dev's announced a system to send mass messages to players in Game they gave us, Flash Traffic. How many of you remember how that worked out? How long that lasted? Almost immediately TW designed DejaVIp which allowed information to be distributed to any subscriber immediately. DejaVIP still runs to this day, and has done nothing but help the community at large. Then there is the dreamest of all RSI's, ZionMainFrame. Built with the mind of a DOS database, it made newspaper clippings, mission briefings/summaries, co-ords, drop boxes, announcements, Player events listings, radio request to SI (and any other who asked for the listing), commands, man this list can go on and on..There were many many player events that we worked together on many times, appareal swap markets, Technique's and lessons, websites, etc. , etc.

I can't sit here and talk about everything he accomplished without acknowledging everything he knew. And let me tell you the man knew a lot, but not once did I ever see him or hear of him doing anything to make over on any other person. His comments to the CSR about being 'greedy' just doesn't sit well with me, even if TW did something of that nature, I highly doubt he was only thinking about himself. Through all the bugs and exploits we tested/explored it was never once mentioned that we wouldn't submit a ticket.. That was a constant, so this whole ordeal does not make one lick of sense to me whatsoever.

All I can say is god speed TW, I'll stay in touch. And to the rest of you , all those who can do something to make sure TW's legacy lives on will make sure it does and are in the process of making it happen.

#10400068075 01/14/2006 00:38:07 Re: TasteeWheat.

what can i do to get banned?

#10400068078 01/14/2006 01:01:34 Re: TasteeWheat.

aletheia wrote:
what can i do to get banned?

million and one ways to die.. choose one..

I will never give up the fight to return Neo.

#10400068081 01/14/2006 01:11:57 Re: TasteeWheat.

Like I have said before, a blow to the community and a blow to my faith in the Customer Service's (or whoever is responsible for this) ability to handle things. And yeah, this is very hypocritical of them. People have gotten less than warnigns for worse than this.:smileysad:

#10400068083 01/14/2006 01:13:46 Re: TasteeWheat.

if the disable device guys just got booted to lvl 2...

and tasteewheat was a big promoter of MxO...

that must have been one hellluva exploit-- grander than any one of us could conceive.

#10400068085 01/14/2006 01:54:15 Re: TasteeWheat.

You wont get a comment here from the admin/dev/CSR's "because we don't publicly discuss account issues" or some **bleep** like that!

SOE who do you think it effectly running the community in MxO ...

How many new players can see the **bleep**in' "Content is currently being updated." on DN1 and not rely on the COMMUNITY players to supliment your poor and lack luster support for the game.

Come perma-ban a select core few of contributing community members (a dozen or so) and you kill off any real community support for this game!

...Killin' the game one poor decision at a time ...

Tip Tip Hurra!!!

Message Edited by MxODraconis on 01-14-200607:55 PM

The Matrix Online @ rumbaar.net - Contribute to your community resource!

You know Morpheus was killed at my Sewage Plant? Read all about it ... Who Killed Sewage Crew? - 1st July, 2005 The Sentinel

#10400068089 01/14/2006 02:04:01 Re: TasteeWheat.

A tribute. SMILEY

It truly is a sad day. I agree one hundred-fifty percent that they shouldn't have banned him - they should have hired him.

I propose a demonstration. We should march on Mara Central (or something).

#10400068095 01/14/2006 02:22:38 Re: TasteeWheat.

Stack wrote:
What can I say that has not already been said? I share the opinions of everyone in this topic.

What I am waiting for, though, is for Walrus to come into this topic and say what he said when Mek was banned. I'm waiting for Walrus to come in here and tell us that this was not the first offense, that TasteeWheat really was given warnings for past offenses. He better. Because I seem to recall he stated that no player would ever be permanently banned unless they were warned that if they continued to violate the GPC that they would receive such a punishment.

I don't know what to say if such is not the case anymore, aside from the fact that this is one of the most disappointing pieces of news I've heard in a long time. You keep giving these complete n00bs who spam and flame and troll mere warnings, you give them leniency, but then someone this important to the community goes too far on their first offense and they get a permanent ban. I don't care if he managed to make Neo rise from the dead and fly across the sky, he better have gotten a warning first.

You better tell us, Walrus. I know you don't allow people to ask why, but tell us. Tell us that he got a warning first.

Scroll down the 3rd post.
http://mxoboards.station.sony.com/matrix/board/message?board.id=redpill&message.id=5086&view=by_date_ascending&page=2

and theres many more people that got banned that I know of.

#10400068096 01/14/2006 02:27:17 Re: TasteeWheat.

see how does that make sense?
how can they decide who gets banned and who doesn't.
i mean if like 30+ people do the leveling exploit and only an handful get banned for there 1st offense, how do they decide this, whts there reason for it?

we all know he wasn't banned for the leeling exploit but still....

#10400068097 01/14/2006 02:30:10 Re: TasteeWheat.

Hm.

Looks like we need to ban the CSRs instead. They're damaging the game far more than we are.

#10400068099 01/14/2006 02:38:05 Re: TasteeWheat.

its a real shame im seeing alot of players get banned. i mean there is far more worse things that other players do.

i remember Tasteweet since beta. and he was a great player for the community its a sad day to also hear Nik0 was banned also. they keep taking the best players away from this game i would see alot more leaving. becuase i dont wana play with noobs. i want to play with the old school players we all love. i hope they realise in some cases a perminant ban is NOT needed. only a strong telling off. and a warning. in cases will do. the only good thing is. they will have alot of more time to do the things they wish to do. sorry to hear all. this. and wish them best of luck in life. SMILEY

regards, ice

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

#10400068102 01/14/2006 02:43:42 Re: TasteeWheat.

A topic well raised Sykin, and a topic well supported. All I can do is throw my opinion into the malestrom:

I knew TasteeWheat only on a casual basis on these forums (if that's a possible way of knowing someone on a forum) - let's say I was aware of his existance. I was also aware of his unnatural devotion to the game, and the countless third party implementations that he created. I can't say i've used any of them aside from the Zion Mainframe (i'm an SI radio fan) but that enough shows a commitment and dedication to The Matrix Online that should be acknowledged and considered before a banning takes place.

Instead of banning those who they beleive have done wrong through an exploit for the first time in a game, a warning (which, I may add, is supposed to be written procedure) should be issued, if it happens again then it should be ban time, but not until that moment.

Again, why waste time banning valued and respected community members? There are a lot more "worthy" candidates out there in this game. The known exploit of tapping data devices for exp was quite a hefty exploit if I do say so, and the people who used it lost only the relative exp from the exploit. When I know for a fact that many of them had used the flying bug, the white hall bug and many other exploits such as that. If that isn't seen and bans are issued for first time offenders and not serious multiple offenders, then I beleive a revision of the ToS is in order. At least that or slam the bloody book down Brewkos throat.

A grave wrong has been done to TasteeWheat, and too this community, if it is allowed to go unnoticed, then a chord of distrust will be struck in me, one not willing to die so easily.

That is all.
-PBlade

#10400068106 01/14/2006 03:38:46 Re: TasteeWheat.

I try to avoid topics like this. But I have been thinking about this almost the whole day now and I truly cannot understand this.

Why ban TW? They have done so much to help this game does that not count for anything? Why not warn them, ban them for a month or two, reset the characters to level 2 or something? But to ban them out right like that? This is not right. It feels wrong. It leaves a very very bad taste in my mouth.

I jack in to the matrix now and I struggle, litterally struggle to enjoy it. It feels empty now that TW's work is denied us. But alas, we are mere players we have no say in any of this.

This also raises one major concern I have had for some time now, how are bans decided? It obviously isn't by any procedure made publicly available to us. I will cite some cases in point:

case 1 - two players who spam area chat with language that includes references to crude sexual acts and suggestions of threats of *CENSORED* upon family members.

Punishment? None.

case 2 - a player gets annoyed at another player who is exploiting, they then cuss them out a couple of times in area chat.

Punishment? Threatened with suspension or a life time ban - at the discretion of the CSRs.

case 3 - someone exploits a major flaw in the game that allows them to level to 50 in a few minutes.

Punishment? Losing XP or a ban. A choice made seemingly at random.

Now also lets consider other things:

Certain players have had CSRs restore lost items while the majority of us are told that cannot be done.

Certain players have been taken to the white rooms/hallways for fun (with CSR consent) while everyone else is told that cannot be done.

Certain CSRs "chill out" with players in Mara Central dueling them.

I am sorry, but this raises the serrious concerns of professionalism and impartialness in people who are not supposed to have favorites within the game. I find myself having to urge SOE to undertake a full investigation into the practices of the CSRs and the procedures they use. As something simply isn't right.

#10400068108 01/14/2006 03:54:40 Re: TasteeWheat.

nice read there Chuui. SMILEY

i tottaly agree with all that. i to find it a struggle. i mean. what really is there to do for us long time players. ? and its a shame i keep seeing old players go. who knows what will happen. i just hope when they ask them selves... was banning another player. who is paying our wages worth it?

#10400068109 01/14/2006 03:55:58 Re: TasteeWheat.

Somebody call the whaaaaaaaambulance

#10400068113 01/14/2006 04:39:29 Re: TasteeWheat.

Totally agree chuui, somethings up and it needs to be investigated!

i seriously question the professionalism of the CSRs...

SkyJackal's MxO Video Collection

#10400068120 01/14/2006 05:05 Re: TasteeWheat.

What else can be said on this topic.... its a struggle not to just blow a fuse and cuss out the whole lack of logic and process behind this. Theres a LOT that could be mentioned about recent activities involving a certain member of the CSR team, however i'm going to have to bite my tongue once more in order to avoid this thread being locked.

I've lost count how many times i've just been knocked off my feet by the sheer level of hard work and dedication to the community that Tastee demonstrated - not just in the mind-blowingly intricate community tools he put together, but also in his work towards identifying serious exploits and bringing them to the attention of the dev team.

And for the minority of people who, quite obviously have no comprehension of how hard TW worked to provide us with tools the MxO team were incapable of providing themselves - who are saying "he exploited, he should be banned" - consider that exploiting in itself is _taking advantage_ of a system flaw... TW busted his balls to give back to community, to give back to the game, not to exploit it and not to take advantage of it.

Sure, we don't know what this latest "offense" was, and knowing Tastee's character, he won't go running his mouth and bragging about what it was that led to his banning - but its sickening that people can spam constantly in area chat, can exploit to the extent of bringing a server to its knees (the agents at mara) - can impersonate SOE staff so flagrantly, and then come on these boards and BOAST about it... yet they always seem to just get a slap on the wrists...

This is a complete injustice commited by someone who is fast building a reputation for being prejudiced and extremely unprofessional - a jobsworthy who is quite obviously making up for shortcomings in other areas by exercising some bizarre little power-trip on some of the only community members left that try to improve this game past the mediocrity it has fallen into.

Someone seriously needs to review the CSR situation... not all CSRs... as some are good at their jobs... but everybody and their dog knows which one deserves a pink-slip in his in-tray.

The sad thing is... as Tastee has just joined the SI Radio djing ranks, I know he'll CONTINUE to work his *CENSORED* off for this community, that he won't throw his dummy out of the pram, and thats just a measure of the type of person he is.

Message Edited by kingcaw on 01-14-200601:05 PM

#10400068129 01/14/2006 06:19 Re: TasteeWheat.

Very sad news , i dont know tastee , but i know that with her the game was more interesting , more fun!!!

If there s more event perhaps we dont need to exploit to have fun !!

hope that that she can come back !!

thx for all tastee

#10400068218 01/14/2006 13:06:12 Re: TasteeWheat.

Mek and Tasteewheat have been subject to the same unfair judgement, so talking about Mek is staying on topic.

Wow, a whole year, and you cant let something go. You are the reason why this community falls apart everyday.

Message Edited by TetraCleric on 01-14-200601:06 PM

#10400068219 01/14/2006 13:08:55 Re: TasteeWheat.

Exec //Warboy/Macros/100213.txt

Lets please stay on topic guys. Follow the rules so Mods dont Mod us.

-----------------------

Please talk about it on your own forums, Lets not make this public.

#10400068220 01/14/2006 13:09:30 Re: TasteeWheat.

Haha don't try to turn this on me.

I have my own opinions on the matter, try minding your own business.

#10400068221 01/14/2006 13:10:06 Re: TasteeWheat.

Mek and Tasteewheat have been subject to the same unfair judgement, so talking about Mek is staying on topic.

But it's counterproductive to the current issue: the banning of TasteeWheat. Bringing up other past members and talking about how great they were is not ontopic. With that, I'd like you to answer these questions:

1. Why isn't TasteeWheat putting up more of a fight? If he were truly against what happened, why isn't hey even saying so? Why isn't he making more of a voice? Is it possible that if TasteeWheat himself agrees with the CSRs actions, that CSR was just and fair?

2. Would there be a thread like this if TasteeWheat was just JohnDoeRSI? People preach against favoritism. But giving TW "leeway" just because of his significant contributions to the community, while perma-banning JohnDoeRSI is fair?

3. Is, if ever was, permanent banning fair? I play by the rules as much as possible in MxO, but I'd hate to think what would happen if I were caught. Exploiting is wrong, and consequences should follow. But I am too deep a fan of the Matrix Experience to bend over and accept the perma-ban stick. I think TasteeWheat should be allowed back if he shows remorse for what he did and a true desire to be let back in. That being said...

4. Was he warned before this in another similar incident?

#10400068222 01/14/2006 13:10:08 Re: TasteeWheat.

So I cant talk about Mek, yet on nearly every page someone else can? Yea, well when it says Moderator under your name, I will listen to you.

#10400068223 01/14/2006 13:10:48 Re: TasteeWheat.

FAOrien wrote:
Haha don't try to turn this on me.

I have my own opinions on the matter, try minding your own business.

Take it on your own forums, We are minding our business but you keep talking about it. Please lets just keep the topic on TW!

Message Edited by Warboy090 on 01-14-200604:11 PM

#10400068224 01/14/2006 13:11:46 Re: TasteeWheat.

ArtherEld wrote:
Mek and Tasteewheat have been subject to the same unfair judgement, so talking about Mek is staying on topic.
But it's counterproductive to the current issue: the banning of TasteeWheat. Bringing up other past members and talking about how great they were is not ontopic. With that, I'd like you to answer these questions:
1. Why isn't TasteeWheat putting up more of a fight? If he were truly against what happened, why isn't hey even saying so? Why isn't he making more of a voice? Is it possible that if TasteeWheat himself agrees with the CSRs actions, that CSR was just and fair?

Easier for him to get out of MxO.

2. Would there be a thread like this if TasteeWheat was just JohnDoeRSI? People preach against favoritism. But giving TW "leeway" just because of his significant contributions to the community, while perma-banning JohnDoeRSI is fair?

Shouldnt make a difference.

3. Is, if ever was, permanent banning fair? I play by the rules as much as possible in MxO, but I'd hate to think what would happen if I were caught. Exploiting is wrong, and consequences should follow. But I am too deep a fan of the Matrix Experience to bend over and accept the perma-ban stick. I think TasteeWheat should be allowed back if he shows remorse for what he did and a true desire to be let back in. That being said...
4. Was he warned before this in another similar incident?

No warning.

You can PM me Orien if ya want.

Message Edited by TetraCleric on 01-14-200601:12 PM

#10400068225 01/14/2006 13:12:19 Re: TasteeWheat.

Warboy hush... I can talk to Tetra about Mek if I must. While I have a history with him as a person for what he did that doesnt impact VV's image as of now in my eyes.

#10400068226 01/14/2006 13:12:46 Re: TasteeWheat.

Over the course of my playtime, from Beta to Linenoise to Syntax, I've seen this game change in so many ways. Some changes have been for the better, some I have not liked so much. Changes that the developers make to the game are very linear from my perspective. Very two-dimensional. The developers provide for us a place to play, with missions to keep us busy and different ability trees to explore.

What gives this game a third-dimension is its players. More specifically, players who give back to the game community by thoroughly exploring the game and sharing what they learn. TasteeWheat is the commander of that army of people. People who sacrifice time, effort, and money to this game's community.

I have learned more about this game from TasteeWheat than I have from the "Content is currently being updated" messages on Data Node 1. TasteeWheat has thrown parties which I will always remember, and has given the community an incredible program which will, though never be used again, never be forgotten.

TasteeWheat has changed this community for the better. His knowledge of the game is second only to the devs. But his positive popularity, selflessness, and willingness to make this game more enjoyable is second to none.

By banning this player, our community has grown weaker. The Matrix Online has grown weaker.

CSR's ban players for being profane, irritating, and degrading. They also ban players for being the best. It seems as though you have to be mediocre to do well in this game.

As GamiSB told me, "Tastee is not appealing his banning from this game, so we shouldn't either." I made this post simply to honor what TasteeWheat has done for this community, and for me. But this is not where my disapproval will stop.

I do not want to play a game where mediocracy is encouraged.

My account expires on the 24th, and I will not be renewing it.

#10400068227 01/14/2006 13:13:06 Re: TasteeWheat.

I hope not, as we are under completely different management SMILEY

#10400068228 01/14/2006 13:13:12 Re: TasteeWheat.

Whats this about Nik0?

#10400068229 01/14/2006 13:13:24 Re: TasteeWheat.

Guys keep the flaming to a minimum please, and discuss the topic at hand in a calm & constructive manner.

Thanks.

#10400068230 01/14/2006 13:14:55 Re: TasteeWheat.

Alright, you answered. Let's take a look.

1. Easier for him to get out of MxO.

In what way?

2. Shouldnt make a difference.

You're right but apparently it is making a difference. If it was JohnDoeRSI there wouldn't be a big threa here begging to get him back in the game.

3. - no answer -

4. No warning.

You know this for certain?

#10400068231 01/14/2006 13:15:16 Re: TasteeWheat.

Nik0 was perma banned for the Leveling Exploit. It was his first offence, and he was reset. Then later that week, perma banned for no reason other than the exploit.

#10400068232 01/14/2006 13:15:34 Re: TasteeWheat.

Not knowing about Mek in detail, all I know is that he was banned during beta for something he did. Something I do not know.

Now, if you're going to mention him, I would have to say use him as a comparitory figure, this thread isn't to flame each other over a member past, it's a platform for discussing TWs banning and how it is/isn't unfair. Now I can see why Mek may be mentioned in this thread. But can we keep it to just that?

Message Edited by PBlade on 01-14-200601:16 PM

#10400068298 01/14/2006 14:23 Re: TasteeWheat.

While no-one can put it better than the man himself, I just want to throw in my 2 cents on a couple of the questions ArtherEld posed:

2. Would there be a thread like this if TasteeWheat was just JohnDoeRSI? People preach against favoritism. But giving TW "leeway" just because of his significant contributions to the community, while perma-banning JohnDoeRSI is fair?

I think the thing that is sticking in most peoples throats is that there are tons of 'JohnDoeRSI's who receive simple slaps on the wrist, or who's negative actions go overlooked. Those area chat spammers, emote spammers, abusive players, deceptive players, racist and foul-mouthed players... the ones who flagrantly exploit to its full meaning (as in using a game flaw for their OWN gain, not as a way to contribute to the community and the overall wellbeing of the game), people who impersonate SOE staff (I mean seriously... how long did it take them to ban oblivion-knight? And how many warnings did he have before this happened?...

While I do agree that there should be repurcussions for breaking the EULA - its very clear that the 'top' CSR's have no control whatsoever over the process of administering these repercussions...

If you flip the arguement around... why should JohnDoeRSI, who's actions have never been anything other than negative and destructive, be treat more lightly than someone who has contributed as much as TasteeWheat and others mentioned in this thread.

3. Is, if ever was, permanent banning fair?

I think it should be an option, but how hard is it for them to stick to a widely-accepted '3-strikes' rule? Or some published variance in punishment? It should NEVER be a first option, period.

The problem lies with an obvious lack of fluency and structure within SOE. One hand doesn't know what the other is doing, and its a **bleep** shame because right now, certain CSR's are driving players away and it doesnt seem anything is being done about it.

Worst thing is, and I know this statement is far too over-utilized within MMO communities, but we really do pay their wages. We are subsidising the pay-packet of some wayward CSR who can't keep his finger off the admin-control panel (and no, i'm not being a conspiracy theorist here - although i'm sure enough people have had run-ins with this guy to know what i'm talking about)

#10400068446 01/14/2006 22:46 Re: TasteeWheat.

I maybe am showing my deaf sentence but uh... what can I say like going up here to relax... and yes that is me 10,000ft above Mara Central ( that the fabric of the matrix...)

Message Edited by NumberXVII on 01-14-200610:47 PM

Message Edited by NumberXVII on 01-14-200610:48 PM

#10400068447 01/14/2006 22:51 Re: TasteeWheat.

It kinda make me feel like not looking for expolits and telling the Game Dev cause i might get Banned...