[Borsk]

This mud has great potential, a decent player base, and some pretty good people that are willing to help out others. There is just one problem that stands in the way and could possibly ruin this game from having any future: Marky. This egotistical maniac suffers from some sort of power-trip. If you are that low in life that you have to set yourself up on a pedestal on some text-based game, then it is obvious you suffer from some outcast-of-society issues. I have to assume that he was the loser who got the crap kicked out of him everyday by his High School football team and now he takes out his anger on people behind his computer screen. Every time I see this guy post something on comlink its usually to degrade a player..why? Isn't he supposed to be one of the top admins for this MUD, so wouldn't it be safe to assume that he should treat people with respect? I understand this is a service being provided for free but that doesn't justify anything. This MUD just lost a loyal gamer who has really enjoyed it for years and was wanting to for even more, but this sorry good for nothing has ruined that with his lack of respect. I have been playing MUDs since I was a young kid and never have I been on one where the Administrators had such little respect and negativity for the players who participated. Marky, grow up pal, get a life outside your bedroom and live a little. It's no wonder I see reviews posted on Mud sites of how terrible an Admin Marky is. I plan to write a review for every mud site there is warning to stay far away from this game as long as Marky is around wasting everyone's time.

[Darren Brimhall]

Reminds me of a Game I once enjoyed playing...

But I do need to ask, is this game under license by LucasFilm--or what ever his holding company is named that controls Star Wars?

If so, send the company (or the Man himself) a letter describing this administrator's actions as destroying the quality of the Game.

And have your evidence ready to submit for review by the powers that be.


Darren Brimhall

[Borsk]

Thanks for the reply and good idea. Unfortunately I don't think that this MUD is licensed under LucasArts otherwise this would be an action I would take. And since it's free then they probably aren't violating any copyright laws. Honestly, I don't want the MUD to be shut down I just want this guy to be removed from Administration I feel he ruins any enjoyment anyone can get from this game because he lacks any maturity or leadership, basically its like trying to play a game that a 12 year old is running.

[dentin]

*facepalm*

Darren's point was that unless they have a license from LucasArts, they -are- violating copyright. Since odds are good that they don't in fact have a license, they are very much in trouble. LucasArts isn't the kind of company to sit around and let people do things like this without permission.

-dentin

Alter Aeon MUD
http://www.alteraeon.com

[Darren Brimhall]

Originally Posted by Borsk Thanks for the reply and good idea. Unfortunately I don't think that this MUD is licensed under LucasArts otherwise this would be an action I would take. And since it's free then they probably aren't violating any copyright laws. Honestly, I don't want the MUD to be shut down I just want this guy to be removed from Administration I feel he ruins any enjoyment anyone can get from this game because he lacks any maturity or leadership, basically its like trying to play a game that a 12 year old is running.

Then in this case, I would directly go to the MUD's owner/operator/host and file with him. Nobody should have to play under an admin like the one you discribed, I had to deal with that at Marrach who deliberately went out of his way to protect the favored there by blocking the evidence I had on her. This person is one of the reasons why Eternea was born.

Its possible to remove Marky, but you gotta have your proofs ready to go and in order for the Site owner to look over...Just as I have to start getting mine together against Marrach.

I'd check with LucusArts anyway. If it uses all of the elements found in the Start Wars universe without permission (even if t's free), then they are in violation of copyright or in some form of it. While Lucus protects his property, he doesn't go out of his way to 'stamp out' people who make games based on his work.
In fact, he may give it a look and if he likes how its set up may just make an offer to the sites owners for support.
But I figure if he catches Marky in the act he's gone.





Good Luck

Darren Brimhall

[Borsk]

Heres an incident that just happened today when trying to log on just to play the game. Basically what happened was the other day I asked over the gossip channel if anyone knew if Best Buy had SATA convertors, this dude immediately blasted me talking about how dumb I was that I would even purchase anything from Best Buy anyways, then he told me he looked it up in about 30 seconds and said I was a dumbass for not finding it myself. I asked if he could copy the link he said go look it up yourself you lazy ****. At this point I fired off and was like just give me the link, he then proceeded to delete my character that I had spent about two weeks on. Today I tried logging on a new character minding my own business, he summons me into aggro zones repeatedly getting me killed. I told him I was going to report him to LucasArts due to his lack of respect for the community, heres his response completely unedited by me:

20(20)hitp 30(30)forcep 24(24)move>
Marky says, 'man you have got to be the dumbest piece of **** I've ever met'

Opponent: / Tank:
20(20)hitp 30(30)forcep 24(24)move>
You feel a strange presence as Wyld appears, seemingly from nowhere.

Opponent: / Tank:
20(20)hitp 30(30)forcep 24(24)move>
Marky says, 'go ****ing report us to whoever you want'

Opponent: / Tank:
20(20)hitp 30(30)forcep 24(24)move>
Wyld says, 'we're already cleared by lucasarts.'

Opponent: / Tank:
20(20)hitp 30(30)forcep 24(24)move>
Marky says, 'lucasarts can suck my dick'

Opponent: / Tank:
20(20)hitp 30(30)forcep 24(24)move>
Marky says, 'you are just a dumb mother ****er'

[Darren Brimhall]

Report Marky to LucusArts and the MUD's Owner, using the log file you've posted here.

Do not pass GO, do not collect the $200 dollars...Just can him.

Darren Brimhall

[exohuman]

Yikes, that's just ugly. There is no reason to be that nasty. Why would you even want to play this game anymore? I would quit a game for far less.

[Borsk]

Because I really enjoy the game been playin it for years I just can't stand this guy. I sent a copy of the log to LucasArts waiting to hear back from them to see what they have to say. Unfortunately this isn't much proof as anyone can simply edit a log to say whatever..although this IS completely unedited.

[Erisine]

You are probably better off moving on and finding a game that you can grow to enjoy as much as that one. I would try to look around and see if there are other players in your community who have been done the same way and see if they have found some other gems.

The plain and simple truth is that SWRJ is a blip on the radar of LucasArts. They may very well get around to putting a steely legal boot far up their arses, and when that time comes, the game will likely get a cease order and will be shut down either way. That's just how it goes.

In the meanwhile, it doesn't do you a whole lot of good to post logs or call out individual admin on a public forum -- the reason being is that it makes you look like a squealer, regardless of whether or not you have a legitimate claim or not. It's unfortunate, but MUDs are pretty bad about this kind of drama. The best thing you can do, for more immediate action, would be to submit the log to the head administrator for the game -- the guy that pays the bills. If he thinks the behavior is out of line, he will do something. If he doesn't care, then it's just another sign that you should move along. One Marky will just be replaced by another one.

Their loss -- your time and support -- is another game's gain. There's lots of struggling games out there that have EXCELLENT features and tons of work put into them, and are led by friendly and ethical staff. Support them, and leave the twits to their own devices.

[Darren Brimhall]

Originally Posted by Borsk Because I really enjoy the game been playin it for years I just can't stand this guy. I sent a copy of the log to LucasArts waiting to hear back from them to see what they have to say. Unfortunately this isn't much proof as anyone can simply edit a log to say whatever..although this IS completely unedited.

Actually, if Marky is deliberately singleing you out by deliberately sending your character into areas that will get them killed; that is hands down harrassment. That plus his attitude are enought for the MUD's owner to not only send him on his way but to make certain that any replacements don't have simular attitudes.

But if this doesn't work, then its best to leave. Find another Star Wars MUD with the same features and support it. But do stay in touch with your friends at the old site....Maybe you can bring them all over to the new game, leaving abusive Marky behind to sow his demise.

Either for profit or fun, any MUD is a business and needs be run as such. If the Owner wants to keep it going, then they much lay down the law with such arrent employees as Marky--or let then destroy the place.

Darren Brimhall

[Newworlds]

1st, there are a plethora of Star Wars MUDS out there, try another one.

2nd, even though everything you say may be 100% truth, I'm hesitant to agree with you without hearing from the admin or a staff member or at least another player from the game.

3rd, It is poor form to simply bash a game here unless this is your only recourse and you have attempted other avenues of resolution. Many times an admin knows much more of a situation that the player involved and sometimes there can be misunderstandings.

Dealing with well over 100 players constantly on the game, me and my staff must handle many such issues that likely from a players pov seem unfair but in the realm of the game are not. I am not saying this is the case with you, I'm just giving you insight as to how the administration may be thinking of you.

In any event, I suggest your best option is what I said 1st. The best way to tell an admin how you feel about their attitude is to walk out the door. If he/she really is that bad, the multiple door slammings will be the best notification.

Good Luck!

[Brawndel]

I started playing sw/rotj about four months ago.
The game is extremely fun and addicting, but yeah Marky is a little overboard.
The problem is that he's like the main coder as far as I know, and he has helped to really improve the game. I think he's been a little extra stressed lately, since I know that his wife just had a baby a couple of months ago. He deffinetly doesn't take any bs, but he does take it too far a lot of the time. His title is something like Marky : purging people for asking for anything.

Anyway, it's a tough situation, and most of us just know to avoid Marky as much as possible.

[Darren Brimhall]

Originally Posted by Brawndel I started playing sw/rotj about four months ago. The game is extremely fun and addicting, but yeah Marky is a little overboard. The problem is that he's like the main coder as far as I know, and he has helped to really improve the game. I think he's been a little extra stressed lately, since I know that his wife just had a baby a couple of months ago. He deffinetly doesn't take any bs, but he does take it too far a lot of the time. His title is something like Marky : purging people for asking for anything. Anyway, it's a tough situation, and most of us just know to avoid Marky as much as possible.

Perhaps you should make the suggestion to the Games Admin that Markry needs to step away for a while because its obivious being a new father is really driving him to the Dark Side.

Turst me, I have three older brothers with children--and its stressful, even for the rest of the family to deel with them. If Marky refuses to take BS, lord only knows what he'll do if he gets it from his child. He's gotta chill out and take time off form the game to bond with his newborn, otherwise he's going to have trouble later on.

The game will still be there, an he's not the only coder. Bu he's gotta get his house in order if he wants to continue.

Just don't yell back at him when suggesting uch.

Darren Brimhall

[IZDemon]

Where does this information come from in regards violating copyrights? I was not aware that there are copyright laws against creating a free MUD. I can make an independant MOVIE based on the Star Wars universe and as long as I do not make a profit from it, I can show it anyplace I want. Why is a MUD different?

[Orrin]

Originally Posted by IZDemon Where does this information come from in regards violating copyrights? I was not aware that there are copyright laws against creating a free MUD. I can make an independant MOVIE based on the Star Wars universe and as long as I do not make a profit from it, I can show it anyplace I want. Why is a MUD different?

In the case of Star Wars, I believe Lucasarts have given permission for non-commercial use of their ip provided it doesn't harm their brand image. In general however, just because your MUD (or movie) is non-commercial it doesn't give you the right to use someone else's copyrighted work without their permission.

[Darren Brimhall]

Originally Posted by Orrin In the case of Star Wars, I believe Lucasarts have given permission for non-commercial use of their ip provided it doesn't harm their brand image. In general however, just because your MUD (or movie) is non-commercial it doesn't give you the right to use someone else's copyrighted work without their permission.

This is in a way simular to FanFiction, but not authors allow their fans 'fun' with their characters. Anne Rice is one such author, FanFiction.com keeps a running list of whose works can be made into Fan Fiction.

But the matter of Marky is serious enough to turn people away from the game. He's gotta be set down and made to understand the harm he's causing.


Darren Brimhall

[Threshold]

If you have a bad experience on a game, the best thing to do is just quit and find a new game.

Trashing it on a forum somewhere is usually a bad idea and bad form.

[Marky]

I'm not going to dignify Borks's personal insults and false allegations here, it's neither the time nor the place for it.

I will instead say this:

Borsk's situation is one of his own creation, he was purged and banned from Revenge of the Jedi MUD for behavioral issues, and has decided to run around blasting us because we no longer let him play our game.

(sorry, we don't let people openly disrespect, cuss out, and insult the volunteer staff of our free game if this is a problem for people then by all means, don't bother stopping by our MUD)

We have an extremely friendly staff. They put in hundreds of hours every year of their personal time to make an exciting and friendly environment for our players. They enjoy helping newbies and are always willing to listen if you have a problem.

We welcome new players, and have just recently completely revamped our newbie zone to be completely immersive and interactive.

Our Custom EQ system is both unique and highly versatile.

We have randomly generated eq that can potentially load on almost every single mob in the game, and can be upgraded with parts from our custom eq system.

We have over 30k rooms.

We have an extensive autoquest system that is expanding on a regular basis, with quest shops where you can spend your rewards.

We have a customizable character system that lets you continue to purchase skills and bonuses for your character well beyond the normal leveling system. There is always something for you to be able to do once your character has been maxed under the normal exp gathering grind.

We are not affiliated in any way shape or form with Lucasarts, we are a fansite, nothing more.

Our MUD has been around for over 15 years now, and we plan to keep it running for another 15 or 20 more.

Hope you stop by and check us out!

Marky
Head Administrator, Head Coder, Co-Owner of
STAR WARS: Revenge of the Jedi MUD

rotjmud.com:9400

[Newworlds]

I'll give you points just because your name is Marky

[Borsk]

Don't let Marky try to lie to you folks. No one was cussed out by me what so ever. In fact it was the other way around, Marky here believes he can get away with cussing out whomever he wants, on public channels or in private just because he feels he is one of the Admins for this game. The evidence is clear just by one of the small conversations I copied and pasted for all to see.

[Borsk]

And in response to your post Threshold, I don't believe I am trashing the game in anyway possible. As a matter of fact I loved the game, one of my favorite text-based games. I just believe that I was treated unfairly in this incident and honestly there isn't much I can do about within the confines of the game itself due to the fact that when I try to sign on I am immediately harassed. I tried to talk to another Admin about it but basically he/she said the same thing "nothing I can do." So with that being said I decided to warn the fellow gamers of this Virus plaguing this wonderful game.

[Darren Brimhall]

Originally Posted by Borsk Don't let Marky try to lie to you folks. No one was cussed out by me what so ever. In fact it was the other way around, Marky here believes he can get away with cussing out whomever he wants, on public channels or in private just because he feels he is one of the Admins for this game. The evidence is clear just by one of the small conversations I copied and pasted for all to see.

My advice would be to go through your logs, and catagorise every abuseive incident before sending it all off to those who run the game, or its Custome Service division, or just send it off to Lucus Arts saying that this is happening in a 'Star Wars' game.

Not that it will work. It might work for you. or it might work in ways you haven't antcipated.
But if the Game in question has a data dump that records everything, have your logs verified against it will be a huge plus in your favor.

Darren Brimhall

[Delerak]

Whatever happened to the good old days where old disgruntled players of muds just flooded the the games forums with spam or began a relentless attack by creating tons of PCs to ruin others fun?

[Darren Brimhall]

Originally Posted by Delerak Whatever happened to the good old days where old disgruntled players of muds just flooded the the games forums with spam or began a relentless attack by creating tons of PCs to ruin others fun?

No satifaction in it, i guess.

Darren Brimhall

[Borsk]

It's not really worth it Darren I appreciate the help though. Honestly to see that Marky, in his desperation to show his butt creates an account to throw in some snide remarks, to try to say that I am the one with "behavioral issues" and to also see that other players are posting about his attitude on here as well has proven to me that this thread has done more than what I had even hoped. Whenever one goes to research this mud and types in Star Wars Revenge of the Jedi on google, yahoo, etc..my thread will be right there for everyone to see. Cheers!

[Darren Brimhall]

Originally Posted by Borsk It's not really worth it Darren I appreciate the help though. Honestly to see that Marky, in his desperation to show his butt creates an account to throw in some snide remarks, to try to say that I am the one with "behavioral issues" and to also see that other players are posting about his attitude on here as well has proven to me that this thread has done more than what I had even hoped. Whenever one goes to research this mud and types in Star Wars Revenge of the Jedi on google, yahoo, etc..my thread will be right there for everyone to see. Cheers!

I have the same problem with Castle Marrach.

However, I keep my logs because I know members of the original staff will come looking for me--quite possibly after Eternea launches. When we speak is when I'll explain myself and hand the logs over, because I have the feeling that those who've caused Ambra and myself to leave are very well known to the old crew for how they treated other players. That's the indication I've been getting from the former players I work with.

However, I must point out that your thread may either be removed--or worse, ignored by possible players to the game. As I have mentioned in Marrach's early days We (the players and staff) sell the Game. If Marky acts as you claim, then the Game suffers as other players there echo your sentaments on other boards and to their friends as well.

But, if Marky doesn't act like that, you have the problem of proving your assertions to anyone.

Well, best of luck to you...

Darren Brimhall

[DBIADB]

So, it means this is going to happen, am I right? The anticipation is killing me!

[Odd Raven]

Originally Posted by DBIADB So, it means this is going to happen, am I right? The anticipation is killing me!

I have no idea what that forum was properly about, but I know I found so much humor in it. I appreciate your post.

[GickerLDS]

I'm a little late to the party, but was waiting for my user to be approved here. I found this thread when doing a search for star wars muds, to see if our own mud web site was being ranked or not.

I'm not going to comment on whether what you say is true about Marky or not, except to say that I don't think it's unreasonable to assume you are being truthful, especially seeing Marky's response and comparing it to behavior of other problem Admins I've known over almost two decades of mudding.

Regardless of what the truth is, you're obviously not happy at RotJ. That's why I want to post.

About a month and a half ago I started a new Star Wars MUD using my d20 MUD code base that I had previously used and developed for 7 years prior. I've been giving almost my full attention to the new Star Wars version, and the project is really taking off. We have a small playerbase peaking around 7-8 people online a couple of times a day, and everyone gets along really well. We are currently running a player survey, and so far 9 people have responded. I exported the results so you could take a look here. We had some questions about our community. The main ones I want to bring to light are how players treat other players ooc, and how staff treat players. Both scored an average score of 4.71 out of 5, with no answer below 4.

The MUD builds upon 7 years of development on the d20MUD code base. If you played the Bioware KotoR games, you will notice a similar feel to the character progression system. There are feats, skills, force powers, class feats and talents, and a menu based levelling system so everything is always in front of you.

We have an account system with unlockable rewards from role playing, pvping or helping out lower level players, wherein you can unlock advanced classes, races and other goodies for your entire account by doing the above mentioned things.

We have a role play rewards system that is automated, wherein you can level up just by role playing, as well as unlock bonuses for that character to exp gains, gold gains, and some other types of point gains.

We have a taxi and shuttle system for moving about the galaxy, with phase I of our space system coming in the next week or two. The space system will not be a clone of SWR systems, and will include NPC combat, just like ground combat, wherein you can get loot for your ship and level up your character in space instead of on the ground. Piloting is a skill that any class can have, not a class in and of itself.

We have 6 basic classes, force adept, squad leader, scoundrel, scout, soldier and trader. A pretty good crafting system that allows for the creation of items with custom stats and descriptions. We have multiclassing so you can spread out your levels among different classes if you want, maximum of 3 classes per character. We have 30 levels with continued progression at level 30.

Even though we've only been open for about 6 weeks now, we're probably more feature rich, code wise, than most other muds out there period. Our world is small, but growing, with a new zone coming in almost every week.

If you're still looking for a new MUD to play, it's worth stopping by and giving us a try. We are busiest player base wise in late afternoon and early to mid evening. As late evening rolls around people tend to start logging off.

The web site is d20MUD: Star Wars and the connection info starwars.d20mud.com port 6000.

I am known as Gicker on the MUD and am the Owner and lead developer. We'd love to have you and your friends join us. Either way, take care, and good luck in your endeavours.

All the best,

Gicker