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Thread: Third Party Sites

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  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    Australia
    Posts
    4,521

    Default Third Party Sites

    To Quote Thalin Athasian:

    "I would remind all users of the Terms of Use which you accept on using the www.evony.com website, forums and Game.

    Users who desire to violate the Terms of Use and exploit Evony data, use third party API, etc to collect/collaborate/report that gives those users an unfair advantage (which is against the spirit of the game) may find that their Evony accounts banned.

    Evony has not agreed nor approved any third party non-related site, software or program at this time. Use of such items will place your account in jeopardy of being banned and removed."


    Now I have some issues with this, as it does not quite match the Terms of Use. The only section in terms of use that deals with this subject reads thus:

    "use any unauthorized third-party software that intercepts, "mines", or otherwise
    collects information from or through the Game or the Service, including without
    limitation any software that reads areas used by the Game to store information
    about a character or the game environment; provided, however, that EVONY TEAM
    may, at its sole and absolute discretion, allow the use of certain third party
    user interfaces;"


    I think the key words in the Terms of Use are "intercepts, mines" and "from or through the Game or Service".

    There are some third party sites that do seek to collect information in ways that break these Terms of Use, but there also others that simply enable easier analysis of data collected by players for the use of those players and their alliance.

    The second type of data collection (co-ordinates, how to guides) has always been a part of gaming and because this is an MMO, players will choose to share that data with members of certain groups (alliances, forums, chat rooms).

    My question is this. What do the administrators consider "an unfair advantage", rather than smarter gameplay and better strategic planning ?

    It seems that it is unclear what the administrators will or will not allow or what they will consider to be "against the spirit of the game".
    I would never do anything that I would consider to be against the Terms of Use but with this statement by Thalin Athasian I now have to wonder if perhaps I am open to having my account banned ?

    Is the opening of an alliance forum for the purpose of collecting and sharing usefull information with my members against the Terms of Use ?

    Is writing down the co-ordinates of enemy towns on a piece of paper considered to be against the Terms of Use ?

    Is the use of a simple mapping tool (or even spreadsheet) that requires the input of individuals or groups of individuals considered against the Terms of Use ?

    It all boils down to interpretations of some of the key words by the administrators and how they wish to view certain actions and it is very unclear from Thalin Athasian's notice just where the line will be drawn.

    I would like some clearer explanations from the administrators please.
    Last edited by Rodri; 07-01-2009 at 07:18 AM.
    PEACE

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