I recently brought up a debate on #jj2 (on quakenet irc for those who didn’t know) about how the new powers of the list server network should be used, and we got some rather mixed views. I’m now asking JCF users on there opinion.

Before now, the List Server network was hosted without any control, and we have managed to live with that, and continued to play, but recent advances in creating our own list server, we now have the ability to control it more. Having the ability is fine, but how/if we use it, is up for debate.

Now before we get posts about power control etc, Let me state that myself Nimrod, have given equal admin powers out to various people, including #jj2 operators, j2o admins, and a few selected clan leaders for the time being. This is so that the community has a whole gets more of a say in the matter.

An admin has the ability to de-list servers from the list server, set the message of the day on the list server, (which appears on j2ov2/jj.net/hazes hideouts new GIP in the works) and also the optional ability to ban IP’s from hosting. Let me stress, banning is a pathetic option, and I don’t feel it should really be used, but it is there as a safety guard, should it ever be used.

Now onto the debate, should the community exercise control over the network, if so, how much?

Some crucial points is to consider is, Hate Server Names. By United Kingdom and European laws, any form of Racism/Homophobia/Sexism will HAVE to be de-listed from the European list server, no questions asked. Although, should “Personal Attacks” be removed from the list server as well? E.g., if someone hosted a server called “xx is a *rude word here*” should an admin remove it?

Also, on the note of fake servers (created using a tool like jazzforce, where there is no actual game running), I have come to the conclusion they will be de-listed via a automated system where that if a server is unpingable, after a set amount of time, it will de-list it automatically. Admins have been really busy having to remove pinging servers at the current moment, and there’s also a known bug which means some games get stuck if not de-listed via a proper jj2 shut down. Once this bug is fixed, and the automated system in place, perhaps we would re-consider why we have so many admins.

Also, in regards to removing untasteful servers, where does the line get drawn?
Should any control be used in the first place?
What should and shouldn’t we be able to do it?
How much control should we exercise?

Here are some questions for you to consider, all your views will be heard, although I please ask to keep flaming off this topic, this is about getting feedback. If you could also explain why you choose what you did, I would be grateful. It’s good to hear feedback; after all, this is about given the community control, so it’s up to you!