' Wrote:To be honest, the only idea I have liked is to install a server password. One that is only obtainable by a member of this forum. This would free us of a lot of the lolwuts that don't know the rules and prevent those that don't care for our rules and such from logging on and taking up a slot when an actual Disco player is trying to get on.
This sounds pretty reasonable of an idea to me. In the server info viewable at server select, simply explain that there is an application process to access the server which involves registering for the site. You could easily implement an application form for the site that walks new players through basic rules, purpose of the server, point them to various forums such as the story and bio's section to get a feel for what goes on and to start brewing their own stories.
Then ask a few questions perhaps, gather a demographic of the player population. Keep it RP-relevant. Ask them what past RP experiences they've had, why they're interested in joining our community. It doesn't have to sound like an interrogation, however I have used this style of application in guild recruitment for other games in the past and it serves as an excellent filter for those who are serious and interested in the RP, and those who are not. An english test may also be applicable here. Those who blatantly flag concern can be denied at this point with no further hassle of warnings, sanctions and bans due to people with no intent of playing with the rules in mind.
Once the form is submitted it would require admin review. Upon acceptance, the password is sent to the user's new forum account inbox, and forum posting access is granted to them.
The downsides I could see to this approach are: - Admin manpower. As I understand admins are already swamped with reports, valid and inane. I am not sure if the staff has or would consider increasing the number of admins to accomodate. I would also counter that this sort of filtering would drastically cut down on the number of reports created by players uninterested in following rules to begin with. - Disinterest. Some players are not interested in applying for a job to play a game. It could turn some prospective members away knowing that they need approval in order to try it out. Some could see this as a positive note and in a way I would not disagree. Those with the drive and intent to bring unique character content to the community and manifest it in-game will be those who stick it out for approval, and may very well understand the process. Most RPers come from previous RP communities where similar issues are recognized. - Keeping the password hidden, but regularly updating current members. Using a password does no good if the password is promptly displayed or spoken about. One of two combinable approaches to this would be to create a sub-forum to the accouncements forum, where weekly server passwords are posted by the admins. On a pre-determined day, perhaps whenever the server is given it's scheduled restart, the password is changed.
Secondly, the password could be sent to all member inboxes, or another option could be setup to have it emailed to all users, to the email registered to their forum account. Players would know on Such-and-Such day every week, to check for their new password to play. This can also be used as a hook to get players on the website more often and participating.
Of this issue, the suggestion of population control seems to be the most reasonable in terms of ability and time. I know I have been in the situation several times thus far in my last three weeks or so of playing where I cannot log in due to a full server. When I do log in, the servers are swamped with lag. Cut down on the people that you don't want on the server to begin with, and it will allow for more time in coming up with a permanent solution.
