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[D] BBCode Rules

Forum Index > TL Mafia
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Onegu
Profile Blog Joined May 2010
United States9699 Posts
June 23 2015 06:36 GMT
#1
For those of you who dont know there is a way to hide messages in BBCode. Quote this message and read it in the quoted form.

The question is should these be allowed in games? Recently it was used in a newbie and people had no idea what was going on.

My personal feelings are they shouldnt be in newbies, but are ok in normal games. We kinda went over it in the Newbie podcast tonight and I wanted to bring it up here.

Thoughts?

Some arguments are if it gets too popular then it is just a hassle to need to quote every post. I think depending on the post it is only more likely that town quotes it over scum and is a good way to hide claims.
Try TL Mafia!!!
Tictock
Profile Blog Joined September 2010
United States6052 Posts
June 23 2015 08:22 GMT
#2
Not sure about this. Think I'm more against it.

Its a fairly sneaky way to hide messages/claims. Though it seems like it would be rather hit and miss if what you've hidden is actually found.

Onegu might have a point that if you are careful about the post that you use this in it will make it more likely to be found by Town over Mafia but there is no way to be sure about that. Really just whoever quotes that post (and reads the quoted version, which doesn't always happen) first will find the message, which could be anyone.

It def would be frustrating if this became common since hitting quote on every post just to see if it has a hidden message like this is cumbersome to say the least.

Also while this sounds like a clever idea now, if it becomes more common then it's a pretty boring way to hide claims isn't it? It's not like leaving subtle clues for someone who is paying attn to piece together, it's just a little trick that once know isn't that impressive especially if everyone knows to look for it. + Show Spoiler +
A good analogy is Magic tricks. The first time you see a trick & learn how it's done it might blow your mind, but the 2nd or 3rd time? The "magic" is gone and your just playing along at that point.


Guess it comes down to being a niche thing to me. It's cool and clever the first few times but if it goes into the mainstream then if looses it's appeal. I'd rather see people be creative with their words to drop hints to their role if they want to do that, not rely on a mechanic that comes down to "Oh I clicked the right button and found the message."

Just my 2 cents.
I can take that responsibility.
marvellosity
Profile Joined January 2011
United Kingdom36161 Posts
June 23 2015 09:37 GMT
#3
yeah, i don't like it much.
[15:15] <Palmar> and yes marv, you're a total hottie
KelsierSC
Profile Blog Joined March 2013
United Kingdom10443 Posts
June 23 2015 09:42 GMT
#4
it's stupid as fuck

Zerg for Life
justanothertownie
Profile Joined July 2013
16319 Posts
June 23 2015 10:58 GMT
#5
On June 23 2015 18:42 KelsierSC wrote:
it's stupid as fuck


boxerfred
Profile Blog Joined December 2012
Germany8360 Posts
June 23 2015 10:58 GMT
#6
I'm not liking that.

a) it can be spotted very easily by chance
b) if everyone knows about it, finding out about those means quoting every single post has to be opened
c) if only a part of the players knows about it, it gives an unfair advantage.

Only scenario where I could imagine that to work is if a blue role sneaks in a claim. That would only work if scum players don't know about the BBCode issue or are lazy as fuck.

"It's cool and clever the first few times but if it goes into the mainstream then if looses it's appeal."
pretty much this!
Blazinghand *
Profile Blog Joined December 2010
United States25552 Posts
June 23 2015 11:01 GMT
#7
I'm aware of this kind of thing and nobody uses it because it's pretty stupid. Even if it weren't stupid, hiding messages is unacceptable in a non pm game. I doubt any player would be do foolhardy as to try hiding secret messages in any game hosted by me.
When you stare into the iCCup, the iCCup stares back.
TL+ Member
Half the Sky
Profile Joined May 2014
Germany9029 Posts
June 23 2015 13:20 GMT
#8
On June 23 2015 18:37 marvellosity wrote:
yeah, i don't like it much.

The phoenix must burn to emerge. - Janet Fitch
Artanis[Xp]
Profile Blog Joined December 2005
Netherlands12968 Posts
June 23 2015 13:24 GMT
#9
On June 23 2015 22:20 Half the Sky wrote:
Show nested quote +
On June 23 2015 18:37 marvellosity wrote:
yeah, i don't like it much.


kitaman27 *
Profile Blog Joined April 2009
United States9245 Posts
June 23 2015 13:37 GMT
#10
When it comes to hidden messages, it's probably more effective to just weave a role claim or night action result within a post by using the last letter of each word or something along those lines.

If something like that is legal, then hiding a message in BBCode probably isn't all that different. I'd probably consider it lame/lazy, rather than actual cheating.

It's tough to draw a line between what type of hidden messages are allowed and what aren't.

For instance, if you can't hide a message in a url, can you post a picture that contains a message in 2pt font if you zoom in? Can you hide a message within a paragraph of text? Can you quote some song lyrics where the next passage contains the message that you'll refer to? Can you post a random phrase like "I'm like Sirius Black" and a few days later point out that the same actor portrayed Detective Gordon?

A few years back we had a discussion about encryption and breadcrumbs and I believe the general consensus was that it's fine as long as everyone has a "reasonable opportunity" to discover the message.
I'm better than dirt. Well, most kinds of dirt. I mean not that fancy store bought dirt. That stuffs loaded with nutrients. I... I can't compete with that stuff.
Palmar
Profile Blog Joined July 2010
Iceland22633 Posts
June 23 2015 15:16 GMT
#11
I think kita has it right. There was a game a while ago where encryption became a hot issue:

http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/mafia/340727-pick-your-poison-mafia?view=all

Basically it allows you to do things and reveal them later. This becomes a major issue for mafia because if they want to counterclaim a cop or something, they could have had to plan for it since day 1 to match an actual cop that has been dropping encrypted messages throughout the game.

In general, it's probably fine to hide messages like this. Holyflare did something similar in the game where we lynched DreadReturn on day 1. He posted a big post of bullshit with 2 "hidden" links to images that contained actual analysis. However I would recommend just not doing it for the most part, because if everyone starts doing it it simply makes the games worse for having to click-search through every post in the game. This game is time-consuming enough already.

There is a massive grey are of things that people can do this game, some are more grey than others. I'll list a few

  • Checking of other players on steam/battle.net or other social networks.
  • Encrypting messages
  • Speaking in code that only part of the game is likely to understand (I think geript/wos did this?)
  • Abusing own meta to the point where you stop trying to win in some situations (town seal / promises)
  • Discussing an ongoing game with another player not in the game (is this hydra now? Looking at you Protactinium)
  • Using out of game content (images, videos) that may be subject to change
  • Spreadsheets that can be posted in the thread as "proof" you've been doing something
  • Using out of game information to "prove" out of game actions (look at these boxes, I'm really moving)


There's been so many of these throughout the years. In general it's best of people just stop trying to break the game and focus on just playing it.
Computer says mafia
prplhz
Profile Blog Joined November 2010
Denmark8045 Posts
June 23 2015 15:29 GMT
#12
We ended up banning encryption though, because it wasn't fun. I remember some game where everybody was forced to encrypt a roleclaim on d1 and then later they could prove their d1 roleclaim by posting the decryption key. That just wasn't fun.

I think that banning hidden messages in BBCode makes perfect sense, again because it isn't fun. I don't think anybody plays mafia to quote every single post in search of hidden BBCode messages. Hiding messages is okay but everything hidden should be hidden in plain sight for everyone to see without having to quote a post or put it through google translate or whatever.

I also remember a game where someone posted a small talk oneliner with a smiley appended, but not a teamliquid smiley. It was an image of a smiley that was also a link. No one thought to hover the smiley to discover that it was a link and in the end the link lead people to somewhere with game related information. Would this be alright? Would hiding a link inside an otherwise underlined passage (like this, the comma is linked) be alright? I don't think so, nobody plays mafia to hover everything that could possibly be a link.

kitaman27 raises an interesting question with the Sirius Black thing, are pop cultural references like that something we want in our games? Is it fair to have an edge just because you've watched Harry Potter and Batman? It's probably not a big deal and a ban on that would probably be undesirable (and unenforceable?). What about obscure reference to old games "Remember that time in that game when you thought that thing about me and it was completely untrue? Well that's happening again!!!".

I think we should just ban behavior we think takes more fun away from the game than it puts into it. With this BBCode thing the answer is pretty straight forward (people don't seem to support it and some are actively against it) but with some other related hidden message things it might be a little less obvious.
http://i.imgur.com/M7t7egx.png
prplhz
Profile Blog Joined November 2010
Denmark8045 Posts
June 23 2015 15:33 GMT
#13
yea, this is a game of behavioral analysis and logic and thing that give an edge and isn't one of those should be considered for BAN
http://i.imgur.com/M7t7egx.png
kitaman27 *
Profile Blog Joined April 2009
United States9245 Posts
June 23 2015 16:02 GMT
#14
On a side note, this guy would totally be in favor of BBCode hidden messages
I'm better than dirt. Well, most kinds of dirt. I mean not that fancy store bought dirt. That stuffs loaded with nutrients. I... I can't compete with that stuff.
marvellosity
Profile Joined January 2011
United Kingdom36161 Posts
June 23 2015 16:30 GMT
#15
well, the good thing is, we don't have to be consistent over everything.

we can whimsically decide we don't like this and not worry how it matches up with other things we do and don't like.
[15:15] <Palmar> and yes marv, you're a total hottie
scott31337
Profile Joined January 2013
United States2979 Posts
June 23 2015 16:51 GMT
#16
You aren't actually hiding anything since anyone can see it in my opinion, you just have to look for it, but I can accept if they are disallowed.
THIS WAGON IS HITTING MAFIA FOR SURE BOYS!
justanothertownie
Profile Joined July 2013
16319 Posts
June 23 2015 17:40 GMT
#17
On June 24 2015 01:30 marvellosity wrote:
well, the good thing is, we don't have to be consistent over everything.

we can whimsically decide we don't like this and not worry how it matches up with other things we do and don't like.

Exactly.
Fidei86
Profile Joined May 2015
United Kingdom2116 Posts
June 23 2015 18:13 GMT
#18
There's a podcast?
Onegu
Profile Blog Joined May 2010
United States9699 Posts
June 23 2015 18:17 GMT
#19
Not really a podcast but WoS recorded what we talked about for the newbie. Its on his twitch
Try TL Mafia!!!
Blazinghand *
Profile Blog Joined December 2010
United States25552 Posts
Last Edited: 2015-06-23 20:08:22
June 23 2015 19:00 GMT
#20
We podcast from time to time though after big/interesting games. You can expect one after TL Mafia LXXI: Gaiden

Main thing for me is that like, there shouldn't be anything "hidden". You can have things that are tricky, but if everything you write should be readable by a person trying to read your post. Hiding things inside hyperlinks or bbcode tags that would require people to mouseover EVERY LETTER in the entire game of mafia, or quote every post and copy it to a notepad every time, should be obviously not chill at all. I can't imagine anyone finding this acceptable.

If you want to be like "heh heh I'm Batman's enemy" to bredcrumb that your'e the jester or whatever, I don't care, as long as it's readable. As a host, it's my job to police interactions and prevent people from flaming together, and you can bet your sorry asses that I absolutely refuse to quote every post made by a player, and mouseover ever letter, looking for bbcode and hyperlinks to make sure everyone is following behavior guidelines.

Anyone doing this kinda crap is gonna get kicked out of my games cause I cannot be bothered to deal with the amount of moderating bullshit required.
When you stare into the iCCup, the iCCup stares back.
TL+ Member
Holyflare
Profile Blog Joined November 2010
United Kingdom30775 Posts
June 23 2015 22:34 GMT
#21
Fecalfeast
Profile Joined January 2010
Canada11355 Posts
June 24 2015 01:14 GMT
#22
To me it seems like something that's at the top of a slippery slope. People start posting hidden messages every game so someone gets the bright idea to write a greasemonkey script that highlights all BBCODE links or adds a button to change the post to plain text/code tag format.

It's just something that adds extra tedium to an already tedious game. I'm not sure I'd ban them in games I host though because now that it's this big issue, the only people I can see actively looking for hidden claims will be mafia.
ModeratorINFLATE YOUR POST COUNT; PLAY TL MAFIA
Blazinghand *
Profile Blog Joined December 2010
United States25552 Posts
Last Edited: 2015-06-24 01:31:38
June 24 2015 01:31 GMT
#23
I'm just saying, hosting games requires reading every post in the game, including hidden content in said posts (if such content is allowed), and I categorically refuse to hit "quote" on every post. I've got other things to do, and hosting is already a big time sink as it is without such a ridiculous contrivance.
When you stare into the iCCup, the iCCup stares back.
TL+ Member
Fecalfeast
Profile Joined January 2010
Canada11355 Posts
June 24 2015 01:32 GMT
#24
On June 24 2015 10:31 Blazinghand wrote:
I'm just saying, hosting games requires reading every post in the game, including hidden content in said posts (if such content is allowed), and I categorically refuse to hit "quote" on every post. I've got other things to do, and hosting is already a big time sink as it is without such a ridiculous contrivance.

K, you convinced me.

No hidden BBcode messages in fecalfeast games
ModeratorINFLATE YOUR POST COUNT; PLAY TL MAFIA
Foolishness *
Profile Blog Joined May 2009
United States3044 Posts
June 24 2015 07:31 GMT
#25
I think this (hiding messages in BBCode) should be banned for reasons stated already. Though I think kita and Palmar have brought up other excellent points that might be worth discussing (compiled here, ordered by similarity):

  1. Can you post a picture that contains a message in 2pt font if you zoom in?
  2. Using out of game content (images, videos) that may be subject to change

  3. Can you hide a message within a paragraph of text?

  4. Can you quote some song lyrics where the next passage contains the message that you'll refer to?
  5. Can you post a random phrase like "I'm like Sirius Black" and a few days later point out that the same actor portrayed Detective Gordon?

  6. Spreadsheets that can be posted in the thread as "proof" you've been doing something
  7. Using out of game information to "prove" out of game actions (look at these boxes, I'm really moving)

  8. Abusing own meta to the point where you stop trying to win in some situations (town seal / promises)

  9. Speaking in code that only part of the game is likely to understand (I think geript/wos did this?)


For items 1-2, I don't think they should be allowed for similar reasons as the BBCode (though obviously number 2 is a little more vague and there's probably grey area). But if the content is clearly "out of game" then it shouldn't be allowed at all.

For item 3, I think this is okay because it's fairly easy to makeup. You can easily enough go through your previous posts, take random letters just because and say it's a message. I don't feel that this is hard enough where it ruins the fun. I don't remember who, but a while ago there was someone who was always posting a message that he was the cop no matter what role he was (usually using the first three letters of his first three posts, or first three sentences, etc.) Took zero effort and was always available if needed.

Just as well, if we prohibit hidden messages in text then it gets very hard to differentiate between a hidden message a softing a role. Is a player who is trying to allude that they might be the cop so you shouldn't pressure them using a hidden message? I think we can all agree that'd be silly, but it's tough to firmly say that's soooo different from leaving a hidden message.

I don't have an issue with items 4-5 as they are something that's easily google-able. I don't think there's hidden message implications because everyone here (presumably) knows how to use a web browser.

For items 6 and 7, I think there needs to be an important distinction between "out of game" and "in game" information. Anything "out of game" should not be used at all. The example here of 'look at these boxes, I'm moving' shouldn't have any impact on what the player is doing and why they might be mafia. If this is so great of a concern then the player should talk to the host about it first. If a player isn't posting very much, that's his prerogative and outside your control, and probably his fault if he gets killed for it. And while it is easy enough to fake a picture like this (we live in an age where you can take a pic with your phone and have it on imgur in less than a minute) if it does not pertain to information in the game then it shouldn't be used. (I know there's probably some grey area here).

The spreadsheet thing is alright to do. Some people do that and some don't. What's the different between someone posting a spreadsheet and saying "look this is what I did" and someone just typing it all out in a post? The same information is getting across. The spreadsheet would qualify as "in game" information.

Item 8 is probably against the rules in most situations: (from the model OP)
7. Getting yourself modkilled to help your team. Your non-majority-decided death may not be used as a bargaining chip.
...
9. Betting items outside of the game in exchange for in-game benefits

Item 9 I don't know about. It's probably okay but also the most grey out of the list in my opinion. People here are chummy and sometimes that comes out in posts, which is totally okay. But the counter argument of 'what if two people start speaking in Russian and nobody knows what they are saying' is difficult to refute. I'd like to hear what people think about this.

Would love to hear what others think about these items.
geript: "Foolishness's cases are persuasive and reasonable but leave you feeling dirty afterwards. Kinda like a whore." ---- Manager of the TL Mafia forum, come play!
Blazinghand *
Profile Blog Joined December 2010
United States25552 Posts
Last Edited: 2015-06-24 07:35:44
June 24 2015 07:35 GMT
#26
FWIW the "look at these boxes i'm moving" was only ever used by me as a lie. I think someone did once post photos of plane tickets though. hah.

they were real
When you stare into the iCCup, the iCCup stares back.
TL+ Member
Rels
Profile Joined August 2008
France13467 Posts
June 24 2015 07:43 GMT
#27
On June 24 2015 16:31 Foolishness wrote:
+ Show Spoiler +

I think this (hiding messages in BBCode) should be banned for reasons stated already. Though I think kita and Palmar have brought up other excellent points that might be worth discussing (compiled here, ordered by similarity):

  1. Can you post a picture that contains a message in 2pt font if you zoom in?
  2. Using out of game content (images, videos) that may be subject to change

  3. Can you hide a message within a paragraph of text?

  4. Can you quote some song lyrics where the next passage contains the message that you'll refer to?
  5. Can you post a random phrase like "I'm like Sirius Black" and a few days later point out that the same actor portrayed Detective Gordon?

  6. Spreadsheets that can be posted in the thread as "proof" you've been doing something
  7. Using out of game information to "prove" out of game actions (look at these boxes, I'm really moving)

  8. Abusing own meta to the point where you stop trying to win in some situations (town seal / promises)

  9. Speaking in code that only part of the game is likely to understand (I think geript/wos did this?)


For items 1-2, I don't think they should be allowed for similar reasons as the BBCode (though obviously number 2 is a little more vague and there's probably grey area). But if the content is clearly "out of game" then it shouldn't be allowed at all.

For item 3, I think this is okay because it's fairly easy to makeup. You can easily enough go through your previous posts, take random letters just because and say it's a message. I don't feel that this is hard enough where it ruins the fun. I don't remember who, but a while ago there was someone who was always posting a message that he was the cop no matter what role he was (usually using the first three letters of his first three posts, or first three sentences, etc.) Took zero effort and was always available if needed.

Just as well, if we prohibit hidden messages in text then it gets very hard to differentiate between a hidden message a softing a role. Is a player who is trying to allude that they might be the cop so you shouldn't pressure them using a hidden message? I think we can all agree that'd be silly, but it's tough to firmly say that's soooo different from leaving a hidden message.

I don't have an issue with items 4-5 as they are something that's easily google-able. I don't think there's hidden message implications because everyone here (presumably) knows how to use a web browser.

For items 6 and 7, I think there needs to be an important distinction between "out of game" and "in game" information. Anything "out of game" should not be used at all. The example here of 'look at these boxes, I'm moving' shouldn't have any impact on what the player is doing and why they might be mafia. If this is so great of a concern then the player should talk to the host about it first. If a player isn't posting very much, that's his prerogative and outside your control, and probably his fault if he gets killed for it. And while it is easy enough to fake a picture like this (we live in an age where you can take a pic with your phone and have it on imgur in less than a minute) if it does not pertain to information in the game then it shouldn't be used. (I know there's probably some grey area here).

The spreadsheet thing is alright to do. Some people do that and some don't. What's the different between someone posting a spreadsheet and saying "look this is what I did" and someone just typing it all out in a post? The same information is getting across. The spreadsheet would qualify as "in game" information.

Item 8 is probably against the rules in most situations: (from the model OP)
7. Getting yourself modkilled to help your team. Your non-majority-decided death may not be used as a bargaining chip.
...
9. Betting items outside of the game in exchange for in-game benefits

Item 9 I don't know about. It's probably okay but also the most grey out of the list in my opinion. People here are chummy and sometimes that comes out in posts, which is totally okay. But the counter argument of 'what if two people start speaking in Russian and nobody knows what they are saying' is difficult to refute. I'd like to hear what people think about this.

Would love to hear what others think about these items.

I agree with everything!

Except this point:
On June 24 2015 16:31 Foolishness wrote:
The spreadsheet thing is alright to do. Some people do that and some don't. What's the different between someone posting a spreadsheet and saying "look this is what I did" and someone just typing it all out in a post? The same information is getting across. The spreadsheet would qualify as "in game" information.

The content of a online spreeadsheet can change, so if we don't allow edits of posts, I don't know why online spreadsheet would be accepted. A screenshot of it would be alright though.
Fecalfeast
Profile Joined January 2010
Canada11355 Posts
June 24 2015 08:00 GMT
#28
On June 24 2015 16:43 Rels wrote:
Show nested quote +
On June 24 2015 16:31 Foolishness wrote:
+ Show Spoiler +

I think this (hiding messages in BBCode) should be banned for reasons stated already. Though I think kita and Palmar have brought up other excellent points that might be worth discussing (compiled here, ordered by similarity):

  1. Can you post a picture that contains a message in 2pt font if you zoom in?
  2. Using out of game content (images, videos) that may be subject to change

  3. Can you hide a message within a paragraph of text?

  4. Can you quote some song lyrics where the next passage contains the message that you'll refer to?
  5. Can you post a random phrase like "I'm like Sirius Black" and a few days later point out that the same actor portrayed Detective Gordon?

  6. Spreadsheets that can be posted in the thread as "proof" you've been doing something
  7. Using out of game information to "prove" out of game actions (look at these boxes, I'm really moving)

  8. Abusing own meta to the point where you stop trying to win in some situations (town seal / promises)

  9. Speaking in code that only part of the game is likely to understand (I think geript/wos did this?)


For items 1-2, I don't think they should be allowed for similar reasons as the BBCode (though obviously number 2 is a little more vague and there's probably grey area). But if the content is clearly "out of game" then it shouldn't be allowed at all.

For item 3, I think this is okay because it's fairly easy to makeup. You can easily enough go through your previous posts, take random letters just because and say it's a message. I don't feel that this is hard enough where it ruins the fun. I don't remember who, but a while ago there was someone who was always posting a message that he was the cop no matter what role he was (usually using the first three letters of his first three posts, or first three sentences, etc.) Took zero effort and was always available if needed.

Just as well, if we prohibit hidden messages in text then it gets very hard to differentiate between a hidden message a softing a role. Is a player who is trying to allude that they might be the cop so you shouldn't pressure them using a hidden message? I think we can all agree that'd be silly, but it's tough to firmly say that's soooo different from leaving a hidden message.

I don't have an issue with items 4-5 as they are something that's easily google-able. I don't think there's hidden message implications because everyone here (presumably) knows how to use a web browser.

For items 6 and 7, I think there needs to be an important distinction between "out of game" and "in game" information. Anything "out of game" should not be used at all. The example here of 'look at these boxes, I'm moving' shouldn't have any impact on what the player is doing and why they might be mafia. If this is so great of a concern then the player should talk to the host about it first. If a player isn't posting very much, that's his prerogative and outside your control, and probably his fault if he gets killed for it. And while it is easy enough to fake a picture like this (we live in an age where you can take a pic with your phone and have it on imgur in less than a minute) if it does not pertain to information in the game then it shouldn't be used. (I know there's probably some grey area here).

The spreadsheet thing is alright to do. Some people do that and some don't. What's the different between someone posting a spreadsheet and saying "look this is what I did" and someone just typing it all out in a post? The same information is getting across. The spreadsheet would qualify as "in game" information.

Item 8 is probably against the rules in most situations: (from the model OP)
7. Getting yourself modkilled to help your team. Your non-majority-decided death may not be used as a bargaining chip.
...
9. Betting items outside of the game in exchange for in-game benefits

Item 9 I don't know about. It's probably okay but also the most grey out of the list in my opinion. People here are chummy and sometimes that comes out in posts, which is totally okay. But the counter argument of 'what if two people start speaking in Russian and nobody knows what they are saying' is difficult to refute. I'd like to hear what people think about this.

Would love to hear what others think about these items.

I agree with everything!

Except this point:
Show nested quote +
On June 24 2015 16:31 Foolishness wrote:
The spreadsheet thing is alright to do. Some people do that and some don't. What's the different between someone posting a spreadsheet and saying "look this is what I did" and someone just typing it all out in a post? The same information is getting across. The spreadsheet would qualify as "in game" information.

The content of a online spreeadsheet can change, so if we don't allow edits of posts, I don't know why online spreadsheet would be accepted. A screenshot of it would be alright though.


I would agree that linking directly to the spreadsheet is not okay. It essentially becomes out of thread communication at that point.

One thing that I hadn't thought of before is linking to a picture that you later change. Most of the time, especially if you use imgur, this isn't an issue but if I were to host an image on a server I control and then change that image later, while keeping the filename the same, would that not count as editing? I can't imagine it's been an issue before but the possibility is there. The question is if the possibility of abuse warrants a regulation of image hosting providers.
ModeratorINFLATE YOUR POST COUNT; PLAY TL MAFIA
Blazinghand *
Profile Blog Joined December 2010
United States25552 Posts
June 24 2015 08:08 GMT
#29
On June 24 2015 17:00 Fecalfeast wrote:
Show nested quote +
On June 24 2015 16:43 Rels wrote:
On June 24 2015 16:31 Foolishness wrote:
+ Show Spoiler +

I think this (hiding messages in BBCode) should be banned for reasons stated already. Though I think kita and Palmar have brought up other excellent points that might be worth discussing (compiled here, ordered by similarity):

  1. Can you post a picture that contains a message in 2pt font if you zoom in?
  2. Using out of game content (images, videos) that may be subject to change

  3. Can you hide a message within a paragraph of text?

  4. Can you quote some song lyrics where the next passage contains the message that you'll refer to?
  5. Can you post a random phrase like "I'm like Sirius Black" and a few days later point out that the same actor portrayed Detective Gordon?

  6. Spreadsheets that can be posted in the thread as "proof" you've been doing something
  7. Using out of game information to "prove" out of game actions (look at these boxes, I'm really moving)

  8. Abusing own meta to the point where you stop trying to win in some situations (town seal / promises)

  9. Speaking in code that only part of the game is likely to understand (I think geript/wos did this?)


For items 1-2, I don't think they should be allowed for similar reasons as the BBCode (though obviously number 2 is a little more vague and there's probably grey area). But if the content is clearly "out of game" then it shouldn't be allowed at all.

For item 3, I think this is okay because it's fairly easy to makeup. You can easily enough go through your previous posts, take random letters just because and say it's a message. I don't feel that this is hard enough where it ruins the fun. I don't remember who, but a while ago there was someone who was always posting a message that he was the cop no matter what role he was (usually using the first three letters of his first three posts, or first three sentences, etc.) Took zero effort and was always available if needed.

Just as well, if we prohibit hidden messages in text then it gets very hard to differentiate between a hidden message a softing a role. Is a player who is trying to allude that they might be the cop so you shouldn't pressure them using a hidden message? I think we can all agree that'd be silly, but it's tough to firmly say that's soooo different from leaving a hidden message.

I don't have an issue with items 4-5 as they are something that's easily google-able. I don't think there's hidden message implications because everyone here (presumably) knows how to use a web browser.

For items 6 and 7, I think there needs to be an important distinction between "out of game" and "in game" information. Anything "out of game" should not be used at all. The example here of 'look at these boxes, I'm moving' shouldn't have any impact on what the player is doing and why they might be mafia. If this is so great of a concern then the player should talk to the host about it first. If a player isn't posting very much, that's his prerogative and outside your control, and probably his fault if he gets killed for it. And while it is easy enough to fake a picture like this (we live in an age where you can take a pic with your phone and have it on imgur in less than a minute) if it does not pertain to information in the game then it shouldn't be used. (I know there's probably some grey area here).

The spreadsheet thing is alright to do. Some people do that and some don't. What's the different between someone posting a spreadsheet and saying "look this is what I did" and someone just typing it all out in a post? The same information is getting across. The spreadsheet would qualify as "in game" information.

Item 8 is probably against the rules in most situations: (from the model OP)
7. Getting yourself modkilled to help your team. Your non-majority-decided death may not be used as a bargaining chip.
...
9. Betting items outside of the game in exchange for in-game benefits

Item 9 I don't know about. It's probably okay but also the most grey out of the list in my opinion. People here are chummy and sometimes that comes out in posts, which is totally okay. But the counter argument of 'what if two people start speaking in Russian and nobody knows what they are saying' is difficult to refute. I'd like to hear what people think about this.

Would love to hear what others think about these items.

I agree with everything!

Except this point:
On June 24 2015 16:31 Foolishness wrote:
The spreadsheet thing is alright to do. Some people do that and some don't. What's the different between someone posting a spreadsheet and saying "look this is what I did" and someone just typing it all out in a post? The same information is getting across. The spreadsheet would qualify as "in game" information.

The content of a online spreeadsheet can change, so if we don't allow edits of posts, I don't know why online spreadsheet would be accepted. A screenshot of it would be alright though.


I would agree that linking directly to the spreadsheet is not okay. It essentially becomes out of thread communication at that point.

One thing that I hadn't thought of before is linking to a picture that you later change. Most of the time, especially if you use imgur, this isn't an issue but if I were to host an image on a server I control and then change that image later, while keeping the filename the same, would that not count as editing? I can't imagine it's been an issue before but the possibility is there. The question is if the possibility of abuse warrants a regulation of image hosting providers.


I think moral of the story is if you're gonna do something that involves linking (like posting an embeded image) don't change it. If it changes, it will be treated the same as editing the post, cause that's what it is
When you stare into the iCCup, the iCCup stares back.
TL+ Member
justanothertownie
Profile Joined July 2013
16319 Posts
June 24 2015 11:16 GMT
#30
On June 24 2015 16:31 Foolishness wrote:
I think this (hiding messages in BBCode) should be banned for reasons stated already. Though I think kita and Palmar have brought up other excellent points that might be worth discussing (compiled here, ordered by similarity):

  1. Can you post a picture that contains a message in 2pt font if you zoom in?
  2. Using out of game content (images, videos) that may be subject to change

  3. Can you hide a message within a paragraph of text?

  4. Can you quote some song lyrics where the next passage contains the message that you'll refer to?
  5. Can you post a random phrase like "I'm like Sirius Black" and a few days later point out that the same actor portrayed Detective Gordon?

  6. Spreadsheets that can be posted in the thread as "proof" you've been doing something
  7. Using out of game information to "prove" out of game actions (look at these boxes, I'm really moving)

  8. Abusing own meta to the point where you stop trying to win in some situations (town seal / promises)

  9. Speaking in code that only part of the game is likely to understand (I think geript/wos did this?)



1-2 I'd say no.

3 Of course you can.

4-5 Of course you can.

6-7 Both ok for me. Something like this has been faked before so people should know not to blindly believe stuff like this.

8 Hell no.

9 No. There is a reason why people are only allowed to write english for example.
justanothertownie
Profile Joined July 2013
16319 Posts
June 24 2015 11:16 GMT
#31
On June 24 2015 17:08 Blazinghand wrote:
Show nested quote +
On June 24 2015 17:00 Fecalfeast wrote:
On June 24 2015 16:43 Rels wrote:
On June 24 2015 16:31 Foolishness wrote:
+ Show Spoiler +

I think this (hiding messages in BBCode) should be banned for reasons stated already. Though I think kita and Palmar have brought up other excellent points that might be worth discussing (compiled here, ordered by similarity):

  1. Can you post a picture that contains a message in 2pt font if you zoom in?
  2. Using out of game content (images, videos) that may be subject to change

  3. Can you hide a message within a paragraph of text?

  4. Can you quote some song lyrics where the next passage contains the message that you'll refer to?
  5. Can you post a random phrase like "I'm like Sirius Black" and a few days later point out that the same actor portrayed Detective Gordon?

  6. Spreadsheets that can be posted in the thread as "proof" you've been doing something
  7. Using out of game information to "prove" out of game actions (look at these boxes, I'm really moving)

  8. Abusing own meta to the point where you stop trying to win in some situations (town seal / promises)

  9. Speaking in code that only part of the game is likely to understand (I think geript/wos did this?)


For items 1-2, I don't think they should be allowed for similar reasons as the BBCode (though obviously number 2 is a little more vague and there's probably grey area). But if the content is clearly "out of game" then it shouldn't be allowed at all.

For item 3, I think this is okay because it's fairly easy to makeup. You can easily enough go through your previous posts, take random letters just because and say it's a message. I don't feel that this is hard enough where it ruins the fun. I don't remember who, but a while ago there was someone who was always posting a message that he was the cop no matter what role he was (usually using the first three letters of his first three posts, or first three sentences, etc.) Took zero effort and was always available if needed.

Just as well, if we prohibit hidden messages in text then it gets very hard to differentiate between a hidden message a softing a role. Is a player who is trying to allude that they might be the cop so you shouldn't pressure them using a hidden message? I think we can all agree that'd be silly, but it's tough to firmly say that's soooo different from leaving a hidden message.

I don't have an issue with items 4-5 as they are something that's easily google-able. I don't think there's hidden message implications because everyone here (presumably) knows how to use a web browser.

For items 6 and 7, I think there needs to be an important distinction between "out of game" and "in game" information. Anything "out of game" should not be used at all. The example here of 'look at these boxes, I'm moving' shouldn't have any impact on what the player is doing and why they might be mafia. If this is so great of a concern then the player should talk to the host about it first. If a player isn't posting very much, that's his prerogative and outside your control, and probably his fault if he gets killed for it. And while it is easy enough to fake a picture like this (we live in an age where you can take a pic with your phone and have it on imgur in less than a minute) if it does not pertain to information in the game then it shouldn't be used. (I know there's probably some grey area here).

The spreadsheet thing is alright to do. Some people do that and some don't. What's the different between someone posting a spreadsheet and saying "look this is what I did" and someone just typing it all out in a post? The same information is getting across. The spreadsheet would qualify as "in game" information.

Item 8 is probably against the rules in most situations: (from the model OP)
7. Getting yourself modkilled to help your team. Your non-majority-decided death may not be used as a bargaining chip.
...
9. Betting items outside of the game in exchange for in-game benefits

Item 9 I don't know about. It's probably okay but also the most grey out of the list in my opinion. People here are chummy and sometimes that comes out in posts, which is totally okay. But the counter argument of 'what if two people start speaking in Russian and nobody knows what they are saying' is difficult to refute. I'd like to hear what people think about this.

Would love to hear what others think about these items.

I agree with everything!

Except this point:
On June 24 2015 16:31 Foolishness wrote:
The spreadsheet thing is alright to do. Some people do that and some don't. What's the different between someone posting a spreadsheet and saying "look this is what I did" and someone just typing it all out in a post? The same information is getting across. The spreadsheet would qualify as "in game" information.

The content of a online spreeadsheet can change, so if we don't allow edits of posts, I don't know why online spreadsheet would be accepted. A screenshot of it would be alright though.


I would agree that linking directly to the spreadsheet is not okay. It essentially becomes out of thread communication at that point.

One thing that I hadn't thought of before is linking to a picture that you later change. Most of the time, especially if you use imgur, this isn't an issue but if I were to host an image on a server I control and then change that image later, while keeping the filename the same, would that not count as editing? I can't imagine it's been an issue before but the possibility is there. The question is if the possibility of abuse warrants a regulation of image hosting providers.


I think moral of the story is if you're gonna do something that involves linking (like posting an embeded image) don't change it. If it changes, it will be treated the same as editing the post, cause that's what it is

Agreed.
WaveofShadow
Profile Blog Joined April 2010
Canada31495 Posts
Last Edited: 2015-06-24 12:52:57
June 24 2015 12:51 GMT
#32
On June 24 2015 16:35 Blazinghand wrote:
FWIW the "look at these boxes i'm moving" was only ever used by me as a lie. I think someone did once post photos of plane tickets though. hah.

they were real

Best.

Wait hold on, when did I ever speak in code?
twitch.tv/waveofshadow ||| Winner of AHGL's So You Think You Can Cast! ||| Juicy Dad for lyfe ||| 'idk i get a kick out of stupid things' - Jarms Yarng
Holyflare
Profile Blog Joined November 2010
United Kingdom30775 Posts
Last Edited: 2015-06-24 14:29:27
June 24 2015 14:29 GMT
#33
I think out of game reasons and evidence is totally fine since people use out of game reasons and evidence to lynch people all the time (things like boxes etc)
Foolishness *
Profile Blog Joined May 2009
United States3044 Posts
June 24 2015 16:14 GMT
#34
On June 24 2015 20:16 justanothertownie wrote:
Show nested quote +
On June 24 2015 17:08 Blazinghand wrote:
On June 24 2015 17:00 Fecalfeast wrote:
On June 24 2015 16:43 Rels wrote:
On June 24 2015 16:31 Foolishness wrote:
+ Show Spoiler +

I think this (hiding messages in BBCode) should be banned for reasons stated already. Though I think kita and Palmar have brought up other excellent points that might be worth discussing (compiled here, ordered by similarity):

  1. Can you post a picture that contains a message in 2pt font if you zoom in?
  2. Using out of game content (images, videos) that may be subject to change

  3. Can you hide a message within a paragraph of text?

  4. Can you quote some song lyrics where the next passage contains the message that you'll refer to?
  5. Can you post a random phrase like "I'm like Sirius Black" and a few days later point out that the same actor portrayed Detective Gordon?

  6. Spreadsheets that can be posted in the thread as "proof" you've been doing something
  7. Using out of game information to "prove" out of game actions (look at these boxes, I'm really moving)

  8. Abusing own meta to the point where you stop trying to win in some situations (town seal / promises)

  9. Speaking in code that only part of the game is likely to understand (I think geript/wos did this?)


For items 1-2, I don't think they should be allowed for similar reasons as the BBCode (though obviously number 2 is a little more vague and there's probably grey area). But if the content is clearly "out of game" then it shouldn't be allowed at all.

For item 3, I think this is okay because it's fairly easy to makeup. You can easily enough go through your previous posts, take random letters just because and say it's a message. I don't feel that this is hard enough where it ruins the fun. I don't remember who, but a while ago there was someone who was always posting a message that he was the cop no matter what role he was (usually using the first three letters of his first three posts, or first three sentences, etc.) Took zero effort and was always available if needed.

Just as well, if we prohibit hidden messages in text then it gets very hard to differentiate between a hidden message a softing a role. Is a player who is trying to allude that they might be the cop so you shouldn't pressure them using a hidden message? I think we can all agree that'd be silly, but it's tough to firmly say that's soooo different from leaving a hidden message.

I don't have an issue with items 4-5 as they are something that's easily google-able. I don't think there's hidden message implications because everyone here (presumably) knows how to use a web browser.

For items 6 and 7, I think there needs to be an important distinction between "out of game" and "in game" information. Anything "out of game" should not be used at all. The example here of 'look at these boxes, I'm moving' shouldn't have any impact on what the player is doing and why they might be mafia. If this is so great of a concern then the player should talk to the host about it first. If a player isn't posting very much, that's his prerogative and outside your control, and probably his fault if he gets killed for it. And while it is easy enough to fake a picture like this (we live in an age where you can take a pic with your phone and have it on imgur in less than a minute) if it does not pertain to information in the game then it shouldn't be used. (I know there's probably some grey area here).

The spreadsheet thing is alright to do. Some people do that and some don't. What's the different between someone posting a spreadsheet and saying "look this is what I did" and someone just typing it all out in a post? The same information is getting across. The spreadsheet would qualify as "in game" information.

Item 8 is probably against the rules in most situations: (from the model OP)
7. Getting yourself modkilled to help your team. Your non-majority-decided death may not be used as a bargaining chip.
...
9. Betting items outside of the game in exchange for in-game benefits

Item 9 I don't know about. It's probably okay but also the most grey out of the list in my opinion. People here are chummy and sometimes that comes out in posts, which is totally okay. But the counter argument of 'what if two people start speaking in Russian and nobody knows what they are saying' is difficult to refute. I'd like to hear what people think about this.

Would love to hear what others think about these items.

I agree with everything!

Except this point:
On June 24 2015 16:31 Foolishness wrote:
The spreadsheet thing is alright to do. Some people do that and some don't. What's the different between someone posting a spreadsheet and saying "look this is what I did" and someone just typing it all out in a post? The same information is getting across. The spreadsheet would qualify as "in game" information.

The content of a online spreeadsheet can change, so if we don't allow edits of posts, I don't know why online spreadsheet would be accepted. A screenshot of it would be alright though.


I would agree that linking directly to the spreadsheet is not okay. It essentially becomes out of thread communication at that point.

One thing that I hadn't thought of before is linking to a picture that you later change. Most of the time, especially if you use imgur, this isn't an issue but if I were to host an image on a server I control and then change that image later, while keeping the filename the same, would that not count as editing? I can't imagine it's been an issue before but the possibility is there. The question is if the possibility of abuse warrants a regulation of image hosting providers.


I think moral of the story is if you're gonna do something that involves linking (like posting an embeded image) don't change it. If it changes, it will be treated the same as editing the post, cause that's what it is

Agreed.

Also agreed. For the spreadsheet example I was thinking of someone posting pictures to it, not linking it and updating it.
geript: "Foolishness's cases are persuasive and reasonable but leave you feeling dirty afterwards. Kinda like a whore." ---- Manager of the TL Mafia forum, come play!
Kurumi
Profile Blog Joined April 2010
Poland6130 Posts
June 28 2015 23:27 GMT
#35
I am happy with what you have said, Foolishness.
I work alone. // Visit TL Mafia subforum!
Alakaslam
Profile Blog Joined September 2011
United States17336 Posts
June 28 2015 23:44 GMT
#36
No YouTube linking?

Ah.

Adieu...
If you think Elon Musk is a Nazi, it is because YOU radicalized him!
Holyflare
Profile Blog Joined November 2010
United Kingdom30775 Posts
June 29 2015 00:12 GMT
#37
of course we can link youtube videos?
Normal
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