• Log InLog In
  • Register
Liquid`
Team Liquid Liquipedia
EDT 05:40
CEST 11:40
KST 18:40
  • Home
  • Forum
  • Calendar
  • Streams
  • Liquipedia
  • Features
  • Store
  • EPT
  • TL+
  • StarCraft 2
  • Brood War
  • Smash
  • Heroes
  • Counter-Strike
  • Overwatch
  • Liquibet
  • Fantasy StarCraft
  • TLPD
  • StarCraft 2
  • Brood War
  • Blogs
Forum Sidebar
Events/Features
News
Featured News
Serral wins HomeStory Cup 2915Serral wins Maestros of the Game 243ByuL, and the Limitations of Standard Play3Team Liquid Map Contest #22: Results and Winners7Code S Season 2 (2026): RO4 and Finals Preview12
Community News
Weekly Cups (Aug 3-9): Protoss get shut out7RSL goes to London! 2026 Offline Finals Nov 21-2212Weekly Cups (July 27-Aug 2): SHIN's big week0SC4ALL II: Brood War - $2500 - Dec 5-69SC4ALL II announced - $10,000 prize pool, Dec 5-64
StarCraft 2
General
https://www.facebook.com/Eco.Fuel.Reviews/ Balance hotfix patch 5.0.16b (July 16) Protoss AoE skill expression Weekly Cups (Aug 3-9): Protoss get shut out SC4ALL: II Talent Announcement!
Tourneys
PIG STY FESTIVAL 8.0! (13 - 23 August) 2026 KungFu Cup Announcement Sparkling Tuna Cup - Weekly Open Tournament RSL goes to London! 2026 Offline Finals Nov 21-22 RSL Revival: Season 6 - Qualifiers and Main Event
Strategy
[G] Having the right mentality to improve
Custom Maps
Nexus Wars 2021 GUIDE [M] (2) Industrial Park
External Content
u4gm Diablo 4: QoL Secrets for Faster Gameplay u4gm POE2 Frostbolt Build: A Powerful Boss Killer U4GM CFB 27 Guide: Why UTSA’s Offense Is So Danger Mutation # 538 Media Blackout
Brood War
General
ASL22 General Discussion BW General Discussion [Personal Project Share] Terran Defense v0.60 BGH Auto Balance -> http://bghmmr.eu/ StarCraft 64 is coming to Philly at SC4ALL II
Tourneys
[Megathread] Daily Proleagues KCM Race Survival 2026 Season 3 2v2v2v2 Tournament Escore Tournament - Season 3
Strategy
Odyssey Mineral Stack Saturation Fighting Spirit mining rates Any training maps people recommend? Simple Questions, Simple Answers
Other Games
General Games
Stormgate/Frost Giant Megathread Nintendo Switch Thread EVE Corporation General RTS Discussion Thread Diablo 2 thread
Dota 2
Official 'what is Dota anymore' discussion
League of Legends
[TL LoL EUW IHs] Teemo shall perish TSM pausing esports and CLG Dead
Heroes of the Storm
Heroes of the Storm 2.0
Hearthstone
Deck construction bug
TL Mafia
TL Mafia Power Rank TL Mafia Community Thread NeO.D_StephenKing vs This Guy From 1 Million Dance
Community
General
US Politics Mega-thread European Politico-economics QA Mega-thread The Letting Off Steam Thread Iain M Banks Says He Has Cancer And Months To Live Russo-Ukrainian War Thread
Fan Clubs
MarineLorD Fan Club The ShoWTimE Fan Club The herO Fan Club!
Media & Entertainment
Movie Discussion! Anime Discussion Thread Series you have seen recently... [Req][Books] Good Fantasy/SciFi books
Sports
TeamLiquid Health and Fitness Initiative For 2023 Football (Soccer) Thread NBA General Discussion Formula 1 Discussion MLB/Baseball 2023
World Cup 2022
Tech Support
Computer Build, Upgrade & Buying Resource Thread Simple Questions Simple Answers FPS when play League Of Legend on laptop
TL Community
The Automated Ban List Northern Ireland Global Starcraft
Blogs
Are High-Level Gamers more A…
TrAiDoS
Cathedral Of CS And NY pizza a…
FuDDx
Please support my new stand…
Peanutsc
Hello guys!
LIN1s
ASL S22 English Commentary…
namkraft
Customize Sidebar...

Website Feedback

Closed Threads



Active: 2896 users

Outing the Spades OP

Forum Index > Website Feedback
Post a Reply
1 2 3 Next All
Doodsmack
Profile Blog Joined August 2010
United States7224 Posts
Last Edited: 2012-06-05 02:23:22
June 05 2012 02:23 GMT
#1
I see there are two other threads about the Spades thread in Website Feedback, however they are concerning moderation which is not quite what I want to touch on, so I feel a new thread is justified.

A mod should do an IP check of the OP and expose his main account. This should be done because of the manner in which the OP went about accusing Spades. He exaggerated and misinterpreted NUMEROUS times, in ways that can only lead us to conclude he did so deliberately. For example, claiming that moving an SCV to a watchtower w/o looking at the watchtower is evidence of a hack is simply dishonest, and intended to capitalize on the hasty-conclusion hive mind that was sure to follow his post. In other words the OP created the illusion of painstaking examination when in fact his evidence was HEAVILY circumstantial.

It's only fair that his identity should be outed if he's going to pretend to be the judge and jury. I know TL doesn't have a policy against outing smurf accounts on principle, since if you're temp banned it tells you that if you make a new account you will be exposed.

Can a mod please explain the reasoning for why this can't be done?
monk
Profile Blog Joined May 2009
United States8477 Posts
June 05 2012 02:43 GMT
#2
Because his IP doesn't match those of any other accounts. If it did, the new account would probably be banned instantly. Trust me, checking the IP was the first thing I did when I saw that thread from an account with 1 post. I bet every other mod did that too.
Moderator
Doodsmack
Profile Blog Joined August 2010
United States7224 Posts
June 05 2012 02:58 GMT
#3
Oh okay, good stuff. Thank you.
fofa2000
Profile Joined October 2010
Canada548 Posts
June 05 2012 07:16 GMT
#4
It's not very hard to use a proxy, an computer from the outside or anything like that. I imagine that if there wasn't anything controversial posted the topic would be closed immediately. But the accusation made some sense, and even if there was some exaggeration I guess that anyone can raise concerns about pro players cheating (with a ban on the line if they are not founded I imagine).
-smells likes tasty soup, what's the menu?-fresh jaedong style marine stew served with a glass of dragoon slush!-The food's any good?Quite unusual names, never heard-all my food's good, the kitchen's this way-btw whatu terarn doing alone in a zerg colony?
RusHXceL
Profile Joined August 2010
United States1004 Posts
June 05 2012 15:14 GMT
#5
On June 05 2012 11:43 NrGmonk wrote:
Because his IP doesn't match those of any other accounts. If it did, the new account would probably be banned instantly. Trust me, checking the IP was the first thing I did when I saw that thread from an account with 1 post. I bet every other mod did that too.


I think its Spades himself.

He just wants to become infamous over this ordeal.
Doodsmack
Profile Blog Joined August 2010
United States7224 Posts
Last Edited: 2012-06-05 16:06:24
June 05 2012 15:59 GMT
#6
I understand from RaGe's post in a blog that the mods have in fact found IP matches with other accounts and are debating whether to reveal this information. I would once again encourage them to do so, for several reasons.

For one, as I stated before, the OP exaggerated many of his points in order to create the impression that there was more certainty than in fact existed. Indeed he claimed it to be a fact that Spades hacks. He did not give Spades due course and exercise caution with his accusations, which is something that's critically important considering the potential for career assassination resulting from false accusations. Just look at page one of the thread, numerous people immediately assume the OP is right without having watched the replays yet. No one should be allowed to accuse in this way with impunity, on the principle that if their accusations are false they should be held accountable.

In addition, by not revealing the identity of the OP it would set a dangerous precedent for more people to make anonymous accusations in the future. This may lead future anonymous accusers to exaggerate and embellish in ways that the ensuing mob latches onto and accepts without questioning. This is connected to my first point, because if the accusers know that their statements will be tied to their identity, they will excercise more caution in the claims they make.

I hope the mods take these thoughts into consideration in their debate.
Chill
Profile Blog Joined January 2005
Calgary26003 Posts
Last Edited: 2012-06-05 16:15:55
June 05 2012 16:14 GMT
#7
ok were not dumb and we dont know who he is. thread closed.

Edit: Okay I lied. The registered IP does hit existing members. Thread reopened.
Moderator
whiterabbit
Profile Joined June 2009
2675 Posts
June 05 2012 16:21 GMT
#8
You lied? Nice.

I hope you all don't conviently decide to keep OP's identity secret, especially after 160+ pages that ruined player's career without even getting to the point of having undeniable proof.
NUTELLA y u no make me skinny?!?
Deleted User 137586
Profile Joined January 2011
7859 Posts
June 05 2012 16:22 GMT
#9
I guess I should repost my thoughts on the matter as you recommended, Doodsmack.
I hope the mods take a nice long time to discuss the possible unveiling of the poster. As they probably know, there are a number of possible consequences:

a) If the allegations are deemed false, his reputation is marred just because he reported a pro.
b) Concerned parties can enact retribution in various unpleasant ways.
c) If either of the previous is the case, we can forget about anyone posting anonymous tips again, which also means more maphackers unreported.
d) If the previous points can be disregarded, there's still the question that they alone can decide regarding the particular details of the relationship between him and Spades.
e) Lastly, we damage the message that objective arguments trump authority of the speaker.

P.S. (b) also includes litigation on slander. Yet, TL's choice to reveal the identity of the OP does not change whether that litigation will take place, only its process. A judge can hypothetically order TL to reveal the information.
Cry 'havoc' and let slip the dogs of war
JieXian
Profile Blog Joined August 2008
Malaysia4677 Posts
Last Edited: 2012-06-05 16:31:18
June 05 2012 16:24 GMT
#10
On June 06 2012 00:59 Doodsmack wrote:
I understand from RaGe's post in a blog that the mods have in fact found IP matches with other accounts and are debating whether to reveal this information. I would once again encourage them to do so, for several reasons.

For one, as I stated before, the OP exaggerated many of his points in order to create the impression that there was more certainty than in fact existed. Indeed he claimed it to be a fact that Spades hacks. He did not give Spades due course and exercise caution with his accusations, which is something that's critically important considering the potential for career assassination resulting from false accusations. Just look at page one of the thread, numerous people immediately assume the OP is right without having watched the replays yet. No one should be allowed to accuse in this way with impunity, on the principle that if their accusations are false they should be held accountable.

In addition, by not revealing the identity of the OP it would set a dangerous precedent for more people to make anonymous accusations in the future. This may lead future anonymous accusers to exaggerate and embellish in ways that the ensuing mob latches onto and accepts without questioning. This is connected to my first point, because if the accusers know that their statements will be tied to their identity, they will excercise more caution in the claims they make.

I hope the mods take these thoughts into consideration in their debate.


Or they can post from their friend's house/pc bang/proxy
Please send me a PM of any song you like that I most probably never heard of! I am looking for people to chat about writing and producing music | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noD-bsOcxuU |
Urasim
Profile Joined March 2012
United States83 Posts
June 05 2012 16:26 GMT
#11
Why not prove, with 100% certainty, that drolets information is completely wrong before going for your witch hunt on a guy that wants to stay anonymous? Only people that should be made aware of the identity is spades and the team liquid staff. If spades is innocent then he can go and slander drolets reputation all he wants. You nor I should have any say in the matter. The fact that this thread still exists means that team liquid is actually considering it, and that would be bad for anyone and everyone who wants to out cheaters and stay anonymous from the mob of people that want to discredit and/or defame said posters.
r.Evo
Profile Joined August 2006
Germany14081 Posts
June 05 2012 16:28 GMT
#12
-Anonymous accusations or rather anonymous tips are important when it comes to matters like this. Assuming this would be about a top pro and I had information about him hacking I wouldn't want his angry fanboys to stay in front of my door the next day.

While I completely disagree with how the OP put his stuff, there should be a possibility to remain anonymous while also "exposing" a hacker. If this means sending the entire analysis to some 3rd party who will take care of it or being allowed to put your own analysis up for discussion under a smurf is a different subject.

-Easiest way to protect both people who find out stuff like this and players reputation is to keep said information to a small circle and let those people decide what is worthy of a "real" thread and what isn't. Any post similar to the OP in the spades case can ruin a reputation big time, this should not be debated in public. (Not to mention that unless someone sees the thread and is like "I got replays to contribute" basically the entire discussion there is pointless because only very few people have actually a clue about this stuff and can contribute to analyzing it. =P)
"We don't make mistakes here, we call it happy little accidents." ~Bob Ross
WaDaFruCK
Profile Joined February 2012
United States5 Posts
June 05 2012 16:29 GMT
#13
I believe that disclosing the exact identity is a huge risk, and not necessary to the point.

I do however believe that a statement on whether or not the OP is an unbiased 3rd party would be necessary.

unfortunately, inaction will most likely be interpreted as evidence in some way or another by the mob.
TechniQ.UK
Profile Blog Joined May 2007
United Kingdom391 Posts
June 05 2012 16:38 GMT
#14
Really I'm just playing around with ideas here that others could perhaps elaborate on (or indeed ditch if it sounds like crap). I was thinking that perhaps to prevent peoples careers being negatively affected (semi-pro/pro) that there should be a sort of independent (as much as one can define it) council of pro players, casters or other people in the scene.

The function of which would be investigating hacking allegations against top players rather than allowing mob-rule to define someone as guilty or not guilty. In the end after watching replays, consultation and so on they could vote and release a statement on their findings. Whether guilty, not guilty, inconclusive or other. Obviously this would be quite a work load, and I would only suggest that such a council would deal with serious, well thought out and "evidence" supported allegations (such as the case against spades) and again it would only be for dealing with semi-pro/pro players.

Obviously such a system would not be perfect and it would have its flaws but I think it would be a positive step towards a proper self-regulation of the community rather than the mob-rule and career ending disgrace that we have witnessed in this particular instance. If SC2 is going to be a proper sport then it must have some form of organised independent regulation that has credibility and can speak in such cases.

A possible example would be a 5 person council, one team leader, two pro players, one caster, one community figure. It would be good to have as wide a scope as possible, i.e. these should be people associated with different teams and different sections of the community as much as is possible. Maybe the lineup could be changed each year?

Again perhaps this is not an idea people will agree with but just throwing it out there to promote some constructive discussion towards the future of our community.

Fan of: Acer.Scarlett and Liquid'NonY //
Dodgin
Profile Blog Joined July 2011
Canada39254 Posts
June 05 2012 16:38 GMT
#15
On June 06 2012 01:21 whiterabbit wrote:
You lied? Nice.

I hope you all don't conviently decide to keep OP's identity secret, especially after 160+ pages that ruined player's career without even getting to the point of having undeniable proof.


I think you're taking the phrase " I lied " a bit too literally, It's a common thing to say for people I know when they actually mean " my mistake " or " I was wrong ".
Deleted User 137586
Profile Joined January 2011
7859 Posts
Last Edited: 2012-06-05 16:48:45
June 05 2012 16:40 GMT
#16
On June 06 2012 01:38 TechniQ.UK wrote:
+ Show Spoiler +

Really I'm just playing around with ideas here that others could perhaps elaborate on (or indeed ditch if it sounds like crap). I was thinking that perhaps
to prevent peoples careers being negatively affected (semi-pro/pro) that there should be a sort of independent (as much as one can define it) council of pro players, casters or other people in the scene.
+ Show Spoiler +

The function of which would be investigating hacking allegations against top players rather than allowing mob-rule to define someone as guilty or not guilty. In the end after watching replays, consultation and so on they could vote and release a statement on their findings. Whether guilty, not guilty, inconclusive or other. Obviously this would be quite a work load, and I would only suggest that such a council would deal with serious, well thought out and "evidence" supported allegations (such as the case against spades) and again it would only be for dealing with semi-pro/pro players.

Obviously such a system would not be perfect and it would have its flaws but I think it would be a positive step towards a proper self-regulation of the community rather than the mob-rule and career ending disgrace that we have witnessed in this particular instance. If SC2 is going to be a proper sport then it must have some form of organised independent regulation that has credibility and can speak in such cases.

A possible example would be a 5 person council, one team leader, two pro players, one caster, one community figure. It would be good to have as wide a scope as possible, i.e. these should be people associated with different teams and different sections of the community as much as is possible. Maybe the lineup could be changed each year?

Again perhaps this is not an idea people will agree with but just throwing it out there to promote some constructive discussion towards the future of our community.



You're thinking in the right direction, but setting it up is the tricky part. The most famous cheating/misconduct case was judged by KESPA that pretty much has the structure (in less detailed form) that you described.
Cry 'havoc' and let slip the dogs of war
Alryk
Profile Blog Joined November 2011
United States2718 Posts
Last Edited: 2012-06-05 16:47:12
June 05 2012 16:42 GMT
#17
I found it kind of depressing that the mob so easily jumped on Spades. I don't think it's a matter of whether or not he's actually maphacking (I'm not skilled enough to pretend to know) along with almost everybody posting in that thread. Anybody under GM will read the thread, and then see what they want to see, especially potentially interpreting a better player's game sense for map hacking. Which is why I think that only the pros comments matter.

In light of that information, I agree with exposing his identity. It's silly for accusations like this to remain unknown, especially when other pros as far as I understand have agreed that a lot of the OP's accusations are very very flimsy. (Not that the accusation of maphacking is, just that his comments are).

For better or worse, Spades' career is pretty over most likely. Only he will ever actually know whether or not he's getting what he deserves (And nobody will ever know otherwise unless he admits it or somebody hacks his desktop and looks at his files O.o), but nobody will know who did it to him, which is a shame if that person is somebody notable.

Edit: On reading above posts, I think it would be really interesting if any accusations like this could be run through a council/at least moderators. Moderators would review it and look to see if there is any credibility to their argument. Or ideally a "council" like somebody above suggested. If there is nothing wrong with it, and the OP sending the information has no ulterior motive for exposing X player, then a moderator can post it. That way, we can be sure that there is at least some credibility to his statement as ascertained by a moderator/pro players, the identity of the person accusing is protected (credible anonymous tip), and we know that he is an unbiased third party.

If the person accusing fails at any of these, then just don't post. Because even a bad post with terrible information can get a mob going if it is worded properly.
Team Liquid, IM, ViOlet!
Urasim
Profile Joined March 2012
United States83 Posts
June 05 2012 16:52 GMT
#18
On June 06 2012 01:42 Alryk wrote:
I found it kind of depressing that the mob so easily jumped on Spades. I don't think it's a matter of whether or not he's actually maphacking (I'm not skilled enough to pretend to know) along with almost everybody posting in that thread. Anybody under GM will read the thread, and then see what they want to see, especially potentially interpreting a better player's game sense for map hacking. Which is why I think that only the pros comments matter.

In light of that information, I agree with exposing his identity. It's silly for accusations like this to remain unknown, especially when other pros as far as I understand have agreed that a lot of the OP's accusations are very very flimsy. (Not that the accusation of maphacking is, just that his comments are).

For better or worse, Spades' career is pretty over most likely. Only he will ever actually know whether or not he's getting what he deserves (And nobody will ever know otherwise unless he admits it or somebody hacks his desktop and looks at his files O.o), but nobody will know who did it to him, which is a shame if that person is somebody notable.


His career isn't over... It hasn't even started. He can easily gain any lost reputation by winning or placing well in a lan.

Also, there is only one pro so far that is defending spades out of seven or so.
artanis2
Profile Joined April 2010
United States732 Posts
June 05 2012 18:14 GMT
#19
So, who was it? I think this information should be given to the community.

Pros:
Keep people honest, anonymous accusations can be made against anyone.
Acknowledges the whistleblower, shows the community that it is acceptable to rat out cheaters.

Cons:
The OP could be wrong and that will affect them poorly (but they should accept the consequences).
It could scare off future whistleblowers if the community doesn't feel the evidence is sufficient.
Insane
Profile Blog Joined November 2003
United States4991 Posts
June 05 2012 18:43 GMT
#20
I think it's better to keep the identity anonymous. While I'm personally curious who it is, there are always going to be haters who refuse to believe Spades is guilty, and will harass the whistleblower. Subjecting them to harassment because people are immature seems to serve no purpose other than to allow people who support Spades to harass them.
The validity of the accusations doesn't rest at all upon the identity of the original accuser, as a large number of well-respect pros have taken up the accusations since then.
1 2 3 Next All
Please log in or register to reply.
Live Events Refresh
Next event in 20m
[ Submit Event ]
Live Streams
Refresh
StarCraft 2
SortOf 80
StarCraft: Brood War
Shuttle 1547
Bisu 1039
Jaedong 689
Hyuk 275
Mini 207
Killer 147
Light 89
Larva 71
Pusan 71
Sharp 41
[ Show more ]
Hm[arnc] 40
Sacsri 28
ZerO 23
yabsab 15
zelot 13
hero 11
Rush 6
Dota 2
The International62761
Gorgc13010
singsing2408
Fuzer 307
KheZu55
BananaSlamJamma30
League of Legends
JimRising 344
Counter-Strike
olofmeister1581
kRYSTAL_65
Other Games
ceh9483
Sick135
Hui .133
ZerO(Twitch)3
Organizations
Other Games
gamesdonequick556
StarCraft: Brood War
UltimateBattle 39
lovetv 8
[ Show 13 non-featured ]
StarCraft 2
• StrangeGG 35
• LUISG 17
• AfreecaTV YouTube
• intothetv
• Kozan
• IndyKCrew
• Migwel
StarCraft: Brood War
• iopq 8
• BSLYoutube
• STPLYoutube
• ZZZeroYoutube
League of Legends
• Jankos1001
• Stunt449
Upcoming Events
The PondCast
20m
KCM Race Survival
20m
PiG Sty Festival
2h 20m
Serral vs Lambo
SHIN vs Rogue
OSC
3h 20m
Replay Cast
14h 20m
Escore
1d
PiG Sty Festival
1d 2h
ByuN vs HeRoMaRinE
ShoWTimE vs Zoun
CranKy Ducklings
2 days
PiG Sty Festival
2 days
herO vs Krystianer
Solar vs Cure
Sparkling Tuna Cup
3 days
[ Show More ]
PiG Sty Festival
3 days
Maru vs Shameless
Reynor vs TriGGeR
OSC
3 days
Afreeca Starleague
4 days
Rush vs Hm
Bisu vs Shuttle
WardiTV Weekly
4 days
The Patches Monday
4 days
Afreeca Starleague
5 days
Sharp vs Shinee
Action vs Shine
PiGosaur Cup
5 days
Replay Cast
5 days
Afreeca Starleague
6 days
BeSt vs Paralyze
Jaedong vs Speed
Kung Fu Cup
6 days
Liquipedia Results

Completed

Proleague 2026-08-11
CranK Gathers Season 4: BW vs SC2 Team League
Eternal Conflict S2 Finale

Ongoing

KCM Race Survival 2026 Season 3
K-JUNGMAN
Acropolis #5
RSL Revival: Season 6
PiG Sty Festival 8.0
Esports World Cup 2026
Esports World Cup 2026: LCQ
BLAST Bounty Summer 2026
BLAST Bounty Summer Qual
Stake Ranked Episode 3
XSE Pro League 2026
IEM Cologne Major 2026

Upcoming

Escore Tournament S3: W7
CSLAN 4
ASL Season 22
Escore Tournament S3: W8
Acropolis #5 - TRS
Blizzard Classic Cup 2026
Acropolis #5 - GSA
HSC XXX
SC4ALL II: StarCraft II
Kung Fu Cup 2026 Grand Finals
RSL Offline Finals
Big Dog Cup 2026 Div 1
META DYMY #4
PGL Masters Bucharest 2026
Thunderpick World Champ.
ESL Pro League Season 24
Stake Ranked Episode 4
Logitech G Connect 2026
SL StarSeries Fall 2026
FISSURE Playground #5
BLAST Open Fall 2026
TLPD

1. ByuN
2. TY
3. Dark
4. Solar
5. Stats
6. Nerchio
7. sOs
8. soO
9. INnoVation
10. Elazer
1. Rain
2. Flash
3. EffOrt
4. Last
5. Bisu
6. Soulkey
7. Mini
8. Sharp
Sidebar Settings...

Advertising | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Use | Contact Us

Original banner artwork: Jim Warren
The contents of this webpage are copyright © 2026 TLnet. All Rights Reserved.