Exactly. There has been little to no actual explanation of what the scans do. So far, all we have heard from Blizzard is a defense of the practice; they only talk about the fact that they are allowed to do the scans because of the EULA (vague though it may be). But surely they could avoid concern with an explanation of how the scan works - what they look for, how they look for it, and why they look in that way. What does "Blue" have to say?
There's a recent article on CNET http://news.com.com/Game+players+say+Blizzard+inva des+privacy/2100-1043_3-5830718.html?tag=nefd.ac that describes a process by which illegal mods and hacks can be discovered. This obviously raises an outcry about computer privacy, as every connected computer gets annalyzed. Granted, Blizzard reserved that right within the EULA, but little has been said about the nature and specifics of the scans. How does this scan work, what does it look for as tell-tale signs, and how do you appease a privacy fan and game lover like myself that our trust is not misplaced?
Many WoW players are familiar with the activities and roles of the CMs on the forums; what is unfamiliar is the process by which you gather the information they collect. What is the organization by which you gather information and act and, perhaps more importantly, what factors do you use to judge user suggestions in light of game balance?
Re:let me explain something about longhorn...
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Longhorn Beta Begins
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That used to be an expression in english as well. Shakespeare was well know for using "horn" jokes that the average reader today doesn't get. Hook 'em horns!
I'm sorry, but equating SF to Sci-Fi is a gross error. Academically speaking (yes, people study SF!), SF is a larger category than Sci-Fi.
Sci-Fi is (obviously) short for Science Fiction, and is predominantly used in reference to "The Golden Age of Sci-Fi" (read Arthur C. Clarke, Philip K. Dick, Isaac Asimov, etc). This is "hard" science fiction, where special attention is giving in the story to make it scientifically believable. In fact, Sci-Fi / Science Fiction was originally coined "Scientifiction," but that didn't quite catch on.
SF is much more general, and is a concept championed by such authors Harlan Ellison and Ursala LeGuin. It stands for "Speculative Fiction." The idea behind it is that there is less focus on the scientific reality behind the story, and more behind the extrapolated ideas. The Left Hand of Darkness did not simply focus on the genetics behind a genderless society, it focused on the possible social affects. The science is assumed.
This may all seem like nitpicking, but I had the pleasure to attend the 2004 Nebula awards. Neil Gaiman's acceptance speech was read by Harlan Ellison. Neil made him agree to read it verbatim. And Harlan looked more upset when Neil made him say he was a "Sci-Fi" author than when he was made to say he was a Republican. So the gist of the story? Sci-Fi is what is known as "Hard SF" and SF in general is not to be confused with "Sci-Fi." It does not...compute.
A better expression of Mac's apropos viruses [...]
Apropos viruses? Pluralazation issues aside, it's no wonder you recommend anti-virus software for a computer who's worst attacker was the autoplay worm. Remember that one? Put a CD in, and it played automatically. Scary.
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Exactly. There has been little to no actual explanation of what the scans do. So far, all we have heard from Blizzard is a defense of the practice; they only talk about the fact that they are allowed to do the scans because of the EULA (vague though it may be). But surely they could avoid concern with an explanation of how the scan works - what they look for, how they look for it, and why they look in that way. What does "Blue" have to say?
There's a recent article on CNET http://news.com.com/Game+players+say+Blizzard+inva des+privacy/2100-1043_3-5830718.html?tag=nefd.ac that describes a process by which illegal mods and hacks can be discovered. This obviously raises an outcry about computer privacy, as every connected computer gets annalyzed. Granted, Blizzard reserved that right within the EULA, but little has been said about the nature and specifics of the scans. How does this scan work, what does it look for as tell-tale signs, and how do you appease a privacy fan and game lover like myself that our trust is not misplaced?
Many WoW players are familiar with the activities and roles of the CMs on the forums; what is unfamiliar is the process by which you gather the information they collect. What is the organization by which you gather information and act and, perhaps more importantly, what factors do you use to judge user suggestions in light of game balance?
That used to be an expression in english as well. Shakespeare was well know for using "horn" jokes that the average reader today doesn't get. Hook 'em horns!
I would love it if Clippy corrected my grammar while misspelling it as grammer :D
Now that's a can of worms to open; Is Star Wars more in the SF or Fantasy category?
Sci-Fi is (obviously) short for Science Fiction, and is predominantly used in reference to "The Golden Age of Sci-Fi" (read Arthur C. Clarke, Philip K. Dick, Isaac Asimov, etc). This is "hard" science fiction, where special attention is giving in the story to make it scientifically believable. In fact, Sci-Fi / Science Fiction was originally coined "Scientifiction," but that didn't quite catch on.
SF is much more general, and is a concept championed by such authors Harlan Ellison and Ursala LeGuin. It stands for "Speculative Fiction." The idea behind it is that there is less focus on the scientific reality behind the story, and more behind the extrapolated ideas. The Left Hand of Darkness did not simply focus on the genetics behind a genderless society, it focused on the possible social affects. The science is assumed.
This may all seem like nitpicking, but I had the pleasure to attend the 2004 Nebula awards. Neil Gaiman's acceptance speech was read by Harlan Ellison. Neil made him agree to read it verbatim. And Harlan looked more upset when Neil made him say he was a "Sci-Fi" author than when he was made to say he was a Republican. So the gist of the story? Sci-Fi is what is known as "Hard SF" and SF in general is not to be confused with "Sci-Fi." It does not...compute.
Apropos viruses? Pluralazation issues aside, it's no wonder you recommend anti-virus software for a computer who's worst attacker was the autoplay worm. Remember that one? Put a CD in, and it played automatically. Scary.