Hard Light Productions Forums

Off-Topic Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: Sandwich on May 18, 2002, 06:19:43 am

Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: Sandwich on May 18, 2002, 06:19:43 am
Got this email from the "Serious Sam" boards:

Quote

Due to problems with our hosts, Gamespy, our forums have been moved off of their servers.  You can now find them at http://www.seriouscommunity.com/  Gamespy continually interfered with our site, breaking and modifying things without our permission on numerous ocassions, and we're not putting up with it any longer.  The damage they have already done to the community we have worked hard to build has already created a state of bedlam, and in order to help build and maintain one of the best gaming communities around, we have decided to move the forums and file system to our own server.  Everything else will be the same, but you can expect things to improve significantly.  One of the first things we've changed are the banners.  You'll now find banners shown that relate to gaming and your interests.  If you're thinking of buying a new game, see if you can do it through one of our banners.  It doesn't cost you more, and it helps support (what should be ;) your favorite gaming site.

Rest assured though, we think of every decision we make in terms of how it will affect the community.  Money always takes a back seat.

You can read more information about this in the following thread - http://forums.seriouscommunity.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=14562

-SeriousCommunity.com Team
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: an0n on May 18, 2002, 06:25:05 am
They shoulda checked the T&C's of usage.
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: CP5670 on May 18, 2002, 08:54:17 am
Was that a "planet" site? I think it is a very good idea HLP decided not to become one of those, since all of the planet sites must follow a certain format in every way; essentially, Gamespy tells you how to run your site, probably including forums. :p
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: Martinus on May 18, 2002, 09:48:06 am
Quote
Originally posted by an0n
They shoulda checked the T&C's of usage.


If you read the post you'll notice that they did read the T&C's it seems he was banned for some remarks he made.

In my experience GS has been pretty helpful regarding HLP *shrugs*
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: TheVirtu on May 18, 2002, 10:53:41 am
It wasnt Gamespy's place to be trying to take over their forums, I've had hints of them being evil, but I never expected something like this.
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: an0n on May 18, 2002, 11:02:16 am
Hmmmm. Upon reading the linked thread I have come to a conclusion. Gamespy didn't want to back down. If they'd have asked for him to removed, in all likelyhood nothing would have been done and he woulda been allowed to roam freely. This would have ended up in a showdown between the Serious peeps and GS, inevitably resulting in the Serious peeps losing everything. They did what they had to to preserve the community as a whole.
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: TheVirtu on May 18, 2002, 11:09:04 am
But anything would have been better than invading them, at least sent him emails telling him whatever, and they would invade if he refused todo whatever.
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: an0n on May 18, 2002, 11:10:38 am
Quote
Originally posted by TheVirtu
But anything would have been better than invading them, at least sent him emails telling him whatever, and they would invade if he refused todo whatever.

Yeah, and it woulda given them time to fortify and neccesitate harsher methods of invasion.
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: TheVirtu on May 18, 2002, 11:14:24 am
Fortify from what? Gamespy controls the forum server.
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: an0n on May 18, 2002, 11:15:37 am
There are ways of securing data and making it extremely difficult to remove.
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: CP5670 on May 18, 2002, 11:40:58 am
In my opinion Gamespy itself has just turned into one of these sprawling corporate bureaucracies - the Fileplanet system is proof of that - but the websites are all run by fans, so it's not too bad. ;)
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: Stryke 9 on May 18, 2002, 11:45:59 am
See, this is DIRECT evidence of the sort of thing that happens when you ban me!
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: Fineus on May 18, 2002, 12:05:34 pm
The only thing that would happen if we banned you would be it'd be a lot calmer around here :)

So far Gamespy have been a great host, considering all that we get access to as a site for free I think they're well within their bounds to lay certain rules down. So far we've managed fine by these rules and I don't see that changing unless they do something you might expect of Microsoft like trying to take direct control over all content hosted on their servers.

But this is un-necessary panicking, we're perfectly fine here. If - although I find this unlikely - GS did try something we'd move else where. But I've seen no evidence of this and therefore we're ok as we are. Oh, and try not to bash them too much guys - we are hosted by them. Can't let that kinda thing go on.
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: Stryke 9 on May 18, 2002, 12:08:39 pm
And duller.


Anyway, yeah. I don't exactly act just the same way on EVERY forum... in this case I had asked them very nicely to turn over an offender, and they banned me and half a dozen others... not very sensible, if you ask me, considering the bad luck it brings...
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: Zeronet on May 18, 2002, 12:08:56 pm
GS does a lot for the community though, like all the planet sites etc.
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: Redfang on May 18, 2002, 12:13:21 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Thunder
But this is un-necessary panicking, we're perfectly fine here. If - although I find this unlikely - GS did try something we'd move else where. But I've seen no evidence of this and therefore we're ok as we are. Oh, and try not to bash them too much guys - we are hosted by them. Can't let that kinda thing go on.

 
Nice. :):yes:
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: Stryke 9 on May 18, 2002, 12:16:06 pm
Gamespy evil! Eeee-viiiil!


OK, maybe Thunder's right...:D

I'll go rant where I can get some sympathy now...
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: Fineus on May 18, 2002, 12:18:57 pm
You do that :)
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: Stryke 9 on May 18, 2002, 12:27:05 pm
:eek2:


I was just reminded of why I left there in the first place...

Er... perhaps... models, yes? I'll go post some. Yeah.
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: heretic on May 18, 2002, 01:13:58 pm
you can get the whole story here:

http://forums.seriouscommunity.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=14562
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: Fineus on May 18, 2002, 01:17:04 pm
You know, after reading some of the insults leveled at GS over this I can't help but feel most of those people are just jumping on the band wagon... I mean calling them "commie-bastards"? Someone doesn't know what they're talking about...
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: heretic on May 18, 2002, 01:19:51 pm
eh, if HLP ever moved from GS, they'd have a place to go, ad free :)
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: Stryke 9 on May 18, 2002, 03:05:06 pm
Me jumping on the bandwagon? I've been bashing them since I first encountered 'em!

And their main forums are no fun either. Yeeegh. Flood control up the arse, post button you can't find, horrible features, and everything. 'S no wonder the Battle of 3DAP only lasted a few seconds.
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: Vertigo1 on May 18, 2002, 04:09:31 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Thunder
The only thing that would happen if we banned you would be it'd be a lot calmer around here :)

So far Gamespy have been a great host, considering all that we get access to as a site for free I think they're well within their bounds to lay certain rules down. So far we've managed fine by these rules and I don't see that changing unless they do something you might expect of Microsoft like trying to take direct control over all content hosted on their servers.

But this is un-necessary panicking, we're perfectly fine here. If - although I find this unlikely - GS did try something we'd move else where. But I've seen no evidence of this and therefore we're ok as we are. Oh, and try not to bash them too much guys - we are hosted by them. Can't let that kinda thing go on.


Everybody get your printscreen buttons ready!  I'm actually agreeing with Thunder!

*watches with amusement as Thunder  :jaw: 's*

This is their service that they're providing free of charge.  They are within their rights to exercise whatever rules they wish on whatever they host.  Its not like there aren't other webhosts out there that would easily provide said services for a low cost.  Gamespy owns the servers and pays out of their pockets for their upkeep.  Granted, manipulating someone's website like that is rather rude BUT they are well within their rights to do so.

Note: I am not saying that what GS did was the right or wrong thing.  I'm just stating what I feel.
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: TheVirtu on May 18, 2002, 04:14:57 pm
All the gaming sites are going downhill, Gamespot charges now to view NEWS!!!! Its like 19.95 a month or year, this is not right. Including Fileplanet with 2 hour+ wait lines!
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: Rodzilla on May 18, 2002, 04:59:21 pm
They're within their rights to remove someone's access from a site that is hosted by them - that is, to remove their access to the GSI servers and the website.  However, Gamespy does not own a single piece of content on the websites hosted by them, as stated in their own hosting agreement.  They do NOT have the right to modify the content of hosted sites UNLESS it pertains to a security risk on their part.  I suggest you read the full thread linked to in that email, as I left a lot of the details out in order to keep the mail short.  The fact is, they broke things on purpose, modified what wasn't theirs with no right to do so(there was NO security risk), and then, they LIED about it.
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: Sandwich on May 18, 2002, 07:00:13 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Rodzilla
They're within their rights to remove someone's access from a site that is hosted by them - that is, to remove their access to the GSI servers and the website.  However, Gamespy does not own a single piece of content on the websites hosted by them, as stated in their own hosting agreement.  They do NOT have the right to modify the content of hosted sites UNLESS it pertains to a security risk on their part.  I suggest you read the full thread linked to in that email, as I left a lot of the details out in order to keep the mail short.  The fact is, they broke things on purpose, modified what wasn't theirs with no right to do so(there was NO security risk), and then, they LIED about it.


Hey, Rod! :wakka:

:D :lol: ;7WELCOME TO THE HLP BB!!!!;) :nod: :cool:

In case of an emergency, exits are to the rear and left. THe shotguns that used to be under your seats are currently being upgraded to use TMAR and energy rounds. Until them, plastic boink hammers have ben provided, free of charge! :nod:

*Ka-BOINK*

Now that's the way you should greet all the newbies over at the Seriously! forums - and yes, I'm completely serious[/b]!

<--- See? Even my title says so... :p

Uhm.... back on topic: How did you find this thread? Have you been *collective gasp* a lurker?!? :p
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: Shrike on May 18, 2002, 07:04:02 pm
The most problems we've had with GS was them warning us about having downloads on the 3dap server instead of the FP server.

I wonder what that serious sam people have had so much problems over, and I mean the root causes, GS wouldn't alter their website for no reason.
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: an0n on May 18, 2002, 07:37:07 pm
Somone at GS probably just took offence at something that was said or decided to be overly facist in the implimentation of some obscure rule.
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: Rodzilla on May 18, 2002, 07:48:03 pm
Well, mostly it's because they ARE corporate community killers, as Epic Games so rightly coined them.  The actual truth is probably because:


You've already got one down, two to go.  Have fun...

BTW, I found this when going through referrals in the web access logs :)
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: an0n on May 18, 2002, 07:54:00 pm
*sense disturbance in the force*

Why, oh why do I have a bad feeling about this?
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: Rodzilla on May 18, 2002, 08:00:48 pm
Quote
Oh, and try not to bash them too much guys - we are hosted by them. Can't let that kinda thing go on.


GSI is double plus good...GSI is double plus good...GSI is double plus good...GSI is double plus good...GSI is double plus good...GSI is double plus good...
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: Shrike on May 18, 2002, 09:29:21 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Rodzilla
Well, mostly it's because they ARE corporate community killers, as Epic Games so rightly coined them.  The actual truth is probably because:
  • They asked us to become a PlanetSite, we said no.
  • We implemented a download system that allowed users to select from over 3 non-Gamespy mirrors for EVERY file.
  • We use vBulletin, not forumplanet


You've already got one down, two to go.  Have fun...

BTW, I found this when going through referrals in the web access logs :) [/B]
Hmmm...... I dunno about the vB thing.  When we were getting ready to upgrade from UBB 5.45 to something newer, I talked to TechSupport about UBB 6.x, vB and Forumplanet... he never said anything about how we 'should' use forumplanet.  They even moved us to a new server so we could use vB better.....
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: Thorn on May 18, 2002, 09:44:20 pm
Probably because we arent one of their "Planets"...
Not a planet, therefore no need for forumplanet...
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: Stryke 9 on May 18, 2002, 10:26:22 pm
Shrike: It's understandable that the likes of Gamespy would be more interested in the largish community of a new, popular FPS than the medium-sized modding community of a 5-year-old space shooter, and that may have something to do with it.;)

Sandwich: Someone's been putting somethin' in your brownies, dude.
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: Rodzilla on May 19, 2002, 12:13:02 am
That's odd..your forums were ..."broken"... for a few hours...
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: WMCoolmon on May 19, 2002, 12:21:20 am
:nervous:
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: Shrike on May 19, 2002, 01:59:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by Rodzilla
That's odd..your forums were ..."broken"... for a few hours...
You mean the mySQL problems?  I think the GS servers are goofing up, it's happened a couple times before.  They've been slow today.  Hey, nothing's perfect, right?
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: Fineus on May 19, 2002, 02:10:24 am
Quote
Originally posted by Stryke 9
Shrike: It's understandable that the likes of Gamespy would be more interested in the largish community of a new, popular FPS than the medium-sized modding community of a 5-year-old space shooter,

Screenshot time people, I'm agreeing with Stryke :eek:

If Freespace was at the front of space-sim gaming they'd probably be more interested but as it is they aren't going to gain much by having us become a planet site.
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: Bobboau on May 19, 2002, 02:31:57 am
it is ironic how these database errors have suddenly showed up, right now
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: Fineus on May 19, 2002, 03:13:34 am
I'm sure that if GS had a problem with us discussing this they'd email us before screwing things up. Besides I think this is people being a bit paranoid :)
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: Sandwich on May 19, 2002, 04:19:55 am
Quote
Originally posted by Rodzilla
GSI is double plus good...GSI is double plus good...GSI is double plus good...GSI is double plus good...GSI is double plus good...GSI is double plus good...


Hey, you know that I could get you in reeeaaalll big trouble with the guys back at the Serious Community - just need to quote this lil' statement 'ere... :drevil:

Quote
Originally posted by Thunder

Screenshot time people, I'm agreeing with Stryke :eek:


:wtf: I'm not. :wtf:

Quote
Originally posted by Stryke 9
Sandwich: Someone's been putting somethin' in your brownies, dude.



Seeeee?!?

:D
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: TheVirtu on May 19, 2002, 12:21:47 pm
Gamespy is coming for us, they're coming for HLP!!! Ahhhhhhhh communism has returned!
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: Bobboau on May 19, 2002, 01:14:26 pm
I'm just saying it's ironic
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: WMCoolmon on May 19, 2002, 01:14:30 pm
Quote
Originally posted by TheVirtu
Gamespy is coming for us, they're coming for HLP!!! Ahhhhhhhh communism has returned!

That means no more Microsoft! :nod:
Wait a minute....that means no more Windows...which means no more Freespace! Noooooo! :eek:
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: Stealth on July 15, 2002, 04:28:08 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Thorn
Probably because we arent one of their "Planets"...
Not a planet, therefore no need for forumplanet...


why didn't we become a "planet" site by the way!?

Quote
Originally posted by WMCoolmon

That means no more Microsoft! :nod:
Wait a minute....that means no more Windows...which means no more Freespace! Noooooo! :eek:


we'd find a way to run it on Linux :D
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: Shrike on July 15, 2002, 04:29:48 pm
Because we didn't want to.  Simple as that.  There used to be a FS planet site if I'm not mistaken, way back before VW started up.
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: Sandwich on July 15, 2002, 04:38:20 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Shrike
Because we didn't want to.  Simple as that.


Well! Lah-dee-dah! :p
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: Fineus on July 15, 2002, 04:41:14 pm
Jesus this is old... Stealth - don't bump things this old again! Yeep!
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: CP5670 on July 15, 2002, 05:28:24 pm
oh I remember this thread... :D

Quote
All the gaming sites are going downhill, Gamespot charges now to view NEWS!!!! Its like 19.95 a month or year, this is not right. Including Fileplanet with 2 hour+ wait lines!


Gamespot used to be my favorite game site about a year ago because of their (usually) top-quality reviews, but I have not visited the place at all for months ever since they started this stupid practice. Fileplanet also used to be pretty good about two years ago (I used to get a lot of UT maps from there) but at this point I think it has become the worst download site out there, and maybe the worst large gaming site as well. :doubt:
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: Zeronet on July 15, 2002, 05:29:38 pm
Gamespy ownz gamespot.
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: Shrike on July 15, 2002, 05:31:45 pm
Maybe because I'm not a FPS gamer, and thus don't deal with massive communities, but I never have a problem with Fileplanet.
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: Zeronet on July 15, 2002, 05:32:53 pm
Only problem i have is since i got a new comp, i cant be bothered to remember my login and thus cannot use it.
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: Dynamo on July 15, 2002, 06:41:59 pm
Quote

All the gaming sites are going downhill, Gamespot charges now to view NEWS!!!! Its like 19.95 a month or year, this is not right. Including Fileplanet with 2 hour+ wait lines!


(http://www.penny-arcade.com/images/2002/20020429l.gif)

(apologies to Penny Arcade for linking the image. I'm too lazy to mirror it myself. :doubt: )
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: Stealth on July 15, 2002, 10:02:48 pm
sorry thunder, i won't do it again... i was just reading through it, and the question about why we aren't a 'planet' site caught my attention, since i'd been wondering about that too
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: Ace Pace on July 16, 2002, 01:57:05 am
where do you have to pay to see news? I surf gamespy all the time and it dosn't charge me a pennie.
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: Stunaep on July 16, 2002, 02:40:02 am
he meant Gamespot.
Title: Has GameSpy been naughty?
Post by: Ace Pace on July 16, 2002, 02:42:44 am
ops!:wink:  well you can subscribe to the newsletter (which is free and no spam) and then just check up befre things go red. if your looking to get info there, ask me, I subscribed *runs out of fourm*:doubt: