SPOILERS - Your new best friend

[Umah Bloodomen]

There have been a few inquiries as to how SPOILERS will be dealt with upon the release of Legacy of Kain: Defiance. U.S. players are expected to have the game before any other country, and concerns about individuals completing the game and rushing out to post their experiences were raised and have been taken into consideration by both Chris and myself. Bear in mind that we have no control over what happens in other Legacy of Kain forums, and vice versa. However we do wish to stress that because other such forums may handle their SPOILERS in a different manner than what we plan on doing here; that does not grant anyone the right to disregard our policy.

As with any game, you are expected to be courteous to other members who do not want the events of Defiance spoiled for them. Also, it is not our intention to discourage anyone from sharing their gaming experience on the forums; however we do wish to call attention to the manner in which that sharing occurs. Chris and I feel that this is the most objective way to deal with SPOILERS here in the forums, allowing some members to share up a storm, and other members to indulge in the information at their own individual pace.


In preparation for Defiance, it is advised that you all take the time to familiarize yourself with the SPOILER function. This function is located near the top of the response box when you post a reply here in the forums.
Click here to view example. (http://umahbloodomen.members.easyspace.com/spoilers/spoil1.jpg)

To help you along with familiarizing yourselves with the SPOILER function you can do one of the following:

When you press the SPOILER button, you can utilize the script prompt window that will pop up after pressing the button. This will allow you to type your SPOILER information, and have the appropriate vB tags implemented in the correct spot of your response box.
Click here to view example. (http://umahbloodomen.members.easyspace.com/spoilers/spoil2.jpg)

You can also manually type the beginning vB script: [spoiler] before your SPOILER information and when you are finished typing, you can either manually close the tag by copying the first tag and posting / before the world spoiler at the end of your information or utilize one of two red X’s near the top of the response box that will allow you to either close the current vB tag or all vB tags. Click here to view example. (http://umahbloodomen.members.easyspace.com/spoilers/spoil3.jpg)


When used correctly, the SPOILER function will conceal any SPOILER information beneath a solid blue box, making it difficult for members to read. Click here to view example. (http://umahbloodomen.members.easyspace.com/spoilers/spoil4.jpg)

Those that do wish to read the information concealed behind the SPOILER area can do so by placing your mouse near the beginning of the solid blue area, click and drag over the entire length (and in some instances width) of the blue area until all of the underlying text is highlighted and revealed. Click here to view example. (http://umahbloodomen.members.easyspace.com/spoilers/spoil5.jpg)

In addition to what has already been presented, we also ask you to place the term SPOILER in all current info and post-game completion thread titles as a secondary measure.

A practice thread (http://forums.eidosgames.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=24438) has been established in the LOK Community Chat for you to get the hang of using the SPOILER function. Thanks to those of you who are currently utilizing the SPOILER function in your posts lately. Those of you who may require additional assistance can contact me through PM’s.

The SPOILER function was established for your convenience and should be utilized at all times. Chris and I are taking this issue very seriously and trust that you all will as well in order to respect our fellow members. We have been pretty relaxed about enforcing the SPOILER functions in regards to the other Legacy of Kain games. This is due partly to the SPOILER function being created after they were all released, and the fact they’ve been out for quite some time. (You may still encounter individuals utilizing the SPOILER function regardless of what game is being discussed). Be advised that this does not mean you are exempt from using the actual SPOILER function within the thread itself.

Chris and I are treating this matter as an extension of the Terms of Use (http://forums.eidosgames.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18226) of these forums and are prepared to ensure they are all upheld at all times. We trust that you will respect that and do your part to continue making our community great. If you should have any questions, comments or other inquiries, please feel free to PM or email, Chris or myself. (This information is located in our profiles).

Thanks for your cooperation, everyone! :)

[Tesla]

The spoiler system as it is setup now seems fine for pre-release conditions, but think one more rule is necessary. You should not be allowed to post a spoiler in the SUBJECT/TITLE/TOPIC (or whatever you call it). Having the text in the message hidden does nothing if there are threads with "KAIN IS RAZIEL'S FATHER'S BROTHER'S GIRLFRIEND'S COUSIN'S EX-ROOMATE FROM COLLEGE!!" Adding a [SPOILER] to the thread title in front of that doesn't change the fact that the spoiler has already been revealed.

What are the alternatives? Broad, non-spoiler titles like "Raziel SPOILER" or depending on how Chapters are handled "Chapter 3 SPOILER". Other suggestions are of course welcomed.

Cliff notes: No spoilers should be allowed in thread Titles.

[Umah Bloodomen]

More people actually take the time to put SPOILER in their thread titles rather than use the actual tags. (At least it's progress).

The purpose of the SPOILER rule was to ensure both practices were taking place. A little less than half of the contributing members do use both practices, and some use just the tags which is great, however I really wish more people would use both.

The reason for creating the amendment in the first place is because a few individuals expressed to me via private channels that they had concerns with people spoiling things for them. It's my job to ensure that concerns like this are addressed. I did explain in the rule thread that this period (pre-LOKD) serves as a *test period* for people to learn about the SPOILER function and do their best to be courteous to other people when posting various tidbits of information by using it. (Which appears to be your concern ATM, tesla).

Because it was also stated this would be treated as an extension of the forum TOU, upon the release of LOKD, it will be enforced as such.

Also, for future reference, normally, you should bring any questions, comments or other concerns regarding the TOU to my attention via private channels. However, because you've opened the door for feedback and constructive criticism regarding this issue, I will leave it open.

I do wish to get everyone's thoughts on the SPOILER rule, and get a better idea of what we can do to ensure that it's being used. I realize it's trivial, and I really don't like getting mean about it, but it is frustrating from a moderator standpoint to have it (and the members who were concerned about it) be disregarded, when the atmosphere here (overall) has been going so well.