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The Rules of Internet War
compiled by busboy

Below is a list of the "standard" unwritten and unenforced codes of conduct used in games such as WW2OL. I have written this based on my own experiences, but this is not a product of my own opinion.

I have taken the time to write up this list of rules for "civilized" warfare based on the standard honor codes that are used in other similar games. I wish not to offer rules that must be met, and not necessarily rules that people are expected to meet, but they do represent the "standard" for programs such as this. I have also tried to explain the point of each "rule" so that its intentions are easily understood. These rules are not ones that will be (or necessarily will be) forced into the game, rather, they form the code of online chivalry that most players still choose to follow. It is up to the player to examine the situation and determine to act upon these rules.

There are no direct consequences of breaking most of these rules, as most are not mandatory to follow. However, the indirect results have the potential to be very harmful to you should you choose not to follow them.

It is not my intention to write these rules as an attempt to force others to play a certain way, but rather to speak on behalf of the "standard" community. This is not an attempt by me to warp the player behavior my way, but to communicate what has in the past been upheld, and what is expected to be upheld in the future.

Again, it will always be up to the player to obey the below rules, so such rules really are closer in reality to advice in nature. It is my belief that the obeying of these rules will lead to a better experience for all that play WW2OL. I hope this document will give a taste of the way things work in such games, as well as answer some questions for players who do not have similar experience as "the vets".

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1. Profanity

Much consideration is often given about profanity. There are often differences of opinion, but the normal operating procedures is as follows:

-slight profanity is freely accepted and often useful. It is generally used as part of a statement, or in the direction of "the enemy."

-major profanity (ex. F***) is generally overlooked if it appears in "understandable" circumstances and is not excessive and repeated. Even still, players often scold such language. Repeated and/ or casual use is not tolerated by players or game operators.

-Intentionally noticeable profanity (such as repeated many times, or in CAPS) is not readily accepted.

-Swearing AT someone maliciously is NOT tolerated by players or by the game operators.

-Insults of racial, religious, or sexual nature are not accepted by players or game operators. Also, comments of these natures are likewise not tolerated.

-If one loses one's temper, do the worst in your own room, and type only a "toned down" version that fellow players must endure. Often such "tantrums" have purposes other than venting steam, and thusly should not be too obnoxious.

2. Radio

-While casual conversation often will break out on a text comm branch of online games, just remember that while you are typing, you may miss a vital message, and your message may cause someone else to miss such a message. Exercise caution when "chewing the fat." Know when it is time for you to be quiet, even if others do not have that need. In other words, combat related comms have priority over all else.

-It is your duty to send "6 call" messages. (a simple to enter statement informing 1 person in unmistakable language that he is in danger) There is no excuse for your comrades to die when you can warn them to get out of the way.

-If information is requested over the radio, do everything in your power to help answer the question. If unable to do so, that is all right. However, it is not acceptable to be able to freely access and communicate information but not do so when it is requested.

-Changing sides to simply observe enemy radio messages and then "relay" them back to your side is considered a dirty trick, even though it does add a historical element in support of controlled radio signals. Still, in games, the "radio" system is considerably different from reality. This makes spying rather easy, and not historical at all. Therefore players consider such spying dishonorable and your side WILL be called on it.

3. Combat

Combat is a brutal thing, however chivalry still has a very real place in the virtual battlefield.

-Whenever possible, allow "the player who got there first" to finish off a faltering enemy, even if you could easily get there and finish the job before him. This is an easily debatable topic; therefore it is up to the player to determine if the situation at hand allows for this.

-Do not spite your defeated opponent. The standard example of this in flight simulators is "chute strafin"'. When an opponent admits defeat by bailing from his stricken plane, there is little reason in an online simulation to "kill him in the 'chute." If the pilot bails over his own territory, his "streak" will continue. If you kill him, you simply end his streak, but do not aid your war effort by removing that particular pilot from the war. Therefore, killing him in this situation is merely a setback and an insult. If the pilot were to bail over enemy territory, he will either "be captured" or will try to trek back to his turf. In most cases, the pilot will be captured. This will end his "streak," the same effect as strafing him would have. Therefore, strafing him serves no purpose. If he does "make a break for it" he is a very small threat to your war effort while he tries to return, and is most likely to die en route. If he makes it, he simply keeps his streak as opposed to starting from scratch. Either way he'll just be up and flying again, so killing him when he is in the chute is only spiteful, and generally considered bad sportsmanship.

-Intentionally killing friendly troops (if allowed in game) is completely unacceptable. It only provides a selfish amusement to one's self by knowing you are angering someone else.

4. Misc.

-Always respect your worthy opponent. There is no need to hate him. Admit defeat to him readily and congratulate him on an honestly won victory if you have the chance to do so (weather via comm system or other non-game methods)

-It is your duty to help newer, inexperienced players as best you can if the situation will allow. This could mean anything from volunteering your time and fun, to simply answering a question or pointing them toward someone more qualified. Still, it is your responsibility to help them become better players and increase their enjoyment of the game.

-Always report problems with the game to the community and to the game producers.

-Only send in "accusations" or "complaints" to the producers; do not attack a player in front of others even if you have a valid complaint.

-Hackers are the lowest of the low. They spoil the game for everyone they take advantage of. It is the duty of every player to report noticeably suspicious actions to the game producers. It is in a player's favor to not simply accuse, but to give evidence to whom it may concern.

-"Dweebs" (Defined in this case to mean one who takes unfair advantage to a flaw in the game) are second only to hackers in their cheating. Often they will find methods of cheating that cannot be corrected in any way, while other times they will intentionally use a program flaw to its fullest. Very little can be done about such players. It is simply a matter of honor for a player to choose weather or not to cheat in this way.

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This list is compiled by one person based on personal experience and exchange of ideas. I hope that it will indeed prove useful to players of WW2OL who do not come from other games with this code of honor. While some scoff at it, and others point out that there are exceptions to every rule, it is the opinion of most that following these rules leads to a better experience for everyone.