> 1. clients can be written to use both metaservers and merge the > results, > > (the COW code on Linux does that with my UDP metaserver query mode, > added in 1999, which still hasn't hit the Windows client code base ... > I'm sure the current Windows clients can follow the trend), > In the works. :) > 2. servers now respond to metaserver queries, and clients can be > configured to query them directly, > > (again, code contributed by me, this time in February 2006, currently in > COW on Linux and the Vanilla source), > Ditto. > 3. players can learn how to avoid the restrictions, especially with > enthusiasts begging them on continuum to learn how to type "netrek -h > something", and spamming the message board with pro-sturgeon political > statements, or advertisements for clients, > They can, but it puts extra burden on the user to find the game they want. Netrekrc editting is not user friendly, so it's certain an uphill climb. > 4. in the same way that players know to circumvent bans by changing IP > addresses, server owners know very well that they could change their > hostname or IP address to circumvent the policy. (I was actually > encouraged by some to turn off the UDP solicit mode, te he). > Well you are actively admining, so any attempt to circumvent getting put on the "spare" list would just wind that server up on the list again. Shouldn't be a cat/mouse game between server admin and metaserver. We should be on the same team. Putting up obstacles just serves to fragment the community, I believe. Over 50% of client connects to warped were from my client, so I feel long term a large portion of players will have a client that lists warped on the metaserver. But having half the players with 1 list of all servers, and the other half with a smaller list, could create a situation where both bronco and bot/ship mod servers do ok..or it could lead to an increase in players on both, or a decrase on both. I really can't predict. But it will become a reality if the metaservers list differently, and the future windows clients go from a 1 metaserver listing to a composite listing. Bill