putting together a FAQ

[neko kyouran]

for the forum section.

Please reply with any and all questions + answers to questions you think would be good to have for a FAQ.

This will help cut down on the amount of posts made about how users can make polls (they cant), or how they get an avy (they can't), etc.

Thanks for all your input.

[ThomPhoenix]

I don't really see much posts on the topics you describe. What about a more general FAQ? New players tend to ignore stickies so perhaps they need a guide on how to use the stickies as well.

Question: I found a bug in the game, as I'm certain this problem is not local and not caused by my or my computer's actions. Where can I report it?
Answer: Use the bugtracker here: http://www.hydlaa.com/flyspray_upgrade/

Question: Ah, thanks for that link. Can I just report my issue straight away?
Answer: No, please search beforehand to avoid duplicate bug reports.

Question: Okay, when I'm writing the report, should I include information on how I managed to reliably duplicate the problem? Or will the testers magically know how to recreate the problem?
Answer: Please, provide clear steps on how to duplicate the issue. If the issue cannot be duplicated, do not report it unless you are very sure it's not a local problem and really some rare issue.

[bilbous]

Question: I found a bug in the game, as I'm certain this problem is not local and not caused by my or my computer's actions. Where can I report it?
Answer: Use the bugtracker here: http://www.hydlaa.com/flyspray_upgrade/

Question: Ah, thanks for that link. Can I just report my issue straight away?
Answer: No, please search beforehand to avoid duplicate bug reports.

Would not it be useful to mention that if you have searched unsuccessfully for a bug you could ask on irc #planeshift-build, or is that considered to be an abuse of the channel?

[ThomPhoenix]

You could, but the act of finding and installing an IRC client and then figuring out how to use it might be a bit too much for many players

Hmm, idea:
Question: What's IRC?
Answer: Think of it as a kind of AIM, ICQ, MSN, Skype, only you have to join a server and then a channel on that server. This way you can chat with other planeshift players. Several good guides on IRC and free IRC clients can be found <link-to-sticky?>.

[neko kyouran]

New players tend to ignore stickies

soo thats why i'm slowly working on reducing the amount. 

[Durwyn]

You could, but the act of finding and installing an IRC client and then figuring out how to use it might be a bit too much for many players

Hmm, idea:
Question: What's IRC?
Answer: Think of it as a kind of AIM, ICQ, MSN, Skype, only you have to join a server and then a channel on that server. This way you can chat with other planeshift players. Several good guides on IRC and free IRC clients can be found <link-to-sticky?>.

you can use Java too with this link : http://gogloom.com/FreeNode/planeshift/
no need of IRC clients. 

[Caarrie]

Question: I found a bug in the game, as I'm certain this problem is not local and not caused by my or my computer's actions. Where can I report it?
Answer: Use the bugtracker here: http://www.hydlaa.com/flyspray_upgrade/

Question: Ah, thanks for that link. Can I just report my issue straight away?
Answer: No, please search beforehand to avoid duplicate bug reports.

Would not it be useful to mention that if you have searched unsuccessfully for a bug you could ask on irc #planeshift-build, or is that considered to be an abuse of the channel?

Since there is no official public testers channel the -build channel is the best place to look for us, NOT the -gmtalk channel as the testers dont hang out there. There might also be someone else there that might know enough to help out with your problems in -build.

[bilbous]

I wasn't too sure what uses were acceptable for -build. I just know I have gone there a few times to ask about bugs and nobody yelled at me (quite). Most times when someone was around they were helpful although it does seem a bit deserted at times. I see we are all avoiding mentioning bug reports by /petition (Doh!) as it is a less desirable alternative, generally speaking.

[Durwyn]

Q: "How do i know which way is each Glyph?"
A: Check their background color.
    1. Brown is for Brown Way
    2. Red is for Dark Way (strange uh?)
    3. Orange for Red Way
    4. Blue Deep (like water) is Blue Way
    5. Blue Light is Azure Way
    6. White is Crystal Way

thought i would fill in this thread with questions i often get in Help
consider adding a line in Glyphs items description which could show their way, maybe.

[Durwyn]

Q: I didnt get a required item from a npc, what should i do?
A: 1) check every item to be sure its not it. it might be a bottle, a sack, a book or something else. not all items have a proper icon yet.
    2) if after checking you dont have it, try to re-do the last step of the quest (after got rid of some items to have enough places to receive the item) to see if the npc gives you it.
    3) if all fails, then contact a GM by submitting a petition to receive help. give as much information as you can.

(+1  )

[Prolix]

Addendum to last: make sure to look in all sacks, including glyph sacks, items frequently get put in these.