[Bnomic-private] Automation (Dave read this)

[Orc In A Spacesuit]

This is a totally new idea, and Dave, please consider this, especially since 
it could help you do your job easier:

In my prop, a lot of things are standardized.  In fact, I have been creating 
a list of all possible actions (move, throw, force whatever, exchange 
(covers buy/sell)), the requirements to do so, and their effects.  I came up 
with an idea:

A sort of script/web page/whatever on which the players may choose from a 
list of possible actions (move, propose, vote, force absorb, etc.), choose 
their targets (what they are throwing, who they are throwing it at...), and 
any other values, like the text of a prop.

Now, I'm sure all of you are wondering how it deals with illegal actions, 
and what good it will do anyway.  First, actions do not happen just because 
you attempt them; the page would only allow the attempting.  Whenever 
someone attempts an action, it is listed on a second web page, in a standard 
form.  The admin can then easily just check off which actions fail and which 
succeed.  Everyone else would also have easy access to see what has 
happened; email could even be sent out on a regular basis showing changes to 
the the page, for those who don't want to bother going there to see what 
happpened.

Well, that would be kinda nice, but here's something that could be added to 
that:  Let's say someone takes the Move action to Grid Location (5,6).  The 
admin looks at what's going on, determines that the move is legal, and 
clicks the check box.  For the move action, there is a tiny (one-line, 
maybe) script that /automatically moves that player, putting him on the 
correct location on the grid/.  If he recognizes a CFI, all he has to do is 
click the checkmark, and pick a judge from the active players (an option 
list with their names could pop up), and sit back until a ruling comes.

We wouldn't want the above paragraph to become too ingrained, of course, as 
the rules can change what happens.  Therefore, if such a system is 
implemented, it would of course be wise to manually do the changes for 
actions that are likely to change in effect, only automating things like 
throws and moves and such.  But still, it would likely be much easier on the 
admin.

Finally, if my prop passes, it will be EXTREMELY easy to put /everything/ 
about the game into one database (And I could put it into one, if you guys 
want).  With this done, not only could the earlier stuff in this post 
happen, but also this: The system could take a look at the current state of 
the game, and determine that "the square being moved to is not within within 
1 square of the player's current location", or "the square being moved to 
contains an impassable object", giving /reccomendations/ about the legality 
of the action so the admin doesn't have to look the simple stuff up every 
time.

I have database experience in C and Visual Basic, so could contribute to 
this being set up, but I don't have the java and other stuff down enough yet 
to do it all by myself.

If nothing else, this system could provide a more detailed and accurate grid 
and roster, and automate some of the minstries.

Orc In A Spacesuit
Current Status: Already designing scripts and such in his head, in case this 
idea is used.


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