Clarification on Cheating

[Sven Niscadae]

Gaming keyboards and mice that let you customize their functions such as programming them to do what someone wants are another form of macro (hence they are advertised with a "macro" function). I can see that sometimes a macro'd function on a keyboard or mouse can be useful for people with difficulties or a handicap such as arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome. Yes, officially Disney only considers macros on the software end. Disney may not call foul at this moment because of their limited policy but they do have the right to change it.

However, I remember back when I played ToonTown, that Disney actually suspended people for using macros (e.g. Doodle trainers) just on suspicion because they were monitoring how users' toons were acting (e.g. jumping constantly, repeated actions, etc). By watching their behavior, Disney could conclude on their own whether or not someone was using a macro. Now whether or not they were correct is questionable. I've seen some people get suspended for hopping down the streets of ToonTown and Big D thought they were using a macro because of the constant jumping. So I wouldn't put it past Disney to use the same technique today to check for macro use, software as well as hardware.

Ultimately, I can understand that level grinding is a very tedious and sometimes boring process. It exists in just about every MMORPG out there. Personally, I don't let grinding get to me. My skills level up when they do and I don't actually work at it as it would take the fun out of the game for me. It's a personal and ethical preference and since I'm just one person, another person's preference may differ as well as their own goals.

[CaptainGreenGene]

Originally Posted by Sven Niscadae

Gaming keyboards and mice that let you customize their functions such as programming them to do what someone wants are another form of macro (hence they are advertised with a "macro" function). I can see that sometimes a macro'd function on a keyboard or mouse can be useful for people with difficulties or a handicap such as arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome. Yes, officially Disney only considers macros on the software end. Disney may not call foul at this moment because of their limited policy but they do have the right to change it.

TY for distilling this down to its original essence. The mouse driver is a piece of "software" that is integral to the function of the mouse. It is not separate from the mouse but integral to its use. Not every brand and version of mouse has the same driver, some function differently then others. Disney correctly identifies this distinction from a "macro" which is a piece of programing not integral to the mouse function. The "software" I'm discussing is build into the mouse driver and can only be toggled on and off. Thus the wording by the technical staff:

CRYSTAL:That should be fine. There is no reason you would get into trouble for that.
Me:ty so much for your assistance
Me:
CRYSTAL:It sounds like it is working as intended.


As to the future interpretation of the rules one can speculate wildly but thankfully we only need worry about today's rules today.

[Sven Niscadae]

Originally Posted by CaptainGreenGene

TY for distilling this down to its original essence. The mouse driver is a piece of "software" that is integral to the function of the mouse. It is not separate from the mouse but integral to its use. Not every brand and version of mouse has the same driver, some function differently then others. Disney correctly identifies this distinction from a "macro" which is a piece of programing not integral to the mouse function. The "software" I'm discussing is build into the mouse driver and can only be toggled on and off.

If your mouse came with a utility (which was installed when you first got the mouse) that can set the behavior of the mouse buttons (e.g. hold = repeat single clicking), then that could be construed as a third-party application according to Disney's policy. That utility wouldn't be "integral" to the basic functions of the mouse though. I'm sure the mouse can be installed with only the driver and not the utility. This is comparable with a video card and its manufacturer's system tray icon for easy access for configuration purposes. This software isn't built into the driver but allows for optional configuration and management.

Originally Posted by CaptainGreenGene

As to the future interpretation of the rules one can speculate wildly but thankfully we only need worry about today's rules today.

The point of the latter part of my reply was that even though Disney has the policy written, it's up to their discretion (and techniques/processes involved) on whether or not someone has broken the rules. Future interpretation is up to them as well. Even though someone is doing something innocently enough, Disney could interpret it as something else.

What I'm ultimately driving at is to be careful. It's Disney's playground and they make the rules.

[CaptainGreenGene]

Originally Posted by Sven Niscadae

If your mouse came with a utility (which was installed when you first got the mouse) that can set the behavior of the mouse buttons (e.g. hold = repeat single clicking), then that could be construed as a third-party application according to Disney's policy.

IF is the key word here. The mouse didn't come with any third party application, it only has a single toggle that is labeled "REPEAT". The keyboard has exactly the same toggles so that if you hold down a button it repeats. Adding hypotheticals to this just confuses the discussion and I would be inclined against making any attempts to justify a dissenting argument with facts not in evidence.

Originally Posted by Sven Niscadae

The point of the latter part of my reply was that even though Disney has the policy written, it's up to their discretion (and techniques/processes involved) on whether or not someone has broken the rules.

Fortunately for me I asked several time before I did anything that might upset POTC/DISNEY and I have a copy of the many transcript to use in my defense should they change their minds. I'm not inclined to speculate on the future but I am always prepared just in case.

[Zilly]

Closed at OP Request.