Difference between revisions of "Idling"

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(Apologies from Valve)
(rewritten hopefully neutrally just like i did for griefing)
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{{Quotation|'''The Sniper''' on Idling|Thanks fer standin' still, wanka.|sound=Sniper_specialcompleted45.wav}}
 
{{Quotation|'''The Sniper''' on Idling|Thanks fer standin' still, wanka.|sound=Sniper_specialcompleted45.wav}}
  
Idling is simply the act of joining a server in TF2 and waiting for random items from the Item Distribution System. Idling in itself does not alter the drop system, nor does it alter what items you or anyone else will receive.
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Idling is the act of joining or creating a server in TF2 for the sole purpose of waiting for random item drops from the Item Distribution System.  
  
Idling and playing are no different in respect to getting items. The only difference is Idling is usually done when you cannot be at your computer.
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Idling and playing are no different in respect to getting items the difference is that Idling is not done to achieve map goals. It is usually done when away from your computer.
  
==The Drop System==
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==Reasons==
 
*The [[item drop system]] was introduced in [[The Sniper vs. Spy Update]].
 
*The [[item drop system]] was introduced in [[The Sniper vs. Spy Update]].
*The system randomly drops [[Weapons]] or [[Hats]] to players connected to a TF2 server. It's purpose was mainly to help people playing a free weekend get items quickly.
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*The system randomly drops [[Weapons]] or [[Hats]] to players connected to a TF2 server.  
*From this system, Idling was born.
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*Since the system had the capacity to give item drops as long as you are connected, people would connect to a server and just wait for items to drop.
*Since the system had the capacity to give non-stop items drops as long as you are connected, people would connect to a server and just wait for items to drop.
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*Idliing on servers running official maps was discouraged and players were kicked for being idle or AFK
*To avoid crowding public servers with Idling players, many server owners set up servers running special maps designed to just let the connected players Idle.
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*To avoid annoying other players many server owners set up servers running special maps designed to just let the connected players Idle.
*Mostly, players would connect to the Idle servers and leave their computer running while they themselves left. Either to go eat, go to work, or just to sleep for the night.
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*Mostly, players would connect to the Idle servers and leave their computer running while they themselves left.
  
==SteamStats and You==
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==Controversy==
*SteamStats was a program created by Drunken F00l, the same guy who created [[tf2items.com]].
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*SteamStats was a program created by Drunken F00l, who also created [[tf2items.com]].
*The purpose of this program was to connect you to a server without needing to launch TF2. It did not edit the system at all.
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*The purpose of this program was to connect you to a server without needing to launch TF2.
*Mostly, it was seen as a CPU friendly way to Idle, as leaving TF2 running overnight can be taxing to some computers.
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*It was seen as a CPU friendly way to Idle.
*The program developed features like compiling all your drops into a text file, recording any [[Hats]] you received, automatically deleting duplicates, and recording the random levels of items.
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*On September 2, 2009; a patch was released.
*On September 2, 2009; a patch was released to deal with this program without warning.
 
 
*The patch deleted any items received from using the program, and warned that continued use would result in a ban.
 
*The patch deleted any items received from using the program, and warned that continued use would result in a ban.
*The main controversy however, was The [[Cheater's Lament]]. A halo-like hat given to anyone who never used the program. When combined with the accompanied messages to either side of the playerbase, this left those who used the program felling rejected and insulted by Valve.
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*Players who had not used the programm were given a [[Cheater's Lament]]. A halo-like hat given to anyone who never used the program.  
*Now, no one uses the program as it would cause an instant ban.
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*Now, no one uses the program as it will cause an instant ban.
  
 
==The Drop Cap==
 
==The Drop Cap==
*On April 20, 2010; Valve decided to release a patch that significantly handled how drops were distributed. The main issue of this was a weekly cap of 8-12 items per player.
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*On April 20, 2010; Valve released a patch that changed handled how drops were distributed. This introduced a weekly cap of 8-12 items per player.
*Mostly, this was done to quell constant complaining about Idling being too easy and too profitable. Sadly for Valve, they now receive constant complaints that people can't get enough items, especially when large updates come out.
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*Idling is now only profitable if you have not played for a long preriod of time.
*This cap has effectively stopped Idling, or at least stopped how profitable it was. Now Idling more than a few hours a week is pointless as items will only drop for a few hours.
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*The only reason some people still Idle is if their weekly cap resets and they have a very busy schedule but still wish to get their items.
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==Recent Changes==
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*After the recent [[Polycount Update]] the[[Cheater's Lament]] was issued to all players it is not know if this is an error or deliberate policy from Valve.
  
==Apologies from Valve==
 
*With the onset of the recent [[Polycount Update]], anyone who used SteamStats back before it was patched now received a [[Cheater's Lament]].
 
*Some speculate this is an apology from Valve for the controversy caused so long ago. Some think it was just a glitch that needs attention while others believe Valve doesn't really want to fix it. Either way, Valve has yet to comment on this event.
 
  
==Idling Now==
 
*Since the cap, much less people complain about Idling.
 
*As always though, Valve does not care if you Idle in game as it violates nothing. They've done nothing to punish people who Idle in servers nor have they shown any intent to.
 
  
 
==See Also==
 
==See Also==

Revision as of 10:38, 14 October 2010

Thanks fer standin' still, wanka.
The Sniper on Idling

Idling is the act of joining or creating a server in TF2 for the sole purpose of waiting for random item drops from the Item Distribution System.

Idling and playing are no different in respect to getting items the difference is that Idling is not done to achieve map goals. It is usually done when away from your computer.

Reasons

  • The item drop system was introduced in The Sniper vs. Spy Update.
  • The system randomly drops Weapons or Hats to players connected to a TF2 server.
  • Since the system had the capacity to give item drops as long as you are connected, people would connect to a server and just wait for items to drop.
  • Idliing on servers running official maps was discouraged and players were kicked for being idle or AFK
  • To avoid annoying other players many server owners set up servers running special maps designed to just let the connected players Idle.
  • Mostly, players would connect to the Idle servers and leave their computer running while they themselves left.

Controversy

  • SteamStats was a program created by Drunken F00l, who also created tf2items.com.
  • The purpose of this program was to connect you to a server without needing to launch TF2.
  • It was seen as a CPU friendly way to Idle.
  • On September 2, 2009; a patch was released.
  • The patch deleted any items received from using the program, and warned that continued use would result in a ban.
  • Players who had not used the programm were given a Cheater's Lament. A halo-like hat given to anyone who never used the program.
  • Now, no one uses the program as it will cause an instant ban.

The Drop Cap

  • On April 20, 2010; Valve released a patch that changed handled how drops were distributed. This introduced a weekly cap of 8-12 items per player.
  • Idling is now only profitable if you have not played for a long preriod of time.

Recent Changes


See Also

Cheater's Lament

External links