The danger of "All hosts must be Evil"

[C64 nostalgia]

Lately, an "all hosts are evil" mindset is spreading through the community. This troubles me.

Ways to abuse the integrity of winning have been pointed out. I don't argue the validity of these truths. However, in my experience, most hosts (and players, for that matter) are well-meaning. Some don't know any better; and some don't have good internet connections. But, let me stress, most hosts (and players) are not "evil." A whole lot of talk comes up about a very small number of hosts. The community needs to realize "evil" hosts are a very small minority. I hate the fact our community is becoming so mistrustful.

It is far better to err in thinking our members are "good." Otherwise, Planet MULE becomes an unjustifiably sordid place filled with petty members.

[Pescado]

A game designer must always assume that players are, to some degree, evil. If you're going to meaningfully analyze the integrity of a system, you have to operate from the position that everyone, hosts and otherwise, are evil, and nothing you receive from the client can be accepted without validation.

[C64 nostalgia]

A game designer must always assume that players are, to some degree, evil. If you're going to meaningfully analyze the integrity of a system, you have to operate from the position that everyone, hosts and otherwise, are evil, and nothing you receive from the client can be accepted without validation.

A game designer thinking this way is prudent. I agree. But to have the community think this way, poisons the well. Everyone fearing who they are playing does not help foster a friendly but competitive atmosphere.