A situation seems to have arisen. Years of moderators (and most others for that matter) thinking guild map entrances were considered secret was quashed recently as radu apparently stated that they were not, in fact, secrets.
The usual all-too-familiar-names have their panties in a bunch because mods had said before to them that they were secrets when someone got in trouble for publicly announcing one on channel 6.
And of course, without knowing any facts, they played the blame game. "Power-mongering mods" and other such stupidly childish shit being said. From people you expect stupidly childish shit from, naturally.
The simple fact is this, as both mods Aislinn and Maxine stated in the above-linked thread: As far as anyone knew, guild maps were secret. There was never discussion of it, it was just assumed that people who pay that much money for a map would get some semblance of protection in the form of not having their locations randomly spewed by inconsiderate, thoughtless types on public channels.
What makes a location deemed secret?
On the subject of secrets in general... I've always considered anything which does not have a directly normal entrance to be a secret.Cave entrances, doors, boats. These are obvious, and as such none could be deemed a secret.
If it's not directly obvious, it's a secret.
- You have to "use with" a specific item on something to enter.
- You have to click ("use") something that is not a normal entrance. A random rock, a cobweb, a cork, a tree, a sword on the ground, whatever.
These are considered secret throughout the game. Some (EVTR mine for example) are less secret than others, of course. But no matter how "non-secret" such secrets are, you're not permitted to post them on official channels.
The rule on secrets applies to official channels. Nothing stops anyone from giving such info through PM, or GM, or whatnot.
It's not permitted to link to sites that give secrets publicly either. Which is why this blog never has secrets on it. Not that I normally post links to it in the game, but I can.
All Guild Entrances Fall Under Those Secret Definitions
Some more secret than others, just like regular game secrets, but every single one is either "using" an odd non-entrance object, or you have to "use with" an item on something.
As such, it's fully understandable that, considering the issue had never been brought up before until one thoughtless type recently decided to disrespect the map owner and post entrance instructions, all such entrances were considered secret.
I Disagree
Just as every moderator who has spoken on the issue has said, I agree with them. They should, in fact, be considered secret and as such not open for discussion on official channels per the rule.
Yes, I'm disagreeing with radu's decision on this. It happens on occasion. This is one of those times. Based on what's been seen so far he probably has the whole mod team disagreeing with him as well, or at least the overwhelming majority. I seriously doubt any map owners agree with his decision, either.
Honestly, not that they're exactly hot items anymore, but I can't see why anyone would buy a guild map at this point, if they can't get that one simple ounce of respect to not have their entrances publicly posted, and treated like any other secret. Especially considering how much they cost.
To All Guild Map Owners
As you know and can see on the right column on this page, I have been doing image blog entries of guild maps. There are still many more I have to do, and I do know all but about 6-7 of the 30+ maps' locations. Even if your map hasn't been done yet, there's a high chance I've already been on it, and it'll show up here.
But do not let that concern you. I do not provide entrance locations to anyone (except one person who also shares with me, and that person is equally responsible with secrets, a secret-hunting teammate of sorts). Not here, not in-game, not anywhere.
You can look through the maps I've done so far, and you'll see that I took effort to not show where the entrance is... even censoring one image that gave just the map away. I take great effort to ensure both your entrance as well as any secret paths within the map remain secret. The only purpose is to show off the map to those who will likely never actually get into them, nothing more.
Guild Maps Will Remain Secret Here
Even though I am "sneaking into their maps", I have no intention of disrespecting the owners of those maps by giving away their entrances. While some are practically common knowledge, many are quite difficult to find or figure out the proper item(s) to enter, and it took me a lot of time and patience to figure those out.
So not only will I not provide guild map secrets out of respect for their owners, but also because I put a lot of work into finding them, I'm not just going to give away that info to lazy wastoids who like to be spoonfed everything.
The number of requests for guild map entrance secrets since this fiasco happened has gone up, and I have continued to refuse/ignore all such requests.
If anyone doesn't like that... "tough shit, your opinion is irrelevant".
We can only hope radu will change his mind on this issue. Regardless, I won't be changing mine. The only people who should have the right to publicly announce where a map is are the ones who own the map.
