This post is in response to a player being banned recently over asking if a particular mod is allowed.  Here is a link to the thread in question :

http://piratemc.com/topic/smokey-please-read/

Let me stress, this is not a request to unban that player.  I do not know the player, and I do not disagree with staff’s reasons for banning him.  I merely suggest we clarify the rules so it doesn’t cause confusion in the future.

Currently, rule 3 states that players must not use hacks, glitches, or exploits.  If a player can be banned for using a client modification in single player, the rules should explicitly reflect that.  Mojang actively encourages the development and use of client mods, and though admitting to using hacks in single player could imply a player is willing to use them on the server, it is not definitive proof of hacking the server.  It is not intuitive for our rules to affect Mojang approved gameplay in single player, so if they do, it should probably be stated explicitly in the rules.

My other suggestion is to clarify rule 9.  The player who was banned was also cited for breaking rule 9 for not using common sense.  However, rule 9 also states to ask a staff member in the event you are unsure.  By the exact wording of the rules, the player did what he was instructed to do by asking a staff member if something was allowed.  If there are cases where doing such is a bannable offense (which I have no problem with), the rules should probably reflect that.

The biggest issue I have with the whole scenario is that if a potential new player comes to the server and reads a thread like that, it could give the impression that someone was banned regardless of the rules, even though that is not what actually happened.  To a brand new player on the server, it could look like staff decisions are inconsistent with the rules.  That’s potential for bad PR.

Now, I and most other long-time players understand that there was a discussion beforehand, and the player was not banned on a whim.  It was done because he actually posed a legitimate threat.  It’s not the staff’s decision that was wrong.  It’s just the rules could be clearer.

The bottom line is that there is an easy fix, and it’s simply to add a clause at the end of each rule to explain in more detail.

For example:

3. No hacking, cheating or exploiting glitches. No client mod(s).

Do not hack, cheat or use glitches.

Do not use a modified minecraft client (apart from Optifine).  If you connect to PirateCraft with a modified client, even if you do not intend to use the mods in PirateCraft gameplay, you will be considered a risk to the server.

If you find an exploitable glitch, contact a staff member.

9. Use common sense.

The Rules aren’t exhaustive.

If something doesn’t appear in these rules but seems like it should be forbidden, then it probably is!

Ask staff members if in doubt, but read the rules first.  If your question proves you have broken a rule, you will not be spared discipline for ignorance. 

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Once again, I am not requesting for the player to be unbanned, nor am I saying staff was wrong to ban the player for posing a threat in the first place.  However, I think the wording of the rules should be updated to prevent confusion.