Today a post turned up in the mail of the DDOHappenings regarding the use of LFMS in DDO.
To put it lightly all hell broke loose as unfortunately is usually does.
However the topic does raise some very important issues, namely whether or not using LFM's with a trade in the comment box is in anyway acceptable.
Well I have read alot of comments on the issue and if I am entirely honest (which I always am) I don't mind it, I think its a good way of bringing potential custom to traders and sellers alike. "But it goes against the reason of LFM" I hear you cry! Well yes and no. The major problem in my opinion is actually the comment box. The comment box is believe it or not standalone, it is in the who panel, it is shown in the who panel, here you see the list of people who are online (ignoring those scrupulous individuals who are anonymous!) and here you can type a comment that will be shown to anyone looking for a certain type of player. For example alot of people explain a little of their playstyle to allow the gorup leader to choose the correct character for their quest. For example if i set up a group for lets say Stormcleave on elite a level 8-10 group, we are desperately short of a cleric! woe is me! so a quick click or two on the who list gives me a list of level 8-10 clerics who are online, another click and we see the players who are not grouped, excellent, but who to pick!
Ubercleric, level 9, with the comment, "Fast play style, insta-death specialist" hmmm ok fast is good but i need a healer!
so you look on
Nicecleric, level 9 with the comment "healing enhanced cleric, with dv."
PERFECT, the comment has helped make my choice as it is a cleric between 8-10 and one which likes to heal, excellent, send a tell offer a small bribe to join and your away!
However the problem truly arrives when you place other things in the comment box, for example "will trade one Black dragon scale for one Blue dragon scale". Fair enough, I need black scales. However if someone with this in their comment box, sets up a group it also appears next to the quest name, preferred classes required and the level requirements. This is an issue, unfortunately people may feel that this is an abuse of the LFM system, then again I would argue suggest (and have argued suggested) that reading a few extra "fake" trade LFM's is not really that big of a deal but to some it is.
I would perhaps recommend to Turbine that a Looking to Trade window may be appropriate in DDO, almost like an in game bulletin board to allow players who dont frequent the amazing DDO forums to see who has what and what they could possibly offer you for your +2 Vorpal Sickle RR WF!
A link to the "discussion" is as follows
http://community.codemasters.com/forum/showthread.php?t=191727
Peace out guys,
Drallac
