Help files, and help systems

[Splork]

This is nearly identical to how we handle help files on Sloth.


We began logging bad help files about four years ago, the pain is going through the logs and pulling the legitimate ones from simple misspells and other fails. Example:

log.txt:2012-05-07 21:03:10 ** BADHELPFILE: GJOB **
log.txt:2012-05-07 22:06:54 ** BADHELPFILE: REGERATION **
log.txt:2012-05-07 23:00:47 ** BADHELPFILE: DRAGONSWORN **
log.txt:2012-05-07 23:14:56 ** IMMBADHELPFILE: GODRAIN **
log.txt:2012-05-08 00:43:43 ** BADHELPFILE: SPEEDWALK **
log.txt:2012-05-08 01:16:17 ** BADHELPFILE: CROWBAR **
log.txt:2012-05-08 01:23:59 ** BADHELPFILE: RET S **

We use some metaphone code, similar to that of a soundex. Example:

help avatar
"CLASS AVATAR" AVATAR

See Also: LEVEL TITLES LEVELING AVATAR

When you have achieved level 40 in your first four classes, you will be
able to gain levels in a fifth class. The exact powers that come with these
levels depend on your first four classes. For example, a magic-user will gain
more powerful magic spells, while someone with no spellcasting ability
will not.


<1024rm 0wz 514sv>

help avatr
"CLASS AVATAR" AVATAR

See Also: LEVEL TITLES LEVELING AVATAR

When you have achieved level 40 in your first four classes, you will be
able to gain levels in a fifth class. The exact powers that come with these
levels depend on your first four classes. For example, a magic-user will gain
more powerful magic spells, while someone with no spellcasting ability
will not.


We have an advice command, which does what kavir mentions below and searches all help files for the term used and spits out certain help file subjects which are hopefully related. We probably should combine this with the soundex for better results, as Kavir has. Example of current usage:

advice avatar
Help topics related to 'avatar':
acid shower
aegis
ambush
annihilation
aptitude
avatar attack
avatar shadow
avatar sight
avatar title
awaken the abyss

All help files use MXP and can be easily looked at and moved in-between because of it.



We have a feature we call talking mobs, its been discussed a few times on these boards. Basically players greet mobs and ask them questions regarding the game. The mobs are able to parse most questions, similar to Kavir's channel questions, and spit out answers, follow up questions, etc. It might be a great idea to use this in a similar manner in regards to channel questions though....


The combination of ideas seems to cover most issues and help file concerns we have ever had. Ive been away from our game due to work for quite some time this past year but I think I will try to polish up and combine the ideas we use, as Kavir has done.