Yup I also have yet to digest this, but the thought of a provably correct algorithm is alluring. Do you really think the DATC rules, which phpDip's algorithm implements, could be invalid? I wonder if this proof could be mapped to the old rules somehow

The DATC algorithm is correct. The proof is in the article. However, I do think the algorithm in the last chapter is simpler.

The equations in chapter 2 are the same as in the DATC. However, without the min/max calculations. Also, the article considers the failure of a convoy order, while the DATC does not. But that is a minor thing.

Lucas

Well thats a relief at least :-) I'll have to take some time to digest your algorithm, phpDip does calculate max/min values if theres a possible paradox and the adjudicator would be a lot nicer without having to do that

Are you thinking about working this new algorithm into the DATC itself?

Edi's article also looks like it'll make a good inclusion in the help section, lots of goodies in this zine :-)

Yes, I want to update the DATC once. But it may take a few years, I have other priorities. Probably the algorithm section will be much shorter with a reference to the article.

Lots to read! =)

Just skimming over the titles and subtitles, David Norman has an article on the most obscure bug. Lucas, does your provably correct algorithm deal with that? Or am I asking an incompatible question?

The same question the editor asked me. The article is all about the situations David is talking about. The situation is a piece of cake.

Lucas

Edi's article is great, and very relevant to the site.

Lucas' article was surprisingly understandable. I thought it would go way over my head but his pictures and examples are really helpful. I haven't finished because I have to go to a physics lecture, but I can definitely see now that Diplomacy would be an interesting programming project.

Great issue. The Turkey-Italy Alliance problematic alliance explaination was very good.

do you have pdf? :-)

Chrispminis, thanks for the compliment. When I left the university, my technical writing was horrible. But, I learned it a little bit after years.

When I reread my own article in the first version, I always see things were I can be more concrete and more clear with an example, without loosing the general case. Of course, that is not in 100% of the cases and sometimes a abstract argument is necessary, but that is only the exception.

Don't do this while you are still on the university, because there they love formulas that are not understandable :-)

Lucas

Anyone else ammused at how Diplomat managed to influence Edi's piece?
'... If you are interested you can write to me at EdiBirsan AT astound DOT net." Note: There are many younger players who may feel uncomfortable with providing such details, and that is fine. I would simply suggest that you say something less personal. '

Yes.

haha i didnt notice that, havn't had a proper read through yet but i will do

The article I wrote is actually the player guide that is now part of the standing information on several PBEM websites. In fact I think it is now sent to new players as they sign up on one site.

I may expand it with a section on the most common mistakes made by new players but I wanted to keep the guide down in size.

As for Diplomat1824 impact on the article and myself, it is fair enough to say that the experience with him on this website was truly the worst experience I have had with PBeM and will always be a reminder of the pitfalls of the current internet gaming. To think that this hobby was started at a time when not only did everyone use their own name, but gave out their home address and 95% of the people had unlisted phone numbers. How far have we fallen as a group of people to have such insecurity and bizarre behavior? It is a reminder of one of my family mottos:
'Mankind is a great idea, the problem is that people-they stink.'

"How far have we fallen as a group of people to have such insecurity and bizarre behavior?"

It's not the hobby that has fallen. It's an age where media makes it all too apparent the risks of identity theft and online sexual predators.