Should PBEM game turns be Winrar'ed/zipped |
I know with other PBEM games the developers always insist/suggest that turns be Zipped to minimize data corruption. Winrar seems to be the best product out there that I could find. Should I "rar" my turns back and for to my other PBEM buddies...........what do you recommend?
PBW
Once the game is started, players only need to upload their .plr files and after the turn is run on the server, they download or have the next .gam file (zipped) e-mailed to them automatically. It involves a lot less work for the host. 
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PBW server
Go to seiv.pbw.cc, chose the text only site, register, and then select SEV games....
To answer your question
To answer your question though, it depends on what your players are comfortable with. Not everyone has WinRAR, and although it's fairly easy to get, not everyone will want to download another program to be able to handle your .rar files. The nice thing about WinRar though is you can use it either way as it will allow you to put the files in .zip or .rar format. So if you have some users that only want to use Winzip they will still be able too be in your game. It will just be an extra click for you when compressing the files to send out.
Geoschmo
Compression VS None
Corruption could happen either way, But compression software uses error checking when you are unzip/raring. This means IF there is a problem, you know and can have the file resent.
True most can 'repair' (rar is the best for this I have seen), but since most game files are small enough when compressed it's easier (and safer) to just resend.
The PBW option makes this more automated. A nice touch really.
What? They ain't dead yet!
What's the hold up? It's already turn 23.
Not using PBW?
Have you considered using the PBW service instead of manual PBEM?
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