Should we use PBW or not? Is it better than PBEM?

The biggest advantage is that PBW automates collecting and distributing the turn files.

The only advantage that I can think of for PBEM is that you can update still-in-development mods with frequent version changes a lot faster than we PBW admins can get to it.

I can't think of any major bugs left in PBW, and most of the minor ones I blame on the BBS software that it was built on. Does he have any specific complaints we could address?

capnq
PBW admin

"Good morning, Pooh Bear," said Eeyore gloomily. "If it /is/ a good morning," he said. "Which I doubt," said he.

I'd be interested in knowing what these bugs are that PBW is "full of". Perhaps your friend is confusing PBW with TCP/IP mode.

Seriously, PBW is an excellent service for multiplayer SEV. It handles all of the busywork that a PBEM host would otherwise be saddled with (gathering turns, running the turn when everyone has sent them in, and distributing the next turn).

The only negative I have seen that might be a PBW issue is that once in a while I still get a turn package that is missing the combat replays. It doesn't happen very often...got one yesterday for the first time in weeks. If you want to be extremely nitpicky, you can say that the server occasionally goes down a for a few hours, which could delay your getting the turn file. However delays in a PBEM game will certainly be much worse, unless the game host does nothing else with their life other than sit in front of their computer 100% of the time waiting for emailed turns to come in.

I have not gotten my copy of SEV so can only compare by what is said and my CIV stuff.
Does PBW = Civilization PitBoss?

Help! I have been assimilated

PBW = "Play-By-Web", as opposed to "Play-By-E-Mail". PBW is a centralized web server that handles the flow of turn information. Players upload their turns to their specific game's page, and the server runs the turns and distributes the game files.

The PBW server basically automates the PBEM process to remove some of the headaches, especially for the game administrator/owner.

http://pbw.cc

Possibly one of the few things PBEM is better than PBW for is being able to play Sequential Turn games. When there are a lot of players, Simultaneous is better anyway, even if it has inconveniences.

Now, whether those bugs that your friend mention are PBW or inherent in Simultaneous games... that's another matter. Much has been squished and the next public patch will squish a lot too.

---Sig---
Playing Touhou games (Go here if interested . No, nobody else is that good/insane as that replay). No rush for SE V bug fixing.

So PitBoss = PBW but the difference is PB server is whoever starts the game and the PBW server is set.

On PBEM I have one word; yuck.

Help! I have been assimilated