Computer use

[finkman]

Would it be possible to replace "computer use" (NOT as used in the sense of hacking, etc.) with some sort of "information sifting" skill? I think this could represent the ability to sort through the massive amount of information then, e.g., internet research yields.

For example, the author is right: any old person can type whatever they're looking for ("secret societies") into Google (or whatever). Only someone with a little skill, however, can sort through the pages and pages of results to find (a) accurate, reliable information, that (b) is what they're looking for.

Oh well, just a random thought from a newb.

[Walter S Ciechanowski]

Newbie or not, glad to hear from you!

Addressing your points:

1. "Would it be possible to replace "computer use" (NOT as used in the sense of hacking, etc.) with some sort of "information sifting" skill? I think this could represent the ability to sort through the massive amount of information then, e.g., internet research yields."

If your game supports a "Research" or "Library Use" skill, I'd simply consider basic computer/internet research a part of that skill.

2. "Only someone with a little skill, however, can sort through the pages and pages of results to find (a) accurate, reliable information, that (b) is what they're looking for."

In this case, I'd rule that only experts can find such useful information, and the appropriate skill would be used instead. For example, a PC with a "law" skill should be able to use his law library and the internet as part of that skill. (In fact, unless something's changed, lawyers have to pay a fee to use case databases, keeping that out of the hands of general research). As another example, a PC with "Wicca Knowledge" would be able to identify true Wiccan sites and information from the inaccurate ones.

Walt

[Bartmoss]

Regarding using the internet as a research tool.

I agree that there are places you can research but to my knowledge "the occult" and suchlike is usually so specialist you end up with

1. very rare books that are bound in leather and probably printed centuries ago

2. speculative information.

3. just plain wrong.

The internet being what it is, is full of people who want to speak out on a variety of topics most of which is plain rubbish.

The places that offer good research usually costs money and the player would need money to pay for it. Though its not an amazing block in most games.

I have always given players some information when using the web for research in my games but I generally give it basic and if they did well mention some "dark tome that was written by an author who was burnt as a witch". Nothing beats finding dusty old tomes in old libraries and private collections. You would never get the Nine Gates online, the entire point is its 1 book in 3 books.

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However as a general principle I agree with the general thrust of the idea and I do like the idea of computer illiteracy and a flaw.

Adding to it I have two skills. Library Use and Internet Research, mainly because I believe they are different skills. I know a friend who is amazing at advance searches on the web, but I am not. However he is lost in the Library whilst can find what is needed very quickly.

In the end it is just a taste issue.

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Computer Use also has another sin that you did not mention. Those who have no idea about computers believe hacking is just a case of typing arcane computer languages into the magic box and hey presto you are in the system.

I once confronted one of my players as follows.

Player: I will hack into the office computer and bring up the records.

ME: ok two questions, what is the phone number of said computer, and more importantly what is the computers IP address.

Player: no idea.

ME: then you cant get in.

Player: but I have a massive computers score.

ME: but the information you need to actually start your hacking attempt needs to be found using other skills.

[Beri]

I'll agree with this one (about super-hackers). I had a Virtual Adept in a Mage game who believed she could do ANYTHING with computers - without needing any magic to do so. You know, stuff like instantly rewriting a city's traffic light system from her PDA, stuff like that. I just began applying what I thought were realistic times to her attempts. (Hacking the traffic light system? Sure, you can probably do it. It's at least a six-hour job. And you need a desktop computer with a broadband connection - preferably several.)

[Beri]

Also, I wanted to comment on the original column, where the player was frustrated that his character couldn't remember the basics on banshees.

I'm not sure what system it was, but in most systems, botches aren't common. If you really have a great score, but you totally flub the roll, why doesn't it make sense that your character just blanks on something? I mean, if it's a 1 in 1000 chance or so. I've had plenty of moments where I just can't seem to remember something basic.

What I think your point is, and what makes sense more, is that the GM should have at least said 'Banshees are some kind of spirit, known for their voice. You can't remember much more detail than that.' But I can't blame the GM for calling for a roll (if it were significant, and failure had a consequence) and for enforcing the results of that roll.

As for the computer use roll, did you have a good computer skill? I know plenty of people, even professors, who wouldn't know how to load up Google and find something.

Maybe you should talk to your GM about introducing a rule like D&D's 'Take 10', where you can spend a lot of time doing something to make sure you get an average success.