**FAQ** Exploits/Exploitable Bugs in Anarchy Online
Part I. Technical information
What is an exploit anyhow?
No. 11 of our Rules of Conduct (RoC) states the following: "You will not exploit any bug in Anarchy Online and you will not communicate the existence of any such exploitable bug (the definition of bugs like this is: a bug that grants the user unnatural or unintended benefits in game), either directly or through public posting, to any other user of Anarchy Online. You will promptly report any such exploit via http://help.funcom.com/ and never use it again."
Bug = [Computer Science] A defect in the code or routine of a program.
An exploit is a bug that grants a user an unnatural or an unintended benefit in the game for a character of their profession and level. Meaning, it's a bug or design error that makes it possible for characters to fight monsters, solve quests, earn money, get items, etc. that normally should be out of that character's reach or not possible in the first place. Basically, exploiting can be described as cheating.
If you're not sure if something is considered an exploit here's what we expect you to do, and what you shouldn't do:
Send an visit http://help.funcom.com/ including a description of what you think might be an exploit - this is the correct channel to use in regards of exploits. Try to include as many details as possible such as character names involved, the level and faction (Omni-Tek, clan or neutral) of the characters involved, date/time when it happened, the playfield where it happened, etc. and possibly a step by step procedure. You'll receive a reply, sometimes with the request for more details or an in-game meeting if needed.
We expect you to inform us about exploits, not tell other players about your discovery (this includes in-game channels, message boards and other possible communications) and to not use the exploit after you've found it. It is very important not to spread information about exploits after they have been discovered, as the team needs time to solve the problem and to keep the amount of players that might use it as small as possible.
Also, remember that exploiting and/or sharing of exploit-information might lead to the suspension of your account, banning and/or deleting of characters/items/credits. Furthermore, we'll not put out any information about exploit fixes until they have been patched to the live dimensions; we do that in order to not spread exploit information ourselves.