Fly-By

Add to above post: I just discovered [yes, Im a PC dummie] that player "B"s' zip file was far more than a text document. I kept clicking on it & eventually found the sought after "Text Document" game file within his zipped "File Folder". Clearly, this player is sending me far more than I need, must be the way hes Zipping...God I hate being ignorant!

Im receiving PBEM files in Zip format from two players. Player "A"s' Zip files work fine. Player "B"s' do not. What I noticed by clicking on file "Properties": Player "A"s' [which works] is defined as "Text Document" under "Type". Player "B"s' [which doesnt work] is defined as "File Folder" under "Type". Is player "B"s' file comming through as "File Folder" the problem. If so, is it from not Zipping properly?

By failed file, I mean a file that wont load. I believe files are incomplete, truncated. I start game, click "Join Multiplayer", click "Load Email" button, select specific file, screen flickers & nothing happens.Keep in mind this has happen to about 20 of 100 files, a minority. What all failed files have in common: The last line of files received are missing the statement "End of PBEM file" [not exact quote, but close]. I also saved a failed file to compare to a successful file & counted several lines of text missing at the bottom [along with closing message I mentioned]. Im not sure what CM versions my opponents are using.I'll check into that. I will say that majority of contacts have enjoyed 15-20 file exchanges before problem occurs. I suspect mail service.

Ive been happily busy turning out multiple PBEM files daily for about a week now. I have seven contacts going now, 3 on CMBB & 4 on CMBO. Ive sent/received over a hundred files with about 20% failure rate. Intially, ALL failed files were ones I received. Today,for the first time, I was told by one player that I SENT a failed file. "Q",[1] Are a certain amount of failed PBEM files common? [2] Is there an indication of failure source if they are only received files [as opposed to sent files]? Thanks-FlyBy

Is it possible to have Green Hornet or other neautral minded, veteran in the extreme, to review an expired [used/finished/history] game file & give me your take on what im doing wrong/right? Would like a brief correspondence via email. Thanks for consideration. FlyBy

"BAND of BROTHERS", perfect suggestion Green Hornet! After reading cover page, sounds just like what Im looking for! I have made a total of six PBEM contacts on this site & appreciate them all thus far [including one "far out" individual]. When I have completed my obligations here, Ill sign up @ Band of Brothers. Thanks again. FlyBy

Thanks for the positive take, its just that Im amazed what those "in the know" can do with PC technology! I also read in CMBO manual files should be safe from tampering. BTW, can you direct me to Band of Brothers?

Being new to CM & PBEM, can I assume we all play by the same rules? That is, can my opponenets manipulate or corrupt files I mail him/her? Im not PC savvy, so I dont know whats possible & whats not regarding PBEM integrity. I believe most players want a level playing field, & wouldnt resort to cheating, am I naive or just paranoid?

As a newcommer to the the CM realm, I am grateful for the very usefull information. This play style never crossed my mind. I agree w/Green Hornet about setting up guidelines when challenging other players. Thanks all! FlyBy

I was reading another post ["Is it just me, or.."], and noticed Green Hornet mentioned a game play style he refered to as " excessive exploitation of borg spotting". Whats borg spotting, & how can it be used in excess?

Wait a minute, you cant be having trouble! You've got my "Dream Machine". I know your looking for answers to jerky game play, but I gotta ask, why/what doesnt Radeon support AA? Im shopping for a similar system [sans2.4 for 2.6] & would like to hear your system performs like magic in all gaming respects [other than vid card problem on CM?]. Ofcourse, you have done the latest driver download?

Because Im just beginning w/PBEM, I look forward to completeing all my game contacts. I can, however, see impatient players giving up on newcommers [86 "newbie" please] as they tend to screw things up & may not offer much of a challenge to those more experienced. I look forward to maintaining 5 PBEM contacts daily, have only had one go quiet on me.[& it was during turn one?]. Quiting in the middle of a game is not for me. I got "waxed" bad by my first contact, who surprised me with an offer of another game. My initial experience with folks from this site has been reliable so far [including one RUDE S.O.B. who pushes the limit of decency]. Quitting in the middle of a game is just more bagage for you carry around ["quitter"].

My blunder Madmatt. I am juggling five PBEM @ a time & loaded a CMBO file into a CMBB file. Oh what shame of ignorance I have. Thanks! FlyBy

I just loaded CMBB for the first time. The first use was for PBEM. Set-up Phase for both parties was completed OK. When I went to play next file received [1st move for me], I received the folowing notice: "YOU MUST UPDATE TO A NEW VERSION TO USE THIS FILE". Please instruct a rookie on how to respond to message. [i am new to CM & PC tech in general, please be gentle]. Thanks! FlyBy

Alan-Got your message regarding willingness for PBEM. Are you interested in a first time game? [caution: Im new to this, are you a patient individual?].

Thank you, thanks to everyone! I simply didnt think it through, that is the whole process of pbem. As one post said "play the game, trust the game", I should have just let the turns play out rather than subject them to my [twisted] logic. I confused myself. [now do you really want to PBEM with a "conscript" like me? It could be a headache, LOL!].Thanks again. Fly-By

So its "normal" to receive a file from my opponet that shows my moves only, & I send it back to him without entering any commands. I'l give it a try. [i was under the impression that every file sent would include giving commands as well as watching the moves]. Ill start over. Thanks

Yes, that is whats happening UP to the point of watching the movie. After the movie is over, the play is AUTOMATICALLY ended & the usual instructions are given to mail turn. In other words, player doesnt get the opportunity to give commands after the movie, turn simply ends there. Is anyone out there mailimg their files as attachments to mail? If so, any by Yahoo?

Ive been struggling to figure out how to achieve PBEM. We, [friend & I] have mailed files back & forth. The set up phase seems to go well, the first command is executed [seemingly] ok, then by file five, the command menu is unavailable. We get to watch previous commmand action[play/FF/REW/PAUSE works] & then the turn simply ends without getting a chance to issue new orders. I suspect its something in the way we are mailing? We both have Netscape 7.0 & use Yahoo mail. Is it possible sending files via Yahoos' attachment feature is the problem? Or simply asked: Has anyone used Yahoo attachments for PBEM? This aside, whats the best [simple] way to PBEM? Thanks.

Thanks for the offer Ace Pilot! I just received today my bundle of CMBO & CMBB with heavy duty manuals. Also, I have managed to rack up 8+ hours of game time on the demo.Though slowly learning, I still do not issue effective commands and barely manage a "draw" at battles end. What does the PBEM game you mention contain? Is it more or less a "walkthrough" of sorts? I would very much be interested in that if so. Thanks for the cosideration. Fly-By

[1] Where does bundled CMBO & CMBB ship from if recipeients' destination is US?[in other words, how long will I anxiously await my order to arrive on the west coast?] [2] Are all the missions/scenarios in these two titles accesable without having to complete them in a chronolgical order? [if I fail to achieve total victory in the first scenario, will I be prevented from moving on to folloeing scenario?] Thanks-

Hello all, I recently downloaded CMBO, found it very appealing, and decided to order the bundle last pm. Im looking for a contact or two with great patience interested in helping an inexperienced enthusiast of games, especially CM. On the other hand, if folks here are tolerant of newcommers and their usual ignorance, I am willing to embarrass myself here [as opposed to email contacts]. Either way, any advice is appreciated. My email is in my profile. I have a bunch of "drive you crazy" questions, but will wait for feedback & leave you with two: [1]- Playing demo as Allies, I notice the Axis units/infanty sometimes change from their original form into an Iron Cross, & then back again. What does this represent? [2] I finished my initial learning curve on "Chance Encounter" & am having difficulties with "Troubled Valley". I typed Troubled Valley in search on this site[under CMBO forum] but didnt come up with much that was specific to this mission.[but lotsa good conversation about game] Where do I go for suggestions on individual missions? Thanks for considering to help, Fly-By PS- I have two+ years gaming; 45 shooters,12 RTS, 2TBS games, all as single player[multiplayer phobic]