All good and valid opinions. However, as mow (?) pointed out: What if you need to use the toilet. What if you are making some coffee and getting a cigarette. And the list goes on and on..

I think we can all agree that what really annoys us are the ones that joins the server, and then goes off to watch TV or reads a book. In other words, the ones that are spectating for several maps without even being at the computer. If the server isn't full, then this isn't really a problem, but when it is full ...

In my opinion, if an admin absolutely sees it necessary to implement such a feature, you should get kicked -only- when the server is full, and you have spectaded for more than a full map (so that you don't get kicked if you go into spec right before the map changes). Of course not valid settings for 1vs1-servers or the likes.

Just remember to remove these settings before using the server for cups / Clan Wars / Trainings / etc. Since these types of occations almost always has spectators waiting to play the next map (or referee if he/she is affected by these settings)

wonko, we are speaking about people who are not respond on request, hope u got that point. Acitve specs are no matter for anything.

But situation is sometimes that, u have 6 players, 8 specs, server is full. People sitting at spider, ase, kquery or whatever, w8ing for coming in. half of specs dont respond on request, so.... .

i handle it that way, because i was in past also annoyed if i didnt came in server even after 15 minutes staying qued, just because some people save there point when they come back to pc they can play immidiatly again.

!

No request = kick (reason = come back when u r back)

A automatic function for this would be super great. If server can c inactive people in game, it could also c inactive people at spec. Specs who spec activ, at least move there mouse and send more signals to server, thats the point, where it can be changed in next PR of XP.

ancient dont be patronising ok? i read ur post..ur saying the same thing mow is saying...and im trying to say i disagree...to me the issue is not only that people just leave the game without leaving the server...its also that people need to recognize the fact that other people may be trying to connect to the server...and in this case i see no reason y an "active" spectator warrants some sort of special protection..if u dont wanna play the game and if the server is full so other people may be trying to connect, the right thing to do is to leave the server...sure i can live with it if u'd specifically said ur going to the restroom or something..but imo anybody remaining spec on a full server for more than 5 mins ought to be kicked..

im gonna stop cos im beginning to repeat myself...

mow..how about people who are politely asked to leave the server and yet refuse? had this guy on 2S freeze yday who remained spectator for more than 15 mins after changing his name to "eating"...i had to wait for five mins to join the server cos of 4 specs and when i finally got in i asked him to play or leave...his response was - "are you an admin? if not bugger off"..if ur saying i should tolerate such people and heartily agree with them..im sorry i wont..

Wonko, I wasn't being patronizing. The reason i asked was that you were telling me that "it's a matter of opinion", even though I started my post with a sentence with the word "opinion", and later explicitly stated "In my opinion ..". So from where I'm sitting, you were being patronizing. It seemed to me that you didn't even bother to read my post before telling me what is and what is not. Further more, I've seen you on servers too - and I have seen you spectate without stating what you are doing when not playing.. So don't be sanctimonious about spectators lack of informing.

To get back to the topic:
In MY OPINION it shouldn't be necessary to tell everyone why you are spectating, or when you will start playing again. Some players spectate to learn, some spectate because their cat is getting eaten by their dog.. It's a simple fact that events will occur that doesn't justify spending time typing an afk-reason, even those events that take little time. I'm sure not going to start telling you guys every time i take a leak, or smoke a cigarette - why should I have to? Does it make a difference if I tell you that I'm taking a piss when going into spectate-mode? Am I not still in spectate-mode if I don't?

Wonko, how much time do you spend when taking a dump? 5 minutes? How much time do you need to smoke a cigarette? 5 minutes here too? Do you ever get a phonecall when playing? Does that take 5 minutes? I just don't think you see the full picture.

I'll admit I don't spectate often when I'm in a server, but the few times I do specate I don't want to be forced into explaining myself to anyone. Punish me for spectating, do not punish me for not telling you that I have to take a piss.

On another note, what about all those players that can't speak English? Sure, we all know "BRB", but that statement is very relative. How about if they just type "spectating"..

where is the prob to leave server if u feed ur dog?