Clans and cheating. (Score 1)

"...Another interesting aspect of online cheating is the rise of clans and how cheats get propagated. If a member of a clan hacks a game or obtains a not-readily-available program for cheating, it will often be given to other members of the clan with the understanding that it's for clan use only and to be kept secret. The purpose being, of course, to raise the standing and prestige of the clan..."

Part of the problem is that, currently, clans are synonymous of organized gangs fighting for domination. This intense competition makes cheating not only attractive to entire clans, but also to newbies that are faced by experienced players who have no incentive to help them.

A much more productive use of clans is to create a network of players that can be trusted, are fun to play with and have reliable internet connections. Since the concept clan is not about world domination anymore, arbitrary limits on the number of members disappear and the skills required for admission is minimal. The clan can then setup parallel games only opened to members, as well as a few open ones, for recruiting purposes.

A nice side effect of this organizational structure is that good players will naturally be attracted by the prospect of fun, competitive and lag free games.

Civilization is the process by which man frees himself from man. -- Ayn Rand