***** BOT-POLICIES ***** We welcome the creation of innovative "bots" (automated players) that enhance the ICC experience, but we don't want them to dominate any chat channels, put undue load on the server, distort ratings, or annoy people. Here are some specific rules, but we may make more rules or require you to change aspects of your bot at any time as new problems arise. (1) Your bot must not spam the server with commands or otherwise cause the server to use an inordinate amount of resources. E.g. if your bot responds automatically to tells, it must have safeguards against getting into chat loops with other such bots. (2) You must document what your bot does in its finger notes or, additionally, on a web page linked in the notes. Also, you must email that information and any more details you would like to include (e.g. how it works) to freebird@chessclub.com. (We reserve the right to use any such information you submit, in any way we like, without compensating you.) (3) If your computer player searches to a fixed depth or for some other reason its playing strength does not increase when it has more time, it should only use one time control per rating category, when playing rated. (4) Collecting information from ICC, without ICC's written approval, is in violation of "help agreement". You must obtain ICC's permission before doing this. See also: computers, bots, programmers