AFK Improvements

Currently, I'm not really sure what /afk does except make your character sit down.

My suggestion is this: /afk <optional message>

Example: /afk "be back in 10 min"

Default message would be something like "<character name> is currently away from their keyboard."

Using the command would put an [AFK] tag in front of your characters name on the screen, on peoples friends list, and in the guild list, and anyone whispering you would recieve an auto reply of your message (on the first whisper only).

Thoughts? Comments? Suggestions?

EDIT: clarification and spelling

What about just put up the " away" status?

Disclaimer: Fiery, I may be misundering you.

The message idea was just something a little extra, though I think it may be helpful. I don't care what the status tag would say, either "Away" or "AFK" or something else relevant, as long as it appeared in the guild list, friends list, and in front of player names.

To simple, and it doesn't help to stop made traders, as AFK may mean I'm just not dealing with the game at the time. Expanding on the OP's idea this would be much better:

- When user selects /afk they are given a menu with different options such as , "AFK", "Eating" or "AFK - "Insert Time here from dropdown menu". The letters AFK are placed over your head.

- Your character sits down - already ingame.

- Your Outfit status is set to "Away" while in AFK mode, and returns to online after you move again.

- If you are AFK, people cannot open a trade with you. This would be a godsend.

Put up away status, set your character in a remote area, no bothersome traders. I would doubt A.net would incorporate a AFK-message for every little thing you do. Use vent or TS and set your comment to AFK and to whatever your gunna do.

Ohh, I get it now!

So to summarize the ideas,

typing /afk would:

1. Make your character sit down (already in game)

2. Change your status to "Away" in the Guild {G} and Friends {N} screens

3. Change the icon above your head in instanced areas from Class/Level or number in party to "AFK"

4. Prevent people from opening trades with you

5. Auto reply to the first whisper from another character with "They are currently AFK"

6. Message to all in your party on the "Team" channel "<character name> has just left their keyboard." as soon as you go afk and when you return a similiar message of "<character name> has returned to their keyboard."

7. AFK ends when you move or issue another command.

IMO, it shouldn't automatically cancel when you move. Maybe add an option for it, "Turn AFK off when moving.", for say, if you go AFK, makes some occasional glances on GW and move a bit accidentally or intentionally, but aren't really back

i agree with it makes it all a lot easier but there should be a button for that or something were the other players can see that you are AFK

Or perhaps an Idle/Away mode, where if they don't move the mouse for x amount of time (User set) it will automatically switch to Idle/Away mode. :P

/signed