Client-side addons are now permitted

[fer]

Do I need any addons to play in a Folk session?
No, Folk has no required addons.

Cool. Wait, that emphasis suggests there are optional addons. What's the deal?
There are no required server-side addons (things like islands, vehicles and weapon packs that must be on the server and the PC of every connected player). However, there is another type of addon - client-side - which is permitted.

What's a client-side addon, comrade?
An addon that only needs to be loaded on a player's PC because it only affects that PC. Examples include the STHUD or Blastcore tracers. Crucially, only the players that want to use such addons need to have them installed - they don't affect other players or the server.

I thought the Folk server automatically kicked guests that attempted to connect with addons loaded?
It used to, but this has been relaxed as of 27 August 2011.

Great, so I can connect to the Folk server with all my favourite addons enabled?
No. And this is where we're asking guests be considerate. Client-side addons are fine, but some other addons and mods - particularly ACE2, ACRE etc. - can increase the likelihood of server instability or even crashes. So please connect with just the client-side addons you want/need loaded.

What happens if I forget and connect with ACE2 loaded?
The politburo will frown upon such activity. Also, a host (if he or she is not drunk at their post) may kick you, and ask you (nicely) to reconnect with a reduced set of addons enabled.

What happens if we experience server instability?
Then the previous no-addons policy will have to be revived.

Was there a brave test pilot involved in the experiments required to enable this new policy?
Comrade Joseph/Sulphur made the first successful connection to the server whilst running a client-side addon that replaces all armoured vehicles with totally non-threatening-looking characters from My Little Pony.