Support channels in /server_message_to

[Erth Paradine]

Request:
Add support for channels in the existing command /server_message_to

For instance: /server_message_to plain #general "ErthParadine: My webchat form submission"

Currently:

• Existing commands support directed messages to specific users, either as popups, or messages visible only in the global "CHAT" window.
• Existing commands support can broadcast messages via screen popups, or [server] tagged messages in the global "CHAT" window.
• Logging of such messages is limited to server console or log.txt.0 captures.

Result of proposed:

• Messages would appear in targeted chat channels, instead of the general "CHAT" window.
• Would enable third-party scripts to support multi-server chat and/or webchat functions.
• Would enable third-party abuse/language scripts to remind chatrooms of appropriate language.
• Logging would continue in the appropriate channels.

Suggested Method:

• Currently, /server_message_to only matches on IGN strings. Suggest expanding this function to support channel name strings, and to inject those "plain" type messages into the targeted channel.

Rationale:

• Multi-server support is a long-running request. One major feature is the ability for players to continue interacting across a galaxy (e.g. TXT chat), without leaving the game, or requiring third-party desktop specific tools. For instance, enabling players to seamlessly communicate in-game across PVP/PVE, build, and dev/test servers. Providing support for channels-specific messages would open the door for third-party tools to facilitate this feature, all server-side.
• The roadmap already includes chat filtering options, abusive language, etc. Why not provide a basic framework, and then hand this torch over to third-party tools? A good first step at this, would be enabling admins to inject audience-specific messages in a way that that targeted audiences immediately take notice: channel specific chat window(s).