Uneditable Chatlogs

[SWAT One]

We currently have a working chat log, but currently it goes to .txt files that can be edited.  Is there a way to make a mod that converts those files somehow to .pdf files, so the integrity of chat files can be trusted, for example as proof for drama threads?

[Ad Bot]

[Reinforcements]

We currently have a working chat log, but currently it goes to .txt files that can be edited.  Is there a way to make a mod that converts those files somehow to .pdf files, so the integrity of chat files can be trusted, for example as proof for drama threads?

Technically anything can be edited. I wonder what the best way to go about this would be. A checksum perhaps?

[0xBRIANSMITH]

Technically anything can be edited. I wonder what the best way to go about this would be. A checksum perhaps?

recalculate the checksum...?
the only way to do this is to have all the chat get sent to a central server which signs it.

[-Jetz-]

Hole in plan: Someone could not use this mod, edit their chat files when they're text files, then turn them into PDF files themselves so you'll trust them.
Actual reason for not wanting it: I use chat logs mostly for my own convenience, and having to open up a bulky PDF reader to view one would be annoying as hell.

[SWAT One]

I mean that they're written or converted real-time.  I'm not saying that they are converted using some add-on at will- it just happens.  Any file, maybe.

[-Jetz-]

I mean that they're written or converted real-time.  I'm not saying that they are converted using some add-on at will- it just happens.  Any file, maybe.

They don't have to use the add-on, though. They can use one that writes it to a sensible text file, then if they want to show something to the now-complacent drama forum, they can edit however they want, convert it to a PDF themselves in whatever way makes it look legit, and post it.

[SWAT One]

Put a seal on it that is encrypted in the Add-On?

[phflack]

then why not just forge it ingame?
you can fake the chat on the client

[Chrono]

It doesn't matter what you're doing with them.
They can be faked.
The only purpose of a chat log is to moderate your own server, not for drama.

[Zeblote]

not possible

[Swollow]

I'm sure this could be done if the chat logs were sent to a server and have the server save them which only you have access to

[-Jetz-]

There are many reasons this won't work, including the possibility of just forging the chat, the fact that PDF files can be made by anyone just as easily, and that the engine can't actually make this kind of file. Honestly, though, I've almost never seen a case of forged logs, and barring misunderstandings, I rarely see false drama either.

[Chrono]

I'm sure this could be done if the chat logs were sent to a server and have the server save them which only you have access to

Yeah we already have things like that.
He wants something that can be used for drama for some reason.