Back again with another noob question.

[mgregoryd75]

I have a few etiquette questions about interacting with other players.
1. Is it ok to scan other players' ships? I don't have the one that lets you see their cargo but I don't want to be invasive either.
2. If I am mining a space rock is it common for other players to start mining the same rock or to send out their limpets to gather the ore.
3. Is cutting in front of people or bumping them out of the way at space stations allowed (or even possible)? I have been cut off several times and almost run into by other ships. Only my quick reflexes (panicked button spamming) and running into the wall saved the other ship.

 

[Caydran]

1) You can scan them, it will give you data materials you need. You can also scan their wakes with a wake scanner for more data materials.
2) If in open, there may be others mining, either NPC's or real commanders. The same rock is not worth fighting over. Move on.
3) If you hit someone, NPC or human, that will get you fined, even by accident if damage is done. You can cut someone off without penalty, but bumping them is not a good idea. It's just like driving a car.

Around space stations, there are many rules, especially when entering and exiting a space station. It's a no fire zone and it's best if you let ships ahead of you land or depart. You could be hauling a boatload of items and system data, all destroyed while being careless in landing? Not worth it.

 

[Ashnak]

My opinion:
1) not unless you want possibly to engage in hostilities. Other players may be running illegal missions or, even worse, illegal passengers where your (successful) scan will fail their mission(s).
2) never happened to me - never even saw another player while mining. Still, I wouldn't consider it good manners. I'd probably block them and move on - my mining ships usually aren't armed.
3) not possible if you both are using a docking computer, standard if you're not. I usually try to give outgoing ships priority when coming in ( they have a tighter timer). Apart from that, you'll get a fine if the other ship is damaged and you are flying over the speed limit (100 m/s). If the other ship is destroyed, you'll get a bounty and the station will immediately open fire on you. Those guns hurt.

 

[metatheurgist]

I suspect most of those interactions you're having are with NPCs. Passive scans can't be detected by players and are fine (target and wait). Active scans (fire button required) depends on the player (warrant scan, cargo scan, etc).