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by Daniel Whitcomb 
Nov 22nd 2008 at 12:00PM
So it's been a while since I mentioned it, but I'm still pretty gung ho on helping to enforce WoW gameplay policies, especially RP server specific policies, and I will not hesitate to report anyone I see violating them by means of name or conduct. With the recent changes to the report system, I generally just stick their names and a few notes into the Report an Issue and move on, knowing that eventually, a GM will get the report and hopefully decided to be an enforcer that day. But even though I've elected not to speak with a GM, I still often get an email telling me the usual spiel: They looked into the issue, but are not able to tell me what happened due to privacy issues and whatnot.
Then comes the customer service satisfaction survey that asks me if the issue was resolved to my satisfaction.
I know it's probably automatically generated, but it both amuses me and confuses me. I mean, It's not to say I wasn't satisfied per se, but... how can I ever really say that my issue was actually taken care of? I'm not allowed to know what action was taken for "privacy reasons," so all I can do is watch for the dude I reported again. If he doesn't show up, maybe he got disciplined or got that name change. If he does show up, I'm left stewing because it looks like Blizzard didn't do anything, expect this is 3 weeks later and I no longer have access to that survey to tell them.
I suppose I'm still sort of unsure about all this "privacy" stuff. I'm not saying that you announce to everyone every action on a petition, but I'd really like to see some more GM Accountability on these matters. Something like a, "Thanks friend, I'd say the name Longjohnson is inappropriate and in need of a change, we'll get on that,." or a "No, sorry, we don't believe that Mootimer is in violation of our naming policy, rule X does not apply to him because Mootimer could technically be a proper name, and will not be taking action." I mean, you could even do it as a later email so people don't have a chance to sass you in tells or something.
In theory, I'm going to see the results of the inquest in game anyway when I see whether or not the name's changed. Why not let me know if there will be a change, and if not, tell me why the GM subjectively decided not to do it even though I am sure it is a clear violation of server policy? As an RP server player, it might give me a clearer picture of what GMs are doing (or not doing) to protect my playstyle and the rules of RP server. And of course, it'd help me actually be able to fill out those customer service surveys too, finally.
Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Wrath of the Lich King
Reader Comments (Page 5 of 9)
Starfiyre of Shadow Council Nov 22nd 2008 1:35PM
Sadly I have no choice when it came to a RP server, all my friends rolled on the server. I was also forced into a name change once due to my name having two mm's next to each other in the name.
I really personally don't mind a RP server, but it gets kinda nuts when the purists of RP decide to force their ways on other people. Like a couple times I had druids screaming at my Warlock because she jumped into Moonwell to make Mooncloth and Primal Mooncloth. Now that I think of it, people have huge fits about the Moonwell, because once we had a guild photoshoot and decided to have it at Stormwind's Moonwell and the Night Elves freaked out on us again because we were 'blocking their way' to *THEIR* moonwell. On our Realm servers, one Roleplayer decided to state that all guilds should require everybody to roleplay, and if they don't, kick them and put them on ignore forever. He went on to say that if you find somebody that doesn't RP, to ignore them forever. He called it 'Purifying our realm'.
Skarlette Nov 22nd 2008 2:05PM
If I was playing a druid for RP I'd freak about a warlock in the moonwell, too. In-character, that's the natural reaction. Personally, I'd think that was some fun, spontaneous RP. I wouldn't push it to the point where it disrupted another person's playing, but I would definitely emote disgust at having my sacred pool befouled by a practitioner of demonic magic. It would be funny.
Vendrill Nov 22nd 2008 3:48PM
No warlocks in the Moonwell! Bad warlock!
That's like peeing in the pool!
Hoggersbud Nov 22nd 2008 1:47PM
I think part of the problem is a lack of understanding from folks who don't see why the lack of information on the results of naming violation reports is at least a bit bothersome. So I suggest looking at the example of goldspammers. Who doesn't want to hear that these vile and pernicious annoyances are being dealt with?
Instead, they keep coming back and being annoying.
Now you might say there's a difference between the actions of goldspammers and persons with a name violation, but having recently reported someone with a name that was deliberately profane, no, I'm going to say that's not always the case.
Izzy Nov 22nd 2008 1:52PM
Do RP servers have special rules?
On a regular or PVP server I'd have to agree that you are a tool. However, if there are specific rules on an RP server and the GM's aren't doing their job, then you are just a rat.
Skar Nov 22nd 2008 1:59PM
First things first... was this article really necessary? Did it serve any informative or entertaining purpose? I mean, with all off the new content we're all stumbling around in, couldn't you have come up with a better topic? So you're an RPer, okay. Write about how great it is to RP now with so much lore unfolding in front of you or the awesome settings you have to do it in. Hell, you could have written an entire article about the rat and turtles in the Dalaren sewer. This just seems lazy.
On to point two. The very first comment was right... what you're saying is an admission to being pedantic. Ostentatious is another word that pretty well sums up your apparent mind set in this article. Either way, it's pretty silly to get so worked up just because someone made a Tauren alt with a name that's a semi-clever pun for beef steaks. Unless they're actively disrupting your RP by griefing, is there really any reason to report them? All it does is make you into the stereotype of the brown nosing tattle-tale kid from grade school. And to then come on here and parade it around with a holier-than-thou attitude makes you just as bad as the people that troll trade.
Remember when saying "reported" was lol-worthy in trade? Part of the reason that it became that much of a joke was because of people like you. Blizz's player terms are there for a reason, and so are the naming policies... but chances are, very few of the things you report actually violate them to an extent that Blizz feels they need to take action. After all, they want to keep as many paying customers as they can... even the ones with silly names. So hitting a GM ticket every time you see a toon with a name that isn't lifted from a Dragonlance novel is akin to being the boy who cried wolf. Eventually, the GM's are going to have your name on a list.
Regardless of any of this, you're a writer on what is probably the most read WoW blog on the internet. Do your readers a favor and save these kinds of self-serving articles for six months from now when we're all grinding rep. There are way better things to talk about right now.
Oh, and to some of the other commenters... having a pot reference in your name is neither clever nor original. Just lame.
stonehead Nov 22nd 2008 2:08PM
I'm kinda bummed that this is going to be so far down the comments list because I think it needs to be said.
You guys need to take a debate class or something to learn how arguments work.
You can't claim to be objectively correct on something that has no objective truth. Meaning, until Blizzard comes up with a list of names or a written convention of that are acceptable for each race, you CANNOT say which names are correct and which are not. Bottom line. What don't you get about that? Who gave you the authority to decide that a human cannot have the name Brainsmasher? Is the universe of WoW so completely defined that there is no room for cultures of people who may have different ideas of names than the ones you know of?
Is it not equally viable, from an RP standpoint, that you would give your character a nickname, because a real name is a personal thing, to be shared with your close friends and family? I actually play a pnp game that way and it adds a bit of depth that is pretty fun.
The other issue I have that is purely opinion, how does it ruin your game that other people have names that you don't like? If you really are in character, would you really go around pissing and moaning about everyone doing things you don't like? Do you walk down the street either complaining or just stewing about someone wearing a jacket that you don't think is appropriate for the time of year? Let's be honest.
Can't you just play the game the way you want with the people you want and let others do the same?
Tenchan Nov 22nd 2008 2:18PM
"Who gave you the authority to decide that a human cannot have the name Brainsmasher?"
Blizzard did.
http://us.blizzard.com/support/article.xml?articleId=20458
http://us.blizzard.com/support/article.xml?articleId=20368
(Not specifically "Brainsmasher" of course ;)
Note: This is an answer to your question and in no way expresses my personal opinion on name reporting.
futurebiblehero Nov 22nd 2008 2:19PM
I'm an active roleplayer on Moon Guard and the lengths that -some- roleplayers go to when it comes to reporting people sincerely frightens me. I can see reporting a person named "Ipwnedurmom", or even "Ssepfhiroth", but I've been in guilds where OOC chat consisted solely of everyone trying to one-up each other on how well they annotated their tickets with extensive linkage in calling out obscure pop culture references. Needless to say, I'm no longer a part of any of those guilds.
Seriously, leave the poor guy alone that named his Draenei after a character that made a three minute cameo on an un-aired episode of the Haitian production of Star Trek. It just says that you're completely oblivious to the way Warcraft works (Haris Pilton, anyone?) and even more, it says you're an enormous blowhard that even the rest of us sensible roleplayers can't stand. Furthermore, all you're doing is perpetuating all of the bad stereotypes that lead people to go grief RP servers.
Sometimes I bet the sheer lack of perspective that GMs have to deal with on a daily basis from these people is staggering.
slunk Nov 22nd 2008 2:19PM
I get annoyed by role playing. I'm glad that role players tend to stay together on their own servers.
I think non-role players should respect the rules and wishes of the role players while on the role play servers.
If GMs were to let people know whether something is or isn't against the rules through example, they could cut down on the number of petitions for things like this.
Leave the RPers alone. If you want to go grief someone, go join a BG. That's what they are there for after all.
josh Nov 22nd 2008 2:20PM
here's an epic fix for people who want multi word names, let people put spaces in their names it may help and still keep names IC without breaking any rules. some people may break the naming rules because of that one problem as their name may consist of 2 parts (kiriasky for example) would be reported when the person really wants to have a middle name or a second part to the first name.
using the example above the person may have chosen a name for the character such as Kiria Sky Rose or they may want it to be Kiria Sky . and there are times when the first part of a person's name is already taken (Kiria for example) and even the shorter version of the first part being taken (Kiri in this instance).
the easiest way to fix most of the naming issues on RP servers, especially if the above conditions are met and the person has run out of creative names since they're all taken would be to allow spaces to be used. they would cut down on creative people using loltarded names and it would also open up the ability for people to use more creative names
josh Nov 22nd 2008 2:58PM
another thing to remember is that people may also be using last names so names like redaxe or blackblade or even brainsmasher may actually be IC names depending on their preference of weapons(axe, sword/dagger, and mace in this instance) and it would be wrong to report them for their names,
Roberto De Almeida Nov 22nd 2008 2:51PM
"but I really wish there were less Tauren running around with the word "Moo" in their name or any variation...It gets old, guys."
So said Sinzaram of MOOn Guard!
(Sorry, couldn't resist...)
W01ph Nov 22nd 2008 3:26PM
I play on an rp server, simply because that is where my friends were playing when I started into wow. I haven't read all the comments with the QQing from both sides, rpers being the pedantic asses that they can be, and the ones that can be total morons with the names they choose.
Here's what it boils down to imo... on rp servers, we're not allowed to have 2 words in our names right? Then blizz better god damn change some of the npc names on rp servers at the very least!! Cairne BLOODHOOF, Sylvanas WINDRUNNER???? STFU you whiny 'protect my rp' pedantic little bitches!!! I was recently the victim of having my name changed on one of my characters, a name I'd had for over a year, a name that in it's own way was rp for me. I don't rp per se, but I frequently use names that have a meaning for me and my friends, which imo constitutes a form of rp in itself. But because some ass like the writer of this article, and a good number of the commenters don't know, and don't care to know, or understand the meaning a name might hold for someone, I was forced to change my name. GG loser police wanna bes!!
and before the other non-rpers start cheering, I've seen my share of just plain moronic, unoriginal, pathetic names as well. Wish one of you dumbasses would buy a clue as well...
I do agree, and have reported myself, names that are just plain offensive, beyond that, is that player you saw breeze past you on their epic mount, that you saw for the first time, and may never see again really going to hurt your precious rp that much? grow up, get over yourselves, learn to ignore that which you disagree with
Vendrill Nov 22nd 2008 3:41PM
Props to Dan for the article! If someone has an offensive name, I won't hesistate to report them.
I report offensive behavior as well.
Cow & Offday... Give it a rest, please.
Arilas Nov 22nd 2008 3:41PM
Protip: If you're reporting someone for a name violation who is in your faction, you can add them to your friends list with a note that has the name you're reporting them for. If they are forced to get a name change, the new name will appear on your friends list, and the note will be there to reference what their name previously was.
The more you know.
Levina Nov 22nd 2008 4:12PM
""420buds said...
I think you are a LOSER who has nothing better to do. Did Blizzard ask you to help police? My your own god damn business. If you don't like it leave and find something else to do LOSER.""
Either this guy is a total idiot or is just trying to troll.
There is a reason why the report system has been focused on soo much. GM's can't see everything and if you want your game clean your community has to help police it. END OF STORY
Eversor Nov 22nd 2008 4:15PM
Why do people like you come down to RP servers if you clearly have such disgust for RP? Are you a masochist?
Shinkuu Nov 22nd 2008 4:16PM
Sounds like you are the one with issues. The article is talking about RP servers with special rules. Your argument is like complaining, "Why do people keep reporting men using the women's bathroom?" If you really disagree with it, go work with Ally McBeal.
Joeness Nov 22nd 2008 4:47PM
I play on an RP server. I follow the rules of the RP server. My character name is in line with the rules of the RP server. I like being on the RP server.
Based on this article and the comments from the RP police I actually think I'm going to pay to transfer to another server.
I can't believe you would take any game enviroment so seriously that you would not only take the time to report a person's character name to the GM (Granted if it was pornographic in nature then I could see reporting it but reporting MissMoo because it's not "authentic" enough is silly) but to do it so often you need to cut and paste into a pre-built form is Way Over the Top.