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Offensive Character Names
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Faeryshan
Faeryshan
Old Shoe

Jan-12-2005 13:49

Is there any way to have character names reviewed before approval? I saw one today that I actually had to look twice at- there seem to be a rash of crude, vulgar, and offensive names lately and I know it would mean hard work for Ben, but maybe we could have some Mods do it? I would volunteer, if it would mean that I don't have to see names that my mother would have washed my mouth out with soap for saying (and still probably would!)

Replies

Faeryshan
Faeryshan
Old Shoe

Jan-14-2005 12:21

SA- you know that I wasn't meaning you when I started this thread that got so sidetracked! I just happened to see a character named f**kup and I really thought that was too much. Had to say something.

Detective Smart Ass
Detective Smart Ass

Jan-14-2005 15:42

I was just kidding woman, lol. I'll try not to be such a smart ass anymore.
hehe

Madame TBird
Madame TBird
Well-Connected

Jan-18-2005 07:20

I agree that there should be some restrictions on vulgar & offensive names. If a person is allowed to use an uncouth name, what is to stop someone from using a racist name too?

Fluke
Fluke

Jan-18-2005 08:59

I think it's a shame there are people who choose to allocate inapropriate names to their character and agree that in an ideal world restrictions could be put in place to prevent this.

However, this is a multicultural gaming society and words which are perfectly acceptable in one country/race/society can be increadably offensive in another. In view of this, placing restrictions on what is and isn't acceptable could potentially become an ethical nightmare.

Although not an ideal solution (& appologies if it has already been raised and rejected) but if it were possible to change the name of your detective those whom are offended could PM the offender requesting them to change their name (explaining why of course). I'm sure most people would oblige.

Of course this system relies on the goodness of human nature and as such is not perfect. But in view of the diversity of opinions and beliefs held by players is probabally the least antagonistic solution available (in my opinion).

(Now, I have been known to be wrong and am quite prepared to accept that I'm wrong in this case, just...... be gentle with me please!)

Faeryshan
Faeryshan
Old Shoe

Jan-18-2005 09:20

I agree that this could be a sensitive issue, however there are definitely names out there that are NOT perfectly acceptable to one culture and not to another. (Did that make sense?) And given the fact that some people have chosen their names, sometimes SOLELY because of the connotation behind it, I doubt messaging them would help.
I am willing to try it, though. I have only seen a handful of names that I really have problems with, and I suppose that I only complained because I hold us to a higher standard than, say, the random shoot-em-up game. (In fact, I was playing said random shoot-em-up game with my boyfriend over the weekend and saw MUCH dirtier names. It got me thinking as to why I have a problem with it HERE, and not THERE. I don't know.)
Sorry for the ramble.

Sly Spy
Sly Spy

Jan-19-2005 06:18

How about a person with a vulgar name, that PMd me that he was gay. Then, went on with obscenities that really grossed me out. This is crossing a line & is very uncalled for. I did not solicit this person he sought me out. It is obvious the character was created solely to harrass innocent bystanders. This incident almost kept from wanting to play again.

racedogg2
racedogg2

Jan-19-2005 15:29

if i were u, press the ignore button for guys like that. its better than quitting or turning ur pop up blocker on.

Sleuth Admin
Sleuth Admin
Tale Spinner

Jan-19-2005 16:05

I'm not sure if there is a systematic way of dealing with the issue. In my experience, automatic name filters don't lower the occurance of obscene names, they just encourage creative spelling.

I'm not against the idea of allowing moderators to boot players for having inappropriate names, but it might be tricky to do it in a fair way.

Wayne Williams Jr.
Wayne Williams Jr.
Well-Connected

Jan-19-2005 22:08

I agree it might get tricky. Booting is a big issue, like banning, so probably should be left to a non-player administrator like Admin or Sunny.

Faeryshan
Faeryshan
Old Shoe

Jan-20-2005 06:39

I don't even think that booting would necessarily be needed, maybe just someone with authority, i.e. Ben, PMing someone and asking them to change their name. Actually, I don't think people should be BOOTED for their names at all- that seems a bit excessive.

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