Real ID: Completely Optional?

The main argument was "Don't like it? Don't use it." I thought it would be better to make it widespread and accessible, but under the circumstances, I only -reluctantly- shared it with my brother, since I knew that he would be a little more liberal with its use than I would. He only had two other friends, both of who I had met in person before, though I didn't particularly like either. Adding Real ID did, however, greatly increase the ease of talking to my brother regardless of what alt I was on, realm or otherwise, and as he's stationed out of my state, I find that greatly convenient and useful.

It seems now, however, that Real ID will be forced upon the forums to at least some degree. This is one change that completely smashes the main argument in support of Real ID. I can no longer just "not use it" if I don't want to. My only option is not to post. Which, unfortunately, will probably be the case, though I have not decided for sure (not that any of you particularly care).

I highly suspect that Real ID will seep into a mandatory state with WoW itself, if only because Blizzard backtracked so quickly on its assurance that its newest feature is indeed completely optional.

I know that you have found a lot of support, but please consider those who also cannot find it in themselves to accept your social outlook. I find it much easier to socialize responsibly when the option is left to me, and not forced upon me.

Q u o t e:
Those links should answer just about anything you need to know about Real ID. Using Real ID is optional.

http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=25552504996&pageNo=2&sid=1#38

Post 38, by Nethaera.



I just doubt it will discourage trolling, if the 'trolling' occurs within the ToS. For example, I could strongly disagree with someone's thread over and over, causing them to rage since I'm offering very little evidence, and just opinion (though I could be doing it politely).

What should never happen is people going to Facebook or other social networking sites with a real name in hand, and harassing people there. And it'll happen, even if it's nothing big. It just moves the responsibility out of Blizzard's domain, and I find that highly irresponsible.

This is just my opinion, but I suspect things have calmed down enough for me to post it without fear or a deleted post or locked thread now that pro-Real ID posts exist, like (http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=25626579983&sid=1), which span over 12 pages.