Ongoing Libel and/or Slander in-game...

#0 - Sept. 25, 2010, 6:09 a.m.

I happen to be a third-party in this scenario and would like to know what the most appropriate course of action would be to correct the situation.

"Player A" attempts to form pick-up-groups (PUGs) to raid end-game content on a weekly basis. From what I can tell, "Player A" employs some non-standard strategy for forming groups which have lead to failures in the past. This does not discourage that player from continuously attempting to form PUGs however. I salute "Player A" for his/her tenacity, to be honest.

For present day, and the issue at hand, his PUGs are formed with a majority of the members having good intentions on the table. There are some, and enough to raise a complaint actually, that are out to sabotage raids that "Player A" has formed. It is only currently speculation that they are doing this with discontent. I, as well as a number of others in the faction on our realm see this as a means to an end for both revenge but also as a tool to reinforce a negative public opinion.

Example: Against first boss in ICC, the tanks (all of them, not just one, and even after explaining the fight and the player acknowledging the strategies) have been known to turn the boss toward the raid to intentionally cause a wipe. After enough attempts the same players will leave the raid and go directly to global chat to declare how "Player A" cannot get passed that boss, and further enforce a bad reputation for that person.

This negative public opinion causes A LOT of unnecessary berating comments in global chat channels (Trade primarily) toward "Player A." I have been playing on this realm since November of 2009, and the comments have been ongoing since, and I can only assume well prior to that as well. I believe that if proper disciplinary action were taken against the community for this type of behavior that it will reinforce the type of gaming experience Blizzard wants all of its players to embrace. Not just me.

I have had conversations with this person via whispers and made suggestions toward opening tickets for harassment, but he does not seem to think it will do him much good given the vast number that are against him at this point. This is has even ventured outside of the game too! I was visiting a popular blog about World Of Warcraft and someone in a comments section mentioned our realm. The next reply was "LOL <realm>, Player A!"

As a vested third party in the situation, I find it to be a terrible nuisance that my limited ignore list does not have the capacity to handle. I am certain I am not the only one who is in the same boat.

What, if anything at all, can I do to better my situation here?

Nevalistis

#2 - Sept. 25, 2010, 6:17 a.m.

This sounds like a very complicated case of Ongoing Harassment, Fingerkuffs.

If you are a friend of Player A, I would definitely advise them to begin placing tickets. Include as much information about the situation as possible: players involved, the actions they take, estimated times of harassment. If unable to fit the information in an in-game ticket, remember that e-mailing [email protected] works just the same a submitting an in-game petition, but without the character limitation. Just keep in mind that our Game Masters appreciate a more detailed explanation (include realm and character name of the character being harassed, for instance) when submitted via e-mail, and to always e-mail from the address that is registered to your Battle.net account.

Each instance of harassment should be reported. Avoid retaliating directly against these individuals, and if possible, place them on ignore. Ongoing Harassment is never a pretty situation, but our staff is always happy to help investigate and take appropriate action in these situations.

It does sound like Player A might just not know the extent to which we can assist. If interested, he/she might want to check out the following articles regarding Harassment and Account Penalties.

Harassment Overview
http://us.blizzard.com/support/article/20455

Account Penalties
http://us.blizzard.com/support/article/20221

Nevalistis

#16 - Sept. 25, 2010, 10:32 p.m.

Moonlighter, you seem to be convinced that no action is ever taken, but in truth, there is no way for you to know what is or isn't done - we do not share, under any circumstances, the steps being taken when addressing these issues. It would be a violation of that person's privacy to do so, so it is simply not done.

A player who does not log off right away after your ticket has been addressed may have only gotten a warning and not yet breached the point where a suspension is appropriate. A player who only receives a 3 hour suspension is a bit difficult to tell as well - it could look like they simply logged off for the night. Taking a 24 hour or 48 hour rest from the game could be from a suspension or from a player who simply has other things to do. The bottom line is, that there is no way of knowing what transpired unless you are the person actioned or the Game Master who provided the action.

Players who are actioned often try to convince others they've never been touched - it's to their benefit to do so. If you believe nothing ever happens when you put in a ticket, then what's the point of putting one in? They want you to think that is true.

There are consequences to this behavior, Moonlighter, but as a reactive service, which is the best way to provide support in all areas for our players, we require that you inform us of these happenings. I understand why it can be discouraging - but trust me when I say that is exactly what those who break the rules want you to feel like. Letting us know is the last thing they want you to do, and really, that should make it the first thing for you to do.

*Edit* This thread is quickly getting off topic, so I will be closing it now. Thanks for your insight and feedback!