Blizzard Extortion?! I think so...BLUE READ!

#0 - Jan. 31, 2008, 4:41 a.m.

Listen to this:

Ok, I made a name that, supposedly, was against the Terms of Service. I didn't think it was that bad, but whatever. People started messaging me, telling me that my name offended them or whatnot. So I MESSAGE a GM telling them that my name offends players and I wish to change it.

Now, previously, Blizzard's policy on name changes that violated the terms of service was that they removed the name, but allowed you to choose a different name. Well, apparently, now with the new paid name change system, Blizzard has altered their name change policy. They choose a name for you (my name got changed to Bouth, are you kidding me?! I am a FEMALE Draenei named BOUTH! COME ON!) and then, if you wish to have another name, you get to PAY FOR IT.

THIS IS INSANITY!! That is the most ridiculous way to make a buck out of a player who is already paying 14+ dollars a month for your game. That is gross. That is sick. I cannot believe Blizzard would go here. Talk about a money hungry company. They have 10 million people playing this game paying 14+ dollars a month! Do you really have to extort me for another 10 dollars, when previously you did not?

I'm sorry, but this is just wrong.

Btw, the name of the GM that made the name change was [Removed]on Illidan.

Vrakthris

#27 - Jan. 31, 2008, 5:12 a.m.

I am sorry for the obvious distress this may have caused you, Holyfield, I don't understand how you could feel that the name you selected would not be against the Terms of Use, but that is your opinion.

That you weren't aware that we would find the name in violation of the Terms of Use if reported is simply boggling though.

You had another character that previously had the name, the name was reported and changed back on 12/19/07. You created the new character with the same name that you were penalized for today on 1/23/08.

As stated on our Support Site:

Q u o t e:

If a player is found to have such a name for their character, guild, arena team, or pet, he/she may:

* Be assigned a randomly generated name.
* Be given a warning

http://us.blizzard.com/support/article.xml?articleId=20368

As stated in our Terms of Use.

Q u o t e:

If Blizzard finds such a label to be offensive or improper, it may, in its sole and absolute discretion, change the name, remove the label and corresponding chat room, and/or suspend or terminate your use of the Program.

http://www.worldofwarcraft.com//legal/termsofuse.html

I am sorry that you do not find your newly granted name favorable, it has nothing to do with making additional money with the service and everything to do with the fact that we expect players to adhere to the policies that you agreed to adhere to.

If you believe this should be changed you are welcome to post in our Suggestion Forums, those that make such policy decisions will review your post there.

Vrakthris

#55 - Jan. 31, 2008, 5:33 a.m.

Q u o t e:

People report names for numerous reasons that have nothing to do with obscene content.

Petty people that use it as retribution will continue to do so more if they know the potential of costing the person money or being stuck with randomized gibberish.

If you report just about any name enough your bound to find a GM that will find it questionable or is having a bad day.

I'm sorry, Long, but you are incorrect. Names are changed based on policy. There are the external policies that you can review on our support site.

http://us.blizzard.com/support/article.xml?articleId=20421

These public policies can also be found in our Terms of Use.

http://www.worldofwarcraft.com//legal/termsofuse.html

These should be used as guidelines when selecting character, guild, arena team and pet names. If you select a name that falls into one of these categories and the name is reported it may be changed by Blizzard at our sole discretion.

The amount of times you report a name is irrelevant, the name will be judged on if it violates our Terms of Use, based on the internal policies that all Game Masters must follow. If a Game Master is having a good or bad day is immaterial.

I understand that you do not find your name in violation, Long, and we have already addressed the issue in your other thread.

Malkorix

#115 - Jan. 31, 2008, 6:28 p.m.

My compatriot is out of the office currently, but fortunately, I am not.

That is quite enough. I'm sure there will be plenty of time to address this issue in the future. In the meantime, how about we bring this thread back on track. Or better yet, find something more constructive to do, hrm?

Malkorix

#121 - Jan. 31, 2008, 6:39 p.m.

Q u o t e:
I'll leave it be, and I apologize you had to intervene.

In the meantime, would it be too much to ask to confirm to Ifeelbetter that in fat, I am NOT the poster pyrablast/namus? She seems erroneously convinced otherwise, and there is principle issue in play here.

I'm unable to be too specific - but to all appearances, you are not the same people. Will that suffice?

In the meantime, thank you all for your cooperation.

Malkorix

#132 - Jan. 31, 2008, 7:16 p.m.

Q u o t e:

Sorry. :-/

Frustrated. stressed, underpaid, tired. I swear I start out every day trying to be nice. I just don't like it when a thread that went on for far too long last night is resurrected for no good reason by a semi-regular poster who should, frankly, know better. The parade of posters who refuse to listen to reason or take responsibility for their actions, lately, is also incredibly frustrating. And, as I stated earlier, it also irks me beyond belief when a blue poster who's already identified himself / herself as willing to help is then addressed as "blue" - I find that really disrespectful.

So, again, sorry to Dinzo. I over-reacted.

/hug
/brisk shoulder rub
/shock therapy
/intensive acupuncture
/bionic implants

uh.. I got a little out of hand there, huh =/?

Still, my sentiment is genuine - I hope things smooth over for you soon, critter.