Bad Name Bannage :-( - Guild Wars Guru archive powered by Guild Wars Legacy

boost291

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Aug 2005

(XoO) Xen Of The Pacific

R/Me

01 Nov 2006 at 07:16 - 1

I got this error when trying too log into guild wars for halloween event
not sure what name there talking about
could either be:
- Borat X
- or maybe X T O K E N X...
hmmm

werid though have had the names for past 8 months and nothings happened before this...

anyway, has this happened to anyone else before and for what names?

Oh a GW forum

Banned

Join Date: Oct 2006

W/

01 Nov 2006 at 07:21 - 2

Read the post by gail on this same page.

Former Ruling

Grotto Attendant

Join Date: Oct 2005

Cedartown, Georgia

R/

01 Nov 2006 at 08:21 - 3

Neither of those are bad names though.

I have members of my guild with more offensive names.

Redwinter

Academy Page

Join Date: Jan 2006

[BotW]

Me/

01 Nov 2006 at 16:52 - 4

Borat has to do with a movie with a racist take on people from Kazakhstani. Apparently, some official from Kazakhstani took out an editorial in the New York Times telling people how offensive the movie was, and how it didn't portray Kazakhstanis in a good light.

Token tends to refer to the 'token black guy' in movies. It's race oriented, and when put beside Borat, seems more race oriented. I can see those two as a pair not looking great for ya.

Velvet Wing

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Aug 2006

In your cupboard *nomming* your cookies

Blade of Souls

P/W

01 Nov 2006 at 16:57 - 5

yeah, but fortunatly not everyone shares your knowledge abouth these subjects redwinter.. So normally I guess people won't have a problem with these names

Good thing the people at Anet seems to get their stuff straight

And for those of you who have seen borat, it is just a big joke.. he even presented the VMA (or MTV Awards, don't recall..) and people loved him

Now there is a big fuss.. don't get it

Anyway, back on topic, I wanted to create a char named: Rayne Jewel of Istan.. but it was forbidden.. I learned that that was because Jew is a part of Jewel and therefore forbidden.. darn, cause I just wanted her to refer to one of the best looking ingame towns in the game

Edit: Slight grammer changes and one big typo

Kyosuke

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: May 2006

The Tomb of Souls

DC

N/Me

01 Nov 2006 at 17:20 - 6

that type of censorship is retarded... You can't use "Jewel" because "Jew" is in it? There's somethign wrong there... I'm surprised peopel can keep name siwth "Black" or "White" or thing along those line then.... Seriously that's a bit out of line and disappointing. Eventhough it's international, last time I checked Anet was a US based company, what happened to freedom of speech? of expression?... Racist stuff shouldn't be tolerated, but simple names that are harmless.... yeah, let's get with the real program here...

Loviatar

Underworld Spelunker

Join Date: Feb 2005

01 Nov 2006 at 17:31 - 7

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyosuke

that type of censorship is retarded... You can't use "Jewel" because "Jew" is in it? There's somethign wrong there... I'm surprised peopel can keep name siwth "Black" or "White" or thing along those line then.... Seriously that's a bit out of line and disappointing. Eventhough it's international, last time I checked Anet was a US based company, what happened to freedom of speech? of expression?... Racist stuff shouldn't be tolerated, but simple names that are harmless.... yeah, let's get with the real program here...

wrong.

Quote:

Who is ArenaNet?

ArenaNet is a wholly owned subsidiary of NCsoft Corporation

Amity and Truth

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Jun 2006

W/N

01 Nov 2006 at 17:33 - 8

Well, the filter is sometimes a bit funny. Many german words contain parts which are used to insult in the english language. Typing in german with your language filter on is sometimes really funny, a constant ---- even though no one is flaming :P

Nonetheless..
At the moment the media is oversensitive due to Borat. Some people are taking life and the whole racism problem way to serious - they see racism everywhere. Just take those folks into consideration that flamed huge threads because some people were creating white characters for elona. They proclaimed that would be downright racist. Yeah, people are that stuck up on this little word.

So in short, borat will probably be the reason for the ban.

/edit:
http://www.rsf.org/rubrique.php3?id_rubrique=639
Concerning United States and freedom of speech

Tachyon

Forge Runner

Join Date: Nov 2005

Stoke, England

The Godless [GOD]

W/

01 Nov 2006 at 17:58 - 9

Quite frankly, the banned word list is a bloody joke! I wanted to name my pet White Tiger 'Bagpuss' after one of the best childrens TV shows ever, but no I can't do that as it's a banned name for some reason. So I thought I'd call him 'Pot Noodle' instead, no that's also banned.

XvArchonvX

Forge Runner

Join Date: Nov 2005

R/

01 Nov 2006 at 18:02 - 10

I at one time wanted to make a name Il D R A G O N Il to match a friend who had Il P H O E N I X Il, but it said that the name was "innapropriate", so I understand that the filter can be a pain sometimes, but I still support it overall. I'm glad A-net keeps the game in good taste.

Blackhawk

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Jun 2006

N/

01 Nov 2006 at 18:16 - 11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azagoth

Quite frankly, the banned word list is a bloody joke! I wanted to name my pet White Tiger 'Bagpuss' after one of the best childrens TV shows ever, but no I can't do that as it's a banned name for some reason. So I thought I'd call him 'Pot Noodle' instead, no that's also banned.

Quite right too as Pot Noodles taste pretty offensive /puke

Maria The Princess

Forge Runner

Join Date: Mar 2006

Aequitas Deis

01 Nov 2006 at 18:18 - 12

my eles name is Burnout Chic, so i was gonna name her spider Burnt out but nooooooooo.....!

Sekkira

Forge Runner

Join Date: Apr 2005

Canberra, AU

01 Nov 2006 at 18:18 - 13

Isn't Token a like common name for black people? What if you made a black guy and figured Token was a suitable name?

Diablo???

Forge Runner

Join Date: Jun 2005

Seattle

SPQR

N/R

01 Nov 2006 at 18:23 - 14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sekkira

Isn't Token a like common name for black people? What if you made a black guy and figured Token was a suitable name?

That almost sounded racist... lol, jk.

But seriously: http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=token

Kyosuke

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: May 2006

The Tomb of Souls

DC

N/Me

01 Nov 2006 at 18:24 - 15

There's not a TV show on today or a movie that's released that's a comedy that you don't hear "Token" black guy used in... It's socially acceptable.

I can see them not wanting that type of thing but still.

THe overall point is the censorship is a bit much. Some words inside words like the referred to "Jewel" need to be weeded out. There's nothign wrong there at all. If you're going to have a filter, have a good one. Don't ruin possibilities of good names out there. It's a game, it's supposed tobe creative and fun. I've seen characters with the names "Black Money" or "black Guy Here" and stuff like that and it's not banned... so maybe they need to re-think pissing on other things.

Diablo???

Forge Runner

Join Date: Jun 2005

Seattle

SPQR

N/R

01 Nov 2006 at 18:28 - 16

I agree the word "Jewel" seems too generic and innocent to be listed as a banned word. In addition, I have a spanish friend whose name starts with "Jesus"... Yup, can't use it. :/

meowmeow89

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Sep 2006

01 Nov 2006 at 18:42 - 17

I even seen a Kuunte Kente running around in Elona, being African American that hurt, reported him. For days now, that person has not logged on.

Name Filter, I love you, and A.net.

Sir Skullcrasher

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Jun 2005

California

15 over 50 [Rare]

W/Mo

01 Nov 2006 at 18:45 - 18

Name is racist so what.. life is short! Live or Die is my policy!

I don't get why they can't relax a bit with the name.. i mean why make such a big deal about it? If they want to take it up the extreme, they can should start banning us for having white armor cuz it remind me of KKK peoples. (especially with the white witch hat). *end sarcasm*

It's weird how A-Net claimed that they're taking down those with offensive names but i still found some last night like "I hump u" or some weird shit that they named themself with.

Sekkira

Forge Runner

Join Date: Apr 2005

Canberra, AU

01 Nov 2006 at 18:46 - 19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diablo™

That almost sounded racist... lol, jk.

But seriously: http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=token

#9 is hilarious.

crimsonfilms

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Jun 2005

01 Nov 2006 at 18:51 - 20

OK - please stop it guys.

All your argument about censorship is MOOT and pointless.
There is NO 'Freedom of speech' in private enterprises.

It does not exist because that is a political term. In private enterprises, such as ANet, they have absolute FULL CONTROL of what they can judge as inappropriate speech. 'Freedom of speech' that you know only applies to government bodies and not to ANet.

You bought the game, you read and agreed with the EULA. Case close.
ANet found it offensive, then according to the agreement you entered with them - they are right.

Repeat after me - "there is no such thing as 'Freedom of speech' in private enterprises."

Tachyon

Forge Runner

Join Date: Nov 2005

Stoke, England

The Godless [GOD]

W/

01 Nov 2006 at 18:53 - 21

Quote:

Originally Posted by meowmeow89

I even seen a Kuunte Kente running around in Elona, being African American that hurt, reported him. For days now, that person has not logged on.

Name Filter, I love you, and A.net.

Why does that name bother you at all? After all, if you're refering to Kunta Kinte, from Roots, then it's spelt totally different.

Insuscient Ranger

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Jul 2006

Pluto-We miss you

Biscuit of Dewm [MEEP]

R/

01 Nov 2006 at 18:55 - 22

I am myself Mixed (50 Black-50 white) and i have never been called anyhting racist. Token is new to me. Also i have ran into a necro named knee grow..... and i was offended. Why wasnt that filtered out? ive also seen a Cracka.. SO yeah....

Sekkira

Forge Runner

Join Date: Apr 2005

Canberra, AU

01 Nov 2006 at 19:00 - 23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Insuscient Ranger

Also i have ran into a necro named knee grow..... and i was offended.

Knee Grow... XD Grade A hilarity!

I pictured that literally for a moment. A Necromancer with rather large knees. Irony in it's best form.

Kyosuke

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: May 2006

The Tomb of Souls

DC

N/Me

01 Nov 2006 at 19:10 - 24

Quote:

I even seen a Kuunte Kente running around in Elona, being African American that hurt, reported him. For days now, that person has not logged on.

Name Filter, I love you, and A.net.

Quote:

Also i have ran into a necro named knee grow..... and i was offended.

I seriosuly LOL'd to both of those... Come on people, it's not malcious at all. You want to see Malicious, go to Mississippi or Louisiana or Alabama and look at the KKK groups still there. You want to see racist, go to Detroit and look at the black guys beating up on the little white guys for being in the wrong neighborhood. Seriously, this is a game, little "seems like" racist things aren't a big deal. Alot of it is socially acceptable and is beign taken to the extreme here. I've been called Whitey, a Cracka, etc... but it's all in plain ole fun and nothing ever offensive really. It's how we live in this world today. Comic relief is allit is.. It's not like you go into Lion's Arch and people are saying "Gosh Darn Stupid Jews" or Effing N****" over and over again.. Sure it may happen once in a blue moon, but people's names mean nothing... Get over yourselves. Especially when most black people called each other "Negro" and the other word too ALL THE TIME. And it's in fun and joking and just chillin' -- People who get overly upset about this ittle stuffa re the problem in today's society as said above... If yu wouldn't complain about it, it'd eventually go away.. but raising a fuss, just causes more drama and provokes it more, because people like to get a rise... not for racist reasons, for comedic reasons.

Swinging Fists

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Mar 2006

W/Mo

01 Nov 2006 at 19:20 - 25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyosuke

Eventhough it's international, last time I checked Anet was a US based company, what happened to freedom of speech? of expression?...

Freedom of speech doesn't apply. It is a right guaranteed to the people against infringement by the government - not by privately owned companies whether they are U.S. based or not. Constitutional rights hardly protect us from rules that ANet imposes on its servers.

edit: It looks like crimsonfilms beat me to it. That'll teach me to update my browser before posting...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mistress Mindbender

There is no freedom of speech for the majority in the US if your refering to race, class, or gender. While you can think whatever you want... saying it will only result in lawsuits, bad publicity, and a waste of american tax dollars.

Anyone can file a lawsuit against anyone for anything. Freedom of speech doesn't protect you from other people - only from the government.

Sir Skullcrasher

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Jun 2005

California

15 over 50 [Rare]

W/Mo

01 Nov 2006 at 19:26 - 26

I thought we're protected by Freedom of Speech even while playing games online?

Swinging Fists

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Mar 2006

W/Mo

01 Nov 2006 at 19:32 - 27

You are protected even while playing games online, but that is a protection from the government. ANet's restrictions are not subject to it.

mrgoat

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Jul 2006

01 Nov 2006 at 19:32 - 28

Not to mention people with variants on "Blackhawk". Now, is that offensive, or does it refer to a large bird, dark as night? The skill "Ebon Hawk" better be taken out of the game right quick, as had both black and white dyes, on counts of racism, 8k a piece. Same with the Ivory Bows.

Let's get some clarification on the rules of appropriateness. Can't use "Token", both because it's racist, and a drug reference. Can we use anything with "Pot" in it? Will that get caught by the filter? Is Mister Potatohead doomed to persecution? In fact, the letter "E" is a drug reference, so in the interest of decency, I think we should keep that sort of reference out of the game, so no names with the letter E. Same with K. I assume anything sex-related is out, so Pokey the Penguin better stay away. Rod Stewart probably shouldn't try to get his name in game. Even Dick Cheney is barred! George Bush: the two highest ranking government officials have names that arguably wouldn't be allowed, even if they weren't famous names, and therefore banned under the same clause that will get you banned for trying to name your new monk "Kelly Clarkson".

I wouldn't claim freedom of speech here, certianly Anet has full control here, but how about some rules on appropriateness that aren't vague? Appropriate to whom? From where? According to whose customs? The "Rayne Jewel of Istan" not being allowed is weird, since last I checked, "Kamadan - Jewel of Istan" is in the game. It must be that "Rayne" is offensive somehow. I wonder how long it'll take me on google to find out what's wrong with that - once I dig through all the Bloodrayne videogame reviews.

And how come "Lolwtf Omgnoob" and "Healme Unoobwtf" are ok? I see those type of names all the time in RA.

Kyosuke

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: May 2006

The Tomb of Souls

DC

N/Me

01 Nov 2006 at 19:34 - 29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sir Skullcrasher

I thought we're protected by Freedom of Speech even while playing games online?

We are. Even in an online game, despite what people say/think about private organizations. It doesn't just pertain to government issues, and any court would rule in your favor based ona freedom of speech issue i this case, unless it could be proven offensive to several individuals for what you were saying. No one would dare spend the money to actually contest a private ogranization such as aNet so they can do pretty much whatever they want to their gamers, but they're still governed by the same laws and same restrictions anyone else has. As long as what you're doing doesn't interfere with other people freedom os speech stands. It's why you can't discriminate against KKK members or Relgious Fascists in business/workplace without getting sued. It's their choice to believe such things. As long as they don't impose them on you. Meh, I'll stop right there before this gets too far outside of the games bounds.

crimsonfilms

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Jun 2005

01 Nov 2006 at 19:40 - 30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sir Skullcrasher

I thought we're protected by Freedom of Speech even while playing games online?

No it does not. "Freedom of Speech" as designed and practiced in the US relates to the government and the governed.

ANet and its customers are private individuals. So the rules of private agreement applies (aka contracts). That contract is largely based on you purchasing the game and abiding by the rules set forth by the EULA.

Quote:

Constitutional rights hardly protect us from rules that ANet imposes on its servers.

Actually the Constitution does apply to ANet ( for example - ANet can't stop you from playing based on race and gender. Nor ANet allowed to do whatever it wants with your private information - EULA or not).

But in this case, Freedom of Speech as designed by the Founding Fathers and interpreted by the Supreme Court is intended only for governments.
Please don't spread misinformation.

Quote:

It doesn't just pertain to government issues, and any court would rule in your favor based ona freedom of speech issue i this case, unless it could be proven offensive to several individuals for what you were saying.

Incorrect. You will lose in court. Private bodies have the right to set moral codes.

ElinoraNeSangre

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Mar 2006

Near Seattle, WA

Talionis De Cineris [EXUR]

N/Me

01 Nov 2006 at 19:46 - 31

The problem is, freedom of speech is very much a United States thing, and... well, it's kind of a joke, really. :P And frequently misinterpreted, I think. It isn't a free license to run around yelling the "f" word at the top of your lungs in a grocery store.

Guild Wars is played by people all over the world. And that means there's a lot of people. Some of those people are going to be oversensitive. Some of those people are also not going to know what something means to one person when it means nothing to another. Other people still have all the common sense of a fruitfly in terms of what names they choose.

I don't agree with the level of filtering in some instances, but I understand the reason. ANet's goal is to create an environment that people feel comfortable in, one that people want to have fun in. And because there's so many people from different walks of life, there's an awful lot of potentially offensive content across all of it. I've done geopolitical software scrubs before - it's a pain. :P

I wish there was a way to filter out words without filtering out words that contain them, such as in the commonly used "jewel" one.

Kyosuke

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: May 2006

The Tomb of Souls

DC

N/Me

01 Nov 2006 at 19:49 - 32

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElinoraNeSangre

Guild Wars is played by people all over the world. And that means there's a lot of people. Some of those people are going to be oversensitive. Some of those people are also not going to know what something means to one person when it means nothing to another. Other people still have all the common sense of a fruitfly in terms of what names they choose..

This is why peopleplay on US servers, Euro Servers, Korean Servers, etc..... part of it is bandwith, but culture is another.... the US is more prude than any other country out there anyway.....

mrgoat

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Jul 2006

01 Nov 2006 at 19:55 - 33

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElinoraNeSangre

I wish there was a way to filter out words without filtering out words that contain them, such as in the commonly used "jewel" one.

There is. It's just a tiny bit more work.

Cottage Pie

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Nov 2005

Birmingham, England

Taking Aegis

Mo/Me

01 Nov 2006 at 19:57 - 34

the word 'wanking' is not banned. just lol.

mrgoat

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Jul 2006

01 Nov 2006 at 19:58 - 35

Sweet! "Wanking Blackhawk" would make a wonderful name.

Trin Storm

Academy Page

Join Date: Apr 2006

Balthazar's Fury

R/Me

01 Nov 2006 at 20:00 - 36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redwinter

Borat has to do with a movie with a racist take on people from Kazakhstani. Apparently, some official from Kazakhstani took out an editorial in the New York Times telling people how offensive the movie was, and how it didn't portray Kazakhstanis in a good light.

Token tends to refer to the 'token black guy' in movies. It's race oriented, and when put beside Borat, seems more race oriented. I can see those two as a pair not looking great for ya.

If you are going to read and strech that much into a name - then we might as well all just use numbers.

Neither of those names should be considered offensive. Heck we have an engineer here named Borat (his last name). By that logic the word hazzard should be banned because it could mean dukes of hazzard which had a rebel flag on the car. Hmmm - better ban the words rebel, flag, and car as well just to be safe....

BTW - Token in my world refers to a little security doodad that flashes a constantly changing string of numbers or something for a subway ride.

winkgood

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Feb 2006

GoL

R/

01 Nov 2006 at 20:03 - 37

People just need to grow a pair. I've seen some names in which the intent to be offensive was very obvious, but the names the ops mentioned (like token) were ones I didn't even realize had a bad meaning. Honestly, people. For those that are overly sensitive, maybe you need to move out of your mammas basement and get some thicker skin, because the real world isn't all flowers.

I'm a bit sensitive on this subject because I have been banned before because of a name violation. My original name for my ranger was "Queef Blade". This wasn't a problem when I created the name and it wasn't like I was trying to hide anything. Then all of a sudden, after six months of playing, I was suddenly banned saying that my name was innappropriate. The way I see it, if someone knows what a "Queef" is then they have no business reporting it. I did it more of as a joke than anything as I consider the word to be funny. After I was unbanned (after a day) I ended up changing my name to "Q Blade". Oh well, at least my items and armors all still say "Customized for Queef Blade".

led-zep

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Nov 2005

01 Nov 2006 at 20:11 - 38

if you get offended by names in a computer game then you are a patheticly insecure person

Kyosuke

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: May 2006

The Tomb of Souls

DC

N/Me

01 Nov 2006 at 20:14 - 39

Quote:

If you are going to read and strech that much into a name - then we might as well all just use numbers

Unfortunately this would be offensive too... not going to explain it, but most people who know their history would understand...

crimsonfilms

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Jun 2005

01 Nov 2006 at 20:15 - 40

And if you get a kick out of naming your characters with offensive names you are pathetically lifeless individual.