Character Names

CHunterX

CHunterX

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Sep 2005

Washington

W/E

Quote:
Originally Posted by AnnaCloud9
Guild Wars is full of attention starved 13 year olds with nothing better to do than come up with names like these.

I say let their intellectual deficiency shine bright and let them keep their names, this at least helps me decide who NOT to group with...
I couldn't agree more. I started refusing partying with people with names like this in AB. The skill quality of my parties has gone up.

Operative 14

Operative 14

Forge Runner

Join Date: Nov 2006

Arizona, USA

[OOP] Order of the Phoenix I

I think in a lot of cases it is not really the name its self, it's the sentiment behind it.

Probably, a majority of people who come up with 'inoffensive' versions of offensive names do so, at least to a tiny extent, becuase they get a kick out of knowing that a hundred or so people they anonomously run past in a city that day will understand what they mean. And some of those people probably get a small kick out of the fact that out of that hundred or so people, three or four of them might be slightly offended. Those are the people that these bans are aimed for I imagine.

There are cases, like Leprekan's example ,where I do find them to be amusing becuase they do require a bit of thought. However, more blatant names I do find a bit offensive, and I think it's a bit funny when those sorts of people get caught and punished for it considering how incredibly mild the 'punishment' is. If it was a permanant ban I wouldn't find it amusing in the least, except for the most offensive of cases. However, considering that all they do is lock you out of the character and give you a chance to rename, I don't quite see what the harm is.

freaky naughty

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Sep 2007

Mo/N

Quote:
Originally Posted by DreamRunner
You are offended by an non-existing character in a game but you believe in a spiritual being that can't be proved or disproved.

Whoa...
Well sounds to me like you want to get in a religious discussion.

If you're an atheist I can respect that, I know a lot of atheists and most people are. But honestly don't think you're doing me a favor by pointing out that a god can be proved or disproved. Sorry for getting off-topic but dream runner was asking for it.

tmakinen

tmakinen

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Nov 2005

www.mybearfriend.net

Servants of Fortuna [SoF]

E/

'Freedom of speech' is inconsequential. Their property, their rules. You can choose to follow the rules or you can choose not to play. Since the number of GMs is very small, enforcing the rules beyond the automatic filters is very spotty. Those that choose risky names know that they may get a temp ban, depending on how much they manage to annoy other players. I've seen some pretty offensive names out there, and in the most blatant cases I've whispered to the player in question that some people might find their choice of a name offensive. Don't know why, since the reply is usually aggressive to the extreme. Have only reported obscene non-English names, though, since they are overall less likely to be spotted.

However, one thing still puzzles me. Why wouldn't the filter let me create a character named 'Majorana Spinor'? (if you don't recognize the reference, it's a mathematical construct used in theories of quantum gravity)

prism2525

prism2525

Forge Runner

Join Date: Nov 2005

Among dead bodies.

The Republic of Sky Pirates

E/

Quote:
Originally Posted by Zeek Aran
They don't allow 'Sexy' in the name either, so I had to resort to Cute Xunlai Agent for my storage characters. T_T Why are they so strict?
Sexy ain't half bad. It's not like you named it "erotic" or some other junk.

Anet and its mysteries...

HawkofStorms

HawkofStorms

Hall Hero

Join Date: Aug 2005

E/

Quote:
Originally Posted by prism2525
Sexy ain't half bad. It's not like you named it "erotic" or some other junk.

Anet and its mysteries...
Well, the language filter probablly bans "sex" (which is understandable) so it has to ban sexy as well because it just sees it as "sex"y and doesn't notice the tacked on letter is actually a different word. Ie its the same reason the word cockroach is banned.

A11Eur0

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Apr 2005

W/

I have a quick question about a name i tried making:

Lina Mindrender.

It told me it was offensive thus unacceptable. Strange...because I have 7 characters now with the first name Lina...and Mindrender is used in GW already for a Mergoyle boss in Kryta.

Fried Tech

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Sep 2007

[Yeti]

E/

Quote:
Originally Posted by Physical
I think while making his 'Azz' characters he didn't even try to make his characters with the word 'Ass' in it before, so he also didn't know 'Ass' wasn't allowed in his name..

So I don't think this is some kind of 'way around it'.. (but hey, that's imo :P)
really?! lol. he knew.

Joe Hostile

Joe Hostile

Academy Page

Join Date: Aug 2007

Redmond, WA

Rebel Rising [rawr]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Zeek Aran
Why are they so strict?
Because they don't have an "M' rating.

elektra_lucia

Banned

Join Date: Feb 2006

England

Leteci is [sexy]

Mo/

Freedom of speech is about politics. Doesn't mean we are free to insult or do as we wish. It is purely politics. So you people who aren't even old enough to vote, freedom of speech doesn't even apply to you.

DreamRunner

DreamRunner

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Nov 2006

W/

Quote:
Originally Posted by elektra_lucia
Doesn't mean we are free to insult
Really? So I can't go up to some random guy and swear at him? I think I could.

Fried Tech

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Sep 2007

[Yeti]

E/

Quote:
Originally Posted by holababe
Freedom of speech is overrated. Far too many people abuse or misuse it.
Isn't that true for all freedoms?

lakatz

lakatz

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Jun 2006

I don't understand why it's okay to say 'ass' on prime time network television programs (which they do frequently), and not say 'Azz' in Guild Wars. The network Standards and Practices people are probably the most uptight people in the world, and the people who play GW are supposed to be old enough to watch prime time television.

Avatar of Odin

Academy Page

Join Date: Nov 2006

Deployed Assault

A stupid name, yes, offensive, no, GG for lame banning.

Fril Estelin

Fril Estelin

So Serious...

Join Date: Jan 2007

London

Nerfs Are [WHAK]

E/

Quote:
Originally Posted by lakatz
say 'ass' on prime time network television programs
May be you've got your point of reference wrong here? Even worse if you're talking US-ian network tv. It's not because your neighbour is spitting at people that it makes it right!

Ninian_Grace

Ninian_Grace

Academy Page

Join Date: Sep 2007

GWOnline

P/W

Quote:
Originally Posted by pumpkin pie
Punk Ass is offensive??
Nah, the Guild Wars community just likes to cry alot about stupid things.

I had the name F U H R E R a couple months ago. I had just finished gearing up my Rt with 15K Kurzick set and completed factions + NF. My Guild Leader tells me some dude from the guild left because my name was offensive.

for your information : Fuhrer = guide (in German)

Yes I am aware it was Hitler's title...what if some crazy maniac decided to entitle himself Angelo. we would ban the word angel from the italian language because some freak called himself that way?

this also makes me think about how they thought AC/DC was the ''Demon's music'' back when the serial killer (forgot his name) used to wear an AC/DC cap.

Lima

Lima

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Jan 2006

Notts

W/

Would you say that 'Crackhead Mofo' was an offensive or inappropriate character name?

Lord Sojar

Lord Sojar

The Fallen One

Join Date: Dec 2005

Oblivion

Irrelevant

Mo/Me

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ninian_Grace
Nah, the Guild Wars community just likes to cry alot about stupid things.

I had the name F U H R E R a couple months ago. I had just finished gearing up my Rt with 15K Kurzick set and completed factions + NF. My Guild Leader tells me some dude from the guild left because my name was offensive.

for your information : Fuhrer = guide (in German)

Yes I am aware it was Hitler's title...what if some crazy maniac decided to entitle himself Angelo. we would ban the word angel from the italian language because some freak called himself that way?

this also makes me think about how they thought AC/DC was the ''Demon's music'' back when the serial killer (forgot his name) used to wear an AC/DC cap.
LOL, just like Heil is apparently a bad word as well.... Alles Heil, Mein Gilde Lord. /epicfail society on making common place words somehow bad.

Divinus Stella

Divinus Stella

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Nov 2005

Wales

Steel Phoenix

There are way too many carebears in guildwars, they all gather on GWO.

Words like ass and Hitler shouldnt be blocked at all.
AFAIK ass is just a donkey and hitler is a name, its only because of sad over PC people that they are blocked, the sort of people that are so anal about political correctness that they are afraid to refer to someone as being black incase they appear racist.

Fried Tech

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Sep 2007

[Yeti]

E/

Quote:
Originally Posted by Fril Estelin
May be you've got your point of reference wrong here? Even worse if you're talking US-ian network tv. It's not because your neighbour is spitting at people that it makes it right!
I don't know what you just said little kid. but you special. you reach out, and you touch a brotha heart.

But seriously, I dont understand your post, or your point within said post

Tachyon

Tachyon

Forge Runner

Join Date: Nov 2005

Stoke, England

The Godless [GOD]

W/

Quote:
Originally Posted by Divinus Stella
There are way too many carebears in guildwars, they all gather on GWO.

Words like ass and Hitler shouldnt be blocked at all.
AFAIK ass is just a donkey and hitler is a name, its only because of sad over PC people that they are blocked, the sort of people that are so anal about political correctness that they are afraid to refer to someone as being black incase they appear racist.
Great, now civilisation as we know it is about to crumble! I knew this day would arrive, but just not this soon. I find myself in full agreement with a Welshie.

Turtle222

Turtle222

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Oct 2007

:D:D

D/W

i feel sorry for donkeys

A11Eur0

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Apr 2005

W/

Quote:
Originally Posted by A11Eur0
I have a quick question about a name i tried making:

Lina Mindrender.

It told me it was offensive thus unacceptable. Strange...because I have 7 characters now with the first name Lina...and Mindrender is used in GW already for a Mergoyle boss in Kryta.

AuraofMana

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Jun 2005

Georgia, US

/WTB Offensive report from all of you so I can get a name change. Paying 1k each PM me :O

Inde

Site Contributor

Join Date: Dec 2004

I love cussing/swearing/inappropriate word threads and discussions. Please understand that it's all subjective and your own opinion. I've been through this discussion more times then I can count (shout out to all our IRC people!) and really it's common sense. The majority of times people get up in arms about a word or phrase being suddenly banned or action taken against them when the person knew all along that it was offensive. That it was questionable. That it would be frowned upon by others but choose to do it anyway. I'm not saying that anyone's opinion on this is wrong because again... being offended or finding a particular word bannable or not is just your opinion. But if you want to display something like that in public, than you stand that risk. You'll also have a hard time convincing a good number of people that you really didn't mean to offend or that you can't see why someone else might have a problem with it.

Gaile Gray

Gaile Gray

ArenaNet

Join Date: Feb 2005

One thing that I didn't see mentioned: Guild Wars is available in more than 100 countries; it is currently localized in more than ten languages. What may be fine in one language may be not-so-fine in another language, and I've seen a lot of blocked for names that at first brush seemed perfectly ok. (The name "Sega" comes to mind. A few people thought we were nervous about the mention of another game company. Nope, in fact, our localization specialists tell us that the name, or a derivation of the name, is offensive in Italian.) Some words are part of a word, or a form of a word, that's just not appropriate in a given language; with people travelling between regions or territories more easily than ever, we have to consider that.

Some real-world names are blocked. They should be. Who is really thinks that "Hitler" is a cool, clever, or even acceptable character name, anyway?

Obviously, "creative spelling" isn't a good idea. Because names cannot be blocked, it's not appropriate to look the other way for names like "Azz" that are "creative spelling" for a word generally used for a human's backside, even if that word also means donkey. I don't find the word terribly offensive; you may not find the word offensive at all, but assuredly some people do, and -- this is critical -- the people who find it offensive cannot block it. So, it's blocked. No one is being shown disrespect by the blocking, and some are being shown respect for their feelings through the blocking.

I know the arguments about this; in quite a few cases I've even voiced the arguments. But end of the day, name blocks need to happen. It's not hard to find an non-offensive name. It's not hard to be wild, over-the-top, and cutting-edge without being crude or offending someone -- just use some creativity. We're sorry to block names, and we do appreciate that for some players, the line of what is and is not acceptable is not exactly where they would like it to be. But in a game that has sold more than 4 million copies in dozens and dozens of countries around the world, it's only fair to go for a reasonable "common denominator" that allows a certain degree of freedom of expression and personal choice without trampling on the sensitivities or the expectations of other players.

Tachyon

Tachyon

Forge Runner

Join Date: Nov 2005

Stoke, England

The Godless [GOD]

W/

Then please explain why I was told by your very own support staff that I couldn't name my pet Tiger 'Bagpuss' due to it being a severely offensive term? If you can come up with a good enough explanation as to why 'Bagpuss' is offensive then I'll be OK with that and let it drop, but you won't as it isn't offensive at all, let alone severely offensive.

seut

seut

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Jun 2005

Europa

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gaile Gray
The name "Sega" comes to mind. A few people thought we were nervous about the mention of another game company. Nope, in fact, our localization specialists tell us that the name, or a derivation of the name, is offensive in Italian.
Better tell Segafredo espresso that their name is offensive in Italy... oh, wait they are Italian and still dare to use their clearly offensive name for a worldwide operating company (www.segafredo.it). Maybe "Sega" isn't viewed as offensive except by a minority abusing it?
Being overly sensitive and trying to ban every possible slang abuse will ultimately kill the fun for the majority of us. (Btw. there is a profession in GW with the word "ass" in it... twice!)

Gaile Gray

Gaile Gray

ArenaNet

Join Date: Feb 2005

Quote:
Originally Posted by Azagoth
Then please explain why I was told by your very own support staff that I couldn't name my pet Tiger 'Bagpuss' due to it being a severely offensive term? If you can come up with a good enough explanation as to why 'Bagpuss' is offensive then I'll be OK with that and let it drop, but you won't as it isn't offensive at all, let alone severely offensive.
It's the name of a television show -- I have no idea why it would be called offensive! Did you write back to ask for further details? And do you know if you heard from US or EU support?

Quote:
Originally Posted by seut
Better tell Segafredo espresso that their name is offensive in Italy... oh, wait they are Italian and still dare to use their clearly offensive name for a worldwide operating company (www.segafredo.it). Maybe "Sega" isn't viewed as offensive except by a minority abusing it? Being overly sensitive and trying to ban every possible slang abuse will ultimately kill the fun for the majority of us. (Btw. there is a profession in GW with the word "ass" in it... twice!)
I am not Italian. Nor do I speak Italian. I cannot speak to the reasons for the block, only relay what I was told. I'm sorry that I do not know more.

Obviously, using the word "ass" is not the same as using a word with the three-letter combination, like "assassin." Labeling actions as "overly sensitive," accusing the company of "trying to ban every possible slang abuse," and stating that what we're (not) doing "will ultimately kill the fun for the majority" is engaging in a string of hyperbole such as I've not seen since the last Shady's Used Car, Socket Wrench, and Internet Provider ad on the local access channel. Honestly!
  • We attempt to keep the sensitivity level as liberal as it can be in a global game that crosses national, age, political, religious, and social borders.
  • The instinct is to not ban, but to ban when it is perceived as needed.
  • People can appeal.
  • As I've said many times, without a name filter, the "bar" for blocking a name is going to be higher than it would be for acceptable chat.
I hope this is helpful information.

Amy Awien

Amy Awien

Forge Runner

Join Date: Jul 2006

R/

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rahja the Thief
LOL, just like Heil is apparently a bad word as well.... Alles Heil, Mein Gilde Lord. /epicfail society on making common place words somehow bad.
The typical anglo-centric arrogance, or is 'hail' a bad word too? The word 'heiland' is another word for Christ in my language, that would be 'bad' to according to the filter?

Gaile Gray

Gaile Gray

ArenaNet

Join Date: Feb 2005

Quote:
Originally Posted by Amy Awien
The typical anglo-centric arrogance, or is 'hail' a bad word too? The word 'heiland' is another word for Christ in my language, that would be 'bad' to according to the filter?
Before someone suggests that this was linguistic "arrogance," and before someone insults the international support team by calling them "Anglo-centric," when the very team lead is a native German-speaker, can we not consider whether this block was simply the result of a lack of understanding of the language? Or, consider that perhaps the German-language support team members felt that the uses of "heil" were generally of a negative nature?

I will try to find out how someone with with a partial name including "Heil" was blocked, but first, please tell me the full name so that I can do so.

makosi

makosi

Grotto Attendant

Join Date: Mar 2006

"Pre-nerf" is incorrect. It's pre-buff.

Requirement Begins With R [notQ]

Me/

I've seen a name in-game which incorporates bestiality, prostitution and sleaze although this person remains an active player.

What exactly are the grounds for bannings? I can't decide whether the EULA's list is too specific or too vague.

Lady Lozza

Lady Lozza

Forge Runner

Join Date: Dec 2005

Oz

Angel Sharks

Me/N

I too find the name bannings rules/guidelines to be a little vague.
For the most part, the people I hear about getting banned are using single (creatively spelt) words designed to (apparently) get around the filter. However, like makosi - I too have seen names ingame suggesting concepts which players under 18 years of age certainly shouldn't be subjected to (if only by ratings guidelines) yet they still seem to persist ingame simply because they are "just a collection of non-rude words".

Gaile Gray

Gaile Gray

ArenaNet

Join Date: Feb 2005

If you have name concerns, I urge you to type /report and express those concerns. I cannot give you chapter and verse on why this name was not banned or why that name was actioned. There are a million words in the dozen languages that we serve, and it would not be possible for me to try to address each potential use or misuse, nor to answer the all-too-common vague references to that sort of thing.

I would -- we would -- welcome your reports, after which someone with the training and the wisdom to make an assessment of the name can do so and determine if it needs to be changed. You can post names about which you have a concern here if you wish, or you can use /report.

yesitsrob

yesitsrob

Elite Guru

Join Date: Sep 2005

Manchester, England

SMS/Victrix

Pretty much getting banned for this kind of thing almost seems as silly as getting banned for bumping one of your Ventari's Sell threads 4 minutes early.

As far as Sega goes, what kind of non-italian speaker is going to know that is a curse word in that language? I actually learned this when Arsenal were sponsored by Sega and would actually have Dreamcast on their shirt when playing in the Champions League... I can't imagine a lot of people will know this, it doesn't warrent a ban, it warrents a warning.

I would recommend people stop being gestapo dipshits and not report offensive names, the name filter covers anything genuinely offensive, hell you can't even have "suck" in your name - if you are offended by Azz you should probably /wrist or at the very least get off the internet

Pro-Monk

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Dec 2005

Nothing wrong with Anet keeping a civil environment for the community. I've been reporting offensive names since I began playing the game and will continue to do so now that it is so much easier with the newer reporting format. Crude, rude, and plainly foul mouthed language is nothing more than a childish attempt to gain attention, and this applies to offensive names as well.

I also regularly report "abusive" language. Filter or not, there's no reason that people have to put up with someone spewing the most offensive comments they can in local chat just to stir things up. The same applies to these very forums, where offensive lanuage is unacceptable.

Three cheers for whomever reported the punk.....lol

jezz

jezz

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Sep 2007

R/

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chik N Nuggets
and im one of em

yes sometimes i farm for offensive names and report them call me an ass if you will but guild wars needs cleaning
you seem to be a little odd to me..like you are looking for fault in players names...(FARM for offensive names) dont you have better things to do with your time? you do know there is no current titles or bounty for reporting..

Gaile..if AZZ is meant to be ASS and is regarded as offensive...yet ASSassin contains that same name..how is that any different..i mean the players that reported the OP must have a hard time in factions with all those assassins running around.

jezz

杀TanK杀

杀TanK杀

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Oct 2007

W/

Because assassins are know everyone, when you see assasin, i think a little guy in tobes slicing people up.. not how funny it is that the name starts with the letters -ass-

jezz

jezz

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Sep 2007

R/

Quote:
Originally Posted by 杀TanK杀
Because assassins are know everyone, when you see assasin, i think a little guy in tobes slicing people up.. not how funny it is that the name starts with the letters -ass-
i agree with you but others seem hung up on minor issues like azz..that was my point...when you can say AZZ is offensive (not the actual word), yet to be looking at every word that exists in game that may offend..wouldnt those upset with AZZ also be offended by ASSasin..damn they need to get a life..because you can almost in every players name find someone that finds something in it that would be offensive. especially when you have players farming for names to report..sheesh

IslandHermet

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Aug 2007

Just use your brains when making character names and talking in chat.

This game is rated T for Teen, thats 13+. I know I hate this as well it should be rated M for mature. but since it is not, any and all forms of curse words are not welcome.