Curse

Daena · Feb 21, 2006, 09:07 AM // 09:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loviatar

this is a MUST NOT under any circumstances

why make it easier for scammers?

/not signed

That's why there should be a limit! Only one name change per character should do.

Lady Lozza · Feb 21, 2006, 09:29 AM // 09:29

One name change per character. That will make people think very hard about what they actually want, as well as stopping the scammers taking advantage of the system.

goober1973 · Feb 21, 2006, 09:53 AM // 09:53

I've already given my /signed in this thread, however, after 260+ posts is anyone at ANet actually paying attention, as mentioned in the op?

Murk · Feb 21, 2006, 10:00 AM // 10:00

When you make a character, you choose a name that fits to it's personality.
So no changing names, only when you have to..
The option can be build in, but surely not for free use.

Maybe contact first before you get 1 free name change?

Snograt · Feb 21, 2006, 10:33 AM // 10:33

/signed

I was a bit drunk when I named my Necro...

romeo_longsword · Feb 21, 2006, 11:04 AM // 11:04

I personally think Anet may perhaps not bother with such petty matter.

I feel that the character's name has a connection with an ID number on your birth certifcate, then the actual person's name in real life.

From that concept, changing a character's name would be like asking to have your birth certifcate's number changed.

And since having a poor name of chioce is not the end of the world, by that, i mean it does not effect the game design, or, it does not cause a great deal of social distress, I dont see how this would worth the effort.

kincaid · Feb 21, 2006, 12:39 PM // 12:39

Hi,

I'm new here on the forum, but I spotted kind of problem, and this thread fits it - changing the name or/and look - hair, face...

Is it really such a BAD idea to change the look? For example, let's assume, that I create a character ideally similar to myself.

Now, it happened, that I was having vacations and I dyed my hair white. I'd like my character to be also dyed white. What's wrong with it??? We're giving new "natural" possibilities and make game closer to reality! Characters change as the time passes.

And the name issue: I also read following this thread, that all the character details are stored in a global database and the name is key value.

If it is so, then ArenaNET programmers are pathetic. I'm programming apps linked to databases for few years, and I never - NEVER used txt value as the key or index! Always it is logical to create ID field of some sort. Even if someone uses values out of the table, the queries and combo fields base on the integer IDs! So it should be quite comfortable to base account on ID, and the character's name should also be changeable.

But I agree, that there should be limitation in changing names. It could be available as a script inside the game, item or cast. And should be available in the game "X" times - for example 3. After the 3rd trial, name changing should disappear as a possibility.

Loviatar · Feb 21, 2006, 06:26 PM // 18:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lady Lozza

One name change per character. That will make people think very hard about what they actually want, as well as stopping the scammers taking advantage of the system.

name changing is being abused already and this even one change would double it.

scam a few people and create a new character with a new name and self run it to a decent level and hand off whatever is needed for another round of scamming

letting them change once is just cutting their new scammer character time in half.

if you are not willing to put some thought into a name and are not happy with it that is your fault for not scrapping it early on.

if you went a long time without being unhappy with it it cant be that bad.

example of mine was a character that just didnt feel right when i looked at it and i thought if i am just a bit unhappy with it now what will it be like later.

started over and now have one i am happy with.

this also applied to 2 different names as well.

Str0b0 · Feb 21, 2006, 06:46 PM // 18:46

As long as A Net tracks the character after the change I think it's fine. I've got some people in my ignore list for good reasons. I'd hat eto have them change names and suddenly be able to harass me. I wouldn't think A Net would make such an obvious blunder though so as long as it won't affect guild lists, friend lists and ignore lists I think it's a fine idea.

/signed

dr1zz one · Feb 21, 2006, 08:05 PM // 20:05

/signed

Sparks Dawnbringer · Feb 22, 2006, 09:51 AM // 09:51

I thought this would be a good thing, but have since changed my mind. I think you should be able to change any thing but your name. Your name is how people know you. If you become known for scamming or bad behavior on the net changing your name would make it too easy to scam other people. Once people got wind that a character was scamming all he would have to do is change his name. Then he could start all over with a new name and new people to scam. And I am sorry there are so many people who name their characters such idiotic names, and understand that they may come to regret it later. So change your hair, your sex, your face, any of the phisical atributes but you live and die by your name.

Daena · Feb 22, 2006, 10:18 AM // 10:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loviatar

name changing is being abused already and this even one change would double it.

scam a few people and create a new character with a new name and self run it to a decent level and hand off whatever is needed for another round of scamming

letting them change once is just cutting their new scammer character time in half.

Ok, how about 1 character name change per account then. However many characters you make on that account you can only use the option to change your character's name once. That will make people think harder about what name they want to use, before creating a new character.

Secondly, I realize that scammers will use this option to their advantage, but why would we suffer even more because of them? Also I hope that the Auction Houses will (maybe only partially) take care of these scammers for us.

Each time we propose an option that could benefit the "non-scammers" as well, we are turned down because of the scammers in GW? Maybe it's just me.. but that doesn't seem fair. I think that this game is focussing on "what will scammers do if we..." too much, instead of focussing on the honest players.

goober1973 · Feb 22, 2006, 10:21 AM // 10:21

Since scamming seems to be the only argument against name changing, how about this: stop falling for scammers.
There are many threads on the methods scammers use (I'd attach a link to guildwiki's but they are down atm) and all it takes is a little vigilance and patience not to fall for them.
It has been established that adding a name to your friends/ignore/guild list links to the account and not to the name therefore if this is your method of tracking a known scammer, and they change their name, it will not cause you to loose track of them.
(Maybe people should also try reporting these "known scammers" and have them removed from the game instead of perpetuating the problem.)
I fail to see why a large group of honest players, who made a small error in the naming of their characters, should be punished for the indiscretions of a few thieving morons.
(EDIT: the post above me was posted as I was writing mine and similarities in arguement are coincidental)

Daena · Feb 22, 2006, 10:24 AM // 10:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by goober1973

Since scamming seems to be the only argument against name changing, how about this: stop falling for scammers.
There are many threads on the methods scammers use (I'd attach a link to guildwiki's but they are down atm) and all it takes is a little vigilance and patience not to fall for them.
It has been established that adding a name to your friends/ignore/guild list links to the account and not to the name therefore if this is your method of tracking a known scammer, and they change their name, it will not cause you to loose track of them.
(Maybe people should also try reporting these "known scammers" and have them removed from the game instead of perpetuating the problem.)
I fail to see why a large group of honest players, who made a small error in the naming of their characters, should be punished for the indiscretions of a few thieving morons.

I back that up

prodigy ming · Feb 23, 2006, 02:29 AM // 02:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daena

I back that up

make that 2

Rancour · Feb 23, 2006, 11:52 AM // 11:52

/signet of signing

To make it non-spammable how about just make every 30th day a name-changing day?

You'd be able to change your name as many times as you like on that day, but once the sun goes down, BAM, you're stuck with the last name you typed in. You'd now have to wait another 30 days to change again. That way, the scamming possibilities would be restricted to one day a month and people who are unhappy with character names would still be able to change.

floplag · Feb 23, 2006, 06:57 PM // 18:57

IMO it should be as follows:

#1. done by a NPC, similar to changing a guild cape
#2. it should cost to prevent overuse. literally 5K-10K to do
#3. it should definitely have a limit to use. no more than once a month

it isnt about creativity, or any other nonsense like that.. sometimes no matter how hard/long you think you simply come up with somethign better later ... or maybe the role changes . who knows.

/signed.. assuming the above or similar restrictions are in place

awelcomecomatose · Feb 23, 2006, 07:31 PM // 19:31

Sounds good to me. I think every name change should requires a certain amount of xp to be gained before another name change can occur. Same with facial features.

DakAtak · Feb 24, 2006, 06:09 PM // 18:09

Should be allowed on a restricted basis.

/signed

Big_Iron · Feb 24, 2006, 06:13 PM // 18:13

/signed