Simple Questions About Offensive Names - Guild Wars Forums

DarkCloudInc · Jan 23, 2007, 09:40 PM // 21:40

Shortly after making a donation to one of the GM's towards those who were unable to enjoy the Wintersday festival in Taiwan due to earthquake, my account was banned for having an "offensive" name, "The Cheapest Hooker".

What is the absolute definition of "offensive" in which they would deem names as "offensive"? Using that definition, how is the name, "The Cheapest Hooker", constitute and meet the requirements of being "offensive"?

kmg0 · Jan 23, 2007, 09:45 PM // 21:45

I lol'd at the name, I don't find it offensive at all.

DeanBB · Jan 23, 2007, 09:50 PM // 21:50

It offended someone and you'll have to change the name. If you don't like it, pick a decent name.

There are no printed rules or lists of inappropriate names. Some names you try may not be allowed to even create the character, some will slip through.

DarkCloudInc · Jan 23, 2007, 10:07 PM // 22:07

The name is by no means derogatory to anyone but myself or offensive by any means and is not directed at anyone besides myself.

Kuldebar Valiturus · Jan 23, 2007, 10:11 PM // 22:11

I was always curious why people made their names into "phrases". I mean, it seems prevalent in Guild Wars, but peeps feel the urge to name their characters...how shall I say?...umm, silly things.

-Stabs N Shadows

-Flip U A Bird

-SliceNDice

-FHGYUdEEtvhj

Ya, silly stuff.

Dammit, I want my game to be serious!

:/

DeanBB · Jan 23, 2007, 10:36 PM // 22:36

It is a global game and so many factors come into play for what is appropriate or not as far as names go: language, culture, slang, history, religion, etc. I remember helping a guildie work through what we thought was a very normal name yet the way he wanted to spell it was just not allowed so he had to compromise and spell it a little different just to get past the character creation screen.

As far as "it only affects me" type arguments you are wrong, it affects anyone who reads your name and for the various reasons listed above (and more) names can be offensive.

*Darcy* · Jan 23, 2007, 11:37 PM // 23:37

ArenaNet is the sole decision maker as to what names are allowed. Your problem is, due to your donation, you exposed your character's name to a game moderator, who decided it was offensive in total. He/She obviously did not consider the name humorous.

You only have two choices.

1. contact ANet and take their offer of a one-time name change.

2. say goodbye to that character, as ANet will delete it.

taffette · Jan 23, 2007, 11:44 PM // 23:44

I wasn't allowed to make a mesmer called Illusory Jewel. I still see nothing wrong with the name, I assume Anet wouldn't accept it as it had "Jew" in it which to me seems totally OTT. *shrug*

Antheus · Jan 24, 2007, 12:26 AM // 00:26

This defines it:

Character Name. In order to use the service, you must create a character and choose a name for your character to identify your character to other Members (your "Character Name"). You may not select as your Character Name the name of another person, or a name which violates any third party's trademark right, copyright, or other proprietary right, or which may mislead other players to believe you to be an employee of NC Interactive or its affiliated companies, or which NC Interactive deems at its sole discretion to be vulgar or otherwise offensive. NC Interactive reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to (1) delete or alter any Character Name or (2) terminate any license granted herein, for any reason whatsoever, including, without limitation, any suspected or actual infringement of any trademark or trade name right, copyright, or other proprietary right.

Cheapest hooker would fall under vulgar.

EiS · Jan 24, 2007, 06:24 AM // 06:24

What i found funny was when i was making a guild i was going to make the name The Four HorseMen of the Apocalypse but it woulden't let me cuz part of the name was offensive and after doing a little testing i found it was saying HorseMen was considered offensive anybody know why that is?

Whiplashr · Jan 24, 2007, 07:04 AM // 07:04

^horseMen? Take off the HOR and I think you'll find it

taffette · Jan 24, 2007, 08:50 AM // 08:50

They should really be able to distinguish between whole words and offensive words *roll*. It kinda takes the fun out of it when you're not allowed a whole host of perfectly fine names because they're being over-zealous.

Shadow of Light · Jan 24, 2007, 09:07 AM // 09:07

While I find the name the OP used for his char rather mild (I hear worse in local chat), Anet has the power to make you change your name if they don't like it.

I do think it's a low blow for this to happen after an act of charity, however (in indeed the GM that banned you was the one you donated to, but we can't know).

I do hope it doesn't put you off being generous to others.

Etta · Jan 24, 2007, 10:11 AM // 10:11

My PVP only ranger char's name is Jimmy PotSmoker and his pet's name is I like balls. I better make a new pvp char :P

Cebe · Jan 24, 2007, 10:20 AM // 10:20

Anet are pretty rediculous when it comes to this. I cannot have "Celestial Beaver" as a character name because Americans (sorry, guys, but seriously...) associate it with part of the female anatomy. I mean COME OFF IT. Considering I saw a guy wandering round called "The A--ehole" why can't I have "Celestial Beaver"?

Fril Estelin · Jan 24, 2007, 10:41 AM // 10:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkCloudInc

The name is by no means derogatory to anyone but myself or offensive by any means and is not directed at anyone besides myself.

Hi,

A name is not a private thing. You cannot simply say "I want it because I like it". A name tells "things" about you or your character, maybe not much more than "I'm a funny person" or "Laugh at this name" or "I can do that in this virtual world but I couldn't in the real one!", but still it is a point of connection between people in the virtual GW world.

Most importantly, it is seen by everyone. You may tell people "don't look at me if you feel my name offends you" but that's very unfriendly and almost selfish (and that is not a value we want to spread in GW, given problems with coops, PUGs and etc.). You may suggest to Anet to put "mature" labels, but that's a waste of time and money.

Simple rule of thumb: think about the perception of things, how would someone (a.k.a. anyone) think about this particular name? It takes 2 seconds (in average) to see how this name could offend. And it sounds more like a title showing...your sense of humor? (which I personnally don't think funny, but you're completely entitled to your views and I hope my message didn't offend you

)

SotiCoto · Jan 24, 2007, 10:48 AM // 10:48

Ah well.... they haven't got me for my dodgiest character-name yet.... and hopefully they won't as I'm rather fond of her...

Ghost of Cot Death

It rather stemmed from an argument I had with my mother when I was a child. She was trying to convince me that despite the fact that Father Christmas wasn't real (and she admitted that), she still insisted that the Tooth Fairy was (though in retrospect she was probably trying to have a laugh at my expense)... and so rather sardonically I'd replied something along the lines of: "And I suppose there is a Car-Crash Fairy too... and a Ghost of Cot-Death!" .... And then I proceeded to take the ideas a bit further for the sake of amusement... and imagined the Ghost of Cot Death as a creepy phantom who axes babies to death while they sleep, and sprays their gore all over the walls with much laughter (I had a black sense of humour even when I was 7).

I was originally going to make her in GW true to form as a warrior with axe-mastery and her murky pondweed-coloured hair.... but instead I decided to make her a necromancer since in a sudden burst of realisation it seemed more appropriate.

Alex Weekes · Jan 24, 2007, 11:29 AM // 11:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darcy

2. say goodbye to that character, as ANet will delete it.

We do not delete characters. It will, however, remain permanently blocked until such time as either the player deletes it or requests the name be changed.

MegaMouse · Jan 24, 2007, 03:52 PM // 15:52

On the nameing policy that NC-Soft has in place. Although we as players may find certian names funny in one region a person in anothe might fin that same name to be derogatory. So we realy need to think of a name that will not only satisify us but not offend anyone else (so far I have not been hit wih=th the dredded "change your characters anme or else" nerf bat). A name that I for example may not find offensive may offend someone from australia, and vice versa. As one of the other posters said some names may slip through the cracks until either a GM notices it or another player turns it in. Personaly I have only turned in about 3 names as beign totaly rude and vulgar, but I have seen several that I concidered funny that the person next to me may find offensive. In conclusion we all need to take a moment to think about our characters names and try to make it less offfensive to others. I know that we cannot please everyone, but if we can at least take others moral values into concideration, this game will be much more enjoyable for all.

Mega Mouse

DeanBB · Jan 24, 2007, 04:33 PM // 16:33

Quote:

Personaly I have only turned in about 3 names as beign totaly rude and vulgar

I have reported one also and know that it was changed after a brief ban.

I have also not solicited a number of people I've met on forums with a guild invitation based upon their names as we strive for a family friendly environment within WPG, as much as possible.

Jan 23, 2007, 09:40 PM // 21:40	#1
DarkCloudInc Academy Page Join Date: Dec 2005	Simple Questions About Offensive Names Shortly after making a donation to one of the GM's towards those who were unable to enjoy the Wintersday festival in Taiwan due to earthquake, my account was banned for having an "offensive" name, "The Cheapest Hooker". What is the absolute definition of "offensive" in which they would deem names as "offensive"? Using that definition, how is the name, "The Cheapest Hooker", constitute and meet the requirements of being "offensive"? Last edited by DarkCloudInc; Jan 23, 2007 at 10:18 PM // 22:18..

Jan 24, 2007, 10:20 AM // 10:20	#15
Cebe The 5th Celestial Boss Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Inverness, Scotland Guild: The Cult of Scaro [WHO] Profession: E/	Anet are pretty rediculous when it comes to this. I cannot have "Celestial Beaver" as a character name because Americans (sorry, guys, but seriously...) associate it with part of the female anatomy. I mean COME OFF IT. Considering I saw a guy wandering round called "The A--ehole" why can't I have "Celestial Beaver"? Last edited by Cebe; Jan 24, 2007 at 10:23 AM // 10:23..

Jan 23, 2007, 09:45 PM // 21:45	#2
kmg0 Ascalonian Squire Join Date: Mar 2006 Profession: W/Mo	I lol'd at the name, I don't find it offensive at all.

Jan 23, 2007, 09:50 PM // 21:50	#3
DeanBB Forge Runner Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Arizona Guild: Wizardry Players Guild, http://4guildwars.7.forumer.com	It offended someone and you'll have to change the name. If you don't like it, pick a decent name. There are no printed rules or lists of inappropriate names. Some names you try may not be allowed to even create the character, some will slip through.

Jan 23, 2007, 10:07 PM // 22:07	#4
DarkCloudInc Academy Page Join Date: Dec 2005	The name is by no means derogatory to anyone but myself or offensive by any means and is not directed at anyone besides myself.

Jan 23, 2007, 10:11 PM // 22:11	#5
Kuldebar Valiturus Desert Nomad Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Garden City, Idaho Guild: The Order of Relumination (TOoR) Profession: R/	I was always curious why people made their names into "phrases". I mean, it seems prevalent in Guild Wars, but peeps feel the urge to name their characters...how shall I say?...umm, silly things. -Stabs N Shadows -Flip U A Bird -SliceNDice -FHGYUdEEtvhj Ya, silly stuff. Dammit, I want my game to be serious! :/

Jan 23, 2007, 10:36 PM // 22:36	#6
DeanBB Forge Runner Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Arizona Guild: Wizardry Players Guild, http://4guildwars.7.forumer.com	It is a global game and so many factors come into play for what is appropriate or not as far as names go: language, culture, slang, history, religion, etc. I remember helping a guildie work through what we thought was a very normal name yet the way he wanted to spell it was just not allowed so he had to compromise and spell it a little different just to get past the character creation screen. As far as "it only affects me" type arguments you are wrong, it affects anyone who reads your name and for the various reasons listed above (and more) names can be offensive.

Jan 23, 2007, 11:37 PM // 23:37	#7
Darcy Never Too Old Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Rhode Island where there are no GW contests Guild: Order of First Profession: W/R	ArenaNet is the sole decision maker as to what names are allowed. Your problem is, due to your donation, you exposed your character's name to a game moderator, who decided it was offensive in total. He/She obviously did not consider the name humorous. You only have two choices. 1. contact ANet and take their offer of a one-time name change. 2. say goodbye to that character, as ANet will delete it.

Jan 23, 2007, 11:44 PM // 23:44	#8
taffette Frost Gate Guardian Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Sunny ol' Manchester Guild: The Trumpet Blowers Profession: R/	I wasn't allowed to make a mesmer called Illusory Jewel. I still see nothing wrong with the name, I assume Anet wouldn't accept it as it had "Jew" in it which to me seems totally OTT. shrug

Jan 24, 2007, 12:26 AM // 00:26	#9
Antheus Forge Runner Join Date: Jan 2006	This defines it: Character Name. In order to use the service, you must create a character and choose a name for your character to identify your character to other Members (your "Character Name"). You may not select as your Character Name the name of another person, or a name which violates any third party's trademark right, copyright, or other proprietary right, or which may mislead other players to believe you to be an employee of NC Interactive or its affiliated companies, or which NC Interactive deems at its sole discretion to be vulgar or otherwise offensive. NC Interactive reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to (1) delete or alter any Character Name or (2) terminate any license granted herein, for any reason whatsoever, including, without limitation, any suspected or actual infringement of any trademark or trade name right, copyright, or other proprietary right. Cheapest hooker would fall under vulgar.

Jan 24, 2007, 06:24 AM // 06:24	#10
EiS Lion's Arch Merchant Join Date: Jan 2006 Guild: Save The Dragons Profession: R/Mo	What i found funny was when i was making a guild i was going to make the name The Four HorseMen of the Apocalypse but it woulden't let me cuz part of the name was offensive and after doing a little testing i found it was saying HorseMen was considered offensive anybody know why that is?

Jan 24, 2007, 07:04 AM // 07:04	#11
Whiplashr Lion's Arch Merchant Join Date: Jan 2006	^horseMen? Take off the HOR and I think you'll find it

Jan 24, 2007, 08:50 AM // 08:50	#12
taffette Frost Gate Guardian Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Sunny ol' Manchester Guild: The Trumpet Blowers Profession: R/	They should really be able to distinguish between whole words and offensive words roll. It kinda takes the fun out of it when you're not allowed a whole host of perfectly fine names because they're being over-zealous.

Jan 24, 2007, 09:07 AM // 09:07	#13
Shadow of Light Lion's Arch Merchant Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Australia Profession: Mo/	While I find the name the OP used for his char rather mild (I hear worse in local chat), Anet has the power to make you change your name if they don't like it. I do think it's a low blow for this to happen after an act of charity, however (in indeed the GM that banned you was the one you donated to, but we can't know). I do hope it doesn't put you off being generous to others.

Jan 24, 2007, 10:11 AM // 10:11	#14
Etta Forge Runner Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Mancland, British Empire	My PVP only ranger char's name is Jimmy PotSmoker and his pet's name is I like balls. I better make a new pvp char :P

Jan 24, 2007, 10:48 AM // 10:48	#17
SotiCoto Banned Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Drazach Thicket Guild: Temple of Zhen Xianren [Sifu]	Ah well.... they haven't got me for my dodgiest character-name yet.... and hopefully they won't as I'm rather fond of her... Ghost of Cot Death It rather stemmed from an argument I had with my mother when I was a child. She was trying to convince me that despite the fact that Father Christmas wasn't real (and she admitted that), she still insisted that the Tooth Fairy was (though in retrospect she was probably trying to have a laugh at my expense)... and so rather sardonically I'd replied something along the lines of: "And I suppose there is a Car-Crash Fairy too... and a Ghost of Cot-Death!" .... And then I proceeded to take the ideas a bit further for the sake of amusement... and imagined the Ghost of Cot Death as a creepy phantom who axes babies to death while they sleep, and sprays their gore all over the walls with much laughter (I had a black sense of humour even when I was 7). I was originally going to make her in GW true to form as a warrior with axe-mastery and her murky pondweed-coloured hair.... but instead I decided to make her a necromancer since in a sudden burst of realisation it seemed more appropriate.

Jan 24, 2007, 03:52 PM // 15:52	#19
MegaMouse Wilds Pathfinder Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: south mississippi Guild: Warriors Of Melos WOM Profession: E/N	On the nameing policy that NC-Soft has in place. Although we as players may find certian names funny in one region a person in anothe might fin that same name to be derogatory. So we realy need to think of a name that will not only satisify us but not offend anyone else (so far I have not been hit wih=th the dredded "change your characters anme or else" nerf bat). A name that I for example may not find offensive may offend someone from australia, and vice versa. As one of the other posters said some names may slip through the cracks until either a GM notices it or another player turns it in. Personaly I have only turned in about 3 names as beign totaly rude and vulgar, but I have seen several that I concidered funny that the person next to me may find offensive. In conclusion we all need to take a moment to think about our characters names and try to make it less offfensive to others. I know that we cannot please everyone, but if we can at least take others moral values into concideration, this game will be much more enjoyable for all. Mega Mouse