Curse

Thomas Valheru · Apr 20, 2006, 12:03 PM // 12:03

I farm droks with my 55 and UW with my necro, other than that I mainly pvp and help guildies. What about all you other formerly banned people?

Tuoba Hturt Eht · Apr 20, 2006, 12:06 PM // 12:06

To Thomas Valheru,

Glad to hear that you have gotten your account back!

Cheers, mate.

Quote:

Originally Posted by db0y

I found a connection, the OP posted this on 4/16, the OP at
http://www.guild-hall.net/forum/showthread.php?t=39544 also got banned on 4/16.

Something is definately screwy.

I'm sure this affected much more people.

I think something serious server error occured during that day.
Either that, or maybe some guy got itchy with the ban button.

felinette · Apr 20, 2006, 01:26 PM // 13:26

Maybe they introduced some automated way of detecting when an account should be banned and it has a few glitches.

leprekan · Apr 20, 2006, 04:47 PM // 16:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thomas Valheru

Yay, I'm finally unbanned, I got the unbanned mail written in spanish but that's what babelfish's for

lol, all my correspondecne with them had been in english before, I wonder what made them chose spanish

*dances all day cuz I have my account back*

Congratz Thomas

leprekan · Apr 20, 2006, 04:56 PM // 16:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by WoodyDotNet

Has anyone detected a pattern? What do the wrongfully banned accounts have in common? Or do they even have anything in common?

Considering I was also banned I don't think there is a pattern here. My ban came 10 seconds after buying a 5k shield in LA. I haven't farmed anything in quite sometime that would even trigger an alarm as me farming (unless they are still pissed about me solo monking uw in June/July)

. I have never even looked on Ebay for guild wars items so that can't be it either. Anet makes mistakes anything with a human involved will. The problem is they make it VERY difficult to contact them to correct THEIR errors. The thread on guild hall the guy was banned in the middle of a GVG ... HELLOOOOOOOOOOOOO I doubt he was farming or ebaying either

Stabber · Apr 20, 2006, 08:15 PM // 20:15

Not that I expect anything, but I think a word of explanation from Arena Net's PR/Community Relations people is needed here.

Why have so many legitimate players been "banned in error" recently?

Gaile Gray · Apr 20, 2006, 08:36 PM // 20:36

Hi,

You're right, a word or two isn't a bad idea. What I think we've seen happen is a refinement of a process intended to "weed out" the players who are engaged in item sales. This would include not just the actual sellers, but those who farm for them, sometimes on shared accounts working 24/7.

As you know, we must control the game economy--that is a benefit for all legitimate players--and we're obliged to do whatever we can to enforce the User Agreement, too. So we work regularly to design practices to enable us to do just that. We recognized there was a glitch in that process, and while it may seem signficant, in the overall percentage of accounts handled, it was really very small. Regardless of numbers, though, when it's your account, it hurts!

We are always willing to address issues and re-examine the data to assure that the actions taken are fair and appropriate. As you can see, we have no problem with reversing ourselves if a reinstatement needs to happen.

It's a fine line. You want to remove all those who cheat, hack, exploit, abuse, or break the User Agreement, especially those who impact other players directly or even indirectly through damanging the game economy. On the other hand, you want to assure that you don't disrupt the accounts of innocent players.

Please forgive us the occasional error that we make, knowing that we'll always be willing to listen, reinvestigate, and reconsider, and will right those errors that are made as quickly as possible. The actions we're taking are incredibly helpful and we're confident that they are necessary, even while we watch for improvements to the process.

leprekan · Apr 20, 2006, 08:53 PM // 20:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gaile Gray

Hi,

You're right, a word or two isn't a bad idea. What I think we've seen happen is a refinement of a process intended to "weed out" the players who are engaged in item sales. This would include not just the actual sellers, but those who farm for them, sometimes on shared accounts working 24/7.

As you know, we must control the game economy--that is a benefit for all legitimate players--and we're obliged to do whatever we can to enforce the User Agreement, too. So we work regularly to design practices to enable us to do just that. We recognized there was a glitch in that process, and while it may seem signficant, in the overall percentage of accounts handled, it was really very small. Regardless of numbers, though, when it's your account, it hurts!

We are always willing to address issues and re-examine the data to assure that the actions taken are fair and appropriate. As you can see, we have no problem with reversing ourselves if a reinstatement needs to happen.

It's a fine line. You want to remove all those who cheat, hack, exploit, abuse, or break the User Agreement, especially those who impact other players directly or even indirectly through damanging the game economy. On the other hand, you want to assure that you don't disrupt the accounts of innocent players.

Please forgive us the occasional error that we make, knowing that we'll always be willing to listen, reinvestigate, and reconsider, and will right those errors that are made as quickly as possible. The actions we're taking are incredibly helpful and we're confident that they are necessary, even while we watch for improvements to the process.

*THUD* sorry had to=p

The error is not really the issue. The problem is the auto reply email loop you are forced to get past (that many don't know you can if you keep trying). If everyone that has been banned just read the first auto reply and stopped no account would be fixed. I agree like most would that you have to do something about the botters/ebayers. There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to what Anet bans though.

I sent you a pm a week or so ago and I will ask again since you are here. Since it is another example how the ban system does not make a lot of sense.

**This is not a complaint against this guild**

My Guild Moustache Riders [mR] was banned 2 days before playoffs for an offensive name. Battery Powered Best Friend [vibe] has been around more than 6 months and is not offensive? Their name refers to a vibrator ... please clarify what exactly is offensive. Not trying to be difficult but I would love to hear how offensive is determined.

If you read the thread ... I was banned on the 6th I believe when I bought a shield in LA (5k). I managed to get my account unbanned but never an answer as to what about that transaction triggered a ban. If you could shed some light on these questions I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you for your time.

Josh · Apr 20, 2006, 08:58 PM // 20:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by coldplay

Grats to you , Ricebox.

I choose the wrong side to believe and I am happy about I was wrong.

Now, the question is can we sue A-net when they made false action or we lost the right to sue when we start to receive their service(game play)

Sorry that ArenaNet are human...

Big_L · Apr 20, 2006, 10:06 PM // 22:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gaile Gray

What I think we've seen happen is a refinement of a process intended to "weed out" the players who are engaged in item sales. This would include not just the actual sellers, but those who farm for them, sometimes on shared accounts working 24/7.

I can understand this, but please dont make it MY responsibility to know whether or not I'm selling an item to someone who will sell it on ebay or not. I can't be expected to play 20 questions every time I sell an item because I am afraid of becoming the "supplier." Its Anet's job to weed out these people, not mine. I understand that it would take minimal investigation into an account to determine whether the item came through a 24/7 farmer, or an honest seller, but this item tracking systems seems to be where the mistakes are being made. It is impossible to tell for sure based on the information we have, but it seems like the most probable cause, as the bans seem random otherwise.

Pandora's box · Apr 20, 2006, 10:18 PM // 22:18

From what we read in this thread we can learn at least a few things:

-Banned players hate to get seemingly automatically generated replies. It would be better if they knew in an earlier stage what action will be taken by real persons.
-The meganism that determines whether someone abuses an account relies on too many variables of which some are questionable, given the fact that honest players are banned as well. It seems in GW players who have been 'marked' as Ebay traders are not banned right away, but are being followed to catch the ones who trade with them. With the result of honost people getting banned. Correct me on this if I'm wrong.
-Its not possible to 100% guarentee innocent players won't be banned.
-Arenanet does what it can to find out if players were banned without reason.

Question: Would you accept to make the anti cheat/abuse modules catch less cheaters/abusers if that would guarantee that innocent players are at lower risk to be banned?

Loviatar · Apr 21, 2006, 12:24 AM // 00:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pandora's box

Question: Would you accept to make the anti cheat/abuse modules catch less cheaters/abusers if that would guarantee that innocent players are at lower risk to be banned?

no.

because for every additional innocent spared you might let a hundred/thousand ebay get away.

as long as it can be straightened out i say dont change. (unless their logs indicate a change is needed)

Stockholm · Apr 21, 2006, 12:45 AM // 00:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pandora's box

From what we read in this thread we can learn at least a few things:

-Banned players hate to get seemingly automatically generated replies. It would be better if they knew in an earlier stage what action will be taken by real persons.
-The meganism that determines whether someone abuses an account relies on too many variables of which some are questionable, given the fact that honest players are banned as well. It seems in GW players who have been 'marked' as Ebay traders are not banned right away, but are being followed to catch the ones who trade with them. With the result of honost people getting banned. Correct me on this if I'm wrong.
-Its not possible to 100% guarentee innocent players won't be banned.
-Arenanet does what it can to find out if players were banned without reason.

Question: Would you accept to make the anti cheat/abuse modules catch less cheaters/abusers if that would guarantee that innocent players are at lower risk to be banned?

YES,
No innocent players should face a ban because of cheaters, they have to be 100% sure of quilt before they ban and be able to prove it if asked to.

jomten · Apr 21, 2006, 02:00 AM // 02:00

Just CALL the guild wars number, thats more personal, and from your voice theyll now you are NOT some chinese sweatshopworker (if your not chinese) and even so someone selling items on ebay would care they just buy a new account and use the bots/hacks they were useing to lvl it back up and continue. so CALL them and speak to a REAL person. Good luck.

master_ranger_matt · Apr 21, 2006, 03:31 AM // 03:31

If ANet has trading histories, then anyone with big bucks could potentially get screwed over. I have done several large trades, as a mediator, which may appear ebayish because the trades are one sided, and earlier on in the game I had a friend who gave me several 100k as a present (don't know if it was ebayed or not, but i doubt it because he farmed his brains out). Does this mean that those who have wealthy friends who give them things, people who farm a lot, and trade mediators will get screwed over? If the ANet isn't extremely careful then they could end up causing a lot of grief and problems to innocent people.

Guardian of the Light · Apr 21, 2006, 06:06 AM // 06:06

I agree with you Matt Anet needs really good reasons to ban someone.

Ya I agree though Anet needs to upgrade their support its not very good I'm afraid. Auto-generated responses = People getting mad.

Everyone makes mistakes but everyone has to make from them and improve themselves.

allience · Apr 21, 2006, 01:11 PM // 13:11

i've done PLENTY of one side trades. i own 3 accounts and i have to transfer things. i also trade gw gold for other game items or forum gold for my friend that still plays diablo 2. so i'm guessing that a.net tracks more than just trades.

Hell Raiser · Apr 21, 2006, 02:02 PM // 14:02

you really can't expect A.net to upgrade their support system, for the simple reason that they probablly get TONS of emails every day with problems from people, and the only way they can handle all of them is by auto generated responses, and anyone dedicated to their problem is going to continue to send emails and finally get through.

As for people saying that it is not right for Anet to ban players without hard evidence that they are truely guilty, well all I have to say is (as stated before in this thread) they can do anything they want with the account.
From the user agreement. ( http://www.plaync.com/help/eula_coh.html )

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arena.Net User Agreement

Subject to the terms of this Agreement, NC Interactive grants to you, for your personal use only, a non-exclusive, revocable, nontransferable (except as permitted in Section 4(a)) license to use the Service, and a non-exclusive, nontransferable (except as permitted in Section 4(a)) license to use the Software in connection with the Service, for a duration as defined in Section 5 for so long as you maintain an authorized and fully-paid Account.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arena.Net User Agreement

NC Interactive reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to (1) delete or alter any Account ID 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 or (3) delete any content published on any electronic boards without notice. You have sole liability for all activities conducted through your Account or under your Account ID.

if you do get banned it is for a good reason wether it be you downloaded hacks or cheats, sold/bought guild wars items on ebay or other sites, or Anet is just trying to filter out bots and many other reasons. Just don't buy from anyone that seems like they are a machine (and others that I wont list as it may be seen as racist) as posted on guru before, If it seems to good to be true it probablly is. And just follow the rules, yes in some cases you can't avoid being accidentaly banned or come in contact with a bot/ebayer but it might happen and if you are dedicated to getting your account back then spam anet like the others did and hope for the best.

Hell

apokolipsuk · Apr 21, 2006, 11:16 PM // 23:16

ok interesting read.

Anet can and do make mistakes but as long as they recitfy there wrong doing and give the explination as to why, then good for them.

I would not like to have my account banned but I can understand what they are trying to do.

Now for people to have a go at others because they farm to much or sell to many items is total madness, some ppl have to save a few months to buy a game and if they want to spend hours farming to goods to sell on to other GW people in game so be it. ITS THEIR CHOICE on how they like to play the game. people have as much right to farm all day as people have to PVP or PVE all day, farming is a part of the game. Also trading is part of the game its a way of getting the goods you want.

Dont get me wrong I think that people who seel stuff on sites like ebay should be banned, but not the people who like farming(i dont like farming myself).

For people to have a go at other for helping is beyond belief, I am glad that these people got their accounts back and also glad that people have helped them.

over the last few posts we get the muppets in, most of this thread has been good but it didnt take long be fore someone started using abuse at someone else all I can say is THINK BEFORE YOU TYPE.

Apoko

Markaedw · Apr 22, 2006, 01:06 AM // 01:06

First of all from someoen that has not been banned, I do sympthise those that were accidentally banned.

Now on the why I'm posting: we all need to step back a little, calm down abit and stop taking things personally. I have read the posts, innocent people get caught up in these things all the time, some just don't complain about it.

Here's the thing, A-net has said that it has nothing against player farming, it does against ebayers and pro farmers. We all agree that thery should be banned. Now think about this, how are you and I to know who is an ebayer/pro farmer and who is legit. That gold seller account may also have that uber sheild that I have been looking for, I buy it from him and "POW" I am now contributing to an ebayer. How was I to know? As far as I was concerned I was just "WTB uber sheild", and got an answer.

There have also been post where a guy was banned for offensive behavior, he sent the screen shot proving that it was the other guy and was unbanned. Heck, I guy threatned to have me banned for kicking him.

Now all buisnesses have the right (good or bad) not to do buiness with some one, and A-Net has the right (also good or bad) to ban people, in these cases they were simply a little to quick on the trigger finger.

Now I don't fault A-Net for the mistake, as agrovating as it may be, my only criticism is that the appeal process should be easier. it should not take days.

Also Think about this, most botters use a disposable email, that they mey never check, if it even exsists, it could be that the repeted atempts are simply another way of proving that you are a real player. Kind of like the random letters that some websites are requiring to use for signing in.