Profanity filters and player reports

[Zenjy-nesingwary]

@Vrakthris

The ESRB rating is for game content and provides a gauge for what people who are looking to play the game, or parents who may allow their minor children to play, may expect in the game.

The Code of Conduct, are the policies and standards for what people who are looking to play the game, or parents who may allow their minor children to play, are expected to abide by when playing the game.

Regardless of if our games are T for Teen, or rated M for Mature, the policies that we set forth for player behavior is the same. Those policies have been basically the same since we started.

@Vrakthris

That is not accurate. You could always get in trouble for swearing… from the very first day when World of Warcraft launched.

The “new social contract”, isn’t exactly new. It breaks down to two sections. The first is a set of recommended behaviors that help make the gaming environment a more enjoyable place for everyone. Those are exactly that, recommendations.

The second part, just quotes sections of the Code of Conduct, that has been in place well before the social contract has. It contains outlines of our policies on what you should not do, and if you do, may result in penalties being applied to the account.

@Vrakthris

Mostly, the mature language filter is not intended to give someone permission to use language that would otherwise be considered against our policies. It serves as a temporary shield, to help parents of minors and others, who do not wish to see such language, to block it.

Have some Blue posts related to this.

[Bloomsday-sulfuras]

@Lemonshark-dalaran

why its a rule in the first place while also having a system that allows people not to see it.

I don’t think it’s ever a good thing to foster a community that uses excessive profanity. I imagine such communities are less friendly, less welcoming, more toxic, etc.

The rule exists because Blizzard doesn’t want it in their games. Why do they not want it in their game? Not sure, but I imagine for good reasons.

[Btq-eonar]

@Beasttoy-windseeker

profanity filter

Is a way for you to see that you are about to be reported…if you press the enter key.
If you see the text change… Be aware and not press the button.

[Mortdred-alexstrasza]

Honestly, after 20 years anytime I see one of these threads I immediately look at it as trolling. Being ignorant of the rule is no longer a defense (never really has been), but at this point it appears to be willful ignorance.
The answer is Do. Not. Curse.
End of discussion.

[Vrakthris]

@Beasttoy-windseeker

Television programs have cursing language.
Moves do have cursing language.

Yes, but they also have guidelines for when specific language will or will not be permitted such as types of programming and hours of the day it airs. There is also specific ratings for those shows/movies that inform the watcher of what kind of content it contains.

@Beasttoy-windseeker

World of Warcraft as last I checked is rated Teen by ESBR:

Yes, for game content. While in-game content is governed by the ESRB and our Teen rating, player behavior is governed by the Terms of Use and Code of Conduct. With that in mind there is some content that while perfectly acceptable when experienced through the game (i.e. NPC’s, quest dialog, etc…) it would not be appropriate as part of a player discussion on the forums.

@Beasttoy-windseeker

How is that abusive, offending or harassing someone.

It should be fairly obvious that use of inappropriate language in certain settings can be considered offensive to some. Not everyone believes using profanity is appropriate, especially in environments where there may be those who are under the age of consent.

@Beasttoy-windseeker

If a person is sensitive to such words, then the profanity filter would take care of that for them.

Except, most people, regardless of if you omit or otherwise mask the word, know exactly what you said. The policies prohibit the use of any and all inappropriate language. The condition isn’t “are they personally offended by it?”

@Beasttoy-windseeker

And Profanity filter would again prevent any sensible person from getting into that.

One could argue and understanding of your environment and when such language may not be appropriate for all audiences would prevent a sensible person from using it.

[Vrakthris]

@Beasttoy-windseeker

Thanks everyone for the input. I have got new perspectives on this. No need to fight each other.

Everyone have a great day!

Awww… but I was typing!

Glad to hear it though, good luck, Beasttoy.

[Beasttoy-windseeker]

@Vrakthris

Awww… but I was typing!

Well, to be honest they quoted your own words so, it was you in some capacity

[Jeysca-wyrmrest-accord]

@Vovas-lone-wolf

If someone was provoked into saying “F Bomb” the appeal process should absolutely take it into the account

Not really. There is never any excuse to cuss in game. If you cannot refrain from typing it out, you are welcome to disable chat for yourself. You can also get into the habit of just saying it out loud or thinking it.

The rules are pretty clear on the foul language. It’s not wanted in the game and I’m glad it’s being reported and acted upon personally.

[Mourningg-feathermoon]

@Vovas-lone-wolf

triggering automated penalties

There are no automated penalties.

As for the rest there is no need for any reading of intent. You cuss, you get punished. Period. It doesn’t matter why, you took the time to actually type out the words and hit enter. You broke the rules. And people have been punished for abusive language that isn’t just cussing. It is just that cussing will always get you punished, it doesn’t matter if it is directed at others or not.

[Perl-anetheron (Perl)]

@Vovas-lone-wolf

automated penalties

A squelch (temporary silence) is the only automated penalty.

Any other penalty is applied by humans.

We need to recognize that our own actions also have consequences. It’s super-easy to put someone on ignore in-game. It’s also easy NOT to type something and move on.

Yes, people should indeed be actioned if they cannot control their own behaviour, including intentionally typing out inappropriate words.

[Orlyia]

@Perl-anetheron

A squelch (temporary silence) is the only automated penalty.

I’m not certain why bringing up a 2 month old post is helpful, Vovas - but this is absolutely correct.

In the arena of chat/social violations, everything starts from player reports.