Poll: What are you doing Blizzard?!?!

[RaineHero]

http://wowriot.gameriot.com/blogs/Americans-are-bad-at-games/Real-Names-on-the-Official-Forums-New-REAL-ID-function?gr_i_ni

I came across this link while browsing some forums. Long story short is that (atleast in the forums) your account will display your Name as your main username both in profile and whenever you post. I'm guessing this will translate into the games as well soon after. Seriously, what the hell is Blizzard doing?

 

[scnj]

Are there any other sources than this one blog?

 

[Jazzyjazz2323]

It discourages trolling its not like real names are a big deal get over it.Also think of how many people in the world have your name and think of how many of those people would pop on a search for your name a shitload so its not like someone can really stalk you with this information.

 

[Jazzyjazz2323]

Are there any other sources than this one blog?

its on MMO-Champion which links the blue post from blizzard

 

[AbsoluteVirtue18]

There was another thread about this. I think it's a great idea.

Your poll's a bit one-sided, though.

 

[Just_A_Glitch]

Not the best poll if you ask me...

I don't see the big deal. It'll probably weed out a few trolls, which is a good thing.

 

[Rabid Toilet]

Your poll seems to be missing a few options. Namely the "might actually be a good idea" one.

Blizzard's forums aren't exactly the greatest places on the internet. This should weed out 90-95% of the people currently using them, and maybe some real discussion will be had for once.

 

[Pyode]

I don't think this is that big of a deal.

However, I think the guy who made this is a huge douch for posting all of that employees' personal info (including his fucking phone number) and encouraging readers to contact the guy.

I understand he is trying to make a point, but it's still a fucked up thing to do.

 

[Zing]

If you don't see why this is a bad thing you're extremely short-sighted, it should be your choice to display your whole name. You probably won't think this is a big deal if you have a common name, but I have a very uncommon name, making me pretty easy to track down. It's a stupid breach of privacy.

That said, I don't play wow anymore and I'm banned from the official forums so I don't really care.

 

[DeadlyYellow]

However, I think the guy who made this is a huge douch for posting all of that employees' personal info (including his fucking phone number) and encouraging readers to contact the guy.

I understand he is trying to make a point, but it's still a fucked up thing to do.

The fight to maintain anonymity certainly seems rather.... ironic. But I guess to have enemies you need to know who those enemies are.

Besides, all personal information is already tied to the account. It's not like it would be any big jump to get, for those curious to see it.

 

[Deofuta]

Whatever, if you cant stick by what you say, don't say it.

Also, can you add a variety of answers?

 

[Pyode]

The fight to maintain anonymity certainly seems rather.... ironic. But I guess to have enemies you need to know who those enemies are.

Besides, all personal information is already tied to the account. It's not like it would be any big jump to get, for those curious to see it.

I understand that the information is easily accessible, that's not the problem.

The problem is that this guy is essentially attacking this one employee by specifically asking people to call and bother this guy just to make a point. It's a dick move.

 

[Zaik]

What is this?

I mean, this seems like a lot of effort to go through to weed out trolls on the forums, doesn't it?

Something else is going on.

 

[Ertis]

I don't think this is that big of a deal.

However, I think the guy who made this is a huge douch for posting all of that employees' personal info (including his fucking phone number) and encouraging readers to contact the guy.

I understand he is trying to make a point, but it's still a fucked up thing to do.

Except that the employee posted his full name on the forum in a misguided attempt to show how "safe" it is to post your full name on the internet. So yeah, point made, thanks Blizzard for throwing out everything even a half-witted internet user learns about internet safety and privacy.

 

[RaineHero]

I looked, but I didn't see the other thread. Sorry about that.

Also, I seem to be having a bit of trouble editing the poll. Is there some trick to it or am I doing something wrong/not doing something I should be by typing in a 4th option and hitting edit. Also, I was pretty mad when I first read this, so that's why the polls are one sided. There is a reason people tell you not to use your real name as a username.

 

[Pyode]

Except that the employee posted his full name on the forum in a misguided attempt to show how "safe" it is to post your full name on the internet. So yeah, point made, thanks Blizzard for throwing out everything even a half-witted internet user learns about internet safety and privacy.

There is a difference between having your personal information accessible, and having someone specifically post all of the information in the open and calling on people to use that information in an attack against you.

 

[Dr. Gorgenflex]

Being anonymous makes the internet great.

 

[The Madman]

Erm... the address they list is in Lakeport.

Blizzard is in Irvine. There is no Lakeport office. They're abusing the wrong family.

 

[Eclectic Dreck]

It discourages trolling its not like real names are a big deal get over it.Also think of how many people in the world have your name and think of how many of those people would pop on a search for your name a shitload so its not like someone can really stalk you with this information.

I wouldn't agree. Given enough time on any given forum, people will inevitably reveal information about themselves that would allow a sufficiently skilled and motivated individual to find out all they ever wanted to know. For example, most people here at least list their country and region in which they live. They often narrow it down to a specific city as well. Many of these people have posted their pictures. Basic job information is often available as well. Knowing someone's name in conjunction with the rest is all it would take to track someone down.

Just think about it - if someone knows where you live, what you do, what you look like and where you work even very generally is all it would take. Lots of people are still listed in the phone book. Plenty of people can be found on their social networking page through nothing more than their real name. Each piece of information is a clue and the more you offer up for free, the easier it is for someone so inclined to track you down.

I'm not saying it's likely, but let's not pretend it's impossible.

 

[Asehujiko]

Erm... the address they list is in Lakeport.

Blizzard is in Irvine. There is no Lakeport office. They're abusing the wrong family.

1. Community managers don't work from the main offices.
2. This would demonstrate another reason why actishit shoving facebook sponsorship contracts down blizzards throat is bad for everybody, not just blizzard's players.