MarcFirewing said:
Treblaine said:
But they aren't anonymous. Microsoft knows EXACTLY who they are and can easily find out what they have said and hold them accountable though the most basic reporting mechanism.
They do.
YOU don't.
Plus even if Microsoft did police their network, do you -really- think that would stop them? Check out http://www.whywasibanned.com/ People break the rules all the time, and will continue to do so by spamming obscenities over the mic.
Just how it rolls.
This is my problem with Zero Tolerance enforcement.
IT CLEARLY DOES NOT WORK!
Microsoft even with banning so many people (and refusing to reimburse them) the foul and abusive language is still rife and getting worse.
There are several obvious problems:
PROBLEM: The "rules" of conduct in the ToS are hidden amongst a metric shit-ton of legal terms about utterly irrelevant stuff like covering copyrights and licensed technology. People do not read these rules, it is ridiculous to expect them to
SOLUTION: clearly have a separate "Commandments" document that is easy to read, easy to understand that the player must follow these rules. Have them "sign" at the bottom with their thumb-stick (just an X) and have it a rules document that they can view and re-read at any time from the home-row. Clicking on the document can give "test cases"
PREJUDICE: Microsoft want to give the illusion they are easy going and libertarian, that's why they hide the code of conduct in an obscure legal document like ToS that THEY ABSOLUTELY KNOW that most people do not read this.
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PROBLEM: Zero-Tolerance does not work, it is too harsh and too inflexible to treat someone who says "wanker" the same as someone who makes explicit sexual and racial threats. This is a nonsense system that people cannot understand or respect, it is arbitrary and inconsistent.
SOLUTION: They need a layered defence of punishments. With warnings, suspensions, probations, and even gagging restrictions (can't talk or text in game, nor email non-friends) for persistent offenders. Give them time to cool off, think about what they have done and with a probation period for a chance to repent.
PREJUDICE: Microsoft likes the zero tolerance policy as they know full well banned individuals will up and buy another membership. It's an utterly corrupt system.
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PROBLEM: Microsoft actively encourages trash talk via their developers, Cliffy B has frequently said it is "part of the game" and in fact of all the events not only does Microsoft refuse to acknowledge how bad the situation is but refuse to stay anything against it.
SOLUTION: Tell Cliffy B to shut his big mouth and if he does feel compelled to run his mouth then he should encourage good gamesmanship online: i.e. don't gloat like a asinine 13 year old every win, don't have a swear laced tantrum every loss. trash talk is not "part of the game" not when so many people think that extends to disrespecting the 9/11 dead and stirring racial and xenophobic tension.
PREJUDICE: Microsoft knows that the idea of trash talk is a selling point for their games and system, though once people get into it most find the verbal abuse a complete detriment. Microsoft are too openly committed to this lie.