Originally posted by StarOfAfrica2
Just out of curiousity, IS there a policy regarding offensive player IDs? I for one usually ignore them, but every so often it causes a stink (which is exactly what they wanted to accomplish).
Offensive IDs are easily addressed. Simply take a screen shot and e-mail it to Skuzzy. You can bet it will corrected immediately.
Trainers see offensive IDs all the time. In fact, many of the really bad IDs never get to the MA because a trainer happens to spot them in the TA.
Seriously obnoxious IDs may get the player ejected from the TA and HTC will be notified. Moderately bad taste IDs are usually handled by asking the player to select a more appropriate ID. If it's seen again, the issue is usually forwarded to HTC for adjudication.
As to being muted for foul or inappropriate language...
First off, I am not going to define HTC's policy for them, that is defined in their Terms of Service, which everyone playing this game has agreed to. I am simply going to describe what I know to be true as of right now. HTC can and will employ whatever policy they deem necessary. As a trainer, I am the face of HTC for many players. Therefore, my behavior as a trainer in the TA or as a player in the MA or even on these boards reflects on HTC for good or bad. Therefore, I personally will conduct myself according to that responsibility.
Policy in the TA is no different than in the MA, except that the trainer is known to the players. There is a critical difference between the TA and MA in this regard. Trainers have the power to eject players. Moderators do not, and cannot protect themselves other than by being anonymous. I can easily imagine witch hunts to find and gang moderators when they play in the MA.
In the TA, warnings are sent for minor swearing or name calling. Repeating the offense will result in muting.
Really flagrant language will result in being instantly muted, and if it's a threat or ethic slur, instantly ejected. Arguing with the trainer over a rules violation can result in muting if the player becomes abusive or disruptive. In most instances, a player will be ejected if he continues to use foul language after the mute expires.
Trainers have the flexibility to enforce the rules on a case by case basis and the penalty (if any is imposed) is based upon what the trainer perceives as the player's intent. Some trainers allow for more latitude than others. I prefer to PM the offender and get them to change their behavior without a public dressing-down. This often does the trick. Sometimes it doesn't and I have to mute or eject the player. I would rather not have to resort to ejection as the player can simply log into the DA or MA and continue to misbehave, but on occasion there is no other option.
Gentlemen, be thankful that HTC hasn't seen the need to give MA moderators eject powers. I have seen plenty of things in the text buffer that I would have ejected the player for, as muting would be far too easy on them.
CMs, Moderators and Trainers are selected after thorough review by HTC and their future peers. Every effort is made to select people who will use sound judgement, who are not easily provoked, are even-tempered and fair minded.
That does not mean that any of these individuals will not have a bad day. They are not perfect. Poor decisions will be made, they will be rare, but they will happen. HTC understands this.
Nonetheless, if you believe you have a valid issue with a moderator, trainer or CM, the place for discussing this is not in the text buffer and not on the BBS either. The place to discuss this is via e-mail with HTC. Be sure to document the problem via film. If you don't have film, you won't have a case. If you have a valid issue, HTC will take the time to talk to the parties involved and if need be, will discipline the CM/trainer/moderator privately, and I know this for a fact.
So please, conduct these discussions via e-mail or phone call to HTC and not here.
My regards,
Widewing
