Political Discussions

[phatzo]

Not all of us live IN the U.S.A. so you can talk politics all you like we just won't get

[BnZs]

INdeed, I must confirm at this point that HTC's property rights trump any other "right" you have discuss whatever you want to on the forae. If HTC said "no one with bushy red eyebrows may play" he would be within his rights IMO, even though that would pretty much leave me out and otherwise be asinine from my POV.

I may disagree *strongly* with the specific policy. I may wonder why I'm not allowed to say something against Barack Obama on the forums when one is (apparently) allowed to say that so-and-so of my fellow players is a cherrypicking pussie or to imply that Krusty doesn't know that 2+2=4, and suchlike.

But I affirm HTC's fundamental right to set the policy!

[phatzo]

.

Many of your customers have relatives who either fought in World War II or in military projects still going on as we speak. Just today, we elected a new President who's own speech I would refer you to as a reminder of the freedoms we are obligated and free to practice in the United States of America. Any effort made by HTC to infringe upon those rights is viewed as both anti-American and weak. It's a time of political awareness and opinions and while a game is not the best setting for that kind of thing, it's even worse to see another business attempting to further suppress the liberties and freedoms we, as Americans, have the privilege of living amidst.

from the only country in the world

[Larry]

HTC,

I found it both surprising and small that you've posted a disclaimer discouraging political talk within Aces High, something I rarely see but also something that, in this particular country, is a both a right and, to be quite frank, an obligation. We're living in a time in which political ignorance has resulted in a country that is all but broke and is being run by corporate interests almost entirely.

Many of your customers have relatives who either fought in World War II or in military projects still going on as we speak. Just today, we elected a new President who's own speech I would refer you to as a reminder of the freedoms we are obligated and free to practice in the United States of America. Any effort made by HTC to infringe upon those rights is viewed as both anti-American and weak. It's a time of political awareness and opinions and while a game is not the best setting for that kind of thing, it's even worse to see another business attempting to further suppress the liberties and freedoms we, as Americans, have the privilege of living amidst.

Having said that, I realize that Aces High is not a political forum but rather an opportunity to have fun and get away from the stresses of daily life. We're not on completely different pages on this topic as most of what I've ever read players posting, at least concerning politics, is poorly informed if not altogether wrong. I agree on that front. Nonetheless, my issue is HTC's taking the time to attempt to silence talk about the state of our country at a time when we desperately need it. Until I believe that HTC is actually losing money over something as trivial as this, I'm not interested in being greeted as I enter this game by a ridiculous announcement such as this.

Remember that paying customers are not your school kids and also what country you reside in.   

You gave all your rights away when you accepted their Terms of Service. Seeing that this is a privately owned company you don't have the right of free speech in the game or on the forums. They say what you can talk about and if you don't like it then its back to playing Monopoly or Candy Land. They put that MOTD up because they KNEW people were going to start on 200 about it. And they KNEW that political discussions can be had without trouble. BUT some people in AH have the minds of kids and start bashing people. A few days after the election someone was in the MidWar calling Obama the N word, while people were talking about the election. Because some of the simple minded adults thought it was funny this guy didn't get muted, and that's the reason you cant have political discussions because someone is always going to act like a complete ass.

[BnZs]

Another thing I must point out is that HTC is *NOT* a vast multi-national corporate conglomerate, it is still the personal property of an individual with the attendant personal property rights, not a corporate conglomerate absurdly considered an "individual" itself and falsely imbued with "rights", which is an abomination. But that is another story I suppose...

[Max]

Dalllas71 ...a couple of thoughts...

HTC provides this forum as a benefit to the players. Given the fact that you post a thread distancing yourself from the policies HTC has put forth, with respect to discussion of political and religious topics, I'm assuming you're
1. Posting your topic as a shades. (1st post as Dalllas71 despite your knowledge of the rules.) to get a rise out of the commuity...or
2. Simply demonstrating yourself to be a moron.

Either way, this thread is headed for lock down. Hope you enjoy your 15 minutes of fame.

[Airborne]

As a Veteran, still serving after 8 years, I love our rights. And yes, you do have the right to free speech- there are caveats

They have a disclaimer discouraging it, you said so yourself (however, it is forbidden, as per their rules). Also, your particiaption is presumably based on a freely-entered-into agreement that gives them the right to do this, even if it is seems unreasonable or you feel it effects your right to free speech- you agreed to the TOS.


 This was taken from their TOS page

"The HiTech Creations Service provides you access to the multiplayer game Aces High™ and their associated message board. "

"6.  Either you or HiTech Creations may terminate your HiTech Creations membership at any time, with or without cause."

And this was taken from their General Discussions Forum rules
"14- Posting topics or threads which are based on politics, race, or religion is expressly forbidden."

[Shuffler]

HTC,

I found it both surprising and small that you've posted a disclaimer discouraging political talk within Aces High, something I rarely see but also something that, in this particular country, is a both a right and, to be quite frank, an obligation. We're living in a time in which political ignorance has resulted in a country that is all but broke and is being run by corporate interests almost entirely.

Many of your customers have relatives who either fought in World War II or in military projects still going on as we speak. Just today, we elected a new President who's own speech I would refer you to as a reminder of the freedoms we are obligated and free to practice in the United States of America. Any effort made by HTC to infringe upon those rights is viewed as both anti-American and weak. It's a time of political awareness and opinions and while a game is not the best setting for that kind of thing, it's even worse to see another business attempting to further suppress the liberties and freedoms we, as Americans, have the privilege of living amidst.

Having said that, I realize that Aces High is not a political forum but rather an opportunity to have fun and get away from the stresses of daily life. We're not on completely different pages on this topic as most of what I've ever read players posting, at least concerning politics, is poorly informed if not altogether wrong. I agree on that front. Nonetheless, my issue is HTC's taking the time to attempt to silence talk about the state of our country at a time when we desperately need it. Until I believe that HTC is actually losing money over something as trivial as this, I'm not interested in being greeted as I enter this game by a ridiculous announcement such as this.

Remember that paying customers are not your school kids and also what country you reside in.   

Here you follow the rules of the board. If you have something political to say take it to another board. You have no God given rights here other than what HT deems reasonable. Makes for a friendlier atmosphere.

[Shane]

[Corrs]

any minute now  
need to give Skuzzy some extra time, his moped is in the shop

[SunBat]

I refuse to be an Intard.

[phatzo]

I refuse to be an Intard.

I can relate to you not being IN to that

[BaldEagl]

Whether or not this thread should be in the OC or even locked or whether HT has the right or not to place such a message in the MOTD I felt like it was simply an insult to my intelligence.  Not that I was going to engage in a political discussion or anything.  It simply didn't need to be there.

Will there be a no religious discussion MOTD at Easter and Christmas?  Will the no political discussion MOTD come back for President's day?

Simply rediculous.

[SEraider]

LMAO, i just got muted 10 minutes because I made a political reference.

How weak HT.  What difference does it make we talk about it today versus any other day.

For some reason I am not surprised.

[ImADot]

I pay my money to play a game, not discuss politics, religion, etc., etc.  I can choose to de-tune certain channels in-game, but that deprives me of the full experience of being in an online community.  Most times I ignore the more obtuse comments, but at times it gets tiresome.  I don't care to be subjected to the rantings of zealots from whatever side of whichever fence they are.

Cheers HTC for reminding people that it's your sandbox in which we choose to play, and there are certain subjects that we (the paying customers) shouldn't have to put up with.  Race, religion and politics are probably the trifecta of hot-button subjects that can never make it past a few sentences before going terribly off course.