Blizzard wants your name

[Angrist]

]Blizzard has unleashed a hurricane of internet rage by announcing that it will require users to post under their real names on its forums, in a move intended to create a more "positive", "constructive" community.
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/blizzard-forums-to-require-real-names
Also interesting: http://wowriot.gameriot.com/blogs/Americans-are-bad-at-games/Real-Names-on-the-Official-Forums-New-REAL-ID-function?gr_i_ni
A GM set an example by telling his real name. Within hours, everybody knew he lived with his mom, what his phone number was, his facebook/twitter, etc. etc. He doesn't answer the phone.

Your thoughts?

[Vampyr]

It's pretty funny that I actually canceled my subscription this morning around 10, before even reading this, and chose "personal reasons" my reason for quitting. Probably looks like I'm one of the protesters.

Oh well, more power to me. While it's true that everyone has a choice and no one -has- to post on the forums, it has always been an internet standard of safety not to publish your real name in a public venue. Parents, policemen, etc, are always trying to get the message across to teenagers and kids that they shouldn't put personal information in a public place on the internet. Why is Blizzard trying to change that, or act like there is no safety concerns? How many people are going to use the "real id" feature without realizing how dangerous it can potentially be?

[Vampyr]

Something else I just thought of...you can probably say goodbye to any females who were using the forums.

[Typhoid]

Despite the fact I'm 23, I still firmly believe you should never give out your full name on the internet [to a community of people you don't know] because there are always assholes out there.

Personally, I think it's really stupid, and 100% counter-acts what kids are taught at a young age, of "Don't give out personal information."

[BreakABone]

I understand why they are doing it, but I agree with everyone else. There's just too much chance for it to be abused in this day and age.

A few random arseholes on the internet shouldn't ruin it for everyone else.

[Dylflon]

Well fuck them, they can't have it.

Unless I can convince them my name is Carlos Spicyweiner.

[Vampyr]

I understand why they are doing it, but I agree with everyone else. There's just too much chance for it to be abused in this day and age.

A few random arseholes on the internet shouldn't ruin it for everyone else.

I can't even see -why- they're doing it. They say it is to reduce conflict by removing anonymity.

It isn't the anonymity of your name that causes internet arguments, it's the ability to say anything you want without ever having to see that person or deal with repercussions. Just look at all the flame wars and arguments that break out on popular Facebook status's. Obviously having your real name exposed changes nothing.

[BreakABone]

I can't even see -why- they're doing it. They say it is to reduce conflict by removing anonymity.

It isn't the anonymity of your name that causes internet arguments, it's the ability to say anything you want without ever having to see that person or deal with repercussions. Just look at all the flame wars and arguments that break out on popular Facebook status's. Obviously having your real name exposed changes nothing.

I have no experience with that in regards to Facebook honestly.

But I believe putting a name behind your words does hold you more accountable. I think someone is less likely to spout random nonsense and BS when folks can see their real identity.

[manasecret]

Something else I just thought of...you can probably say goodbye to any females who were using the forums.

And goodbye to any "females" who were using the forums.

[Neo]

A boneheaded move from an otherwise smart company.

[Angrist]

Making your way in the world today takes everything you've got.
Taking a break from all your worries, sure would help a lot.

Wouldn't you like to get away?

Sometimes you want to go

Where everybody knows your name,
and they're always glad you came.
You wanna be where you can see,
our troubles are all the same
You wanna be where everybody knows
Your name.

You wanna go where people know,
people are all the same,
You wanna go where everybody knows
your name.

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[BreakABone]

http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=25968987278&sid=1

That was short-lived. :lolz:

[Angrist]

Couldn't they have ought of this earlier?