Aftermath of the AWR Thread: My protest (an open letter)

9 posts · 2005-12-05 11:35:00 to 2005-12-05 12:04:00

#10400050271 12/05/2005 11:35 Aftermath of the AWR Thread: My protest (an open letter)
(an open letter to the CSR's of this game)

Hello forum community,

My name is is wwWizard2k.  I am a pre-release player on the Vector server, and longtime supporter of this game. 

I have no strong opinion on AWR, and yet, it is my sad duty to convey a piece of information to you.

PlatinumPlatypus, first poster in the "Save AWR" campaign, has received a life-ban from all SOE products.
(Please do not draw conclusions at this point, or partake in SOE bashing.  I am here to give you the facts as I know them).

On Saturday, December 3rd, someone using the PlatinumPlatypus account logged onto all 3 servers and began spamming "F*** SOE", "SAVE AWR" (in big colorfull text, no less).  The unknown user also harrassed all players around him using the /tell command.  This proceeded to the point where CSR's took action against the account.

I am saying "an unknown user" because, to be frank, the real PlatinumPlatypus was not even home when the incident occurred.  I play often with this person - I use Ventrilo with him.  During the time of the incident, Platinum was not on Ventrilo - having informed us that we was stepping out for the afternoon/early evening.   He returned hours later to find his account gone and lots of confused people questioning him on his actions.

How did this happen?  Apparently Platinum was using a very easy password...ie:  his name and his birthday.  Now, I'd agree with any critic saying that using a password like that is damned foolhardy.  He made a mistake choosing his password, and his reputation has been severely damaged for it.

However...

I have seen people swear after each kill, for months on end.  I have seen a single person fill whole pages of the Vector forums with spam threads and vulgar language, then be suspended, only to return days later and begin again.  I do not accept that someone can receive a permanent ban from all SOE products from one single incident, especially one where the account/player in question is not behaving rationally and has obviously been compromised.

CSR's of Sony Online Entertainment, I am asking you to please rethink your decision in this matter.  Cross-check the server logs, find out who was really using this account.  I understand that a player's password is his own responsibility, but certainly this isn't the first time an account has been hacked and a players reputation defrauded.  It is up to you to weigh this matter fairly and be understanding of the difficulties customers go through in these situations.

I am unsure if any actions will be taken against me for posting this.  Feel free to do so, if you are so inclined.  Regardless, my opinion is now on record, and my conscience is clear.

-wwWizard2k
Children of Zion, Vector

Message Edited by wwWizard2k on 12-05-2005 02:40 PM

Message Edited by wwWizard2k on 12-05-2005 02:43 PM

#10400050276 12/05/2005 11:41 Re: Aftermath of the AWR Thread: My protest (an open letter)
I think I want summer already...lol...December 3rd (my apologies)

Message Edited by wwWizard2k on 12-05-2005 02:44 PM

#10400050278 12/05/2005 11:42 Re: Aftermath of the AWR Thread: My protest (an open letter)
From the correspondence he receieved (which I can get for you, I suppose), the account was banned for "anti SOE" remarks and spamming. (and swearing probably)
#10400050280 12/05/2005 11:43 Re: Aftermath of the AWR Thread: My protest (an open letter)
(mutters to himself and fixes his windows clock)
#10400050285 12/05/2005 11:51 Re: Aftermath of the AWR Thread: My protest (an open letter)
I'm with Tastee on this one. And I also agree with the top poster.


If the Ip, that was used during the spam, isn't the same as the normal ip, the ban should be removed. Even better, the ban should be removed anyway because he was a great community player!
#10400050288 12/05/2005 11:57 Re: Aftermath of the AWR Thread: My protest (an open letter)
I cannot disagree with you, from an account administration standpoint.  However, if they have evidence that his account was hacked that they are ignoring simply because he has a slight tendency towards overdone humor (like a "support spam" sig - which, by the way, half of vector has used at one time or another), then it sets a dangerous precedent.

Let me tell you, when I was picking out a credit card, I decided to go for a slightly higher monthly fee, for extra theft protection (ie: if my card is stolen and maxed out, I don't have to pay, even though I am responsible for the card).  This exists simply because of a new social reality: things get stolen, things get hacked.  It's regrettable but it happens.

I wouldn't argue a suspension.  Even a 1 month one.  But I don't accept a life-ban, you won't change my mind on that.
#10400050291 12/05/2005 12:00 Re: Aftermath of the AWR Thread: My protest (an open letter)
I think this threat was a good idea... That way all MxO players can show there suppose to PP!
#10400050293 12/05/2005 12:00 Re: Aftermath of the AWR Thread: My protest (an open letter)
From what I hear, it was EXTREMELY over the top.

But that's why I am posting this, because when an incident this bad happens, my "something isn't right" sense goes off.  It's not logical for him to do this.  He didn't want to get banned , he's very broken up about it.

But if you look at some of the replies to his threads (particularly the ones supporting AWR) - you can see that some people definitely didn't like him, or what he had to say.

But he was a good contributing member of this community, so I'm speaking up for him.
#10400050296 12/05/2005 12:04 Re: Aftermath of the AWR Thread: My protest (an open letter)

It's not a good idea to post these kinds of threads.  You'd be better off PMing an Admin or a Mod.  Better yet, have Platinum contact SOE as per my point #3.

Before retuning to MMO's, I was a forum administrator for a technical discussion community.  I held the position for 4 years.

When I was an admin, I would have agreed that it's always best to PM a mod.  But frankly, this is a community forum.  The mod's superiors have already made the decision.  It's done.  But the community does not have to support it, nor should we sign away our right to speak our minds.

If I receive 1, even 1 message from a mod that says "warning:  be quiet", then I will abide by their wishes.  But until they determine that I am out of line, I will use my rights as a community member as I see fit.