[JRRayder]

Before this all gets any more out of hand. Let me review what is and isn’t appropriate in the context of DAWland chat. And to be clear – to allow players to play an in-game persona that fits the 12th Century, some topics and words may be “offensive” by modern standards of political correctness but perfectly fine in an in-game in-period use.

What Will Get You Banned…

I am generally on the lookout for topics (things that are illegal in any century) and words that are inappropriate (beyond U.S. PG). I watch for multi-accounting and attempts to hack the game. But at the end of the day - this is a WAR game and it is set in the 12th Century.

What is “appropriate” but may be distasteful to some…

Bluster, in-game threats, somewhat crude topics and words can be part of the in-game persona people play to help them become part of the era of the 12th Century. Over the past two weeks I have received countless e-mails about tasteless comments, “sexist” chatter and heaven forbid – Player-vs-player attacks ;-) I investigate every one of them but I am NOT a mind-reader. I cannot know if someone is being a troll, is just trying to mess with people in chat OR is playing a persona. And neither can any of you!

In the old days if you didn't like what someone said in chat - you took note and unloaded an army on them at your earliest opportunity.

Some Other Questions That Came Up in Chat Today…

Goodtimes: I truely believe there is no reason to ever name call. That erks me the most, is name calling

jemma: if a persona chat is found offensive by another then shurley it need
investigating regardless what your personal thoughts are .. a name is offensive in some country but not another

JRRayder: and yet - name calling and bluster were part of the things that set off a good many 12th century battles

JRRayder: jemma - i do look at every complaint

Zany_J: now it's becoming a lil complicated

JRRayder: but a name that doesn't get caught by the language scanners is probably US PG appropriate

JRRayder: i am ASKING for a modicum of understanding that offense has to be intended and taken

JRRayder: and that is my point - I'm done ;-)

Zany_J: But JR how about those female players who aren't use to this kind of offensive languages?

JRRayder: let's put two words out here for the world to respond to

JRRayder: "wench"

EmpireofArnor: well thats just like the other day someone took ref. to the term wench I used in a post

jemma: im a female player and game chat does not offend me within reason plus i sure as darn can give it back but prsonal attacks are forbidden

Goodtimes: key word for evil womenof the time period would be "witch" which could be offensive to some

EmpireofArnor: I used it in a rp issue pondering where the wench is that was suppose to bring me my meade and roasted turkey leg

JRRayder: that was my second word ;-) sic [witch]

Jube: I want JRR's job.......NOT!!!!!

Zany_J: true Jube... tough!

Lumins01: depends on how they are used as to how they are taken lol

EmpireofArnor: wasnt ref. anyone and boy did that get hammered *LOL*

JRRayder: i can't possibly react every time someone uses the term "wench" or "witch" and there are thousands of other topics and terms that I can’t respond to in ANY way. And yet someone might still take “offense”. Slaughter of horses, mire in the moat, medieval illnesses and cures, dungeons, serfdom… need I go on…

Summing It Up…

I can’t possibly “police” the chat to the extent that I keep others from being offended. Nor could any number of additional moderators keep the peace in a situation where people are intending to offend OR intending to be offended. If the standards of 21st Century political correctness are to be applied strictly to personas and role-play within the DAW chat then the chat will just die. I am putting this in the public forums and I expect it will be a lightning rod for many replies. But I also hope it helps you understand why I take action and often don’t take action when “complaints” are sent my way.

Regards, JR – Game Moderator