Character naming policy

*edit* I have edited this post so as to not include any information regarding me personally. *edit*

As they exist currently, I feel the naming regulations are a bit strict.

See, the policy would be all well and good, if you had a team of name police, who's only job was to enforce naming policy, and make sure that every character made has a name that is in line with the spirit and theme of the books, this however does not happen.

And because it doesn't, you have people who run around with names like "ikeelyoulol" or "lazerbeam" or kinships like "Riders of Lohan" - a specific example from my server(windfola). The policy in regards to drug references and other explicit names is fine, the rest can be done away with. I know I personally could care less if someone wants to name their character "Spidermanz" or "Thorr" or even "CptPicard" it makes no difference to me. Or, if not the total abolition of the policy, apply the policy to servers specifically designated as Role-Playing servers. This way everyone is happy, and countless man hours stop getting wasted trying to deal with this nonsense, which ultimately costs your company money. And more importantly, to make sure your customers don't have to come away with a bad taste in their mouth after dealing with these types of issues.

In summation, there is no and can be no consistency, so how about this, we stop taking ourselves so seriously, and let bygones be bygones. This is, in the end, just a game. A vehicle for our entertainment and enjoyment of our leisure time. Nothing more, and nothing less. Let's let people have their fun, the game will be better for it in the end, trust me.

Regards,
Goondalf

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Originally Posted by Goondalf

kinships like "Riders of Lohan"

"Spidermanz" or "Thorr" or even "CptPicard"

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For what it's worth, you can report these names, including the Kipship name - much like someone probably reported Your name of Goondalf.

Other wise, Turbine have set rules that they Can enforce, and You chose to violate it.

Also, this comment

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and make sure that every character made has a name that is in line with the spirit and theme of the books

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makes me think that perhaps you are Not aware of those rules. because although Turbine does encourage names that are " in line with the spirit and theme of the books", not doing so is Not against the rules.

1. This thread probably won't last long because discussing CoC/ToS actions in the forums is itself a CoC violation...in this case the name change.

2. My only problem with the naming rules is that they are not enforced as written. They should either be changed to reflect actual policy, or actually enforced as they are.

3. Many names from commercial sources are trademarked. If a player conflicts with a trademark and Turbine does nothing, as soon as the trademark holder finds out, they will take action to enforce their trademark on Turbine. This is because trademarks are basically "defend it or lose it".

4. There have have been numerous threads on this topic previously.

--W. H. Heydt

Old Used Programmer

Clearly you wanted a variation of Gandalf. All you did is change the "a" to an "o". Adding extra identical vowels rarely changes the sound of the name. Or change what you did.

There is no difference between Gondalf, Goondalf, Gooondalf.

What you are doing is similar to the rash elf hunter names based on Legolas. Meneldor used to have Legolass, Legoolas, Legolaas, Leegolas, Legooolas and many other similar names.

Turbine depends on customers to spot and report naming violations. It can go on quite a while before you get noticed. Often it is when the character fairly high level. Starts grouping. Talking in glff so on that some one takes offense.

I think one of the guys in protectors named his Lore Master Gandolf. He did not last a day.

I didn't know you couldn't discuss the rules here, I thought this was a forum open for suggestions, so for that I am truly sorry.

It's just that, if names are such an important issue, every new characters name should be screened upon creation.

Here are a few specific examples of names that have passed on my server.

Mithorandir - Pass (not a close facsimile to Mithrandir apparently)
Bombaadil - Pass (not a close facsimile to Bombadil I guess)
Minervah - Pass (Goddess)
BettySue - Pass (common name)

Now where is the consistency. These guys have one letter of difference.

The question is, do we really care? I don't. Let them have their fun. It's not affecting my enjoyment of the game. Are we really that concerned with other characters names? They have no impact on us, unless we decide to let it.

...Wait, what's wrong with Minervah and BettySue?

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Originally Posted by Goondalf

I didn't know you couldn't discuss the rules here, I thought this was a forum open for suggestions, so for that I am truly sorry.

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The Suggestions forum is an open forum for suggestions, and you can discuss rules. What you can't discuss is any form of disciplinary action: name changes, infractions, warnings, bannings.

So long as you don't note that your character name was changed or what the names involved were, you have no problem.

--W. H. Heydt

Old Used Programmer

I have edited my above posts so that they are in-line with the rules you have just pointed out to me. Many thanks. Regardless of whether or not the policy is ever reviewed/changed, I look forward to continuing to enjoy the game as best I can, and to being an active and positive member of this community.

Cheers.

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Originally Posted by Goondalf

Here are a few specific examples of names that have passed on my server...

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Probably not. There are far too many characters and far too few GMs for them to examine every name for CoC violations. The only time that happens is when you're reported by another player - the GM then makes a call on whether or not the name falls within the rules, and if not... you're renamed and given a chance to pick a new one.

One thing the people doing the reporting should be aware of, though... the GM will also look at their character name. Back when the game launched, the CEO of Turbine at the time (Jeff Anderson) was playing and reported someone with a vulgar name. That player's name was changed, but the GM decided that the CEO's character was also in violation of the CoC, and renamed him as well. Of course, the GM didn't know that he was forcibly renaming the head of the company ;). Jeff seemed to think the episode was funny, at least in hindsight.

Khafar

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Originally Posted by Goondalf

Here are a few specific examples of names that have passed on my server.

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And by pass you mean "I reported them and they weren't found breaching the rules" or "someone surely must have noticed and yet did nothing so they must be ok"?

Almost 4 years ago we had a hobbit burg in my kin named Bagggins. I thought that was dumber than any Ipwnyou. Saw a Araagoorn once too.

Those are worst than anyone named Idontheal.

I remember when I was playing WoW I saw a Paladin named Ikickgnomes. I laughed a good long time.

Worst name Ive ever seen in any MMO was in SWG I saw someone named Fukyou. Only name I ever reported in 12 years.

On non-RP servers (in any game) I don't care about use of names like "Healelf" or "Castaspell". That's how it is. They're dumb names but it's their toon and their cash.

Names that are obvious imitations of overly famous characters are crossing my personal line. Legollas is about as original as starting a fantasy story, completely unironically, with "Once upon a time." In short, I immediately assume the person with that name is a dolt.

Very occasionally, someone will have an obscure or humorous name that does refer to a real or fictional name, or forms some kind of word or play on words, that amazingly enough has wit and is clever. Very occasionally. I usually give that a pass just for demonstrating some modicum of intelligence.

First, thank you for editing your thread and abiding by the community guidelines. It is much appreciated.

To briefly explain our naming policy, we will change names that we deem as offensive/inappropriate, obsene, or trademark infringements, as stated by Jesenne in this thread.

Your original name, as well as the names of various Marvel characters in your post, would be actionable under the naming policy. However, the name of a Goddess such as Minerva would not be unless she's a copyrighted character.

Any other character, even if the name is silly, is not actionable under the naming policy. To quote Jesenne directly (mostly because I like the quote):

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Originally Posted by Jesenne

If you’re in the world as “Renlanwen Aldaviel, Daughter of Tithlaithor Talos”, and you see someone else go by on “Whackanything Tankshield”, it may bother you that they have just run across your role-playing and didn’t fit in your storyline. However, this is not a violation of the policy.

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If you see any names that violate the naming policy, please report them in-game by opening up a ticket or visiting http://support.turbine.com.