I'm not familiar with the forum's mentioned in this article, but I think it'd be interesting if that rule applied here. http://www.katu.com/news/tech/97960209.html
I agree. I don't think it's just trolls who prefer to remain anonymous when conversing with hundreds to thousands of strangers.
It's a horrible, horrible idea. Once the parent watchdog groups start making a fuss about it, it will go away.
I've been on several boards where disclosure of personal information has resulted in untoward consequences, such as loss of employment and harassment. its pretty scary. I'd imagine in something like WoW...it could be very dangerous. From stalking and harassment to actual threats and calling out posters to fight in person.
A Blizzard employ posted his real name in an attempt to calm people. Within minutes people found his facebook, his twitter, his address, his phone number, who he lives with, pictures of his house, etc. Not a real comforting thought. This will not end well for Blizzard. http://wowriot.gameriot.com/blogs/A...ot Blog Posts - Wowriot.Gameriot.com)&gr_i_ni
where do people think the "PWN" meme comes from. its from people finding out people's personal information and using it to fuck them over online.
It's a terrible idea. Terrible terrible terrible. Some of these people are fucked in the head. I think it will keep most females from posting on their forums. I don't think Blizzard realizes how many of the men who play WoW will stalk the women.... or men who play that game.
Just wait for the first real life WoW murder once they find out where someone who "screwed" some one else happens with this possibility. the liability is TREMENDOUS.
We'd never enforce such a rule. There's a heck of a lot more "character" to the way BeerBoy's name and title and avatar go together than you'd do with real names.
After a several thousand page (not post) thread condemning the move, Blizzard has apparently reversed course and won't require real names. http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/09/real-id-nixed-from-blizzard-forums-morhaime-explains/
I actually enjoy posting at ted.com under my real name. Seems like lots and lots of people do there. Kind of a thrill when one of the presenters addresses you directly in the comments. But it's a little more, uh, cerebral than a sports or video game forum. Other than a few creationist nutjobs, there isn't much there to worry you.
A wise decision by Blizzard to reverse that - I imagine their lawyers notified them of possible liabilities suits that would be coming their way in the future if anything ever happened.
