Naming Policies [Archive] - EQ2 Forum Archive @ EQ2Wire

feldon30

03-19-2009, 11:40 PM

Why the reversion on Character Naming Policies?<a href="http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/posts/list.m?topic_id=446111" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/...topic_id=446111</a>In May 2008, we were told that SoE was getting out of the business of trying to police people who use pop culture names, non-roleplay names, fantasy names (as long as they are not trademarked), etc. Yet your FAQ states:<ul><li>Keep your name within the genre of the game you are playing. While MechanoidBob may be acceptable in PlanetSide, it certainly doesn’t fit in the fantasy world of EverQuest. </li><li>Stay away from names that reference popular culture, fiction or media characters.</li><li>Religious names are a big no-no. If you choose to use these, a higher being might smite you. Beware. </li></ul>This section of the EQ2 Naming Policy was REMOVED in May 2008. Is it coming back?<ul><li>Non-fantasy oriented names from popular media. These names can be either fictional (e.g. Rambo, Darthvader) or non-fictional (e.g. Garth Brooks, Pierce Brosnan, Ronald Reagan, Michael Jordan). </li><li>Fantasy-oriented names that are easily recognized from popular existing media (e.g. Merlin, Gandalf, Belgarath, Drizzt, Tanis).</li></ul>

Calris

03-19-2009, 11:50 PM

<cite>feldon30 wrote:</cite><blockquote>Why the reversion on Character Naming Policies?<a rel="nofollow" href="http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/posts/list.m?topic_id=446111" target="_blank">http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/...topic_id=446111</a>In May 2008, we were told that SoE was getting out of the business of trying to police people who use pop culture names, non-roleplay names, fantasy names (as long as they are not trademarked), etc. Yet your FAQ states:<ul><li>Keep your name within the genre of the game you are playing. While MechanoidBob may be acceptable in PlanetSide, it certainly doesn’t fit in the fantasy world of EverQuest. </li><li>Stay away from names that reference popular culture, fiction or media characters.</li><li>Religious names are a big no-no. If you choose to use these, a higher being might smite you. Beware. </li></ul>This section of the EQ2 Naming Policy was REMOVED in May 2008. Is it coming back?<ul><li>Non-fantasy oriented names from popular media. These names can be either fictional (e.g. Rambo, Darthvader) or non-fictional (e.g. Garth Brooks, Pierce Brosnan, Ronald Reagan, Michael Jordan). </li><li>Fantasy-oriented names that are easily recognized from popular existing media (e.g. Merlin, Gandalf, Belgarath, Drizzt, Tanis).</li></ul></blockquote>Seems to me that those last two lines are redundant with the second line of the first part.

Dreyco

03-20-2009, 12:16 AM

My understanding is this is how it's always been. I was never aware that it changed. I've linked to the Knowledge Base article all the time. It always included Pop Culture names.

Wingrider01

03-20-2009, 08:07 AM

feldon30

03-20-2009, 09:41 AM

<cite>Calris@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>feldon30 wrote:</cite><blockquote>Why the reversion on Character Naming Policies?<a rel="nofollow" href="http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/posts/list.m?topic_id=446111" target="_blank">http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/...topic_id=446111</a>In May 2008, we were told that SoE was getting out of the business of trying to police people who use pop culture names, non-roleplay names, fantasy names (as long as they are not trademarked), etc. Yet your FAQ states:<ul><li>Keep your name within the genre of the game you are playing. While MechanoidBob may be acceptable in PlanetSide, it certainly doesn’t fit in the fantasy world of EverQuest. </li><li>Stay away from names that reference popular culture, fiction or media characters.</li><li>Religious names are a big no-no. If you choose to use these, a higher being might smite you. Beware. </li></ul>This section of the EQ2 Naming Policy was REMOVED in May 2008. Is it coming back?<ul><li>Non-fantasy oriented names from popular media. These names can be either fictional (e.g. Rambo, Darthvader) or non-fictional (e.g. Garth Brooks, Pierce Brosnan, Ronald Reagan, Michael Jordan). </li><li>Fantasy-oriented names that are easily recognized from popular existing media (e.g. Merlin, Gandalf, Belgarath, Drizzt, Tanis).</li></ul></blockquote>Seems to me that those last two lines are redundant with the second line of the first part.</blockquote>Did you actually read my post? The last 2 lines WERE in the EQ2 naming policy until May 2008. Then they were removed. The top 3 lines are quoted from the FAQ that was posted YESTERDAY.

feldon30

03-20-2009, 09:47 AM

<cite>Dreyco wrote:</cite><blockquote>My understanding is this is how it's always been. I was never aware that it changed. I've linked to the Knowledge Base article all the time. It always included Pop Culture names.</blockquote>I can link to the Knowledge Base article too -- <a href="http://help.station.sony.com/cgi-bin/soe.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=12272" target="_blank">EQ2 Naming Policy</a>. It doesn't have anything about Pop Culture or Fantasy Genre stuff and hasn't since May 2008.Trying to enforce no pop culture names and trying to browbeat people for using a name that might be confused with some other fantasy genre or some other situation went away in May 2008. SoE Customer Service was spending more time dealing with changing people's names for any perceived misuse that they had no time left to deal with important issues. They were changing or challenging hundreds of names and just frustrating players. People were using the /report system to grief players. And people were getting their names changed that they had no idea there was even a pre-existing fantasy use of that name.If you want people to roleplay, go to an RP server. Except those servers don't even enforce RP rules.

Wingrider01

03-20-2009, 10:29 AM

<cite>feldon30 wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Dreyco wrote:</cite><blockquote>My understanding is this is how it's always been. I was never aware that it changed. I've linked to the Knowledge Base article all the time. It always included Pop Culture names.</blockquote>I can link to the Knowledge Base article too -- <a href="http://help.station.sony.com/cgi-bin/soe.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=12272" target="_blank">EQ2 Naming Policy</a>. It doesn't have anything about Pop Culture or Fantasy Genre stuff and hasn't since May 2008.Trying to enforce no pop culture names and trying to browbeat people for using a name that might be confused with some other fantasy genre or some other situation went away in May 2008. SoE Customer Service was spending more time dealing with changing people's names for any perceived misuse that they had no time left to deal with important issues. They were changing or challenging hundreds of names and just frustrating players. People were using the /report system to grief players. And people were getting their names changed that they had no idea there was even a pre-existing fantasy use of that name.If you want people to roleplay, go to an RP server. Except those servers don't even enforce RP rules.</blockquote>It has been there, was enforcing that part of the policy back in 2000 when I was a senior guide in EQ1 and we actually where the 1st responder for a /petition. Changed many a name that referenced famous people over the years before SOE moved the guide program to quests only

Seidhkona

03-20-2009, 11:17 AM

Um, let's make sure you are actually looking at the <a href="http://help.station.sony.com/cgi-bin/soe.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=12272" target="_blank">Official Naming Privilege Policy</a>. It has been revised since I started playing, but the changes were slight. Here is what it says today:<blockquote>EVERQUEST II NAMING PRIVILEGE POLICY The primary goal of the Naming Privilege Policy is to define and govern naming options within EverQuest and EverQuest II and to balance customer satisfaction with the overall integrity of the game. We hope that the Policy set forth below will further these goals, however we reserve the right to continue to evaluate and revise this Policy as new situations and service concerns arise. This Policy is not all-inclusive and there may be situations which arise within its scope, but are not directly addressed hereunder. On such occasions, the Customer Service Team will use its discretion to determine whether or not further action is warranted on a case-by-case basis. The Naming Privilege Policy applies to the following naming options in EverQuest and EverQuest II. <ul><li>First Names</li><li>Surnames/Last Names</li><li>Guild Names</li><li>House Pet Names</li><li>NPC Pet Names</li><li>Re-namable objects/containers</li><li>Guild Member Rank Names</li><li>Any Naming options that may be implemented in future expansions or updates All of the names you find in the world of EverQuest and EverQuest II should be consistent with the spirit of the game. Character names must be at least four (4) characters in length, begin with a capitalized letter, and cannot include numeric characters (0 - 9) or special characters. All naming options in EverQuest and EverQuest II will be subject to the following policy: 1. Vile, profane, rude, offensive, or racist names, including common swear words, anatomical references, racial slurs, terrorism references, and homonyms of such words are not allowed. 2. Combinations of words that produce an offensive result or produce a policy violation within any part of this policy are not permitted. This includes any combination of naming options (First name, Surname, Guild Name, Pet name, etc…). 3. Drug references are not allowed in any form. This includes both controlled substances as well as prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Cannabis, Fourtwenty, Methaddict, Hempsmoker, Viagratank, Tylenoltyke, and Benadrylbard are examples of names that are not permitted. 4. Names from religious, occult, or significant historic origin (e.g. Jesus, Allah, Satan, Stalin, etc) are not allowed. References to infamous/controversial historical events or groups are also not allowed. Jonestown Koolaid, Thirdreich, Al'Qaida, and Klanmember are examples of names that are not permitted. 4.a) To allow greater flexibility with both character and guild name options, generic religious or occult references to concepts/ideals such as Heaven, Hell, Angel, Devil, Voodoo, etc… are allowed. Examples of acceptable guild names include "Devils Brigade", "Angels of Destruction", "Hell or High Water", or "Voodoo Agents". Examples of guild names that are not acceptable include "Crusaders of Christ," "Buddha's Barbarians," or "Avengers of Allah". 5. Do not pick a name that violates anyone's trademarks, publicity rights or other proprietary rights). In the event that the holder of any trademarked or copyrighted material contacts SOE and requests reference(s) to their intellectual property be removed, any names containing trademarked or copyrighted material will be changed. 6. Names containing titles that are available via the in-game title system are not allowed (Lord, Lady, Hierophant, Master, etc…).6.a Class and Race names by themselves or with "the" in front of them (as described below) are considered Titles as per section 6 above and are not allowed. Class and race names may be used in combination with other nouns and adjectives to create an acceptable name or surname; for example: "Greenguardian" and "Fallenguardian" are both acceptable.7. The use of "The", "D", "Da", "Dah", "Le" or other character combinations used to imply "The" as part of your name or surname are acceptable, so long as they do not utilize any in-game titles or violate any other section of this policy. Example: "Tallor Thelord" is not allowed, "Tallor Theblue" or "Tallor Thehealer" is acceptable. 8. Names containing phrases are acceptable, so long as they do not violate any other section of this policy. Names such as "Wizzybattlecry Notintheface", "Amen Canigetarez", or "Healzu Likeabard" are examples of acceptable names. 9. Proper names from EverQuest or EverQuest II (e.g. Rathe, Karana, Antonia) are not allowed. This includes the first or last name of any significant EverQuest or EverQuest II NPC (e.g. Dorn, Trumpy, Irontoe, Trueshot, Bayle). 10. Naming options chosen with the intent or possessed with the effect of harassing, harming the reputation of another or are used to impersonate a customer or representative of Sony Online Entertainment are not allowed. Utilizing any name option to harass or disrupt another individual, group, or guild will result in disciplinary action taken on the offending account(s) and may result in character deletion. Accounts which have characters deleted due to a violation of this policy are not subject to reimbursement privileges. 11. For all of the above, misspellings and alternative spellings of any word or words that are forbidden by this policy are not allowed. Due to the differences in the Surname mechanic for EverQuest and EverQuest II, there are some differences in what is considered an acceptable surname. Those differences are set forth below. Surname Conditions for both EverQuest and EverQuest II. Any number of Customers may have the same Surname. Surnames must be at least four (4) characters in length. Customers that choose surnames that violate any portion of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action as detailed below. EverQuest Surname Conditions Surnames may contain double capitals provided that the capital letters do not violate any of the prior policies. Surnames may contain an accent ( ` ) provided that the division created does not violate any of the prior policies. This accent is the only non-alpha character that is allowed in surnames. Customers wishing to use an acceptable surname that is rejected by the name filter should request in-game assistance using the /petition command. Characters may change their own surname every seven (7) days by using the /lastname command. EverQuest II Surname Conditions Surnames in EverQuest II may not contain spaces or special characters other than those allowed by the surname management window, located in the Persona window, under the Details tab. Characters may change their own surnames every seven (7) days by using the surname management window. Choose Wisely Name options that do not violate the Naming Privilege Policy will not be changed by our Customer Service Staff. EverQuest currently has a Character Name Change service available to customers who would like to change their character(s) name, however such a service is not currently available for EverQuest II. Customer Service Management reserves the right, at its discretion, to determine whether any name is inappropriate for use in-game and to effect its immediate change. Decisions by Customer Service Management as to whether or not a name violates this policy are final. Character names that are found to be in violation of any of any section of this policy may be changed at any time by our Customer Service Team regardless of when the name may have been created. Disciplinary action may be required, depending on the severity of the violation. Repeated attempts to violate the above-stated policies may also result in further disciplinary actions taken on the account. Disciplinary action may include, but is not limited to: <ul><li >Account Warnings</li><li >Account Suspension</li><li >Account Cancellation</li><li >Removal of Naming Privileges</li><li >Character Deletion</li></ul> Should the Naming Privileges be denied to a character or account due to inappropriate actions and policy violations, that character/account will no longer have the ability to add Surnames to character(s), choose House pet names, or create a Guild. Removal of Naming Privileges may be either of a limited duration or permanent, depending on the severity and/or frequency of the policy violations. Should a guild name or guild rank name be in violation of the Naming Privilege Policy: The guild will be renamed, disbanded or deleted. Any information that has been posted on the Station Players guild page associated with the inappropriate guild name will be irretrievably lost. Guilds which have been disbanded or deleted due to a violation of this policy forfeit any reimbursement privileges for guild bank items, guild levels, etc…. Any additional disciplinary action that may be required (as stated above) may be applied to the Guild Creator, Officers, and/or Members, depending on the severity of the violation. </li></ul></blockquote>

Seidhkona

03-20-2009, 11:21 AM

As a slight tangent, there are lots of names that do not violate the official naming rules that are still idiotic. The correct thing to do about these names is not to angst about them, but instead ridicule them with your friends and guildmates.Every so often someone will pop up in alliance or guild chat with "Spotted in Enchanted Lands: Really Stupid Name Here". Then we all laugh, say "Oh my gawd", and then we get back to teh serious business of having fun.I personally keep a list of the real doozies on my guild forums for all to laugh at: <a href="http://roseknights.yuku.com/topic/24" target="_blank">The Bad Names Chronicle</a>.

Lethe5683

03-20-2009, 11:29 AM

The arguement of "if you want to RP join a RP server" would be valid except for the fact that they are hardly any more RP than any of the other servers. If SoE would actually enforce this and get rid of all the raiders that come because "there's less competition" that would be a huge improvement.

Rijacki

03-20-2009, 11:41 AM

<cite>Lethe5683 wrote:</cite><blockquote>The arguement of "if you want to RP join a RP server" would be valid except for the fact that they are hardly any more RP than any of the other servers. If SoE would actually enforce this and get rid of all the raiders that come because "there's less competition" that would be a huge improvement.</blockquote>It's not just the raiders... AB has had the largest population since launch for various reasons (first in the alphabet, only 2 name on the first day of launch, etc) and anytime -anyone- asks what server to start on or move to, there are bunches of people who chime in to say AB because of the population numbers.There IS an RP community on AB (and LDL), but (on AB at least) it's extremely confined to their own collection of people with most RP only in events, chat channels specifically created for it, or certain locations (usually time deliniated, which makes them events mostly). There is little 'free-form' or random RP because of the overwhelming numbers of non-RP and anti-RP also on AB.Back to naming, though. The OFFICIAL policy never did change (as linked by Seidhkona), even if the Knowledge base article watered it down and made it 'softer'.

Lethe5683

03-20-2009, 11:45 AM

<cite>Rijacki wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Lethe5683 wrote:</cite><blockquote>The arguement of "if you want to RP join a RP server" would be valid except for the fact that they are hardly any more RP than any of the other servers. If SoE would actually enforce this and get rid of all the raiders that come because "there's less competition" that would be a huge improvement.</blockquote>It's not just the raiders... AB has had the largest population since launch for various reasons (first in the alphabet, only 2 name on the first day of launch, etc) and anytime -anyone- asks what server to start on or move to, there are bunches of people who chime in to say AB because of the population numbers.Raiders was just an example since they are the most obnoxious.There IS an RP community on AB (and LDL), but (on AB at least) it's extremely confined to their own collection of people with most RP only in events, chat channels specifically created for it, or certain locations (usually time deliniated, which makes them events mostly). There is little 'free-form' or random RP because of the overwhelming numbers of non-RP and anti-RP also on AB.LDL has the same problem.Back to naming, though. The OFFICIAL policy never did change (as linked by Seidhkona), even if the Knowledge base article watered it down and made it 'softer'.</blockquote>

Nexissa

03-20-2009, 11:53 AM

<cite>feldon30 wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Dreyco wrote:</cite><blockquote>My understanding is this is how it's always been. I was never aware that it changed. I've linked to the Knowledge Base article all the time. It always included Pop Culture names.</blockquote>I can link to the Knowledge Base article too -- <a href="http://help.station.sony.com/cgi-bin/soe.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=12272" target="_blank">EQ2 Naming Policy</a>. It doesn't have anything about Pop Culture or Fantasy Genre stuff and hasn't since May 2008.Trying to enforce no pop culture names and trying to browbeat people for using a name that might be confused with some other fantasy genre or some other situation went away in May 2008. SoE Customer Service was spending more time dealing with changing people's names for any perceived misuse that they had no time left to deal with important issues. They were changing or challenging hundreds of names and just frustrating players. People were using the /report system to grief players. And people were getting their names changed that they had no idea there was even a pre-existing fantasy use of that name.If you want people to roleplay, go to an RP server. Except those servers don't even enforce RP rules.</blockquote>I'm sorry, but you are incorrect. Just because it doesn't say "Pop Culture" or "Fantasy Genre" doesn't mean it wasn't there:"5. Do not pick a name that violates anyone's trademarks, publicity rights or other proprietary rights). In the event that the holder of any trademarked or copyrighted material contacts SOE and requests reference(s) to their intellectual property be removed, any names containing trademarked or copyrighted material will be changed."A Pop Culture or Fantasy Genre name can easily be trademarked. Further, unless you happen to talk to their lawyer beforehand, you don't know if using it violates the individual's publicity rights or other proprietary rights.

Calris

03-21-2009, 01:09 AM

<cite>feldon30 wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Calris@Antonia Bayle wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>feldon30 wrote:</cite><blockquote>Why the reversion on Character Naming Policies?<a rel="nofollow" href="http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/posts/list.m?topic_id=446111" target="_blank">http://forums.station.sony.com/eq2/...topic_id=446111</a>In May 2008, we were told that SoE was getting out of the business of trying to police people who use pop culture names, non-roleplay names, fantasy names (as long as they are not trademarked), etc. Yet your FAQ states:<ul><li>Keep your name within the genre of the game you are playing. While MechanoidBob may be acceptable in PlanetSide, it certainly doesn’t fit in the fantasy world of EverQuest. </li><li>Stay away from names that reference popular culture, fiction or media characters.</li><li>Religious names are a big no-no. If you choose to use these, a higher being might smite you. Beware. </li></ul>This section of the EQ2 Naming Policy was REMOVED in May 2008. Is it coming back?<ul><li>Non-fantasy oriented names from popular media. These names can be either fictional (e.g. Rambo, Darthvader) or non-fictional (e.g. Garth Brooks, Pierce Brosnan, Ronald Reagan, Michael Jordan). </li><li>Fantasy-oriented names that are easily recognized from popular existing media (e.g. Merlin, Gandalf, Belgarath, Drizzt, Tanis).</li></ul></blockquote>Seems to me that those last two lines are redundant with the second line of the first part.</blockquote>Did you actually read my post? The last 2 lines WERE in the EQ2 naming policy until May 2008. Then they were removed. The top 3 lines are quoted from the FAQ that was posted YESTERDAY.</blockquote>Yes, and I said those two lines were redundant with the second line of the first part. Which might be why they were removed. To remove renduncy.

03-21-2009, 04:21 AM

<cite>Sigrdrifa@Lucan DLere wrote:</cite><blockquote>As a slight tangent, there are lots of names that do not violate the official naming rules that are still idiotic. The correct thing to do about these names is not to angst about them, but instead ridicule them with your friends and guildmates.</blockquote>A good example of a bad one.. On VG server there is a guy with the character name lllllllll, and yes we all ridicule him when he gets on trying to get him to just start a new character with a real name so that he might actually get invited to groups/raids/guilds/etc.

Kendricke

03-21-2009, 05:42 AM

Just from reading through the post, it looks as if they're simply trying to build an all-encompassing naming policy...probably before they release Free Realms, The Agency, and DC Universe.

Malacha

03-21-2009, 06:05 AM

I still find it endlessly hysterical that the name "Simon" is not only considered wrong, but you literally cannot put those 5 letters in that order anywhere in the name. Try it. SIMON... So if you try to use the name Kaesimona, its illegal, you can't put that in the name, tho it can easily be considered "in context" for EQ2.Yet people run around my server with all sorts of names that are silly, out-of-context, Trademarked, etc.PLEASE don't give me the tired "Its a childrens game" I know quite well the electronic game Simon, but I also know it is a POPULAR name for boys for the last... oh i don't know, couple of hundreds of years. I just find it silly and yet another example of over-policing in this game.[Edit to add: Oh yeah, and 173 names on eq2players that contain "Simon" in them.... lol! This is a recent change, and one I personally think is silly.... it also prevents my boyfriend from naming his pet after himself, because his name has those 5 letters in that order.]

Garnaf

03-21-2009, 07:05 AM

Well, before I went to Paladin for about a year my surname was 'Darkscale', while I was a Paladin I used 'Brightscale' then when I got tired of paladin and went back to SK it told me Darkscale wasn't allowed anymore so I had to use my current (Demonscale is somehow less offensive?)To my knowledge the is no lore NPC named darkscale (Allakhazam seems to agree), there's several suits of armor with that as part of the name, but 0I don't see why that's an invalid surname... (Actually it seems that 'DarkANYTHING' is disallowed, which is still kinda stupid.

Kalthaza

03-21-2009, 08:45 AM

I do marvel at the serious lack of imagination though.People giving themselves a 'title' - which just looks silly.Naming yourself after a well known celeb is also somewhat dumb too - why on earth would you want to be known as an RL personage is beyond me.Dark**** Is probably considered a self-title - and therefore contrivines the naming policy.Honestly, I sometimes think that people deliberately break rules such as these for no reason other than they can.

Elya

03-21-2009, 02:25 PM

<cite>Sigrdrifa@Lucan DLere wrote:</cite><blockquote>I personally keep a list of the real doozies on my guild forums for all to laugh at: <a href="http://roseknights.yuku.com/topic/24" target="_blank">The Bad Names Chronicle</a>.</blockquote>OMG Bookmarked this. I love it! Now, I love a clever play on names. However most of these lacked the wry humor needed to make my all time top ten list of clever names for toons in MMORPG'sNames like..Double Entendre, a bard in EQ1 and his sister Trouble.. together they were Double Trouble!How about a healer named Abandaid? (also EQ1)Miswyred- a female gnome in EQ2 and also a planetside toon (guilty.. its MINE!)Trebble Clef- a fairly well known bard in EQ1Daethe- a necro in EQ1Hmm I am beginning to think all the good ones were in EQ1.... maybe we lost the cleverness in EQ2?

QuestingCrafter

03-21-2009, 08:51 PM

If I received a nickel for every time I saw a name violation, I could probably afford to have ten active accounts.I'm even more amazed how often they can be raunchy (but not X-rated), get reported repeatedly by multiple people, and the character keeps the name and stays active. *boggle*All I want is a clear policy, strictly enforced; if there's a part you're never going to enforce, don't include it -- but if you say something is a punishable no-no, you really ought to enforce it. =P~~

Katayira

03-22-2009, 12:38 AM

<cite>Malachani wrote:</cite><blockquote>Yet people run around my server with all sorts of names that are silly, out-of-context, Trademarked, etc.</blockquote>The silly names on ours and every server I've played on make me twitch. I just put some of them on ignore they are so rediculous. I can't take the people trying to be funny or clever (smokda joint) but just seem like dimwits to me.I was not allowed to use the name Bjork for a last name (Just wanted the name for a week for something as a joke for a friend).. I know it's a pop singer's name but, it's also a name like John, Kathy, etc.There are also quite a few Inuyasha's who play EQ2, spelled a bit off of course, and they stick around somehow.

Wingrider01

03-22-2009, 08:48 AM

<cite>Katayira@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Malachani wrote:</cite><blockquote>Yet people run around my server with all sorts of names that are silly, out-of-context, Trademarked, etc.</blockquote>The silly names on ours and every server I've played on make me twitch. I just put some of them on ignore they are so rediculous. I can't take the people trying to be funny or clever (smokda joint) but just seem like dimwits to me.I was not allowed to use the name Bjork for a last name (Just wanted the name for a week for something as a joke for a friend).. I know it's a pop singer's name but, it's also a name like John, Kathy, etc.There are also quite a few Inuyasha's who play EQ2, spelled a bit off of course, and they stick around somehow.</blockquote>Thing is silly names are not against the rules, have seen characters names that are puns, some are so bad that you want to give them the ultimate complement of running away screaming and holding your nose but they are not against the rules.

Tary

03-22-2009, 09:01 AM

Oh, the naming policy...fountain of everlasting joy.Back in the early days, my brother and I played together. He had an SK named "lucifer," but it was spelled phonetically, so as to avoid the name-filter (he's not very good with character names). After about three monthys, he logged on one day to find his "ultra-bamf" DE SK (male) had become..."Shelly."I love dev humor, sometimes.Later, when PvP servers came out, I made a Necro. When I got my first scout pet I named it "Johnwilkesbooth." Many slayings ensued.After a week or two, my pet-naming priveleges were revoked, and I got an email stating something to the effect of "...naming policy is intended to prevent the use of the names of famous Human Assassins (lvl 70)..."I don't think I've ever laughed harder after being punished.

Spritelady

03-22-2009, 10:37 AM

i recall petitioning someone once for a name that was a country singer or something (can't recall the name now). THe GM told me that the use of Famous names was no longer against the naming policy. That was many moons ago.

Alienor

03-22-2009, 01:01 PM

erin

03-22-2009, 01:32 PM

<cite>Alienor wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Spritelady wrote:</cite><blockquote>i recall petitioning someone once for a name that was a country singer or something (can't recall the name now). THe GM told me that the use of Famous names was no longer against the naming policy. That was many moons ago. </blockquote>That's what bugs me most, they are not even consistent in their judgement. From Amnerys post earlier, quote: "Stay away from names that reference popular culture, fiction or media characters. Leave ‘Britknee Speers’ alone, for goodness sake". So, "Johnnycash" should definitely be a no-no. It also does not fit in the setting of the game and is not even funny in any way. On the other hand, with the rules posted in the FAQ section by Amnerys you could get the names of half the server changed.</blockquote>No, you could get half the names petitioned, they won't change. Case in point: castrated is a fairly popular name (look it up on eq2 players) I was shocked.

Seidhkona

03-22-2009, 05:13 PM

<cite>Katayira@Unrest wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Malachani wrote:</cite>I was not allowed to use the name Bjork for a last name (Just wanted the name for a week for something as a joke for a friend).. I know it's a pop singer's name but, it's also a name like John, Kathy, etc.</blockquote>"Björk" is <a href="http://www.jgames.co.uk/dictionary/birch.html" target="_blank">the Icelandic word for "birch tree"</a>. Actually, it's pretty much the same word in all the Scandinavian languages. It's no weirder than naming a girl "Laurel". Beorc, Birka... lots of similar derived words with the same meaning.That one I'd petition, with supporting documentation, if you still want it.

feldon30

03-24-2009, 11:40 AM

<cite>celalsson wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>feldon30 wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Dreyco wrote:</cite><blockquote>My understanding is this is how it's always been. I was never aware that it changed. I've linked to the Knowledge Base article all the time. It always included Pop Culture names.</blockquote>I can link to the Knowledge Base article too -- <a href="http://help.station.sony.com/cgi-bin/soe.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=12272" target="_blank">EQ2 Naming Policy</a>. It doesn't have anything about Pop Culture or Fantasy Genre stuff and hasn't since May 2008.Trying to enforce no pop culture names and trying to browbeat people for using a name that might be confused with some other fantasy genre or some other situation went away in May 2008. SoE Customer Service was spending more time dealing with changing people's names for any perceived misuse that they had no time left to deal with important issues. They were changing or challenging hundreds of names and just frustrating players. People were using the /report system to grief players. And people were getting their names changed that they had no idea there was even a pre-existing fantasy use of that name.If you want people to roleplay, go to an RP server. Except those servers don't even enforce RP rules.</blockquote>I'm sorry, but you are incorrect. Just because it doesn't say "Pop Culture" or "Fantasy Genre" doesn't mean it wasn't there:"5. Do not pick a name that violates anyone's trademarks, publicity rights or other proprietary rights). In the event that the holder of any trademarked or copyrighted material contacts SOE and requests reference(s) to their intellectual property be removed, any names containing trademarked or copyrighted material will be changed."A Pop Culture or Fantasy Genre name can easily be trademarked. Further, unless you happen to talk to their lawyer beforehand, you don't know if using it violates the individual's publicity rights or other proprietary rights.</blockquote>I'm sorry, but you are incorrect.The trademark clause does not eliminate use of all fantasy and pop culture names. Does it mean you can't use Coca-Cola or Wolverine or DoctorWho? Yes. Does it mean you cannot use Thor or Beowulf? Not since May 2008! This is FACT confirmed with customer service.I am really amazed at the lengths people will go to argue regardless of the fact I'm right on this 100%. The fantasy/pop culture clause was REMOVED May 2008. Argue all you want, but it's a fact.

feldon30

03-24-2009, 11:44 AM

<cite>Spritelady wrote:</cite><blockquote>i recall petitioning someone once for a name that was a country singer or something (can't recall the name now). THe GM told me that the use of Famous names was no longer against the naming policy. That was many moons ago. </blockquote>QFEI think people just enjoy endlessly arguing even if they have no point to argue. The Pop Culture and Fantasy part of the policy was REMOVED in May 2008. As long as it does not violate Trademark or the other terms, you can use it. <cite>Rijacki wrote:</cite><blockquote>Back to naming, though. The OFFICIAL policy never did change (as linked by Seidhkona), even if the Knowledge base article watered it down and made it 'softer'.</blockquote> So, you're telling me that the naming policy that Seidhkona posted (which clearly shows that there is no Fantasy or Pop Culture issue any longer) is no longer the official policy? The official policy is now some secret document somewhere in a drawer that we're supposed to follow and which has different terms and conditions than the one on the Knowledge Base? Do you know how silly that sounds? As I predicted, this thread has turned into "names people find to be silly" and "names that aren't compatible with role play" but still no explanation from a Red Name why the FAQ posted last week is different than the official EQ2 naming policy.

erin

03-24-2009, 11:52 AM

It could also simply be that they updated the policy but forgot to train all their GMs/CSRs on the new rules. Happens all the time in big companies.

QuestingCrafter

03-24-2009, 05:05 PM

<cite>feldon30 wrote:</cite><blockquote>Does it mean you cannot use Thor or Beowulf? Not since May 2008! This is FACT confirmed with customer service.</blockquote>Brzzt!4. Names from religious, occult, or significant historic origin (e.g. Jesus, Allah, Satan, Stalin, etc) are not allowed. References to infamous/controversial historical events or groups are also not allowed. Jonestown Koolaid, Thirdreich, Al'Qaida, and Klanmember are examples of names that are not permitted.Sorry, Thor and Beowulf are out, by the current Naming Policy -- but not for trademark reasons. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/ed515dbff23a0ee3241dcc0a601c9ed6.gif" border="0" />

Lethe5683

03-26-2009, 02:35 AM

feldon30

03-26-2009, 10:33 AM

<cite>QuestingCrafter wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>feldon30 wrote:</cite><blockquote>Does it mean you cannot use Thor or Beowulf? Not since May 2008! This is FACT confirmed with customer service.</blockquote>Brzzt!4. Names from religious, occult, or significant historic origin (e.g. Jesus, Allah, Satan, Stalin, etc) are not allowed. References to infamous/controversial historical events or groups are also not allowed. Jonestown Koolaid, Thirdreich, Al'Qaida, and Klanmember are examples of names that are not permitted.Sorry, Thor and Beowulf are out, by the current Naming Policy -- but not for trademark reasons. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/ed515dbff23a0ee3241dcc0a601c9ed6.gif" border="0" /></blockquote>How far do you go? Now you are extending it to Greek Gods and Roman Gods and now literature from 1,000+ years ago.

Dasein

03-26-2009, 12:23 PM

<cite>QuestingCrafter wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>feldon30 wrote:</cite><blockquote>Does it mean you cannot use Thor or Beowulf? Not since May 2008! This is FACT confirmed with customer service.</blockquote>Brzzt!4. Names from religious, occult, or significant historic origin (e.g. Jesus, Allah, Satan, Stalin, etc) are not allowed. References to infamous/controversial historical events or groups are also not allowed. Jonestown Koolaid, Thirdreich, Al'Qaida, and Klanmember are examples of names that are not permitted.Sorry, Thor and Beowulf are out, by the current Naming Policy -- but not for trademark reasons. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/ed515dbff23a0ee3241dcc0a601c9ed6.gif" border="0" /></blockquote>Going by a rigorous application of this standard, one could rule out nearly every name that has any real-world usage.

Vith

03-26-2009, 01:57 PM

I was just trying to roll a character last week and it rejected Santi, kept removing the name when I got that far into Santiago. Not sure what significance it has, I guess we all need to learn every pop culture reference, trademark, historically significant figure, etc <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />As far as dumb names go, I love them. Makes it easy to avoid people who would go around with a dumb name!

liveja

03-26-2009, 01:58 PM

<cite>Dasein wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>QuestingCrafter wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>feldon30 wrote:</cite><blockquote>Does it mean you cannot use Thor or Beowulf? Not since May 2008! This is FACT confirmed with customer service.</blockquote>Brzzt!4. Names from religious, occult, or significant historic origin (e.g. Jesus, Allah, Satan, Stalin, etc) are not allowed. References to infamous/controversial historical events or groups are also not allowed. Jonestown Koolaid, Thirdreich, Al'Qaida, and Klanmember are examples of names that are not permitted.Sorry, Thor and Beowulf are out, by the current Naming Policy -- but not for trademark reasons. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/ed515dbff23a0ee3241dcc0a601c9ed6.gif" border="0" /></blockquote>Going by a rigorous application of this standard, one could rule out nearly every name that has any real-world usage.</blockquote>That's probably true, but I'm not sure how much of an "issue" it would be.My Trouby's surname (Lo'Rez, pronounced "low rez") is from popular fiction, though I've never yet run into someone who told me they recognized it. I've recently considered changing it to K'imock, & will be happily astounded if anyone recognizes that reference <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" />

jaguarjp

03-26-2009, 02:54 PM

Back on my soap box again, since they decided to make a big deal about naming...Made a toon named Jevv, since my real name is Jeff, and Jeff was already taken. Leveled him to like 80/160 over the next 6 months, made him my new main. Never harrassed anyone about anything, in any channel. Then one day I log in to find myself renamed to "Jeler". Reason, according to the in-game mail? My original name "... violated the naming policy by resembling [Removed for Content] in-game".Cool. Fine. So I did a search on EQ2Players, and not only were there 2 other Jevvs on 2 other servers, there were some really choice names, like Jewbasher, Jewslayer, Jewdestroyer, etc. So since SOE must not have known about those names, I thought I'd help them with their consistency issues and petition them. About 20 of them, in all, with a list of their corresponding servers. Almost 3 months later, all of those names are still active. I've send PMs, etc. But nothing.So, to recap, my toon named Jevv had his name yanked because it looked like [Removed for Content], but the 2 other Jevvs are still there, along with some real griefing names using the actual word [Removed for Content].Appreciate the treatment, SOE CS.Community, am I wrong? Am I a bad person to be upset about this, to feel slighted? What would you do?

Seidhkona

03-26-2009, 03:06 PM

<cite>jaguarjp wrote:</cite><blockquote>Made a toon named Jevv... My original named "... violated the naming policy by resembling [Removed for Content] in-game".</blockquote>Did you /petition and explain this to the folks in control of naming issues?Also, if you /petition and get back a non-responsive or obviously canned answer, you can re-open it and ask taht a senior CS rep please review the decision. The key is to be polite and avoid hostility or hyperdefensiveness.Just tell them what you told us - you wanted "Jevv" as a homonym of "Jeff". Consider some alteranates, and ask for one of them instead of the random name you were assigned if "Jevv" is totally out of the question.<ul><li>Jefv</li><li>Jevvv</li><li>Jeph</li><li>Jephh</li><li>Jepv</li><li>Geoff</li><li>Geovv</li><li>Geoph</li><li>etc.</li></ul>

jaguarjp

03-26-2009, 03:19 PM

<cite>Sigrdrifa@Lucan DLere wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>jaguarjp wrote:</cite><blockquote>Made a toon named Jevv... My original named "... violated the naming policy by resembling [Removed for Content] in-game".</blockquote>Did you /petition and explain this to the folks in control of naming issues?Also, if you /petition and get back a non-responsive or obviously canned answer, you can re-open it and ask taht a senior CS rep please review the decision. The key is to be polite and avoid hostility or hyperdefensiveness.Just tell them what you told us - you wanted "Jevv" as a homonym of "Jeff". Consider some alteranates, and ask for one of them instead of the random name you were assigned if "Jevv" is totally out of the question.<ul><li>Jefv</li><li>Jevvv</li><li>Jeph</li><li>Jephh</li><li>Jepv</li><li>Geoff</li><li>Geovv</li><li>Geoph</li><li>etc.</li></ul></blockquote>Yep, I tried to get it escalated on no less than two separate occasions, with no luck. It seems they were not ever going to let me keep the name Jevv. Jeph was already taken, and I ended up settling for Jevf. But all of that happened before I was aware of the other 2 Jevvs, plus all the [Removed for Content]-griefing names. At this point, I would really just like some consistency, since they were so quick to come down on me, with no room for compromise. Because in light of those other names, I'm not convinced that SOE actually follows its own policy, as much as it just does whatever it wants to do, with no respect for the playerbase.

Wingrider01

03-26-2009, 06:28 PM

<cite>jaguarjp wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Sigrdrifa@Lucan DLere wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>jaguarjp wrote:</cite><blockquote>Made a toon named Jevv... My original named "... violated the naming policy by resembling [Removed for Content] in-game".</blockquote>Did you /petition and explain this to the folks in control of naming issues?Also, if you /petition and get back a non-responsive or obviously canned answer, you can re-open it and ask taht a senior CS rep please review the decision. The key is to be polite and avoid hostility or hyperdefensiveness.Just tell them what you told us - you wanted "Jevv" as a homonym of "Jeff". Consider some alteranates, and ask for one of them instead of the random name you were assigned if "Jevv" is totally out of the question.<ul><li>Jefv</li><li>Jevvv</li><li>Jeph</li><li>Jephh</li><li>Jepv</li><li>Geoff</li><li>Geovv</li><li>Geoph</li><li>etc.</li></ul></blockquote>Yep, I tried to get it escalated on no less than two separate occasions, with no luck. It seems they were not ever going to let me keep the name Jevv. Jeph was already taken, and I ended up settling for Jevf. But all of that happened before I was aware of the other 2 Jevvs, plus all the [Removed for Content]-griefing names. At this point, I would really just like some consistency, since they were so quick to come down on me, with no room for compromise. Because in light of those other names, I'm not convinced that SOE actually follows its own policy, as much as it just does whatever it wants to do, with no respect for the playerbase.</blockquote>You do realize that they do not actively search for bad names normally, bad names come to light when another player /petitions a name that they feel is inappropriate or offensive. Someone on your server took offense to the way your name looked, becasue of being a BHL or a person who's religous feelings where offended, evidently those with the similiar names on the other servers have not run across someone that they offend, at least not yet. If they are on your server, then let the GM's know via the /petition command.As far as following their policy, seems like they did, someone petitioned your name found it offensive, the CSR person that responded agreed that it was in violation of the posted rules.Before you go off on a tanget, the posting name I use does not reflect any of my characters names across any of my accounts or servers, I always use the random name generator for a new character.

QuestingCrafter

03-27-2009, 02:30 PM

<cite>Dasein wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>QuestingCrafter wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>feldon30 wrote:</cite><blockquote>Does it mean you cannot use Thor or Beowulf? Not since May 2008! This is FACT confirmed with customer service.</blockquote>Brzzt!4. Names from religious, occult, or significant historic origin (e.g. Jesus, Allah, Satan, Stalin, etc) are not allowed. References to infamous/controversial historical events or groups are also not allowed. Jonestown Koolaid, Thirdreich, Al'Qaida, and Klanmember are examples of names that are not permitted.Sorry, Thor and Beowulf are out, by the current Naming Policy -- but not for trademark reasons. <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/ed515dbff23a0ee3241dcc0a601c9ed6.gif" border="0" /></blockquote>Going by a rigorous application of this standard, one could rule out nearly every name that has any real-world usage.</blockquote>I think the name of a worshipped-in-real-life GOD, and the protagonist of the most important piece of Anglo-Saxon literature are significant -- I'm not suggesting they ban the name every member of known royalty and nobility from Europe, Asia. and Africa over the past 3000 years.

jaguarjp

03-27-2009, 03:10 PM

<cite>Wingrider01 wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>jaguarjp wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Sigrdrifa@Lucan DLere wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>jaguarjp wrote:</cite><blockquote>Made a toon named Jevv... My original named "... violated the naming policy by resembling [Removed for Content] in-game".</blockquote>Did you /petition and explain this to the folks in control of naming issues?Also, if you /petition and get back a non-responsive or obviously canned answer, you can re-open it and ask taht a senior CS rep please review the decision. The key is to be polite and avoid hostility or hyperdefensiveness.Just tell them what you told us - you wanted "Jevv" as a homonym of "Jeff". Consider some alteranates, and ask for one of them instead of the random name you were assigned if "Jevv" is totally out of the question.<ul><li>Jefv</li><li>Jevvv</li><li>Jeph</li><li>Jephh</li><li>Jepv</li><li>Geoff</li><li>Geovv</li><li>Geoph</li><li>etc.</li></ul></blockquote>Yep, I tried to get it escalated on no less than two separate occasions, with no luck. It seems they were not ever going to let me keep the name Jevv. Jeph was already taken, and I ended up settling for Jevf. But all of that happened before I was aware of the other 2 Jevvs, plus all the [Removed for Content]-griefing names. At this point, I would really just like some consistency, since they were so quick to come down on me, with no room for compromise. Because in light of those other names, I'm not convinced that SOE actually follows its own policy, as much as it just does whatever it wants to do, with no respect for the playerbase.</blockquote>You do realize that they do not actively search for bad names normally, bad names come to light when another player /petitions a name that they feel is inappropriate or offensive. Someone on your server took offense to the way your name looked, becasue of being a BHL or a person who's religous feelings where offended, evidently those with the similiar names on the other servers have not run across someone that they offend, at least not yet. If they are on your server, then let the GM's know via the /petition command.As far as following their policy, seems like they did, someone petitioned your name found it offensive, the CSR person that responded agreed that it was in violation of the posted rules.Before you go off on a tanget, the posting name I use does not reflect any of my characters names across any of my accounts or servers, I always use the random name generator for a new character.</blockquote>I'm not going to go off on a tangent. And I'm not going to put words in your mouth, either - instead, I'm going to tell you how *I* interpreted your post.First, you asked me if I understood "how it works" with regard to bad names. And yes, I understand- they don't go fishing for bad names, they just wait for a petition.Then, you stated that they seemed to have followed their own policy, which was never something I disputed. My beef was that they were inconsistant by changing my Jevv, for the reason stated - but not changing 2 other names identical to mine, nor changing any names that are clearly in violation of their policy.So if the reason my name was changed was because it violated policy, and not because someone on my server alone was all sadface when they saw it - then why did they not change the Jevvs on the other two servers, nor the other names? They all violate policy, and were petitioned.Your omission in addressing these facets of my original post have me thinking you don't have a problem with inconsistent enforcement of naming policy. So I'm asking you, as well as the community - do the other names deserve to be changed? Or is any name ok, so long as a player on that particular server doesn't petition it?Because essentially, here's the deal: I'm obviously torqued because they changed my name for a stated reason, but didn't change other names that are equal to, or unarguably "worse" - you posted a reply saying only that they were right to change my name. You didn't add anything constructive, in my opinion.