You might play like a pro, but can you act like one?

mavric240 · June 22, 2007, 04:33 PM

On June 15 of this year my middle child was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes Type 1. With this life changing event I was challenged as a parent to spend more time with my child. Before we just kinda did our own thing, right or wrong that was the way it was. So my wife whom I play with alot came up with the idea of getting her into WOW. After talking to her and going over the way the game works my kid wanted to try it. She wanted to be a warlock like dad(brought a tear to my eye, lol), cause she wanted the cool "blue" guy. To make a long story short we created characters together and started playing. She caught on quick and away we went. We showed her how chat worked and told her that if she needed anything to just ask (if we were not handy). We covered etiquette and when to ask a question.
So to the meat of my post. Yesterday afternoon while playing with my wife my daughter had a problem. My wife was out on the patio smoking and my daughter decided to give chat a try. She asked a simple question about using a wand. Granted it was a question that could have waited for my wife to return, but she is eight. The response that she got has shaken me deep to my soul. A Warlock, a WARLOCK fired back to her with this..."Are you a F@#$king retard, Are you a dumb A@#" Several others answered her question but she showed that to my wife(How we knew it was Warlock) who told me. I am shocked that another player let alone a fellow Warlock would behave in that manner.
I come here now, today and ask all who play this game to remember that all kinds of people play this game. People of all races, greeds, gender, and ages. Please treat people fairly and with respect and patience. My daughter was very upset at this and now is turned off toward the game. Maybe I'm at fault for allowing an eight year old to play but what is wrong is wrong.

Magdelynn · June 22, 2007, 04:56 PM

We let out seven year old play. Having already seen those responses in chat channels, we shut all his off and don't allow him to use them. He sticks to party chat. We also limit who he may party with etc.

Its very hard to let someone so young play, the game wasn't designed with young kids in mind, but they want to play with mom and dad.

I know several parents who let their young children play along side them. Judging from the people who frequent these forums they aren't the ones acting that way, I also wish people would refrain simply out of common decency.

Aimealamort · June 22, 2007, 05:08 PM

when i hear stories like this, is just depressing. there are so many a-holes out there that respond like that to people who are just asking a honest question that aren't even that young.

when i first started playing, i remember asking a couple people i was on a zeppelin with how much was acceptable for tipping a person, i need a box opened. and, not having tipped anyone before, had no clue and i certainly didnt want to offend someone giving them to little. unfortunately i never got a nice reply, it was a few people just saying "what, are you retarded" with more profanity.

i really don't understand why people feel the need to act like that, i can understand a four letter word here and there when something goes wrong in your group or something, but i can't even fathom what would make a person be so cruel when asked a question. geeze, just ignore the person if you don't have anything nice to say.

EarthAngel · June 22, 2007, 05:16 PM

I don't mean to be rude, but you should have posted this on the official forums or somewhere that people who would say something like tha visit. Posting it here is like preaching to the choir. I would be very surprised if anyone here would act like that. Unless of course you posted it here so eveyrone would agree with you, because that's pretty much all you'll get.

People act like twats in game all the time. Anyone's who's spent more than 30 seconds in the general chat knows this. Immature players, little bored kiddies, general idiots... we've all seen them, complained about them and know they are there. You take the risk when you leave General Chat open to your children which is why you shouldn't have taken the risk.

I know you probably just wanted a whole lot of "omg that's so horrible" replies, but I can't imagine you didn't know that idiots already play that game so you can't be surprised now.

Ravynn · June 22, 2007, 05:18 PM

That is so sad that happened to your daughter Mavric. What's sadder yet is that, more than likely, the majority of the jerks who give such asinine and profane answers are probably teenagers or young kids whose parents are out of the room and they think they are cool. I have found that to be the case many a time by simply telling them that they are acting a like a 12 yr old, and they get offended by that and tell me how old they really are. Just goes to show the lack of respect that they were taught.

I don't think you are wrong at all for letting your daughter play, and hopefully you and your wife might find the parental controls and ingame adjustments that might allow your daughter to enjoy playing with ya'll again.

El Tanakh · June 22, 2007, 05:54 PM

I agree with Earth, posting here may be a little useless, but maybe you did it as a way to deal with the incident, agreed, it was wrong, but it was also naive to think it wouldnt happen. And Magdelynn sugestions seems very good (if a little restrictive), i would also use a wisper blocker, just in case.

Tim · June 22, 2007, 07:21 PM

8,000,000 people play WoW. There is no big surprise in finding immaturity and rudeness. To me the bigger surprise is how the game, and sites like this, can bring good people together. I hope very much that your daughter gets to see that other side of WoW too.

That is very young to be diagnosed with Diabetes. I am sorry to hear it and wish you family all the best.

mavric240 · June 23, 2007, 06:42 AM

"but it was also naive", and you are very much right about that. I just did not think about the negative aspect of leaving chat open. To address the comment of "a way to deal with the incident" has some truth to it as well. I wanted to vent. And no I was not looking for the "OMG" response. I posted it here because this is a place of good natured people. I wanted to share this with my fellow locks. In truth I was not expecting any replies. I truly thought this would just trickle down and disappear. But since I was wrong and there has been posts I ask "what is so wrong with discussing this here?". I understand posting here and venting "may be a little useless" but it helped me get it off my chest. Maybe with "8,000,000 people" who play WoW, just maybe there was one or two out there who were interested in my comments. And thank you for those who expressed concern of my daughters health. Yes it is very young and has been very difficult to adjust to. She is doing well and "dealing" Maybe the post had more of me "dealing" with the disease and me being "overprotective" then the comments made.

Lokee · June 23, 2007, 07:43 AM

No one here is doubting the fact this is a fantastic forum full of mature people who genuinely care, but when you post a comment like:

Quote:

I come here now, today and ask all who play this game to remember that all kinds of people play this game. People of all races, greeds, gender, and ages. Please treat people fairly and with respect and patience. My daughter was very upset at this and now is turned off toward the game.

... naturally we're going to point out that you're kind of speaking to the wrong forum. Preaching to the choir as it was put above.

As already mentioned, there are plenty of preventative measures (profanity filter for example) that would have avoided this.

And P.S. Please learn paragraphs

Honorah · June 23, 2007, 08:23 AM

I personally use the parental controls for my 13 yr old son and also the profanity filter is available, however in my sons case he knows how to change that option. I know some people may think he's 13 why so restrictive but it works for us and keeps him out of trouble knowning his parents are watching & can check on him. (also his account is under my name & email so any emails from Blizz comes to me)
In my opinion you should have reported this incident, maybe a good warning would be enough to stop and make someone (a child) think (possibly not) before speaking in such a rude way. Please take advantage of all the options Blizz gave to us parents and use them in a way to help your daughter enjoy the game and most of all continue to talk to her about what she does see or hear that is inappropriate and how to handle situations like that.

June 22, 2007, 04:33 PM	#1 (permalink)
mavric240 Member Character Info sassyevil 70 Undead Warlock Trollbane US PvE Profile: Blizzard Armory Talent Spec: 0/44/17	You might play like a pro, but can you act like one? On June 15 of this year my middle child was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes Type 1. With this life changing event I was challenged as a parent to spend more time with my child. Before we just kinda did our own thing, right or wrong that was the way it was. So my wife whom I play with alot came up with the idea of getting her into WOW. After talking to her and going over the way the game works my kid wanted to try it. She wanted to be a warlock like dad(brought a tear to my eye, lol), cause she wanted the cool "blue" guy. To make a long story short we created characters together and started playing. She caught on quick and away we went. We showed her how chat worked and told her that if she needed anything to just ask (if we were not handy). We covered etiquette and when to ask a question. So to the meat of my post. Yesterday afternoon while playing with my wife my daughter had a problem. My wife was out on the patio smoking and my daughter decided to give chat a try. She asked a simple question about using a wand. Granted it was a question that could have waited for my wife to return, but she is eight. The response that she got has shaken me deep to my soul. A Warlock, a WARLOCK fired back to her with this..."Are you a F@#$king retard, Are you a dumb A@#" Several others answered her question but she showed that to my wife(How we knew it was Warlock) who told me. I am shocked that another player let alone a fellow Warlock would behave in that manner. I come here now, today and ask all who play this game to remember that all kinds of people play this game. People of all races, greeds, gender, and ages. Please treat people fairly and with respect and patience. My daughter was very upset at this and now is turned off toward the game. Maybe I'm at fault for allowing an eight year old to play but what is wrong is wrong.

June 22, 2007, 04:56 PM	#2 (permalink)
Magdelynn Lurker Character Info Magdelynn 70 Human Warlock Moon Guard US RP PvP Guild: Trial By Fire	Re: You might play like a pro, but can you act like one? We let out seven year old play. Having already seen those responses in chat channels, we shut all his off and don't allow him to use them. He sticks to party chat. We also limit who he may party with etc. Its very hard to let someone so young play, the game wasn't designed with young kids in mind, but they want to play with mom and dad. I know several parents who let their young children play along side them. Judging from the people who frequent these forums they aren't the ones acting that way, I also wish people would refrain simply out of common decency.

June 22, 2007, 05:08 PM	#3 (permalink)
Aimealamort Member Character Info Antlia 70 Undead Warlock Lothar US PvE Guild: Slackers Profile: Blizzard Armory Talent Spec: 0/21/40	Re: You might play like a pro, but can you act like one? when i hear stories like this, is just depressing. there are so many a-holes out there that respond like that to people who are just asking a honest question that aren't even that young. when i first started playing, i remember asking a couple people i was on a zeppelin with how much was acceptable for tipping a person, i need a box opened. and, not having tipped anyone before, had no clue and i certainly didnt want to offend someone giving them to little. unfortunately i never got a nice reply, it was a few people just saying "what, are you retarded" with more profanity. i really don't understand why people feel the need to act like that, i can understand a four letter word here and there when something goes wrong in your group or something, but i can't even fathom what would make a person be so cruel when asked a question. geeze, just ignore the person if you don't have anything nice to say.

June 22, 2007, 05:16 PM	#4 (permalink)
EarthAngel Member	Re: You might play like a pro, but can you act like one? I don't mean to be rude, but you should have posted this on the official forums or somewhere that people who would say something like tha visit. Posting it here is like preaching to the choir. I would be very surprised if anyone here would act like that. Unless of course you posted it here so eveyrone would agree with you, because that's pretty much all you'll get. People act like twats in game all the time. Anyone's who's spent more than 30 seconds in the general chat knows this. Immature players, little bored kiddies, general idiots... we've all seen them, complained about them and know they are there. You take the risk when you leave General Chat open to your children which is why you shouldn't have taken the risk. I know you probably just wanted a whole lot of "omg that's so horrible" replies, but I can't imagine you didn't know that idiots already play that game so you can't be surprised now.

June 22, 2007, 05:18 PM	#5 (permalink)
Ravynn Member Character Info Ravynn 70 Undead Warlock The Underbog US PvP Guild: Nephilim Profile: Blizzard Armory Talent Spec: 17/0/44	Re: You might play like a pro, but can you act like one? That is so sad that happened to your daughter Mavric. What's sadder yet is that, more than likely, the majority of the jerks who give such asinine and profane answers are probably teenagers or young kids whose parents are out of the room and they think they are cool. I have found that to be the case many a time by simply telling them that they are acting a like a 12 yr old, and they get offended by that and tell me how old they really are. Just goes to show the lack of respect that they were taught. I don't think you are wrong at all for letting your daughter play, and hopefully you and your wife might find the parental controls and ingame adjustments that might allow your daughter to enjoy playing with ya'll again.

June 22, 2007, 05:54 PM	#6 (permalink)
El Tanakh Character Info Njörðr 70 Tauren Druid Cho'gall US PvP Profile: Blizzard Armory	Re: You might play like a pro, but can you act like one? I agree with Earth, posting here may be a little useless, but maybe you did it as a way to deal with the incident, agreed, it was wrong, but it was also naive to think it wouldnt happen. And Magdelynn sugestions seems very good (if a little restrictive), i would also use a wisper blocker, just in case.

June 22, 2007, 07:21 PM	#7 (permalink)
Tim Lurker	Re: You might play like a pro, but can you act like one? 8,000,000 people play WoW. There is no big surprise in finding immaturity and rudeness. To me the bigger surprise is how the game, and sites like this, can bring good people together. I hope very much that your daughter gets to see that other side of WoW too. That is very young to be diagnosed with Diabetes. I am sorry to hear it and wish you family all the best.

June 23, 2007, 06:42 AM	#8 (permalink)
mavric240 Member Character Info sassyevil 70 Undead Warlock Trollbane US PvE Profile: Blizzard Armory Talent Spec: 0/44/17	Re: You might play like a pro, but can you act like one? "but it was also naive", and you are very much right about that. I just did not think about the negative aspect of leaving chat open. To address the comment of "a way to deal with the incident" has some truth to it as well. I wanted to vent. And no I was not looking for the "OMG" response. I posted it here because this is a place of good natured people. I wanted to share this with my fellow locks. In truth I was not expecting any replies. I truly thought this would just trickle down and disappear. But since I was wrong and there has been posts I ask "what is so wrong with discussing this here?". I understand posting here and venting "may be a little useless" but it helped me get it off my chest. Maybe with "8,000,000 people" who play WoW, just maybe there was one or two out there who were interested in my comments. And thank you for those who expressed concern of my daughters health. Yes it is very young and has been very difficult to adjust to. She is doing well and "dealing" Maybe the post had more of me "dealing" with the disease and me being "overprotective" then the comments made.

June 23, 2007, 08:23 AM	#10 (permalink)
Honorah Registered Character Info Honorah 70 Human Warlock scarlet crusade US RP Guild: Seraphim Knights Talent Spec: 41/2/18	Re: You might play like a pro, but can you act like one? I personally use the parental controls for my 13 yr old son and also the profanity filter is available, however in my sons case he knows how to change that option. I know some people may think he's 13 why so restrictive but it works for us and keeps him out of trouble knowning his parents are watching & can check on him. (also his account is under my name & email so any emails from Blizz comes to me) In my opinion you should have reported this incident, maybe a good warning would be enough to stop and make someone (a child) think (possibly not) before speaking in such a rude way. Please take advantage of all the options Blizz gave to us parents and use them in a way to help your daughter enjoy the game and most of all continue to talk to her about what she does see or hear that is inappropriate and how to handle situations like that.