Blizzard "Real ID" on Forums

[StreamOfTheSky]

Someone pointed out that the main way to resolve technical issues is to use the tech support forums. I don't play WoW (just some Diablo 2 when I'm really bored) so I don't know if that's true. But if so, then it's a stretch to even say "simple, don't use the forums!" That's nice, until you have an issue and can't play the game you're paying a monthly fee on b/c the means to get help for it involves exposing your real name to the world.

Even aside from that, a lot of resposnsible people who value the privacy of their name or would risk their job can now no longer post. People who think they "have nothing to lose" from having their names public in turn aren't really facing much of a disincentive to trolling. So if anything, these new rules could make the environment on the forums worse.

Thirdly, I've seen it pointed out that not long ago Activision-Blizzard signed some sort of deal with facebook, leading people to think this isn't so much about stopping trolls as it is a new revenue stream.

For all of those reasons and more, I find this very troubling, and hope to gods it doesn't catch on with forums I actually use.

 

[frankthedm]

RealID just makes the recruiter’s job easy. WoW forum post = resume in trash bin.

On the bright side it will make the life of your average FaceBook stalker significantly easier.

Job Recruiters Avoiding World of Warcraft Players

 

[JohnRTroy]

To be honest, I sort of wish more people would use their real names. Clay Shirky, one of the guys who talks about how the Internet will change everything, says that there will probably be more pressure to reveal real identities to prevent the anonymous troll fighting that occurs. I usually try to use my real name or initials in most (what few) forums I write in, I do use a fake "account name" for most of the games I play for obvious reasons.

Although I can understand the concern about recruiters now mining the Internet to find all about your social life.

One thing though that I've found out is that people are egotistical to use their same Avatar handles on most forums. You can find people like JoeTheLawyer, UpperKrust, Melan, etc. on various gaming forums all using the same name. So if the use of a handle protects your identity, it really doesn't, as Internet Forensics is a lot more targeted than you might think.

 

[Man in the Funny Hat]

Although I can understand the concern about recruiters now mining the Internet to find all about your social life.

Actually, I was just wondering if I do understand that. IIUC, people are concerned about maintaining their anonymity on message boards. They're afraid some recruiter or their current employer will see them being asshats to other people playing WoW. Shouldn't they be MORE concerned with their employer playing Big Brother than with what Big Brother will actually learn about them?

 

[Kaodi]

Actually, I was just wondering if I do understand that. IIUC, people are concerned about maintaining their anonymity on message boards. They're afraid some recruiter or their current employer will see them being asshats to other people playing WoW. Shouldn't they be MORE concerned with their employer playing Big Brother than with what Big Brother will actually learn about them?

This sounds similar to my not exactly mainstream position on the phenomenon of " Facebook Firings " . The accepted wisdom is that Facebook is " public space " , therefore if your employer finds anything about you on there they consider objectionable, they can fire you. The thing is though, no one seems to be concerned that many employers actually use fraudulent methods (like fake accounts, joining groups they have no actual interest in, or even just soft bullying to get added as a friend) in order to get around the weak privacy controls. No one seems to be concerned that this is basically internet stalking. I am fairly sure that if you follow your employees around to their favourite hangouts, like bars, restaurants, stores, homes, et cetera... with the intent to spy on them, you can and will be charged if caught.

 

[Mustrum_Ridcully]

Job Recruiters Avoiding World of Warcraft Players

A good reason to not use my real name on the internet.

Luckily, I am the Arch Chancellor of the Unseen University and don't have to worry about job recruiters.
Stalkers are still a problem, but they have always been. Eye stalkers are nasty around this time of the year, but nothing me and my Burleigh & Stronginthearm Crossbow can't handle.

 

[jonesy]

Job Recruiters Avoiding World of Warcraft Players

That says 'some' and 'allegedly', and only offers one example.

And then it links to this:
Study Finds MMO Players Make Great Leaders

Also, Forbes:
How Playing Videogames Can Boost Your Career

Of course, it all depends on what the job actually is.

 

[Mathew_Freeman]

A good reason to not use my real name on the internet.

Luckily, I am the Arch Chancellor of the Unseen University and don't have to worry about job recruiters.
Stalkers are still a problem, but they have always been. Eye stalkers are nasty around this time of the year, but nothing me and my Burleigh & Stronginthearm Crossbow can't handle.

Somedays I miss being a human male fighter from the Dalelands in the Forgotten Realms (previous username = Tallarn).

However, on the whole I'm happier using my real name here. Anyone who rejected me from a job because I played RPG's is not someone I'd want to work for anyway.

 

[TheYeti1775]

Somedays I miss being a human male fighter from the Dalelands in the Forgotten Realms (previous username = Tallarn).

However, on the whole I'm happier using my real name here. Anyone who rejected me from a job because I played RPG's is not someone I'd want to work for anyway.

With my background checks my nickname 'Yeti' came up so much they asked me about it.
That and about RPG's because I use this handle across multiple forums and game platforms.
But than again, they stalk me with permission.