Wow, how disappointing. Word Wars was my favorite UMS out there right now. If they don't allow you to correct the issue that would be absolutely ridiculous. The words aren't even used in any kind of context. I agree with what others have said, it was probably just some douche-bag reporting it with malicious intent.
Weird. Blizzard answered the thread, but the blue post is not on the "Latest Blizzard Posts," even though it's the latest. Also, the thread is not on the "popular topics" list, even though the thread is "highly rated."
I believe they're doing something about it. They haven't contacted me yet.
That could've been worse, at least you got a response. Keep us updated though Rod, I really want to see them work their way out of this one. I'll write a whole fucking essay of arguments why this is retarded for you to send in if I have to, but having to randomly type a word that can be found in a dictionary should NEVER be deemed offensive.
The ironic and sad thing about this whole ordeal is that the whole "offensive content" is retarded in the first place.
Blizzard has posted an offical response in your thread by the way Quote from Blizzard:
Hey Rodrigo, thanks for posting. We're actually in the process of investigating the ban already; it looks like you also contacted our support department about it, which was the right move. Someone will be contacting you soon regarding the issue.
I wanted to point out though that the reports we received for the words included in the map’s dictionary were fairly vast, and clearly offensive in most cases. The one quoted in the reason for the ban was the least offensive. In any case, please wait for the customer service contact and they’ll work with you on republishing and any changes we’d require.
On that note, forum posts aren’t the right place to dispute a ban. We want to make sure that anyone looking to do so please use the correct forms of contact so we can address any requests as quickly as possible. The support web form is the correct place: http://us.blizzard.com/support/webform.xml
I knew they had an automatic banning system. This just proves it. Which means it is probably abused or it really was offensive to some one. How can a swear word be offensive to some one who played through the campaign that has them? Why are they playing in the first place? I think anyone playing SC2 should be mature enough to not care. That probably means some people were having a bad day and/or hated you map. Then they reported it. *rolls eyes* Just another thing for people to abuse in the Custom Games section.
What is the most sad ?
Players reporting the map or Blizzard banning it ? -_-
Hope everything will be fine with your map. The only solution I see to delete offensive words is simply choosing words yourself :/
Blizzard could just lock the map to players and send a mail before banning it...
I thought that's what he did. When I played it, there was probably only 50 words that would repeat (not including the long words). I never saw a possible offensive word. Ya, I agree that they should send an email saying to fix your map. Then send it in to by looked at, and it is unlocked for everyone to play again. This would be a much better system.
It really depends how things are handled from this point forward imo. You got banned, fair enough there were words that they don't allow - the question is how hard is it to get your publishing rights back and get a list of words that they flagged you on.
I don't really mind that they have a banning system, as long as there are suitable systems in place for recovery etc. The fact is the actions of few that do post vulgar maps and offensive stuff intentionally, will always penalize those of us with good intentions - but this isn't exactly anything new.
Edit: read more of the posts. The automated system idea invalidates much of what I posted below. I still think they need to support an automated system with a human review team, however.
-----------
You have my sympathy. I liked your map too.
Part of the problem is that in trying to make their game 'kid and mother approved', they're banning normal words that have a slang vulgar or sexual meaning. I think their putting a blanket ban on any use of a word is silly.
If they want to filter vulgar maps, then they need a review team that will look at any maps that are flagged objectionable. If they can't spend the time to censor reasonably, they shouldn't do it at all.
'Dyke', according to my dictionary, is an alternate spelling of 'dike' -- a dam (not a condemnation!) or levee (not lovey). As a secondary definition, it lists that it means (slang) a female homosexual.
Hence, I conclude blizzard is banning lesbians and all mention thereof.
Tbh, one of the huge pros of user generated content is that such content can take risks and be somewhat "edgier" than commercial content (which has to pass ESRB muster, along with publisher and retailer approval. Bliz's "do as I say, not as I've done" standard is, imo, a huge mistake.
Also, to those suggesting the mapper "cleanse" the massive dictionary: really? How about you personally do it for him? And what about arguable words like "bunghole"? Or dyke, for that matter.
It's good to hear that they've responded and they're investigating the ban.
If it were me, first I'd really thank them for the effort that Blizzard takes in assuring the SC2 mapping community stays clean.
Second, tell them that you will take the effort in eliminating all offensive word from the dictionary. And ask them if there are any extra steps that you need to do in the meantime. Then, when you are ready to publish the map, ask them to kindly confirm that its now "clean" of offensive words and if its ok to kindly allow you to republish it to the online servers once again, and to let you know immediately if there are any further issues.
TLDR. Take it one step at a time, be cooperative and professional :)
Hope that helps and best of luck! Btw I haven't tried that map yet, I'm on sucky EU realm :( (did someone publish it to EU yet?)
Also, to those suggesting the mapper "cleanse" the massive dictionary: really? How about you personally do it for him? And what about arguable words like "bunghole"? Or dyke, for that matter.
You don't seem to understand, if he is going to use that resource, it's still his responsibility. If the dictionary contains words that blizzard is going to ban and he can't police it well enough, then he simply can't use it.
Blizzard has pretty much always banned questionable words, I even had to rename a WoW character because in other regions it was a common word for drugs that I hadn't heard.
The fact that they ban these words is not going to change, so don't bother trying, they have their reasons. If you don't like it, then go make your own game using other software. As it is the tools we get to use for the $80 the game cost is pretty amazing.
The best way to handle this particular situation would probably be create a filter for your map, and put in as many bad words as you so that they don't get used. You could ask blizzard for a list of words, they probably wont give it to you which is a shame because it would make for easy filtering - perhaps if enough people requested it they might.
Anyhow once you get such a filter in place you can let them know that you have it, and will add any words that they request.
Wow, how disappointing. Word Wars was my favorite UMS out there right now. If they don't allow you to correct the issue that would be absolutely ridiculous. The words aren't even used in any kind of context. I agree with what others have said, it was probably just some douche-bag reporting it with malicious intent.
Weird. Blizzard answered the thread, but the blue post is not on the "Latest Blizzard Posts," even though it's the latest. Also, the thread is not on the "popular topics" list, even though the thread is "highly rated."
I believe they're doing something about it. They haven't contacted me yet.
Good to hear. haha
@RodrigoAlves: Go
They flag which post to track. And the popular topics is generated randomly.
That could've been worse, at least you got a response. Keep us updated though Rod, I really want to see them work their way out of this one. I'll write a whole fucking essay of arguments why this is retarded for you to send in if I have to, but having to randomly type a word that can be found in a dictionary should NEVER be deemed offensive.
The ironic and sad thing about this whole ordeal is that the whole "offensive content" is retarded in the first place.
@Mozared: Go
You know, the word "retarded" is offensive to me....
Dyke or dike may refer to: Dyke (construction) or levee, a natural or artificial slope or wall to regulate water levels;
This is when the levee's break games
@sldprt: Go
they said there were more insults. But any way, is dyke even an insult? I thought it was just the name of the male roleplaying lesbian.
I never thought a scholar dictionary could be offensive. This is the first time I see people getting offended by a dictionary. :(
I was so exited when I opened my email. "A Blizzard email?! Did I win the custom map contest?!?! Nah, my map just got banned!"
What is the most sad ?
Players reporting the map or Blizzard banning it ? -_-
Hope everything will be fine with your map. The only solution I see to delete offensive words is simply choosing words yourself :/
Blizzard could just lock the map to players and send a mail before banning it...
I knew they had an automatic banning system. This just proves it. Which means it is probably abused or it really was offensive to some one. How can a swear word be offensive to some one who played through the campaign that has them? Why are they playing in the first place? I think anyone playing SC2 should be mature enough to not care. That probably means some people were having a bad day and/or hated you map. Then they reported it. *rolls eyes* Just another thing for people to abuse in the Custom Games section.
I thought that's what he did. When I played it, there was probably only 50 words that would repeat (not including the long words). I never saw a possible offensive word. Ya, I agree that they should send an email saying to fix your map. Then send it in to by looked at, and it is unlocked for everyone to play again. This would be a much better system.
It really depends how things are handled from this point forward imo. You got banned, fair enough there were words that they don't allow - the question is how hard is it to get your publishing rights back and get a list of words that they flagged you on.
I don't really mind that they have a banning system, as long as there are suitable systems in place for recovery etc. The fact is the actions of few that do post vulgar maps and offensive stuff intentionally, will always penalize those of us with good intentions - but this isn't exactly anything new.
Edit: read more of the posts. The automated system idea invalidates much of what I posted below. I still think they need to support an automated system with a human review team, however.
-----------
You have my sympathy. I liked your map too.
Part of the problem is that in trying to make their game 'kid and mother approved', they're banning normal words that have a slang vulgar or sexual meaning. I think their putting a blanket ban on any use of a word is silly.
If they want to filter vulgar maps, then they need a review team that will look at any maps that are flagged objectionable. If they can't spend the time to censor reasonably, they shouldn't do it at all.
'Dyke', according to my dictionary, is an alternate spelling of 'dike' -- a dam (not a condemnation!) or levee (not lovey). As a secondary definition, it lists that it means (slang) a female homosexual.
Hence, I conclude blizzard is banning lesbians and all mention thereof.
Tbh, one of the huge pros of user generated content is that such content can take risks and be somewhat "edgier" than commercial content (which has to pass ESRB muster, along with publisher and retailer approval. Bliz's "do as I say, not as I've done" standard is, imo, a huge mistake.
Also, to those suggesting the mapper "cleanse" the massive dictionary: really? How about you personally do it for him? And what about arguable words like "bunghole"? Or dyke, for that matter.
BULLSHIT and you can put that in your DICKshonary,
High fives all around :D!!!
It's good to hear that they've responded and they're investigating the ban.
If it were me, first I'd really thank them for the effort that Blizzard takes in assuring the SC2 mapping community stays clean.
Second, tell them that you will take the effort in eliminating all offensive word from the dictionary. And ask them if there are any extra steps that you need to do in the meantime. Then, when you are ready to publish the map, ask them to kindly confirm that its now "clean" of offensive words and if its ok to kindly allow you to republish it to the online servers once again, and to let you know immediately if there are any further issues.
TLDR. Take it one step at a time, be cooperative and professional :)
Hope that helps and best of luck! Btw I haven't tried that map yet, I'm on sucky EU realm :( (did someone publish it to EU yet?)
Edited by s3rius: Please keep this kind of comments to yourself next time.
Must've been hard :D Worse than getting no email at all D:
kinda shocked to be edited, not trying to stir up anything at this point just kinda dumbfounded.
You don't seem to understand, if he is going to use that resource, it's still his responsibility. If the dictionary contains words that blizzard is going to ban and he can't police it well enough, then he simply can't use it.
Blizzard has pretty much always banned questionable words, I even had to rename a WoW character because in other regions it was a common word for drugs that I hadn't heard.
The fact that they ban these words is not going to change, so don't bother trying, they have their reasons. If you don't like it, then go make your own game using other software. As it is the tools we get to use for the $80 the game cost is pretty amazing.
The best way to handle this particular situation would probably be create a filter for your map, and put in as many bad words as you so that they don't get used. You could ask blizzard for a list of words, they probably wont give it to you which is a shame because it would make for easy filtering - perhaps if enough people requested it they might.
Anyhow once you get such a filter in place you can let them know that you have it, and will add any words that they request.