Formal Letter to SE about RMT situation.

[Zabuza]

An addendum has been made to this thread. I am now gathering signatures so that we can present a unified front. Signatures will be located at the bottom of the thread below the body of the letter I had already written here. I love FF14, but SE is a company that we pay to provide us with a service. I personally believe that being harassed by RMTs every minute is poor service on that front. New posters please adhere to the guideline of typing /sign or /signed in a reply post if you are in full support, or adhere to any of the following conditions.

You are dissatisfied with the level of service SE is providing in the area of shutting down RMT activity(whether it be spam /tells or the farm bots).
You have suggestions you think they should consider.

Letter

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Yes, I am aware that RMT threads are being made with quite a high frequency on these forums, but it is still nothing compared to the frequency with which the RMTs spam us, the players. This will be a fairly long post.


I am making this post mainly because I am concerned about what this is going to do for your business if you don't nip this in the bud before June.
Mid June, I imagine many new players will buy the expansion to try Heavensward out. The first thing they will see when dive into the world of Eorzea is their chat log filled with pink as the RMTs immediately divebomb them with /tells. Being new players, they probably won't know to go busy status, or how to disable the /tells unless they wish to google around for the answer. Having to put up with being harassed as soon as they begin to play, I can imagine it would drive some potentially new players away, causing you as a company to lose $ when they unsub. Especially with the free trial, people are going to see themselves be bombarded with /tells and decide not to sub to such an experience.

The situation has gone into the realm of far past unacceptable. Don't believe me? Look at MY chat logs from Zalera. THIS is what it normally looks like for me.

Just to be clear, this chat log shows that, on average, I am receiving 1 RMT /tell every single MINUTE. That is not to count the /shouts that are apparent on these chat logs as well, not to mention the friends requests from RMTs. Make no mistake, the /tells are sent with this frequency CONSTANTLY. There is no break to it.


The real life equivalent of this would be if I received a call from a telemarketer every single minute of the day. Imagine if I told them I wanted to be on their do not call list but they kept calling me anyway. The only solution left to me is to take the phone off the hook, but then I can't receive calls from other people either. I'd be completely cut off from possibly important calls. That is essentially what I and many others have done setting ourselves to permanent /busy status, to keep our sanity. What is happening to me and others is actually blatant harassment, pure and simple.


I do not comprehend your complete silence on this matter, SE. Your devs are so friendly and responsive when it comes to almost every other single matter posted on the forums. But when it comes to this, no matter how much people cry out, no matter how much they suggest changes, you remain mute. Why is this? Several worthwhile suggestions have been made, all of which you have turned a deaf ear to. Seeing as how this will most likely hamstring your own profits, I cannot fathom why you would ignore this problem.
Yes, I know you ban the accounts that spam /tells to people, but that actually does next to nothing. They simply make another character and come right back. For certain you need to add the right click report function, as well as make the blacklist capacity larger. Filtering /tells so that you only receive them from people on your friends list would also go a long way(this would of course be an option for the player rather than something mandatory). I know, it would cripple the social aspect of this game, but it is already crippled. Many people cannot even play this game and keep their sanity without keeping themselves on /busy status all the time, which disables them from sending /tells to ANYONE.


I am not even asking you to get rid of gilsellers, or even reduce them. I am asking you as a company to make quality of life changes so that these countless gilselling characters don't drive your players away. I ask you to make these changes so we may ALL have a better gaming experience. I don't understand what the downside would be to doing such a thing. Resources? But I feel as though you'd lose more $ by continuing to ignore this issue.


Make no mistake, I've been a long time fan of the Final Fantasy series, I grew up on your games and I love them. I have great respect for Yoshi-P and the devs of this fine game. You polished a turd into a real gem of an MMO. But you are letting these RMTs tarnish that gem by leaving this issue unaddressed. The RMTs are only gaining in strength by the day, your measures are not working. It's time to try something else before it's too late. I humbly request this so that your fine MMO may enjoy even greater success in the future.

Signed,
A loyal FF fan.



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Signatures

Signatures 1-200

1. Ge Ming(Zalera)......................................... 51. Kailok Anarhin(Hyperion)....................................101. Kalzar Zalest(Malboro)................................151. Versalia Oberyth(Mateus)
Landric Frey(Goblin)........................................Allelujah Haptism(Excalibur).....................................Ga'zhija Torvus(Cactuar).....................................Divine Intervention(Phoenix)
Blissa Whitewolf(Leviathan)..............................Rei'sela Leiyal(Famfrit)...........................................Soushie Alexandria(Adamantoise)...........................S'anzu Mahri(Faerie)
Kio Solais(Hyperion).........................................Stubbo Mackenzie(Hyperion)...................................Lelane Lavellan(Cerberus)...................................Dandoona Volcano(Sargatanas)
Quesse Mithril(Sargatanas).............................Ilitsa Kurono(Balmung)...........................................James Smallberries(Brynhildr)...............................Viridia Black(Malboro)
Keyah Uchnouma(Leviathan).............................Kerwin Nindon(Balmung)........................................Winnie Aurora(Lamia)...........................................Kal' El(Exodus)
Krysis Aush'tar(Hyperion)..................................Luc Badru(Malboro)...............................................Kori Xagarii(Faerie)...............................................Onyx Argentium(Sargatanas)
Pterois Volitans(Excalibur).................................Evinna Reed(Goblin)..............................................Lito Lightcaster(Midgardsormr)...............................Valandor Mex(Malboro)
Maestro Sartori(Balmung).................................Kuroyuki Relanah(Adamantoise)...............................Brother Seaneth(Leviathan)..................................Kokotsu Kotsu(Masamune)
Yamato Nyorai(Sargatanas).............................Tilla Eversong(Sargatanas).....................................Zane Kross(Cactuar)...............................................Leyna Crosse(Goblin)
Nathan Yojimbo(Zalera)....................................Orspeth Bleakwood(Jenova)...................................Sandra Dalvia (Adamantoise)...................................Evinna Reed(Goblin)
Anvilhide Skulforge(Zodiark)..............................Luic Fox(Leviathan)...............................................Arugo Kusaragi(Jenova)..........................................Coralie Moonseeker(Belias)
Big Benny(Brynhildr).........................................Mal Shadowbreaker(Gilgamesh).............................Kat'niece Everneko(Famfrit).....................................Oliver Wise(Excalibur)
Coriander Silverflame(Diabolos)...........................Eisen Gramul(Ultros)...........................................Makani Risvertasashi(Ultros)...................................Cherry Phox(Hyperion)
S'anzu Mahri(Faerie)........................................Dement Dracht(Balmung).......................................Thasha Kathea(Sargatanas)....................................Santana Clawz(Excalibur)
Saryn Storm(Cerberus).....................................Zplinter Carnalla(Excalibur)....................................Pippi Longstocking(Jenova)......................................Reinhart Bloodthirst(Coeurl)
Lucke Arrayo(Hyperion).....................................Lecias Hildengard(Siren)........................................N'yuuki Nekohmi(Gilgamesh)...................................Haru Aoki(Behemoth)
Y'kayah Tia(Coeurl)..........................................Esterine Element (Exodus).....................................Kairus Gyrkin(Balmung)...........................................Quinna Alopex(Adamantoise)
Anima Relic(Mateus).........................................Kisa Kisa(Excalibur)...............................................Shuu Naranol (Shiva).............................................Spykun Asura(Siren)
Twintanias Vengeance(Malboro).........................N'yuuki Nekohmi(Gilgamesh).................................Saseal Korei (Couerl)..............................................Kiouki Silverpaw(Goblin)
Rama Shankara(Ultros).....................................Niadissa Nelhah(Lamia).........................................Aevis Sylph(Midgardsormr).....................................Izumi Curtis(Diabolos)
Gunspec Daggerforge(Ultros).............................Sil'ureos Heavenscar(Lamia)..................................Sinystrad Daxx(Exodus)...........................................Salem Parrini(Ultros)
Mugen Mugetsu(Mateus)...................................Aleddra Sunbeam(Zalera)......................................W'fharl Tia (Gilgamesh)..........................................Onyx Argentium(Sargatanas)
Velhart Aurion(Hyperion)...................................Evy Duskhearth(Zalera).........................................Bobbin Threadbare(Masamune)...............................Xarale Tia(Famfrit)
Odintius Strife(Sargatanas)................................Richard Butte(Hyperion)........................................Hexy Kaze(Gilgamesh)............................................Xatsh Vei(Hyperion)
Naka Ruru(Diabolos).........................................Sparda Maddhatter(Goblin)....................................Horo Wolf(Ragnarok)..............................................Waekswys Styrmwyn(Leviathan)
Kassiekane Aurora(Lamia).................................Ramor Fang(Lamia)..............................................Tsubasa Kurotsuchi(Odin).......................................Princess Erin(Balmung)
Shintou Shinai(Sargatanas)...............................Tonrak Totorak(Gilgamesh)...................................Mayuka Goldstrike(Adamantoise)..............................Panteleon Greiz(Balmung)
Wyatt Shalott(Behemoth)..................................Sa'tia Demeaux(Cactuar).......................................Kay'la Yukinekove(Goblin)........................................Athaleiya Eclesiance(Leviathan)
Kaiya Yinme(Jenova).........................................Kendra Nomura(Adamantoise)................................Eral Lorka(Zodiark)................................................Lala Rayne(Tonberry)
Atreyu Nightstorm(Diabolos)..............................Khloe Zhwan(Ultros)..............................................Niko Bloodmoon(Zalera)..........................................Meg Rejaan(Lich)
Krosa Kaine(Hyperion).......................................Ivory Spirit(Faerie)...............................................Sramdi Nitodus(Hyperion)........................................Kiko Ten(Brynhildr)
Aster Barnivere(Hyperion)..................................Rezon Shinryu(Lamia)..........................................Saseal Korei(Coeurl)...............................................Sureenah Diosdado(Faerie)
E'lusana Celah(Behemoth).................................Aldor Velment(Excalibur).......................................Aldor Velment(Excalibur)........................................Siru Kissaki(Ragnarok)
Evorus Soulseeker(Behemoth)............................Vargas Truestrike(Mateus)....................................Cin Lyhn(Excalibur).................................................Cheshire Kat(Ultros)
Tocsin Wolndara(Jenova)...................................Thayos Redblade(Hyperion)..................................Nasibihc Tigerstone(Sargatanas)..............................Yosuke Hanamura(Moogle)
Wren Darkcloud(Adamantoise)............................Lyzon Valtin(Leviathan)........................................Starcade Hellraiser(Exodus).....................................Final Heaven(Lamia)
Steve Uk(Mateus)............................................Sailor Moon'(Lamia)...............................................Popura Taneshima(Coeurl)......................................Glen Livet(Jenova)
Chief Currahee(Midgardsormr)............................Isaac Direstone(Jenova).......................................Shadow Menace(Midgardsormr)...............................Rasha'zi Molkoh(Jenova)
Zane Kross(Cactuar).........................................Chris Davis(Excalibur)............................................Lou Lupus(Midgardsormr).....................................Chitara Chiya(Sargatanas)
Chibi Bebe(Excalibur).........................................Oraiste Artemis(Adamantoise)...............................Waekswys Styrmwyn(Leviathan)..............................Crescent Dusk(Exodus)
Rin Brunestud(Phoenix)......................................Bisera Cecilina(Goblin)..........................................Remmy Palazzo(Behemoth).....................................Trajan Verus(Jenova)
Zeniba Zanarkand(Phoenix)................................Mirabelle Linnais(Famfrit)......................................Vensari Vexhart(Cactaur)........................................Sweet Popoto(Leviathan)
Alousolu Tatawai(Midgardsormr).........................Santherelle Losstoam(Balmung)...............................Ira Malcolm(Excalibur).........................................Thandronen Ranguemont(Ultros)
Seif Dincht(Balmung).........................................Ghishlain Pyrial(Gilgamesh)....................................A'wut Jaidee(Exodus)..............................................Orsirius Fateweaver(Midgardsormr)
Miyuki Koike(Jenova)..........................................Fede Max(Excalibur).............................................Pink Kush(Faerie)...................................................Xsis Reinn(Malboro)
Mature Rudlum(Ultros).......................................Magical Pony(Sargatanas).....................................Meg Solkryss(Cactuar)............................................Athrun Zolza(Exodus)
Issac Direstone(Jenova)......................................Kynd Koena(Exodus).............................................Knighthawk Lionheart(Balmung)..............................Olyver White(Coeurl)
Riepah Redeemer(Cactuar).................................Vaclue Aldarian(Malboro)......................................Wildjenna Darkstorm (Cerberus).............................Rende Crow(Malboro)
50. Tiger Lilley(Behemoth)..................................100. Albion Moonlight(Brynhildr)............................150. Rhae Targaryen(Excalibur)...............................200. Robas Kebas(Odin)

Signatures 201-???.

Aislin Delhir(Excalibur)
Voarty Fluffy(Adamantoise)
Jubilant Owl(Siren)
Annie Oakley(Adamantoise)
Athaleiya Eclesiance(Leviathan)
Drid Woodhoft (Coeurl)
King Adunis(Coeurl)
Piper Bell(Coeurl)
Plumpy Mcduff(Coeurl)
Toodles Mcduff(Coeurl)
Saedrin Nightfury(Coeurl)
Shiroi Tsubasa(Ultros)
Onimaru Tararu(Leviathan)
Risika Alomeigne(Brynhildr)
Justin Tymes(Behemoth)
Kikori Lyehga(Sargatanas)
Rashi Shadowblade(Shiva)
Aibohphobia Bob(Cerberus)
Sandra Dalvia(Adamantoise)
Seigyoku Cypher(Sargatanas)
Kitty Softpaw(Excalibur)
Zazie Rainyday(Jenova)
Shanoa Branford(Gilgamesh)
Wigett Digett(Excalibur)
Chauntry Bengtsson(Ultros)
Yshelle Dawnholder(Diabolos)
Tictania Luzzilu(Jenova)
Varina Vashai(Hyperion)
Aleczan Knighthill(Ragnarok)
Hyunckel Xanadu(Ragnarok)
Xuthus Qelami(Sargatanas)
Eirwen Mackenzie(Excalibur)
Rena Ryuugu(Couerl)
Reynhart Kristensen(Ragnarok)
Nahla Tishatar(Leviathan)
Azan Katazan(Faerie)
Luci'lle Riot(Lamia)
Aetheric Might(Lamia)
Rikku Rapture(Gilgamesh)
Fayden Vortes(Leviathan)
Iagainsti Kilamanjiro(Zalera)
Rosa Blanche(Malboro)
Cael'ureos Heavenscar(Midgardsormr)
Blue Castle(Ultros)
Lady Sefia(Leviathan)

I have compiled a list of suggestions that people have come up with through the entirety of this thread, as I know noone wants to read through 100+ pages.
Important: This is just a review of suggestions that have been offered. I remain neutral on these, and this in no way affects the original post. Signing this petition does not mean signing off on these suggestions, only the ones in the letter above. This suggestion list below is merely for convenience's sake.

Suggestion List

1. Right-click report button.
2. Custom /tell filters.
3. Level gating on /tells (not able to whisper unless level X)
4. Filters on who is allowed to whisper you. (I.E. only friends.)
5. Ban buyers.
6. Ban sellers(already being done.)
7. Ban suppliers/bots.
8. PLEX type system.
9. Hire more staff dedicated to fixing this problem.
10. Time limit on number of characters that can be made on an account(I.E. one character per 24 hour lockout.)
11. Allow add-on support.
12. Implement an economic system where it's not profitable for RMTs to operate.
13. Increase blacklist capacity
14. Increase efficiency of removing people from blacklist(ability to remove groups at a time, or your entire blacklist.)
15. Make it only one click to deny friend requests.
16. CAPTCHA type recognition system to differentiate bots from humans.
17. Involve players in the tracking down and disposal of RMT(Giving certain players GM power against RMT, with strict limitations on their permissions.)
18. Monsters killing bots ala Goblins in FFXI.
19. Option settings for whether to allow Friend requests, FC invites, party invites, etc.
20. Throttling the rate at which /tell messages can be sent.
21. Give the "viewing cutscene" status the same effects as "busy" status, e.g. no /tell messages, Friend requests, etc.
22. Modified versions of /busy (e.g. blocking /tell while allowing party invites)
23. Allow for an /anon status, which would essentially work like putting yourself on a do not call list.

[Blissa]

I 100% agree all that RMT spam is going to cripple the game for new players. If you leave tells on and some one sends you a genuine tell, your going to have to scroll up to read it because of the 3 or 4 RMT spam tells you received right after the tell.

[Kio]

I know of a handful of players whom just recently started the game due to the last free weekend event. The only thing I ever hear these new customers mutter is the astonishment of the sheer amount of /tell and /shout spam and dismay as to why nothing is being done about it. They bring up instances wherein other MMOs they play have been able to axe the problem completely. They report to me that it is something really distracting from their enjoyment of the game. I'm afraid these new friends of mine may discontinue play with the spam as one of the major deciding factors of that. It's sad that the reputation that people are walking away with when they try this game isn't the beauty of the graphics, the gameplay, the good storylines, or anything that has made 14 successful up until this point - it's the gilseller spam and the lack of response that they'll remember and share with others whom ask them about their experience here.

[Quesse]

What else can you say?

I agree completely that it is a major problem.

Filtering /tells so that you only receive them from people on your friends list would also go a long way.

Completely disagree with this solution.

[Elusana_Celah]

Yeah the solution is NOT to make the players able to filter /tells to friends only. I really really would not be able to tolerate friend request spam from the gil sellers and that would likely finally push me to quit.

[Kagalli]

Can't SE just ban their IP? Or do they use some sort of a VPN?

[Keyah]

I imagine that the /tell filtering would be an optional thing you can do in the config menu.

I'm fully supportive of this incentive. Even if not necessarily the actions detailed in this thread, but SOMETHING has to be done about the RMT spam.

[Jamein]

Honestly, I do feel for everyone who has this, I get like 2 maybe 3 a week on Pheonix.

However the threads on the forums are becoming just as frequent, and whats strange it's like you all think SE is completely oblivious to the RMT problems. I get it, they are keeping silent and it's annoying as hell, but they won't make any announcements on it until they actually have a workable solution.

I'm also against the whole no /tells from people unless they are on your friends list. As I said, the RMT isnt an issue on my server so it's not something I would want to use, or for other people on the server to use if i wanted to contact them. I realise that sounds selfish but I would prefer an alternative solution.

Not that I have a better one :P

[Elusana_Celah]

:P

Them choosing to keep silent about it is more frustrating to us than the gil seller tells. It tells us that SE likely doesn't consider this a big deal... probably because the JA servers don't have gil seller issues. It's just these NA gamers and their desire for instant gratification buying all the gil and pulling in gil sellers. So now SE is faced with a decision of whether or not to care about a NA-specific problem.

[Kagalli]

On Excalibur it's like 4 or 5 tells every hour, sometimes more, it's annoying.