Roleplay Party Finder Account Suspensions

You can be suspended for cussing. A friend said the D word and got a 3 day suspension. Never seen an mmo with such a strict cussing policy.

It doesn't seem like it's the advertisements themselves necessarily. It looks like they check what actually goes on in particular venues, but having "18+" definitely isn't a good look. Advertising these sorts of venues in PF is a big no no.

Mhm, best to link to the basics, if to anything a discord, as discord has very strong rules about nsfw. Carrd is up to the user and there are no disclaimers that you have to agree to about being 18 or older. There are spam rules as well, so be careful about how many times these clubs are being advertised, I have seen a club have 6 or more ads up at once. That could be ruled as spam, and thereby something that could warrant discipline.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by AllieKitz

These sort of reports have been happening for a while to a lot of RP Venues, 18+ and not, regardless of weather or not any rules were broken.

People shouldn't be allowed to go on an angry reporting spree and get people suspended or in trouble cause they...I dunno don't like RP in their RPG?

---

People troll for the hell of it. Welcome to the future once cross-data center visits are open. I've said this before and I know it makes me sound like a crackpot: but there are groups of players giddy about finally being able to go to servers like balmung and just harass roleplay accounts.

Oh no, not the 'us and them' thing. People blaming WoW migrants, other servers, and so on. No need for this. Pure speculation and divisive talk. :c

This game has a real issue with report-happy powertripping people, the likes of which doesn't exist in other MMO's. Idk maybe it's a JRPG thing. This is why I barely craft in public anymore.

I've seen someone report a player for standing by atheryte nd doing a /slap emote to the aetheryte. Some power hungry nerd goes "Enjoy your ban sir!" I said.. "omg did you serusly just report them for standing at the aetheryte and doing an emote?" They go "well I suspect they are running a script to scan for housing plots to become available" LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL no shit.

I've personally witnessed real live humans just crafting get reported for crafting because they were crafting more than 5 minutes and it triggered someone to think they were "craft botting" whatever the heck that is.

Saw people on many occasions get reported for very very mundane and casual chat and discussion for disagreeing with someone even very diplomatically.

People will get triggered by sitting on ledges glitch and even by sitting on benches as intended. Players will report for even using the game's built-in emotes and built-in macro system, I've seen it happen. Totally unhinged and out of control.

In a decade of playing ESO I've reported only 1 thing ever lol (and it was a guild not even a person that thought it'd be funny to name their guild "we hate women and minorities" lol), truly amazed people go so far out of the way in FF14 to report every single thing they mildly disagree with when it affects them zero.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DerpyWhiskers

This game has a real issue with report-happy powertripping people, the likes of which doesn't exist in other MMO's. Idk maybe it's a JRPG thing. This is why I barely craft in public anymore.

I've seen someone report a player for standing by atheryte nd doing a /slap emote to the aetheryte. Some power hungry nerd goes "Enjoy your ban sir!" I said.. "omg did you serusly just report them for standing at the aetheryte and doing an emote?" They go "well I suspect they are running a script to scan for housing plots to become available" LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL no shit.

I've personally witnessed real live humans just crafting get reported for crafting because they were crafting more than 5 minutes and it triggered someone to think they were "craft botting" whatever the heck that is.

Saw people on many occasions get reported for very very mundane and casual chat and discussion for disagreeing with someone even very diplomatically.

People will get triggered by sitting on ledges glitch and even by sitting on benches as intended. Players will report for even using the game's built-in emotes and built-in macro system, I've seen it happen. Totally unhinged and out of control.

In a decade of playing ESO I've reported only 1 thing ever lol (and it was a guild not even a person that thought it'd be funny to name their guild "we hate women and minorities" lol), truly amazed people go so far out of the way in FF14 to report every single thing they mildly disagree with when it affects them zero.

---

I agree totally. I think people are too much of a busy body in this game.

"+18, drinks, (E)RP, brothels , links to massive degen discords where people uploads tons of porn of FFXIV game .. yeah.. why we got banned wtf?"

Even if that isn't your case, this need to stop at some point, most of people already crossed the line long time ago.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Valkyrie_Lenneth

Yes, in a private setting. The party finder is not that

---

Also, GMs check logs.
If the "profanity" is being posted in a public chat it's no longer "private".
I'm aware not every venue reported had anything to do with profanity, in which case it really is worth complaining, but you can't just say "nuh-uh it was in my private estate for interested parties only", specially when it's a house technically anyone can enter if they get there.

As someone who was here during the original wave of this stuff going down, it was pretty much confirmed that anything that references as an adult only event is at risk for being hit with a visit to gaol. There are also people who are hell bent on going to venues, trapping workers into engaging with them and then reporting them for the contents of said conversation. Unfortunately there's no much that can be done about this as it is a violation of the ToS ultimately, as the game is not rated for adults only. Conversations being not rated is not for your protection, it's for Square's in the event something major happens.

I would not list stuff as 18+ or involving adult content unless you're consenting to the potential risks that come with it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kidria

It's not just the wrongful suspension on these people that's having attention called for to it, but also the actions of the GM itself. There is little to no evidence given by the GM, no actual attempt to explain the violation or even link the behavior to a violation. Not to mention, for the two people mentioned in the OP's post, these weren't even given the chance to be spoken to. They were just suspended at 3AM/4AM. The GM handling this appears to be the same one that did similar abuses of power in the past and now, even after the devs gave the OK for mature RP spaces to exist, continues to do so.

Bringing in the game's rating means little when the game itself includes highly mature themes such as suicide, enslavement, rape, torture, murder, sex/child trafficking, child abuse and child endangerment. These are infinitely darker and far more damaging of scenarios than RP venues promoting sex-positive spaces. In fact, the inclusion of "18+"/"21+" warnings is more adherent to the rating of the game than not including them.

ERP or mature RP in itself is not wrong between consenting players. By having the warning in PFs for venues, it paints a clear picture of the maturity needed to consent to these RP. Calling it a profanity is inane. Ageism doesn't apply when complying to stated rules and laws.

The GM handing out these suspensions is abusing rank and power and, once again, needs to be taken down and take responsibility for the abuse. Considering this is the second string of like abuse, the GM in question really should not be allowed to decide in, mediate, or interact with the player base.

---

It's completely an ESRB thing. Or rather, not so much the ESRB-- Square isn't worried about the US ratings system specifically-- but rather the game's PEGI rating, the European and satellites equivalent. The US tends to not really give a shit once the ESRB rating is issued as long as you can avoid headline scandals, but other countries are not as lenient. Australia, in particular, is notoriously censorious in these matters... and happens to be where Square is investing a tremendous amount of money later this month opening new logical data centers. That's why we're suddenly seeing a crackdown.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Driavna

I need to remind this to people:



Original: https://www.cgmagonline.com/intervie...naoki-yoshida/

So, if your venue offer "mature" services once reported you get a suspension. Get enough suspensions and your account go bye bye. Also, even if you put that kind of information outside the game if the person that reported you provide links and a GM consider those valid that stuff will be used against you.

It's like putting a lew pic on twitter with your char name/server on them. SE will ban that person.

---

That's pretty open and shut, then. The GM decided the PF was being used to advertise a virtual brothel (which, checking the carrd, is... correct), and that is something that is not allowed under the EULA.

Welp.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Katie_Kitty

"I wouldn't recommend advertising"


oh, okay, so RP events can only be spread through word of mouth. That seems very strange to me. The GMs should reconsider their highly antagonistic posture toward the game's RP community.

---

Hey, I'm actually the player in that screenshot. I threw up two partyfinders that day, one for my friend and I's venue (not marked as 18+) and one for my FC and winery/spa/restaurant RP venue. I also want to mention that I appealed the ban and cited the lodestone article on the 'other' category, and my ban appeal was denied and they said it stood. What really bothers me is the lack of explanation and how unclear the rules are. I hope Square Enix rethinks this policy or at least explains their logic so others can avoid this in the future. This is also my first infraction during my time in Eorzea, and my first time spent in DM jail ended with a 3-day ban. Seems a bit unfair to me and has honestly diminished a lot of joy I have for this game.

Our circle's take-away from this is any kind of partyfinder listing for RP is NOT okay, despite it being unclear in the rules. We're also discussing telling people to remove anything explicit/ERP related from their carrds as a preventative measure.

Time for serious action to be taken against that GM.

inb4 these people had urls in their advertisements linking to sites with adult content, like last time this topic surfaced.

It’s probably already been said, but it bears repeating:

It’s not just the physical card advertisement itself, but the actual content going on at your venue that can cause a ban. There is nothing to block minors or people who would take offense like the real world, so should one of those individuals come to your event and report inappropriate goings on/language, there is no shelter/“in the privacy of my house”/“but we said 18+ only”.

If a GM teleports to your venue and pokes around they can similarly take action. They could similarly take outside of game information into account.

Not that I agree or disagree (my actual opinion is apathetic), just that those are the rules.

Still funny to me, that people assume an age rating would keep minors from partaking.

Have none of you been a minor yourself? :D

Anyway, you and your buddies will survive the 3 days!

I think, it's time to come up with another sort of advertising, eh? ^^

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DerpyWhiskers

[..]even by sitting on benches as intended[..]

---

uh hello, this is like, MY bench?? hello??? can you like, not sit here? gosh...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by LittleImp

inb4 these people had urls in their advertisements linking to sites with adult content, like last time this topic surfaced.

---

someone on the second page mentioned that their carrd explicitly states the ERP services they offer, so :P

just curious, but how are you verifying the whole 18+?
how are you verifying that everyone attending is consenting?

for all you know, some stranger could have shown up because they were bored on a friday night and reported something they took offense at. "saw this thing on PF, I showed up and ewww..." *reported*

after the last round of this I thought it was pretty clear that advertising RP anything, especially 18+ was a poor idea and would result in a vacation.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kes13a

just curious, but how are you verifying the whole 18+?
how are you verifying that everyone attending is consenting?

for all you know, some stranger could have shown up because they were bored on a friday night and reported something they took offense at. "saw this thing on PF, I showed up and ewww..." *reported*

after the last round of this I thought it was pretty clear that advertising RP anything, especially 18+ was a poor idea and would result in a vacation.

---

As a 4 year old, i can verify they do not card at the door. They even offered me a beer. Shocked, i reported it to the paw patrol. I have to assume it worked, because here they are complaining about a ban for it.

Suck it up, take your suspension. My god, it's what, three days?

Nah, wait, it's smarter to try to Internet-lawyer your way out of it, to "prove" you didn't do anything wrong and, what, motivate #socialchange?

It's a friggin 3-day suspension for inappropriate behavior. Eat humble pie and ease off on your adverts. Duh.

I know it is probably to protect the reporters from retaliation but it is a very easily abusable rule that GM's don't have to tell you exactly why you are being punished. This GM in particular seemed very adamant on doling out the punishment without clarifying why in any facet, and considering what the ad was about, was just a misuse of power. We've gotten a number of good changes to the ToS, but letting GM's run amok like this needs to be one of the next ones to change.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by AllieKitz

These sort of reports have been happening for a while to a lot of RP Venues, 18+ and not, regardless of weather or not any rules were broken.

People shouldn't be allowed to go on an angry reporting spree and get people suspended or in trouble cause they...I dunno don't like RP in their RPG?

---

The main problem I see is that adult venues in game are not barred behind a separate legal disclaimer so that SE cannot be hold liable if a minor ends up seeing explicit content. Realistically, everything in the game is accessible to you once you have accepted their terms of use, so there's no way to hold specific individuals liable if they unexpectedly facilitate that explicit content to a minor, putting SE in hot water if they refuse to act upon a request to remove content or actions not permitted in their own ToS and beyond the legal age restriction limit of the game.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Valkyrie_Lenneth

ERP and advertised erp are different things tho no?

Game is 13+ in the US. Image matters for publicity.

---

Tell that to the multitude of 18+ FCs listed on community finder.

I'm drawing one of two conclusions TBH.

Either there's a GM who has it out for RP/ERP, or it's a crackdown on public NSFW content as a result of the recent heavy investment into the Oceania region (Australia has infamously censorious laws on anything NSFW).

Personally, I would encourage venues that offer ERP services to err on the side of caution and not link anything out of game that could be NSFW into a public space. Outright advertising an ERP venue (and linking to NSFW content, even if it's just a carrd) is inevitably going to draw negative attention, so it be may be best to exercise a measure of discretion.

However, I do agree that the instance regarding a non-NSFW venue being targeted merits further investigation.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Imora

Tell that to the multitude of 18+ FCs listed on community finder.

---

Are they advertising digital brothels? If so, they're taking their accounts into their hands with those postings.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ElysiumDragon

or it's a crackdown on public NSFW content as a result of the recent heavy investment into the Oceania region (Australia has infamously censorious laws on anything NSFW).

---

Ding ding ding. This is also part of why they're leery of turning on the "visit other regions" function when Datacenter Travel goes live.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Imora

Tell that to the multitude of 18+ FCs listed on community finder.

---

There is no need to tell them anything. If anyone were to join that community and make a report for inappropriate behavior, that “18+” rating offers no protection. It is literally meaningless other than to broadcast that they want to operate under the assumption that mature adults can enjoy the company of other adults..and in most cases all the more power to them.

That said, they are in no way above or immune to the rules just because they make some janky claim.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Imora

Tell that to the multitude of 18+ FCs listed on community finder.

---

I cant be 100% sure, but pretty sure there is a difference between an 18+ FC in community finder, and advertising an 18+ event in party finder.

and I am serious about the not sure part, not being sarcastic. I believe they would view a difference between a community, which would normally have some kind of gatekeeping requirements, and an open event where anyone can attend. but even then, if you join and FC you can still report what you would consider offensive behaviour according to the new ToS, though really, if you joined it, be kinda stupid to do so. (and thats a general 'you' not you personally). would be like joining an FC named Lawrence Welk Fans, and being offended they dont play reggae or something...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SturmChurro

It doesn't seem like it's the advertisements themselves necessarily. It looks like they check what actually goes on in particular venues, but having "18+" definitely isn't a good look. Advertising these sorts of venues in PF is a big no no.

---

Yep, it's amazing many assume GMs aren't players of the game themselves, a good amount are are. They have invisible mode and check things out on their own or to investigate a report. Nonetheless like we all been saying, people put themselves at substantial risk advertising 18+ content in the game freely to everyone in the data center. This isn't a linkshell or a band of RP friends.

I never use the PF because of this. I do not risk my account just because a GM had a bad day.

Cheers

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SturmChurro

It doesn't seem like it's the advertisements themselves necessarily. It looks like they check what actually goes on in particular venues, but having "18+" definitely isn't a good look. Advertising these sorts of venues in PF is a big no no.

---

If that's the case, are we not allowed to swear in our own FC house if the door is open? That's the worst of what goes on in our establishment, as we follow the rules for NO ERP in public. If they are investigating the inner workings and people are swearing, then is that the issue, or selling 'pixel' drinks as someone so lightly put it. Or is it linking the carrd, because if it's -that- then other people need to be aware of it, because I doubt the thousand some people who have something suggestive in their personal and venue carrds had no idea it was against the rules. Clarification is needed to prevent people from breaking the rules. How can we follow what isn't laid out clearly?

Some people are spiteful and will do whatever to "make it right." For the time being, everyone should cool off, take a small break, and return to the game at a later time. I fear this will not be your last rodeo, and it's a shame these things happen.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by milkhorn

If that's the case, are we not allowed to swear in our own FC house if the door is open? That's the worst of what goes on in our establishment, as we follow the rules for NO ERP in public. If they are investigating the inner workings and people are swearing, then is that the issue, or selling 'pixel' drinks as someone so lightly put it. Or is it linking the carrd, because if it's -that- then other people need to be aware of it, because I doubt the thousand some people who have something suggestive in their personal and venue carrds had no idea it was against the rules. Clarification is needed to prevent people from breaking the rules. How can we follow what isn't laid out clearly?

---

Speaking again from the original occurrence of this:

- Carrds can be used as evidence in cases like this if they are provided by the PF advertiser themselves. They won't take it as evidence otherwise.

- Swearing and providing brothel services are not the same thing, not sure why that's being debated. But if we wanna split hairs here, yeah you can get reported for using foul language in general. Speaking as someone who has had personal experience with that.

- Bar/Pub/Lounge settings are not the issue, what they specifically latch onto is advertising as 18+ and providing public proof of ERP services when reviewing reports.

So again, in regards to PF advertisements, drop the 18+ tags and drop the carrds that publicly display that you're offering brothel services unless you are fine with potentially encountering problems because of it. Some people out there are very intent on removing the nightlife scene from the game entirely and use that as a way to do it.

I think it's pretty funny that this thread happens, then we see several accounts with either single digit posts or brand new ones just appearing onto the scene. Certainly, these people do not have a horse in this race, amirite? GM did nothing wrong.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by milkhorn

If that's the case, are we not allowed to swear in our own FC house if the door is open?

---

You're not allowed to swear even if you are in your private house and the door is locked.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bsrking5

You're not allowed to swear even if you are in your private house and the door is locked.

---

I mean yes but the mental image is hilarious to me.

Shut the door, turn the lock, and scream a word of your choosing… then a gm pops in, as if summoned.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Hierro

I think it's pretty funny that this thread happens, then we see several accounts with either single digit posts or brand new ones just appearing onto the scene. Certainly, these people do not have a horse in this race, amirite? GM did nothing wrong.

---

Okay, I joined before you, does that mean my voice weighs heavier than yours? Or is it because your post count is higher, yours means more than mine?
Weird stance to take just to rule out the overwhelming majority of the community but you do you.

Most people don't have a reason to post on the forums. I would suspect it's not every day someone in their community gets suspended.

These threads are always hilarious. The sooner the people who run these brothels are perma-banned the better.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Valkyrie_Lenneth

Apparently you missed the several sections on their site listing ERP services with "escorts", even for groups.

Its not only a brothel, but it most definitely is one.

---

I've been to the event. Twice. "Escorts" have to be requested and are in private rooms. The event is a fight club.

Why do you care so much about what adults do with other adults in private spaces?