Is moderation in this game a joke?

[ichigooo_milk]

I feel like I have to specify that I have been playing this game for about 2 years. I'm caught up with everything, do a little raiding, crafting, fishing. I do have very good friends, and the reason why I chose Balmung is that I have made a character there when I was in free trial to play with a friend and join their FC. So I'm definitely not a new user. My habits in the game is to craft and hang out in Limsa, but when I do go to Balmung for things or to meet with other friends, it always is just annoying that whenever I go there and find unsavory people spouting off some clearly deranged things and displaying off-putting behavior. I am aware that Balmung is the sex hub as another poster said, and no I don't purposefully go there to get my wokie self triggered like wolwosh said. But I feel like I have to reiterate that I am not the only one in my circles that have been reporting, and as a collective we feel like nothing is being done.

[LianaThorne]

I feel like I have to specify that I have been playing this game for about 2 years. I'm caught up with everything, do a little raiding, crafting, fishing. I do have very good friends, and the reason why I chose Balmung is that I have made a character there when I was in free trial to play with a friend and join their FC. So I'm definitely not a new user. My habits in the game is to craft and hang out in Limsa, but when I do go to Balmung for things or to meet with other friends, it always is just annoying that whenever I go there and find unsavory people spouting off some clearly deranged things and displaying off-putting behavior. I am aware that Balmung is the sex hub as another poster said, and no I don't purposefully go there to get my wokie self triggered like wolwosh said. But I feel like I have to reiterate that I am not the only one in my circles that have been reporting, and as a collective we feel like nothing is being done.

So, what would your ideal solution be? Perma ban everyone or?

[Jojoya]

But I feel like I have to reiterate that I am not the only one in my circles that have been reporting, and as a collective we feel like nothing is being done.

What do you think the GMs could be doing that would make a true difference?

People will be people. The GMs can and will take action within the rules and policies they have been told to follow if someone is reported for behavior that is a clear violation. But they cannot make racists/homophobes/bigots/etc. change who they are.

Hopefully the number of people who act in such ways will diminish over time but human society is unlikely to ever be rid of them entirely. There will always be those who are ignorant and vocal. And those individuals will occasionally be found in online gaming just as they are found in other places like politics.

The best course of action is to not give those types of individuals power over you. Again: report, blacklist, and move on. If you notice them mainly congregating in certain areas, avoid going to those areas (unless a quest is specifically taking you there) if you're not capable of ignoring shout or say.