How to handle in-game stalkers?

[jars]

blacklist and ignore is a terrible solution in my eyes. these people need to be told that this behavior is not acceptable and possibly reprimanded

[Marael]

blacklist and ignore is a terrible solution in my eyes. these people need to be told that this behavior is not acceptable and possibly reprimanded

Exactly. I find that when you ignore a stalker, or even when you tell him that it makes you uncomfortable or whatnot, it just emboldens him. I've dealt with a stalker in RL, and ignoring him didn't work at all. Telling him to leave me alone, threatening to call the police, none of that had any effect because he thought I was playing with him. He was absolutely shocked when I actually did have him arrested and got a restraining order. He thought I was playing the game with him up to then. He thought I was just trying to make the game more fun. If a stalker doesn't get harsh punishment from those in authority, he's not going to stop. Ever. That's just how the stalker mentality works. I would state in your next GM call that if SE is not going to do anything about it, you're going to go to the authorities over the matter. There's a page on the FBI.gov website about what constitutes cyber stalking, I'm not in a position where I can look up the exact link for you right now (funny that the work internet filter cuts out the FBI but not the FFXIV forums, eh?), but just using their search function should bring it up. They'll have instructions on what to do if you feel that you're being stalked. Stalking is a crime. Whether it be out in the real world, or online. You should not have to put up with it, and if the authorities within FFXIV will do nothing about it, you should certainly go to a higher authority. That behavior is unacceptable, and you should not have to put up with it for any reason, or under any circumstances. And don't let ANYONE tell you otherwise. You have a right to live your life free of fear, discomfort, or any other emotion this person evokes within you. It's not your fault he's an asshole that doesn't understand boundaries or social civility, it's his, and if he is not punished for it he will never stop. He probably doesn't even understand that he's doing anything wrong, and thinks that you're just playing the game with him. He will never know that his behavior is unacceptable until someone with authority steps in and makes him stop.

[Arkine]

blacklist and ignore is a terrible solution in my eyes. these people need to be told that this behavior is not acceptable and possibly reprimanded

Are you under the impression that he isn't aware that his behavior is wrong? Chances are hes fully aware that hes being a creep. It just doesn't bother him. Ignoring him is the best solution you got if you can't get a GM to handle him and every new character he makes if his gets banned.

It's a lot like a skinner box. Responding to his harassment is his reward. Ignore him and he'll eventually give up.