Server rules Options

[Robert]

An the laugh train rolls on.
The newest bit of humor comes from the change to the MOB server rules.

1st a little history.
The original server rules came about from a discussion after a few players were kicked off the server for dubious reasons.
During the course of the discussion, a decision was made that MOB should come up with a list of server rules so there would clear guidelines as to what was acceptable an unacceptable behavior.
At the end of the discussion, I was asked to come up with an initial sample list of server rules.
After coming up with the sample set of possible server rules, I started a new discussion to get feedback from other members for suggestions, comments.
Following that discussion, where EVERY member ( MOB and Reg ) was given the opportunity to participate in the discussion, a finalized list of server rules was posted.

For those who missed it, the key word today boys and girls is discussion.
discussion - an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic, an exchange of views on some topic

I only bring this up after two MOB members mentioned how funny it was that the server rules were changed without any discussion.
http://mobclan.com/druid/rules.jpg

Without a doubt, the funniest change was the rule regarding profanity.
Apparently without any discussion it went form this
Profanity
Although we don't consider the {MOB} servers as G- rated, excessive or constant use of profanity is not allowed
to
Profanity
Althought we don't consider the MOB servers as G-rated, excessive or constant use of profanity is not allowed in chat or players names.
Any language that may be regarded as abusive or offensive associated to race, gender, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation will get you kicked or banned.
The 2nd line cracks me up.
When I 1st read it , I thought it sounded like some kind of stupid ACLU Political correctness doublespeak.
Then I did a search with that phrase and found a match with an ACLU news release regarding suggested guidelines for hate speech.
So not only does it sound like ACLU claptrap, it actually is.
Good job New-N-Improved MOB, you've now taken political correctness into the virtual world of online gaming.
It's not the lamest list of server rules I've seen but it does rank up in the top 10.

Let's take a closer look
Race
I don't know about now but didn't MOB use to run a server message stating raciest names or comments would result in a kick or ban. If so, wouldn't this be a little redundant?
Gender
Not sure about the point of this ones since I fail to see how a persons gender has anything to do with a FPS game.
Just to be fair to the ladies, I think everyone should boycott COD:UO , COD2 and COD4 due to the game only has male characters. Really how insensitive is that they are forcing females to play as male characters.
I don't know about you but I'm highly offended, at least MOHAA offered the option of the female French Resistance Manon character.
How sad that gaming has sunk so low over the last few years.
Ethnicity
This makes me wonder if the person understood what defines a person's ethnicity
If they did, they would probably have left it out because it's completely redundant as the very definition of it includes every group already listed in the rules plus any other possible group you could come up with.
Religion
This one brings up an interesting question.
Does this rule only apply to the servers or does it also apply to the forums.
I only ask because I remember a post from someone were they shared their child's cute little Sunday school question about the world. Someone responded that the child was being brainwashed behind the parents back.
So my question is, does a divisive statement like that on the server deserve a kick but is acceptable on the forum?
Then there is the other alternative, it's automatically acceptable regardless of where because an Admin said it and apparently what they say goes.
Sexual Orientation
Again, I fail to see how a person's sexual orientation could possibly have anything to do with a game but you're the boss, so whatever floats your boat.
I guess you could say MOB's official stance is the same as the U.S. Government.
Don't Ask.... Don't Tell.....
Whenever I hear that phrase I always think of the movie "Revenge of the Nerds"
When the group of nerds finally gets accepted as a chapter of the all black fraternity Lambda Lambda Lambda.
The sole Black member chimes in to change the fraternity membership requirements to "or regardless of sexual orientation"
FlashBack with me now to 1984
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkzAJs7NutM
Does that bring back some memories?

Since the New-N-Improved MOB server rules now reflect a whole new level of lame ass political correctness.
I would like to help out by making a few suggestions of other special/protected groups you could add into the rules.

Weight
It's a daily occurrence that someone will tell another player to move their fat ass because said player is blocking a doorway or something.
How sad and uncaring would it be that MOB would allow someone to say something so offensive.
For all anyone knows that may be some grossly obese person who is unable to get out of their house an who's lone enjoyment in life is playing a video game.
Shame on you MOB for not protecting the rights of the grossly obese.
Physical Characteristics
If your going to limit comments which may be seen as offensive to weight, then you may as well include all other possible physical Characteristics. You shouldn't allow any statements which may be deemed as offensive based on physical appearance. This would also ban any discussion of midget tossing.
Newbie's
What about people who simply suck at the game.
Don't you think it's unfair they are often insulted for their inability to play the game well?
Doesn't MOB care about the newbies?
If MOB cared, they would outlaw all mention of an individuals ability or lack there of, in regards to how they play the game.
Age
I see no mention of age.
Surely that doesn't mean MOB supports age based discrimination
Disability
I'm not sure if this would also fall under the previously mentioned "Physical Characteristics" group.
You guys should have a discussion an come to an agreement if physical handicap is already protected under "Physical Characteristics"
Opps sorry, I forgot MOB doesn't have discussions anymore.
Veteran Status
With the current flood of "support the troops" rhetoric
I think it's only appropriate MOB should also ban any speech on the server which could be seen as offensive to those people who have served in the military, past or present.
Just to be safe, you could make that include past, present and possible future military service.
Political Affiliation
While Political Affiliation should be seen as fair game in political debates on the forum, it probably shouldn't be allowed on the server.
Technical Ineptitude
Just because some people are computer illiterate, doesn't mean they deserve to be insulted.
Nationality
I don't know how you could have missed that one.
Mental Defect
If someone suffers from a mental defect ( bipolar ) which results in the person acting like an ass on the server.
Then shouldn't they be allowed to act like an ass, since it's not their fault.
For that matter, what gives anyone else the right to question a player's misbehaviour
Economic Status
It shouldn't matter if you're rich or poor.
Intelligence Level
If someone is acting like a total dumb ass in the game, everyone should be required to ignore them and not mention it. Otherwise you run the risk of insulting someone as they may be a total dumb ass in real life.
Internet Connection.
It's down right discriminatory to mention someone's ping.
It's not their fault their interent connect sucks, so you shouldn't hold that against them.



It's my recommendation to change the rule for profanity to read as follows.
Although we don't consider the MOB servers as G-rated, excessive or constant use of profanity is not allowed in chat or players names.
Any language that may be regarded as abusive or offensive associated to race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, weight, physical characteristics, inability to play the game well, age, disability, veteran status, political affiliation, technical ineptitude, nationality, mental defect, economic status, intelligence level or Internet connection will get you kicked or banned.

It may be a mouth full but the New-N-Improved MOB's level of Political Correctness requires no less.

Just trying to help out and to prove it, even if you don't like my new list of server rules, you should at least spell check the current ones.