Tuesday, August 14, 2007

What's In A Name?

I recently started an Alliance character to level up with my kids. I chose a dwarf hunter and named him "Whatsfordinr". I really grew to like the name, especially when I got the ability to train pets. My Ice Claw Bear I named "Chickenagain". I really enjoyed seeing it on the screen next to my own name.

"Whatsfordinr - Chickenagain"

Then I made the long trek to Wailing Caverns (with a high-level friend) to train a raptor that I wanted to use in Warsong Gulch. I named him "Hordemeat". I really love my litte Hordemeat, and we got quite a few compliments on the name combination from fellow WSG teammembers.

Subsequently, when in front of the Ironforge bank, I got my first ever message from a Gamemaster. I was going to be disconnected in 15 seconds, and I should check the email account of the registered user for further information.

When I got booted and checked my email, I was shocked to find out that someone had reported my name as being offensive/taking away from their role playing experience and that I would have to choose a new one. I fail to see what was offensive about my (old) name, and am perplexed as to why it might "take someone out of the RP experience" !!! I have seen myriad player names and even many NPC names that are far worse in that respect. It's sad that someone spent the time to complain about "Whatsfordinr's" name. It makes me want to report others, but this would only screw others who I'm sure were not the one(s) who complained about my name. I'm confidant that the complainer's name is RP-respectfully derived from latin, italian, greek or japanese. I also wonder whether the GM's actually consider whether the name violates their policy or if they just strip any non-latin (etc.) name that is complained about. What is it with some people?? DOH!!

Okay, it's out of my system now.

In conclusion, because I was in a bit of a rush to get back into the game, I didn't give much thought to my dwarf hunters new name: "Olddwarf" - as in old dwarf (hey, he has grey hair, and I'm kinda old too). "Olddwarf" doesn't sound as good as the old name when he runs with Chickenagain and Hordemeat - but I still like him anyway.

Monday, August 13, 2007

Three Accounts Strong

My household now has three WoW accounts. After the transfer of two high level alliance toons, we all rolled alliance alts to enjoy some of the fruits. I stalled out at level 19 with my dwarf hunter because I'm having too much fun in Warsong Gulch. My son rolled a Pally and we've been having a blast. My daughter a priest, but since she's only level 14, she concentrates on healing in WSG. Since I hate level 19 twink gnome rogues so much, my son and I decided we'll both make one. So far they're very fast/easy to level.