Guild Wars 2

Thankfully, I have not encountered much verbal abuse in the Guild Wars community. However, I have had some pretty vile encounters. I feel like the report option for verbal abuse is lacking. Verbal abuse comes in many forms, and I feel like we need to have the ability to specify WHY we are reporting someone for this, and what kind of abuse they are engaging in.
For example, today a group of players in Lion’s Arch were saying very vile, sexist things about women. When people politely asked them to either stop or take their conversation to a more private chat (Whisper or Party for instance), they refused, insulted those who asked them to quit, and continued.
I reported these people, but I wish I had been able to provide some detail into the issue. Therefore, I suggest that you add sub-categories after someone selects “verbal abuse” for a report—sexual harassment, sexism, racism, attacking a religious group, profanity, homophobia/transphobia, violent threats, and general harassment. By being able to select one of these, the team who looks at reports would get a little more upfront information.

Or accept that stupid people do and say stupid things and if ignored like they should be they would become IRRELEVANT?

People that are offended by words are the reason why stupid people attempt to offend. Creating separate classes of offense won’t change a thing. Of this I’m sure. Let the idiot fall on his own sword.

Unless the goal is to create a big brother in the form of ANET.

If you don’t like what someone is saying, block them. This isn’t North Korea where ANet controls what people say. Personally, there shouldn’t even be a report button for “Verbal Abuse” because there is both a block button and a swear filter.

I believe all players have to abide by the terms and conditions of the game which includes conduct towards others.

Just report them – then ignore them, just sit back and wait.
I’m sure ANET has a way of handling the situation – unfortunately it can sometimes take a few days before the reports are acted upon (it’s not instant). They need time to investigate fully.

The same goes for people who spam Lions Arch with “selling gold XXX for $NNN at <>” these people are not complying with the terms of service of the game and will be dealt with.

Just be patient.

I’m always a bit put off by the ‘Verbal Abuse’ tag altogether. Like in your situation, the players weren’t (at least not straight away) verbally abusing you, but their language and their discussion was a clear breach of the ToS.

It would be nice to even be able to add a couple of lines of description, too.

When someone is reported for verbal abuse Anet reviews their chat logs. So there really isn’t a need to add additional descriptors. If the person reported has violated the ToS as evidenced by their chat log they will be dealt with accordingly by Anet via suspensions or possible account termination.

JustTrogdor.7892:

When someone is reported for verbal abuse Anet reviews their chat logs. So there really isn’t a need to add additional descriptors. If the person reported has violated the ToS as evidenced by their chat log they will be dealt with accordingly by Anet via suspensions or possible account termination.

Ah. In that case, you’re correct. I wasn’t certain how the reports were handled.

As for those of you who claim that one should just ignore people who say foul things—I disagree. Games, like guild wars 2, should provide a safe and positive environment for the diverse peoples who play them. Vulnerable groups—women, racial minorities, and so-on, already have to deal with discrimination in daily life. Ideally, an online game should provide an escape from the challenges of real life.

I don’t think it’s oppressive to require the community to treat one another with respect. I don’t think it’s oppressive to punish people for disrespect, or verbal abuse. There are plenty of private ways—whisper, party chat, or guild chat—for people to talk about whatever they want. But when a person is speaking in map chat, they have to consider that their audience goes beyond just their friends. Those who have been victims of abuse or discrimination, and hear similar abuse in chat, can be hurt. Blocking and ignoring is fine, but these people should feel that they are protected—that the community is, for them as well as everyone, an escape.