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05/21/2008
Box still turning off 'gay' dudes
Remember last week when we told you that Microsoft had disallowed a gamer from using "theGAYERgamer" as his Xbox Live handle? Well it seems that the service's "gay" ban is even more restrictive than initially thought. Kotaku now brings us the news that a man named Richard Gaywood has had his OWN LEGAL NAME rejected by the service:
Xbox Live "Gay" Crackdown MIGHT Be Getting A Little Out Of Hand [Kotaku]
In retaliation, we at G-A-Y are instructing all gay males to reject any plaything who, during the course of having their joystick fondled, remains both "micro" and "soft."
**UPDATE, 5/22: Microsoft Explains "Gaywood" Ban [Kotaku]
Your thoughts
You know, I'm fairly willing to give MS the benefit of the doubt on this one. I mean, come on: Dick Gay Wood? That's the kind of name people try to make up! And MS is damned gay-friendly in its practices.
Even the best intentions sometimes go awry, J.
Posted by: Jamie | May 21, 2008 9:33:22 AM
Yea, I don't by any means think it's a huge thing worthy of rebellion. To me it just shows that they need to rethink their approval process.
The same thing happens with other services all the time. This site has been blacklisted by MANY services who have an all-out ban on gay content (usually do to ultra-restrictive third-party filters). I have had to negotiate with more than a few tech people to get them to make exceptions so that we could use their services (most recently with the Hulu video service).
So yea, I don't think it's indicative of M'soft being cruel or homophobic. But it is a discussion worth having.
Posted by: G-A-Y | May 21, 2008 9:40:47 AM
In the discussion (follow the articles and you'll get to http://www.stepto.com/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=434 >this thread, and I found this comment in particular to be hilarious:
Someone explain to me why my gamertag "placenta poboy" was banned. I can't find anything about it that violates the terms of service. It's merely a sandwich that is made of placenta. In fact, when I went to change my name to "placenta", it said that this name is already taken but suggested I use the name"ChewyPlacenta".
What gives?
Clearly it all depends on who reports what. If you find an offensive gamertag, report it. The Termsofuse are clearly stated.
Posted by: Jamie | May 21, 2008 9:50:45 AM
Going a bit off-topic, but ChewyPlacenta is probably the best username imaginable.
Posted by: | May 21, 2008 10:55:10 AM
Don't like 'micro' and/or 'soft.'' Pretty picky...or should that be pricky. Anyway I have cousins name gotobed, suppose they couldn't use tht either. The family rumor is that one committed suicide!
Posted by: LOrion | May 21, 2008 11:35:40 AM
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