Niber, can you block all .CN traffic to this site?

LFG · 07-16-2007, 03:23 PM

I received this private, confidential message from one of our users:

Quote:

LFG,

I have a suggestion for you, I am not sure if it is viable. If you have a GeoIP setup just 403 Chinese traffic, or redirect them to a Chinese only forum. I understand it may cut off legitimate gamers, and may be not something you would even consider.

Why I posted this as a PM to you and not in the forums:

As an internet traffic broker (My real life job, I buy and sell traffic for Websites, mainly Adult. I don't want EQ2 Flames members to know about my job since it could lead to ridicule that is not EQ2 related :P) We've deemed traffic from China worthless, we don't even accept traffic from Chinese sources.

I'm asking for user feedback whether I'm a racist for wanting to block all traffic from Mainland China. In my educated and reserarched opinion, I believe there are only a tiny minority of legit players from the People's Republic that play EQ2. I believe greater than >95% of users from Mainland China only access EQ2 for reasons related to the illicit MMO aftermarket (plat sellers and in-game farmers and spammers).

All please note: blocking .CN traffic would not block traffic from any other Asian nation, including Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea, etc. This move would only block Internet traffic from a nation where an EQ2 subscription would cost up to one week's pay for an average user. Please understand the difference between .CN traffic and other Asian traffic before you call me a racist or tell me I'm wrong about what I've posted above.

Thank you

Khalan · 07-16-2007, 03:29 PM

seems overkill imho.

LFG · 07-16-2007, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Khalan

seems overkill imho.

Can anyone show me just *one* legit player who plays EQ2 from inside Mainland China as an actual player, and not as a plat farmer?

Free site title to anyone who can. I'll need to be able to resolve the user's IP number on this site for you to prove this to me.

Letum · 07-16-2007, 03:35 PM

I see no harm in this. I say go for it.

Morara · 07-16-2007, 03:36 PM

Gameboy was a good guy, but I don't think he plays anymore!

Kisy · 07-16-2007, 03:37 PM

I thought I knew one - but then we found out he was farming named - then got account blocked for farming

(To be honest I really dont think there are. Its really sad because it would make it difficult for anyone to come in say that they do live and have thier ip in China - and be considered a serious player.It may be good IF THERE IS a serious player that they PM you LFG - only because I am not so sure that they would be believed.

Bitmap · 07-16-2007, 03:38 PM

I don't think its racist at all, you are singling out a known nuisance. you have to balance the rights of the individual with the good of the whole. it is unfortunate if this action inconveniences a few legitimate players, however the annoyance of spam for plat parasites which is the majority of the traffic outweighs this.

Snark · 07-16-2007, 03:38 PM

how much of your time each day is consumed in managing disruptive users with a .cn ip?

LFG · 07-16-2007, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snark

how much of your time each day is consumed in managing disruptive users with a .cn ip?

I think the better question is, can anyone show me a single user inside the People's Republic of China who plays EQ2 legitimately, for the purposes intended by SoE?

I'm convinced that I spend more time dealing with .CN farmers and plat sellers (actual and suspected) on this site than I do providing content and a right to be heard to legitimate .CN players.

I would end this tirade if just one actual, legit EQ2 player from inside Mainland China posts that he or she uses this site and is not involved in the illicit secondary MMO market. Again, I'd need to be able to resolve the IP to verify the claim.

Kyrsten · 07-16-2007, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LFG

Can anyone show me just *one* legit player who plays EQ2 from inside Mainland China as an actual player, and not as a plat farmer?

I can - We have two people in guild who live in China and play (and aren't farmers) regularly. They aren't members here so I can't prove it by IP resolution, but they told us up front they were from China when they asked to join the guild. It's obvious they speak English as a second language, but they are pretty decent people and have tried to help out where possible.

That being said, players like the two in my guild most certainly seem to be the exception to the rule.