Home Security – The Golden Squad
by Burbie52, HSM team writer
I recently went to a film opening bash for PS Talent at the community theater. GlassWalls was there, as were several other well known Home denizens.
It was there that I came to know about a club of very interesting individuals called The Golden Squad. Dressed in their security outfits, they were forming a wall in front of GlassWalls, keeping him from being swarmed by asking people to be nice and step back so that others could have their pictures taken with him, and they eventually got people to form a line and take turns.
I found this whole thing to be fascinating. Here we are, in a virtual reality world, full of thousands of different made-up avatars, yet even in Home, there are certain individuals who are considered VIP’s, and need protection of a sort to help them when on their occasional jaunt into public spaces. And here was a club of individuals who had decided to provide that security, just because they love Home and want it to be a safer and better place, without even being asked. I find this concept for a club to be very unique, so I decided to ask them to explain this to me, and they willingly complied.
Winchester_88 is the leader of this group; he is twenty-three years old and one of the politest young men I have ever had the pleasure to meet in Home, or anywhere else for that matter. The club has twenty-four members so far, but they have only been around for about six months, and they are careful about who they allow to join, for obvious reasons. PinkPanther-20 is the sub-leader and a woman, so there’s no discrimination here. I asked Winchester why he started this club and he told me a story.
GlassWalls and I at PSTalent gala
It seems that awhile back he was sitting in plaza dressed as a female – which he rarely does – and he was approached by a male avatar. After a bit of conversation, this person sent him a message on the XMB asking if he would like to make some money for doing something that wasn’t very nice and strictly against the Terms of Service.
Winchester immediately reported this person, but it got him thinking; what if he had been a twelve-year-old girl instead of a wiser young man; the outcome may have been very different. So he decided to create a group of people who would try to protect others in Home from all of the various types of harassment that are here, and the Golden Squad was born.
They started by finding a few choice recruits, people with the right intent and attitude. They interview all of their recruits and make them prove themselves before allowing them to join. They do this by taking them into plaza and seeing how they handle themselves in a bad situation. Their rules are very simple: respect everyone in Home and be responsible mature citizens.
The members of the special squad include D-Nix, blackjoe63, DB _tha_ king17, J-Irving Jr, shawnbooker, wyldtyng, donovan131, advocatert, and wonkyjkdd. Other members are CASSY_SC234, lilk39b, HATHAWAY_84, Mario_Nelson, GOLD_WOLF46, clareunmetneeds, gost775, sis_a_pink, nukerstar45, southerlady, win32458 and Purplescarlet.
The protection they provide also extends itself into the regular populace. I was told many stories by the group of times when they have stepped in to protect someone being harassed by a troll, or even a mafia-type Fam in Home.
It seems that when they intervene it is with the intent of drawing the perpetrator away from the person onto themselves, so they can report them if necessary, and also to prevent the situation from escalating into something that causes the person being bothered to commit a banning offense. This is often rewarded with thank-yous from the person who was being bothered, and even with offers of friendship.
No Way!! On Patrol
They will go out into Central Plaza and other trolled areas as a group of two or more. They find that someone who is behaving badly will usually stop when confronted by more than one person stepping in; there is strength in numbers. Many of the club members said they also just help out those who seem lost or confused about something in Home, or just sit and talk to a person who is alone and seems sad or down.
I also found out that one of their members is in law enforcement in real life, so this is an extension of what they do in a sense. Through all of this they are helping to create a much more welcoming environment for people here, and I commend them for it.
The Golden Squad has now added a new internal club for groups like PS Talent and others to use for crowd control, in the case of special events. This group is interviewed and screened a second time before admittance. This is a welcome addition for groups who have to use public areas for filming and events. It is a relief to have someone else there to help, so you as a leader of a project don’t have to constantly ask people to move or be respectful.
Home Office for Golden Squad
When I was talking to them, I saw that they referred to themselves as a Fam, not a club. I asked them all what that meant to them, as the word Fam can have a negative connotation in Home. They all said they consider themselves as more than just a club; they consider themselves as a family. They are a very tight-knit group, there for each other in good times and bad, and spend a great deal of time together playing games and talking.
When asked about the future, Winchester said he would love to see this concept taken internationally. They want to become more recognizable on Home, so they don’t need to report people so much, and so they can stop situations just by being there.
I have heard it said by other people that Home needs a visible police force to help out with the bad situations that occur here. In a sense this club is providing that service without any compensation except the knowledge that they have helped someone who needed it. I must say that this is a refreshing change that I hope grows as this club expands its borders.
July 19th, 2011 by Burbie52 | 48 comments
Burbie52 is a 62 year-old published author and founder of the Grey Gamers group within Home. Born and raised in Michigan, she has lived there her entire life, with the exception of a twelve-year residency on the Big Island of Hawaii. She enjoys reading and writing, as well as video games, especially RPG's. She has one son in his twenties.
Sociologically, this is a fascinating case study. While I’m *very* wary of Home vigilantism — because a good idea can all too easily be twisted into something just as bad as what it rallies against — it’s interesting to see groups like this form in response to the lack of any visible police presence in Home, and the myriad sorts of misbehavior that this spawns.
Time and again: when there is no visibly appointed law and order to keep human behavior in check and enforce civility, you see this sort of pattern develop. As long as the behavior doesn’t violate any of Sony’s terms of service — as an example, impersonating a Sony official, which is a reportable offense unto itself — I think the core ethos of something like this is understandable. I’ve seen too many groups similar to this one “fall to the dark side,” so to speak, by getting wrapped up in their own egos rather than trying to help the community. That said, I’ve certainly seen many instances where a Home user is being trolled, and a group of people spontaneously band together to try to defend the victim. In my personal observation, this can sometimes help drive away the troll. Not always, mind you, but sometimes. And the victim is usually grateful for the assistance.
Sure, you could say that such behavior often feeds the troll; but without enhanced blocking features or a visible police presence, Home users will often try to stick up for each other. It’s a thorny situation.
Fascinating article, Burbie.
“It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.”
Theodore Roosevelt
Just always wanted to use that quote.
Olivia, I really enjoyed the quote from Theodore Roosevelt, and I hope all goes well for the Golden Squad. It’s easy to question and complain, but that doesn’t change the situation. At some point words must turn into actions, if we really have a hope of making some type of improvement.
Burbie, I’m a bit curious about the sequence of events here. Are you saying that PS Talent requested the presence of this Golden Squad at their film opening? I’m sure I’m just being dense, but I’m afraid that I don’t see the connection between providing crowd control for high-profile SCEA and Home users, and patrolling Central Plaza to prevent young girls from falling prey to cyber sex. The latter activity brings to mind the Guardian Angels, while the former suggests Blackwater, a private security/mercenary organization. I also have trouble understanding why SCEA officials would be in need of protection, when they have Moderators available who are endowed with actual powers and authority.
Winchester_88 is an interesting name for the leader of a Home “family” that considers itself a private security firm. All sorts of questions arise here. What qualifications has Winchester provided to his followers, as well as to PS Talent and other groups who have requested his services? How did Winchester choose his sub-leader? How exactly did Winchester and PinkPanther select their first recruits?
I also found the statement that the Golden Squad would like to become more recognizable curious. In order to be able to stop situations by simply “being there” the Home population would have to acknowledge that they possessed a certain degree of authority, and that of course can never happen because in point of fact they have no such authority and never can.
But I guess the thing that puzzles me the most, was the statement that Winchester would like to see his group go international. I can only assume that this must be a reference to the European Home, which shares cultural similarities with the North American Home, including harassment issues. A group such as the Golden Squad would serve no purpose in the Asian or Japanese Homes, and from what I know of those two Homes, I can only conclude that any attempt to expand into either of them could only end badly -- very badly -- for everyone involved.
I believe that PS talent did ask them to be there, and they have been going into plaza as a group to help people since the beginning. That was their original idea, the helping out VIP’s came later. And yes though glass is obviously able to “protect” himself as a Mod, this isn’t about stopping people from harassing him, it is about the Squad being able to take up the chore (and a chore it truly is) of asking people to be respectful of what is going on at the event. I believe that the groups qualifications are their own proof of intent and integrity. They had other people they knew apply to be members at first, and as I said they would take them out into plaza and see how they handle themselves in a bad situation. It is only the concept of the club they would like to see taken international, not they themselves, so it would be something that each region would be doing on their own and being from that area they would be able to handle the cultural differences. Winchester said that he believes that if people become more aware of why they are around, in plaza for example, and that they will be reported and outnumbered if they troll, that their job will be easier because such people will behave better or leave. This has already started happening with some of the mafia type groups. And he had the name Winchester long before this all began, he’s a western buff who likes FPS games, that’s why he picked it.
They are very cautious about who they choose to be in this club because of the exact concerns you mentioned, they are all very nice people and concerned citizens of Home, they have been thoroughly screened. As for the sub leader question, I don’t know how he picked her, maybe he can answer that one here himself or another member can.
While I do believe you bring up very valid points, I just specifically want to address the first paragraph, as I was there the night Burbie talks about at the beginning of her article.
Winchester_88 and his people were not so much providing “protection” in the sense you think of in the offline world, but more a sense of order. The people there that night were all very well behaved. So really, there wasn’t really any behavior or language that required moderation. They weren’t trolling or spouting off random profanities, but it was a chaotic scene because GlassWalls was in attendance, and everyone and their grandfather wanted to talk with him/be in his presence/get their picture taken with him/offer him a beer/propose marriage to him.
This resulted in a scene that can only be described by imagining what it would look like if Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso had made a sculpture -- together.
Limbs and heads were coming out at angles probably not yet conceived by the developers. All because everyone wanted to be near Glass -- all at the same time. And no one was moving once they got their “face time.”
What Winchester and company did was politely and repeatedly ask people to get in line and to take turns. And they did it with great subtlety; they didn’t just barge in and order everyone about. GlassWalls himself moved out of the cluster that formed about him, and people did -- believe it or not -- line up and take turns. It was all very civil.
To reiterate what Norse said, yes, vigilantism is something to be wary of, yet at the same time, it’s not going to go away in light of SCEA’s current policies about egregious misbehavior, unless the real authorities do something to make such actions unnecessary.
@Terra_Cide – I understand the distinction you’re drawing between “protection” and “order”, and I have myself experienced the chaos that can result when a Home “celebrity” such as GlassWalls is in attendance. However, I’m still left with my original question as to whether this is an efficient use of the group’s time and resources in light of their stated purpose to protect Home users from perverts and trolls, when by your own admission, there were none such present at the film opening you attended.
@Burbie – From your response I would take it then that GlassWalls had no foreknowledge that such a group would be in attendance that evening?
Twenty four Golden Squad members are but a drop in the bucket compared to the total population of PlayStation Home. And while I accept that a troll might leave Central Plaza for example, if he/she were to notice their presence, it would only be to relocate to another space where they would be free to troll without interference. This is why the better solution is to educate the entire Home population about the need to file reports, rather than relying upon a handful of self-appointed vigilantes for such activities.
And to address once again the “international” issue, I cannot stress enough that the Golden Squad “concept” is simply not needed in the Asian or Japan Homes. Anyone who is familiar with those two Homes can testify to that. But more to the point, the Golden Squad “concept” would never be tolerated in those two Homes, for this is one of the cultural differences between the Eastern and the Western Homes.
VIP’s, Security Squads…. What’s next?
Presidential elections?
Are we still in a game here?
Sony needs to implement REAL blocking systems towards trolls and harmful gamers.
It’s their responsibility.
I’m really getting tired of this rampant loosening of conduct on Home.- Like the majority of us.
It’s up to Sony to do something about this, not the VIP’s or Squads.
I don’t go on Home very much anymore because Sony is all just talk and no action.
Here’s why:
Spaces booting us out,
Games lagging on forever,
Bought furniture tagged as “active” when they are not and left tagged as such forever,
The 3D Item View window hardly ever works in Home Stores,
No real idea of item scale before a purchase -- then having that “rip off” feeling to see that the item is microscopic,
The long waits just to change outfits,
Reward freezes,
Bad camera issues in Japanese apartment,
The ridiculous prizes charged on items,
The lousy game-play in Home mini-games,
10,000 points required to even attempt to choose the reward item you want in UFC? -- and getting another unwanted reward if you’re not fast enough?,
Clothing and furniture disappearing,
Getting the boot just after a Home Store purchase,
And of course, the pervs and harrassement we get.
…
Shall I go on?
I don’t often get worked up, but this is all getting to me after two and half years of Home.
Many friends I have have ceased coming to Home -- finding it more and more pointless and/or harmful.
The fun of it is being blotted out by ongoing problems never solved.
This being said, Home IS a great experience, but there are major negatives issues that need to be fixed.
I would not let my daughter log in at this point in time.
I used to love logging in.
Now it’s all just a money-making monster packed with trolls & lurkers and bogged down public non-working spaces.
I’d be happy to pay a yearly fee if Home would function properly.
In the meantime, I don’t see anything being REALLY done to fix all this up… Maybe one day, “soon”…
I’m sorry if I sounded too harsh, but I needed to get this out of my system.
I’m in no way pointing fingers to the Golden Squad or the Mods.
it’s just that the system has to be given some serious thought before Home gets totally deserted.
i’m on the same point…
it’s sad to see a so big potential software wasted!
about the squad, the lone thing i have to say is:
NEVER OPEN THE PANDORA BOX…
I was there. Some of them look really cute so personally I was focused more on that. I’m a sucker for a uniform!
:p
LoL!
By the way the Gold Ticket event for the opening of the Spotlight 3.0 will be this Thursday evening at 8PM in theater 10. Yours truly “Nurse Oops” will be present along with others appearing in that feature.
Look for my ambulance parked outside the theater! LoL
I have no clue as to whether or not the security brigade will be there again this time as Joanna touches up her blush, mascara and brushes her hair!
Yes they will be there.
hey joanna dark its WINCHESTER FROM GOLDEN SAQUAD yeah we will be there
We will be there
Hello, i am a member of Golden Squad (listed above)
I would like to clear up some questions that you have asked.
At first Winchester was not the Leader of Golden Squad, PinkPanther was the leader. When she was the leader she was stressed out and saying she was going to quit, but Winchester did not want to see her leave the Family. He proposed that he can take charge, she agreed.
As for going international, I do agree with you that the Japanese Home server isnt infested with trolls, so to speak. There are other servers though. UK, Mexico, for example.
Also, as a response to what you said about the troll leaving and just going to another server…we will be on patrol alot, as long as our Family is up and strong we will be watching for trolls. We are very serious about getting these kind of people off of Home because we really want to clean up Home, theres alot of young people on Home that really don’t need to be harrased while there trying to have a fun time on Home.
We are open to questions if you have any.
I have always been fascinated the ingenuity of the denizens of Home. Where ever there is a hole in “official’ provided content or services, it is usually filled by the users themselves. Necessity is the Mother of Invention, after all. Kudos to the Golden Squad for making this attempt to help protect users from virtual trolls and brigands.
My concern, voiced by others in this reply thread, is the impression of vigilantism…and how it can go very wrong, very quickly.
Bacck in the 80’s, in New York, the city was engulfed in a massive crime wave. The police were overwhelmed or ineffective, and were unable to provide the manpower to provide protection for its citizenry. That’s when a group called the Guardian Angels sprung up.
Wearing shirts marked with their group’s name and their ever present red berets, they became the very high profile talk of the town in very short order as they went about as a citizen’s patrol, trying to deter or stop crime where the police were ineffective.
For a while, their exploits were celebrated in the local news, and their leader (Curtis Sliwa) became a sort of celebrity. But within a year, stories of the group strong arming and intimidating innocent people started to become commonplace. Additionally, after many interviews, most people started to realize that Mr. Sliwa was a goonish buffoon as well (he still has a talk radio show in New York…a half hour listen will prove my allegation). Eventually this thuggish behavior made them out to be no more than a joke at best…and organized criminals at worst.
I don’t mention this to cast a negative light on the Golden Squad; indeed, I have run into them, and they are extremely nice, respectful individuals (who line up in great formations, by the way). I really do believe they have the best intentions at heart. But history dictates that some groups with similar aims often fall into depravity worse than that they originally formed to guard against.
In saying such, the fact that such a group exists in the first place clearly shows that Sony needs to step up its game when it comes to in Home harassment. There have been dozen upon dozens of threads started in the last six months alone in Sony’s forums, calling for a greater emphasis on this problem. And, in my opinion, the Home team has done absolutely nothing in response. Take note, Sony: this is not about what a group of users are doing, this is about your abject failure to address this problem.
Personally, I applaud the actions of the Golden Squad. They are taking the time out of their day to do something positive – one can find no fault with that. But, as I mentioned above, they need to guard against going down the road which leads them to corruption and thuggery. Only time will tell, so for now I wish them well and thank them for the attempt to do the right thing.
Great article and wow what a response! I find this VERY humorous because I wrote a script for a machinima a couple years back for the now defunct Home Machinima Productions (HMP) club that deals with this EXACT topic: a user police force within Home.
Also…
Isn’t the existence of this group just feeding the trolls? It’s the ol’ “There wouldn’t be a Joker if there wasn’t a Batman” problem.
Trolls want to know that they are having an effect on individuals and they are getting attention. Now there is a whole group dedicated to giving trolls that attention they so desperately desire. I really think it’s not the trolls that are the problem. They will always exist, it’s the tolerance and the reaction we have toward them. This sort of validation will only make the problem persist. If I were a troll I would take it as a challenge “Let’s see if I can get those Golden-Squad guys here!”
Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s great what this squad is doing I just don’t know how much of a “real” impact they can have on the problem without the authority to do anything about it. Trolls who DO get banned just create alternate accounts to continue their harassing ways.
People always complain that visible Mods are needed to deter griefers. Ok, even if we ignored the “celebrity” effect that visible Mods would have on immature teens, what happens in the real world when someone sees a cop? They moderate their behavior for all of 60 seconds while they cruise through a police checkpoint, then immediately accelerate again once they’re past. It would be no different in Home. Seeing a visible Mod means that people would behave only so long as that Mod was in the vicinity. As soon as he/she had left the griefing would continue. It would actually decrease their effectiveness. This is why I’m glad that Mods aren’t visible. By making themselves invisible, you have to assume that they’re everywhere.
… or nowhere, which is more likely.
I wonder how many other groups like this there may be or how many will be.
If (and I do mean if), GlassWalls uses them (assuming he knew what was going on) they must have some credibility even if unofficial.
I am wary of vigilante type groups. Perhaps though it’s not any different than actions taken by individuals at times… sometimes they work out and sometimes they don’t.
It may be interesting to follow and see what happens, if we hear about them and other groups.
I did run into THIS group in Central Plaza a few weeks ago. One or two of them did identify themselves as “HOME Security,” but they were not actually in a group, per se., they were just a few male avi’s hanging together in a group in “Security” t-shirts; some had the t-shirts, some didn’t. After reading this article it now seems like they were trying to recruit individuals, or doing the “test” for new members thing, that was referenced above.
I was in a situation where, during the discussion I was having, one OF THE SECURITY GROUP (His name is listed within the names of member’s in this article) was harassing ME and accusing ME of being a male. Different avi’s in the area, including this one, continued to confront me and taunt me about how I was dressed and that a “true female” wouldn’t dress the way I was dressed. This was during the 4th of July and I had on the top that was a reward last year in HOME with the spinning fan on the back, along with 4th of July pants and the new hat we were given this year. It wasn’t a provocative outfit, by any means!
I am TOTALLY not getting this whole “HOME Security” thing…and I have to agree, especially after this incident, with the other comments above that don’t think it is a good idea to have people that are not Sony employees running around HOME trying to “control” (however nicely) other HOME players. From experience…they aren’t their “nice, friendly and respectful” selves all the time! And, they do REVEL IN AND RELISH the attention that being “HOME SECURITY” would/could afford them,have no doubt. Some of them would or will, be in this for the wrong reason’s (ego trip.) Just my opinion…and experience!
The fundamental problem I have with this group, with all such groups, is that no one group of Home users should try to elevate themselves above any other group. I have argued this point time and again. And no sooner do I finish slaying one hydra head than another takes its place.
There’s something fundamentally wrong with our society, that people can’t just go into Home and enjoy it for what it is. Instead, over and over again, you have individuals or groups trying to set themselves up over others. I just had a very lengthy debate with one such person on the forums, and now here’s an entire group attempting to do exactly the same thing – basically wrapping oneself in the “rules” and setting oneself up as an authority – as an arbiter – over other Home users. I absolutely believe this is against the TOS. I absolutely believe that this is attempting to take over the duties of moderators.
The other problem I have, is that the entire basis of this group’s existence is negative. Their sole reason for being in Home, is to try to police trolls. Why would anyone volunteer for something like that? So I tend to agree that the people who get involved in something like this are off on some power/ego trip.
BoxerLady i am sorry for what happen to you in the central plaza i have removed the person that gave you problems he was causing problems in my group as well i am sorry what happen. if my guys do causes problems they do get kicked out of my club. my team will always respect people on home even if there getting negative comebacks they wont fight back there here to help others on home not to cause problems if you need anything they are there to help. guys we are not here to get people in trouble theres young kids on here that dont need to be getting hit on or harass by any trolls or pervs
I would like to say that I believe this group is violating Sony’s T O S by trying to act as mods. What gives them the right to be running around home dictating what people can and can not do? Sony has mods for that.
(Latter half of this comment removed. Passive-aggressive personal attacks specifically designed to troll are not allowed, as per the very first rule in HSM’s etiquette guide -- Terra)
hello we are not violating Sony tos because for one thing we never say we work for Sony and second there not enough mods on PlayStation home to keep in eye out if you go to central plaza there set of rules there and you can go the website that they give you we are only looking out for people on home that tired of getting harass by people and like i said we don’t try to report people we try to help them understand if there breaking the TOS then they there the ones getting suspended or banned there young kids on here the dont need to be harassment if we were breaking the terms of service we would get suspended we are not acting like mods just keeping a eye on home more like helping the mods out
Actually you all go around in groups on mics and strategicly report people to get them banned. How many times have you said “you have been reported to the Sony PlayStation network enjoy your ban” it is in the logs. I ran into your group more then once all you are is internet bullies trying to get famous on home. Your group should be disbanned it is not your right or job to protect home that is strictly Sony’s responsibility. In the T.O.S I believe there is a section about mini Modding and how its a violation. I Will call Sony to confirm this.
Hi BoxerLady, I’m D-nix one of the members of Golden Squad I want to personally say I’m sorry for this type of behavior that has been brought upon you. I want to inform you that we too have had problems with one of the members most likely the one that did harass you that day he has been in fact been removed from the group for causing problems within our group. I also really would like to ensure you that we are very respectful to everyone that we come across in on home. My reasoning for even doing the security is cause I myself got tired of all the trolling and disrespect that goes on around home. I again say sorry for what happened to you. Sincerely D-nix
As far as I know the Golden Squad is breaking no rules. Sony is well aware of their activities as they have been in contact with GlassWalls a few times and he is one of the head Mods on Home. If he sees no harm it them I think Sony feels the same about it as well. If anyone would know all of the TOS backwards and forwards it would be Glass.
Burbie, thinking and knowing are two different things. Without having further information, I would hesitate to say unequivocally that there are no violations of the TOS occurring. Some of the language I’ve heard used to describe this group leaves me feeling very uncomfortable, particularly given the people from whom it’s coming. At this point in time, I’m assuming that they’re speaking informally, without full awareness of the implications of what they’re saying. In my opinion this group exists within a nebulous area, as I suspect no one in Sony had the foresight to imagine that such a group might ever form. As for GW, someone in his position probably has to take into consideration a number of factors, the TOS merely being one of them. If GW has made any public statement with regards to this group, I’m not aware of it. I would certainly appreciate such a statement, as in my opinion this group falls between the cracks, so to speak, and it would be helpful to know the boundaries when a group forms for the express purpose of enforcing the TOS in Home.
There are a number of potential issues here, I’m simply going to elaborate on one of them as it’s something that Hello mentioned above. On forums, “mini-modding” refers to a poster who consistently posts in order to instruct other posters as to the forums rules. That type of habitual behavior is referred to as “mini-modding” because a poster is assuming the responsibilities of a moderator.
To apply that principle to Home, if someone consistently goes into Home in order to instruct other Home users as to the rules of behavior, or to seek out violations of the TOS, I would assume that that is also attempting to assume the responsibilities of a moderator. That has been my position from the beginning.
The fundamental question which I have is this: “Is enforcement of the TOS a valid basis for the formation of a Home club? Or is the assumption of such a role, in and of itself, a violation of the TOS?”
“Is enforcement of the TOS a valid basis for the formation of a Home club?”-Aeternitas33.It’s probabaly as valid as any other reason to start a Home club,some are started for very odd or seemingly unrealistic goals.If they aren’t being given official or semi-official help in their efforts then they should be taken as seriously as any other “fam” on Home.If they are getting official or semi-official support then they should be watched very carefully so that they work within any boundries Sony sets for them.As for the term “fam”,even many mafia-style groups will at least pay lip-service to the term because it indicates that all members will take care of each other as a real life family would.Problem is that even irl some families are totally dysfunctional and occasionally you have an egomaniac,a “power tripper”,or a straight out lunatic running them,I understand the reasons many ppl view “fams” with an evil eye and lump them all together but they really need to be judged seperately and only be help accountable for their own TOS or moral infractions.I also have some trouble understanding the”mini-modding” mentality,if they think Sony needs help with moderating then they should feel free to apply to Sony for the job,not self-appoint themselves the sole arbiters of the actions of others.Seems to me the ppl most likely to form fast and unwavering judgements are the types of ppl that engage in this sort of self-determined hall monitor behavior.Exactly the ppl least qualified for the position imo.If an infraction truely occurred then report it,no need to quote reams of unrelated TOS at everyone.
*held
The troll-potential with this is outstanding.
I am a GS member and i would like to say we dont do what we do for people to complain about it. We actualy try to make a difference. You all can have your reasons for not likeing what we do and thats fine but we are not asking you to like it we do what we do to help people and mods have no problem with that… I wana see change in home and i hope everyone else do too but either way we gone keep trying to make a differece weather most people are behind us or not…
Wow, hot topic.
As someone who has been cyber assaulted, I find it hard to believe that no one has simply said; “THANK YOU”.
As someone with a bit of a law enforcement background, I’m sure the Golden Squad is aware that what they do and how they do it in any given situation is subject to criticism forever. If not, they’ll be an awakening.
All the best, GS. Proceed cautiously, and with integrity.
According to the customer service person I spoke to if these people tell anyone to do anything about how they are behaving then they ARE INFACT MINI MODDING and should be reported for impersonating an official. Don’t believe me? Fine. Call Sony and ask them.
(NorseNote: I’m allowing this comment for the moment. There’s evidently a former GS member who’s been trying to post comments under fake identifications in this discussion thread, and this particular poster has attempted to leave comments under two different IDs. Whether the two events are linked or not is still being examined. While I have no problem with discussing vigilantism in Home, I will not allow HSM to become a public argument between current and former GS members. Keep it civil or take it elsewhere.)
I’m confused as to what exactly a “fake identification” means exactly.I’ve noticed other ppl posting comments on here that use Id’s other than their PsHome ID before and didn’t think there was any problems with that,if that’s what you mean then this is a more widespread problem than you may realize.If you mean they are using 2 different Id’s on this magazine I can see how that would be a problem,but I was still unaware that it was frowned on by management.Maybe I didn’t read something that explains the official view on this,if so could some1 please tell me where it’s written so I can read it,please?If what Lady1433 says is true,and I’m in no way claiming it is or isn’t,then you can see why there is much confusion here,on the 1 hand you have a Sony CS person saying they are violating the TOS on the other hand you have a MOD,who would be in a position to know,using their services.As is the case with a few other topics Sony ought to make their position a little clearer,it would help prevent some confusion.
Fake identification in this particular instance means someone whose PSN ID is known to the Administrative staff of HSM, but is not posting under it. Whether this particular individual (Lady1433, who had also posted under the ID of “Hello”) is the person in question, we aren’t sure of at this time.
Normally, this isn’t an issue, although we presume people are more apt to post using their PSN ID to make themselves recognizable. However, with all the controversy and conflict that has been stirred up, and regardless of who is really who, HSM is not going to be either side’s soapbox.
Thanks for clarifying that for us.
Cthulu93, you’re making an unwarranted assumption I believe. The Golden Squad has been asked to attend certain Home events by Director on Duty. From my observation, they function more as “props” during these events than anything else. GW apparently attended one of these events, and as the Golden Squad was present, he went along with their role playing. I think it’s a gross exaggeration to say that SCEA officials use the Golden Squad for security.
I see,I was unsure.Thanks for clearing that up,then it does seem then that there may be TOS violations going on here.Not that I consider myself the TOS police,I won’t be calling for Sony to investigate but it’s nice to know how seriously or not seriously I should be taking them.
One again, Aeternitas has given a very eloquent voice to many of my thoughts on a topic. Yes, the Golden Squad does exist in a grey area and, yes, the fear of corruption and ego getting in the way of a noble cause has tremendous precedent.
However, having spent some time with The Golden Squad and talking to Winchester_88, I can say that this group operates with the highest intentions possible, and polices its own members far more aggressively than it polices Central Plaza. They are a group of level-headed, well-intentioned individuals who take the responsibility of helping Home’s users and helping the victims of harassers very seriously.
They’re not wandering about Home looking for trouble; much of the time, they’re out interacting with the community, and stepping in when they see bad behavior, something that I and others have suggested time and again as a way to make Home more welcoming to all.
Where this gets dicey is within the club itself, with its rigid fam structure and uniforms. Wouldn’t a group of random users, or just a group of friends, be equally effective at deterring trolls? The answer, of course, is yes, but how many members of the community will stick up for a stranger?
If we can set aside the fears of what groups like this can become, and look at them for what they are, we’re left with a group of caring, concerned people who will look out for anyone in need. That’s an example we can all learn from.
Ideally, a group like this wouldn’t be necessary, ether because we have the tools to deal with harassers on our own or because the community steps in and fills the void. Until that happens, it’s going to fall on groups of users to try and help in any way that they can. With an appropriate amount of caution, we should be thankful that a group like this is willing to take the time to protect others.
I fully agree that with the proper tools this group and indeed this discussion would be needless but let’s talk about some potentially “Dicey” situations.Let’s say that in CP there is a rather intense discussion about something between 2 ppl,topic is kinda irrelevent,where neither side has attempted to harm the other verbally only made points in their views favor.Then 1 side or the other goes to these guys and claims they are the victim of harrassment and bystanders who have seen what has gone on misinterpret things and “confirm” the accusation.Then the party that stands accussed would have few if any options to prove his innocence.I personally have a hard time determining someones guilt or innocence based solely on the words of other ppl,which is 1 good thing about Sony’s current system it investigates based on other ppl’s word but doesn’t act unless there is really something to it.Now if this group,or others like it,judged the person guilty in the example not only would they be unable to prove themselves wronged but would then be open to w/e measures these groups might see fit to deal out.I’m not saying these guys in particular would blacklist or commit retaliatory harrassment but others might.I think how 1 views groups like these is kind of based on each individuals perception of what their fellow man/woman would do if left unchecked when put in a position or percieved position of power.I’ve had the fortune,or misfortune depending on point of view,to see how many ppl on Home act when they think they are now in charge.It can be quite mind-boggling and at times downright frightening once someone that has little power,real or perceived,in their real lives suddenly finds some power on Home,real or perceived.Also I’d have a problem if they were interjecting themselves as protectors if they were unasked by anyone to do so,again idk if that applies here but am talking about generalities.I’m all for friends looking out for friends but when help is unasked for it can cause more damage than the initial problem.Here’s an example where they could cause more harm than good.Don’t ask me to explain why this happens because I don’t understand this very well but there are a small % of ppl on Home that actually LIKE being told what to do and when to do it.If this group,or 1 like it,witnessed someone being dominated in this way they might think it harrassing and try to stop it.This could quickly lead to a large scale fight or worst case scenario a large-scale “fam” war.Applying the same set of values and beliefs to everyone is seldom a good idea,especially in a place like Home that has ppl from all over the world and from many different backgrounds on it.For Sony to make some ground rules is different in that they are the owners of this thing,but when individuals try to force their ideas of morality on others they shouldn’t be too surprised at a negative re-action.I’m not saying they shouldn’t help anyone,but they should be sure that 1st the help is indeed wanted and 2nd that the help offered doesn’t cause more problems than they were intending to stop.Having said all that I should point out that many “fams” claim to be doing the same kind of thing,namely protecting those that can’t help themselves.I say claim because many “fams” just use that as a recruiting angle and really care nothing about the person,but there are a few that actually do take care of their own when harrassed.
While I admire the apparent good intentions of a vigilante gang to moderate Home, it’s just a bad idea. If you don’t get a paycheque from SONY to tell me or others what you feel is appropriate behaviour on HOME, then don’t expect me to listen or take you seriously. As far as I’m concerned, you’re just another member with an opinion.
Don’t get me wrong, I hate Trolls just as much as the next person…. but it’s SONY’s job to monitor Home and they are clearly failing to do so. I’ve thought about getting some like minded people who hate trolls, and buying the Orc (or is it Ogre?) costumes to go around in small bands and call ourselves the Troll Hunters, just to deal with the ones we find and put them in their place… but to be honest I’d rather spend my time with friends having a different kind of fun.
The problem (as stated), is that this group is made up of non-payed humans, and humans make mistakes and bad judgement calls all the time. What would happen if one of these small bands of merry men/women happend upon me while I’m squarely putting a rampant Troll in his place, and percieve ME as the Troll instead? I can tell you what would happen and you all know the answer already. If I were wearing their uniform it would be okay, but if not… then I run the risk of being reported and banned for defending myself or others.
Again, a noble idea… but still a bad one.
As to the point of security… I find this more laughable than anything I guess. The notion that people flock to any celebrity, let alone a virtual one baffles me. Would it not have been easier for this Glasswalls person to just come on with an alternate account or address people via live feed? Oh… no… that’s right I forgot. The live feeds on Home are mostly useless and do nothing but freeze. Nevermind then. XD
But seriously, internet and gaming fame is ridiculous. I am friends with actual celebrities irl, and I can assure you they are just people like you and me who eat and poop the same way we do. No offense to this glasswalls person (whomever that is), but a photo op with someone’s avatar is probably the stupidest thing I’ve heard of on Home yet. And to have “private security” for said event sounds even dumber. Is this person recieving a Nobel Peace Prize… am I’m missing something here?
Totally confuzzled. O.o
Maybe one of the GS members can come over to Asia for observations and studies on how we ‘click’ in PlayStation Home there? The way this debate is going I see no end to it.
I honour Winchester_88 for his dedication for his dedication (much higher than mine I dare say) but sometimes, things that some may see as good the remaining will not.
Yes I do agree at some point SONY should take charge but in the end IT’S EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY to keep PlayStation Home lively and peaceful.
I AM NOT HERE TO GET ANYONE IN TROUBLE OR REPORT PEOPLE ON HOME FOR ANY REASON YES WE DO HAVE THE SECURITY OUTFITS BUT WE DON’T AT LIKE MOD’S ON HOME WE FOLLOW THE TOS (TERMS OF SERVICE) OF SONY NETWORK AND PLAYSTATION HOME I HAVE WORK WITH PS TALENT AT A EVENT ONE TIME THE RED CARPET EVENT WE DID HELP OUT THERE LIKE SECURITY WITH GLASSWALLS THE REASON WE DID THAT WAS SO OTHER MEMBERS OF PLAYSTATION HOME CAN GET THERE PIC WITH GLASSWALLS AND IT MADE HIM FEEL BETTER HAS WILL BUT ANYWAY’S WE DON’T JUST REPORT PEOPLE FOR EVERY LITTLE THING WE MAINLY TRY TO HELP OTHERS THAT ARE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING OR JUST WANT TO TALK I HAVE SEEN OTHER MEMBERS THAT PUT ON THE FORMS I KNOW WHAT THERE TALKING ABOUT I HAVE SEEM THEM MYSELF AND HAVE REPORTED THEM FOR IMPERSONATING AN OFFICIAL THEY HAVE ACTED LIKE MOD’S ON HOME GOLDEN SQUAD DOES NOT IMPERSONATE AND WE NEVER SAY WE WORK FOR SONY NETWORK A MOD ON HOME WE ARE FRIENDLY PEOPLE ON HOME THAT CARE ABOUT HOME I JUST WANT YOU ALL TO KEEP THIS IN MIND THERE YOUNG KIDS ON PLAYSTATION HOME THEY DON’T WANT BE RUDE ON OR HAVE A PERV HIT ON THEM AND ALSO GUYS I KNOW THE ONES THAT ACT LIKE A SO CALL A TROLL OR I CALL A PERV YOU DON’T GO AROUND IN REAL LIFE HITTING ON GIRLS AND ALSO GUY HOME WASN’T MADE FOR YOU ACT LIKE A PERV MEMBERS ON SHOULD RESPECT OTHERS ON HOME WE ALL COME HERE TO HAVE A GOOD TIME WE SHOULDN’T BE GOING AROUND BEHIND PEOPLES BACK SAYING THIS SAYING THAT OR START THIS SO CALL MAFIA WARS UP NO ONE OWNS ANYTHING ON PLAYSTATION HOME MAKES NO SENSE OF FIGHTING ON HOME OR CAUSING PROBLEMS WITH EACH OTHER SOME OF YOU WILL NOT SEE THIS BUT THAT’S HOW I SEE IT ON HOME AND
WINCHESTER__88
Your reply’s too long dude….