I received this private message after some of this conversation. I’ll Share it with the whole forum so Microsoft can read it if they want as well. We’ve got nothing to hide.
UKresistance wrote:
Since you politely asked for the topic to be closed, I politely sent a letter to the ESRB.
I thought you might like to share it with the moderator that locked the topic.
Dear ESRB,
I am happy that you provide an over sight and guidance capacity to video game publishers and an aid to parents in helping them choose age appropriate games.
Not only through your own website, but you also encourage industry members to set up forums for parents to discus gaming related issues. Both looking for advice and willing to share on my own parental experience in regards to children and gaming I visited “Microsoft’s Gamer Parents & Family Gaming” which the forum description of “A forum for Dads and Moms to discuss gaming, parenting, and more” located at http://forums.xbox.com/849/ShowForum.aspx
Unfortunately, I found it not to be a resource for parents, but a place for teenagers to brag about what mature rated games their parents let them play and to convince other parents to do the same.
It is my belief that due to official Microsoft forum moderators refusing to police children offering parental advice on M rated games, that Microsoft is undermining the ESRB’s credibility and authority. The forum description seems purposely misleading to parents seeking advice, and the usual advice given by children masquerading as parents is that they should be able to play what ever they want. I sincerely hope this is merely an oversight on Microsoft’s part and not an attempt to increase profits by back door marketing M rated games to children.
I hope that the ESRB will bring this issue to Microsoft’s attention and provide guidelines for an effective parental discussion forum so that parents can make an educated decision.
Thank you,
Unfortunately, I don't think you understand how this works. And I will put this disclaimer here: I do not mean to rude, but I am tired of explaining this. So you’ll have to excuse my blunt/dry personality.
First, haha, the ESRB. They have no authority here or anywhere. They set guidelines and are not law. Check it out for yourself. For the ESRB to be law would be against the first amendment and yes, it's already been decided upon by the Supreme Court and therefore the United States government. Major retailers follow ESRB lead to be politically correct. You want links to court cases? I’ve posted them in the past and will be happy to do the research for you again. Actually I think there’s one close to the first page of this thread.
Second, companies can make their own laws within a business aspect and therefore some retailers have required their stores to follow the ESRB. ie..gamestop fines employees and managers that break the ESRB. That's a good thing because I don't want my child buying something without me knowing it. BUT, at the same time, they are NOT required by law to do so. Microsoft can make it's own rules, and let me tell you.....the ESRB has about as much to do with this forum as I do putting on women’s clothing. And I’m very happy about that because I like my first amendment rights just the way they are. (That sounds a little funny but it’s true!)
I’m glad that you’re so passionate about this topic, but you’re going about it completely the wrong way. Demanding something is certainly not a good starting point. But then you must also learn that because YOU want something a specific way, doesn’t mean that everybody else does. Because YOU interpret something one way doesn’t mean that everybody else does. It sounds to me that you’re acting completely on emotion and haven’t actually put any thought into it. Something I remember doing when I was much younger and something I teach the younger generation I’m responsible for not to do. Why do I feel as though I’m to explaining things to a child now?
Making the suggestion for another forum to be created might have been a better place to start. - Or as I’ve suggested before, creating your own. Microsoft provides what it does and you are completely out of line walking in off the street and demanding things be changed. Do a little research before you start throwing around topics like the ESRB, because I promise you I’ve done mine. I am a responsible parent, adult, husband and child who still loves gaming. And I certainly don’t want the first amendment rewritten to accommodate parents who can’t get the job done themselves.
Don’t come here if you don’t like how it’s run. I’ve been hanging with these guys close to a year I guess and I think they do a wonderful job. Get a clue. It’s you who is being distasteful, discriminating, and out of line. Personally I don’t care who you are or if you are a parent or not. I will not continue this conversation any further unless your attitude changes. This forum, these mods, these parents, nor these kids are the enemy. As I’ve said before, use your superior adult wisdom to determine whether you’re going to take the advise of someone you’ve never met on the internet or not, or stay off the lawn. (I think that’s how you put it isn’t it?)
Xbox Ambassador
Need Help? Just Ask.
http://www.gamerdadslive.com
