First off, my OP was not intended to be an endorsement nor a deterrent to the use of VoIP. I am, however, going to address Bart's post.
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Originally Posted by Bartholomew Foulsteel
The original post was very well thought out and written. (Thank-you) Here is the email verbatim of what I asked Disney myself:
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Originally Posted by Bartholomew Foulsteel
Good afternoon,
I would like some questions answered about the use of Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP).
1. Is VOIP use allowed while playing Pirates of the Caribbean Online?
2. Are programs like TEAMSPEAK, VENTRILO, and X-FIRE (all VOIP programs) considered 3rd party programs, as defined in your Members Agreement?
3. If programs like TEAMSPEAK, VENTRILO, and X-FIRE are considered 3rd party programs, why are they?
4. If programs like TEAMSPEAK, VENTRILO, and X-FIRE are not considered 3rd party programs, why are they not?
5. Why is mentioning TEAMSPEAK, VENTRILO, and X-FIRE while playing Pirates of the Caribbean Online offenses for which one can be banned?
6. If the use of VOIP while playing is allowed, why can one not mention TEAMSPEAK, VENTRILO, and X-FIRE while playing Pirates of the Caribbean Online?
7. If the use of VOIP is not allowed while playing Pirates of the Caribbean Online, why isn't it allowed?
Thank you in advance for addressing each of theese questions individually. I want to make sure that the people I know and I do not violate any Terms of Use.
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Here's Disney's reply (emphasis added by me): (And removed by me)
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Originally Posted by Disney Rep
Thank you for contacting us!
Third party programs are considered any program that is not designed by Disney to enhance the game or experience.
We do not endorse the use of VOIP or chat programs, and it is a violation of our Terms of Use. We ask that our guests not give out or ask for any personal information within our game. This includes, but not limited to, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, or URLs for social networking sites.
For more information about the types of activity that might warrant some action against an account, please visit our Netiquette page. The site covers online safety and manners and is located at:
http://home.disney.go.com/guestservices/netiquette
We hope this helps and look forward to seeing you in the Caribbean again soon!
Allyson
Pirates of the Caribbean Online Member Services
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Now, my questions were direct and to the point. I did not attempt to influence the answer in any way. Once could not tell whether I wanted to use VOIP or no, only that I wanted to make sure I did not violate Terms of Use, Netiquette, or rules.
(7 very well written and explicit questions, none of which would lead to skewed answers, even containing a request to have them answered individually. WHICH DISNEY DID NOT DO.)
It seems very clear to me based on this more precise questioning that the use of VOIP is not in accordance with Disney's rules.
(I disagree. This is a perfect example of Disney circle-speak. The answer DID NOT address your questions. It says, "Do not ENDORSE the use of", does not say the use of is in violation. The only thing called out as a violation is the passing of personal info.)
We can argue all day and night for month on end, (Exactly the point my OP was trying to make, and I, for one, am tired of the arguing. )but as I previously wrote, if there are people who work at POTCO Member Services who say it is against the rules, and others that say it isn't, then you take a chance at violating those rules because it is clear there are Disney reps who believe that VOIP constitutes a 3rd Party program and the use of VOIP is a violation of TOU. (This last statement I totally agree with. Disney does NOT have a strict policy. They are at odds with themselves on the issue. Some Disney reps say it is up to you, and others say to not use the VoIP.
In truth, Disney has absolutely no method to know if anyone is or is not using it. The only way they even would know about these discussions is by persons questioning them directly, or by them seeing these posts on the forums. The discussions have been ongoing here for weeks. Sven pointed them directly to my OP. And the answer he got back was even MORE circle-speak.
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"I have reviewed this site and it appears that I definitely agree with the following statement about VoiceIP:
"You should never give out any personal information about yourself or anyone else, and never ask for personal information from others. This means no posting of phone numbers, screen or user names (including Voice Over Internet Protocol), addresses, e-mail addresses, Social Security numbers, passwords, or any other private information. In addition, any discussion of Web addresses or social networking Web sites where personal information is, or can be posted or exchanged, (VoIP's again) is not allowed." - Disney House Rules
We discussed VoIP and Disney still processes violations on users giving out their personal information."
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"We discussed VoIP and Disney still processes violations on users giving out their personal information!" Not, "We discussed the use of VoIP while playing the game and have determined it's use to be in vioation." If Disney reads the forums, and had a difinitve answer to the situation, they could easily post so either here, or on their own website, which they have not done. ) |
I stand by my OP. I just want the arguing to stop.
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The threads and postings about the topic have been brash. People have been posting their 'interpretation' of the Disney rules as if they were facts. Arguements have ensued, and have led to some hard feelings. Many of the posts have needed to be edited or deleted by the mod staff due to trolling/flaming/naming names or other violations of POF policy.
Unless and until Disney makes a hard and fast statement, I recommend that future discussions on the forums should be kept to, "Yes, we allow it in our event", or "No, we don't allow it in our event."
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