I don't agree with the reasoning behind blacklists. Apparently they are allowed because it is to 'send a clear message to leave someone alone', right?
Foeing someone is a private matter. The person being foed often doesn't even know they are on the list, so the solution is to... enable users to make it public instead of informing that one individual? o.O
Tess wrote:Public blacklists already have restrictions - they shouldn't be posted in places where they are unnecessary (such as in a signature) and they cannot display 'reasons' for blacklisting people. That kind of behavior is viewed as unnecessary bullying and slander, and is reportable.
The reason we allow people to display a blacklist (names only) in certain places (e.g. trade rules or art shops) is that it provides some protection for the person with the list. If the blacklisted person continues to send trades/messages/etc, they can point to that list and say no, I've told you clearly to leave me alone. If someone has been asked to stop PMing/trading/etc with another player, but continues to do so, their behavior is considered to be harassment and is a reportable offence. It's much harder to report someone for harassment if you've never given them a clear message to leave you alone. Blacklists are not the most mature way of going about it, but it does work.
However, this still functions as slander. No one wants to deal with someone who is on a blacklist, no matter the cause. It's still seen as taboo and someone to be avoided.
Its like hearing someone you know went to jail. It doesn't matter that it was for a parking ticket or some crazy minor offense. When people hear the phrase "Oh, he's in jail" I'm guaranteeing people are thinking worst-case scenario. "Who did he kill/steal/rape?"
Blacklists function the same way and is slander no matter if reasons are put or not.
There should be a way to set up a blacklist that is only viewable by that person if indeed the only reason they are allowed is to send a clear message. Otherwise make it so someone can see if they are on a person's foe list and make these kinds of things a private matter. It is of no one else's business that so and so was put in jail even if it was just for a few hours. Reputation is kind of a big deal for everyone.
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