The other day, I came across Manfred Jr. in a game. After some initial awkwardness, I threw out a merry "Hi son!" Beyond that, we have been ignoring each other and just playing the game.

I understand that squad tags are an additional level of identification and belonging, something that I haven't partaken in so maybe I don't fully "get" it. But since the beginning of squads and squad qualification, I've often wondered what would happen if someone flew with a squad tag that was not sanctioned by that squad. And I wondered if what would happen would be reasonable and justified.

The current issue, as I understand it, is that there are players using derivatives of the SWOP and Kptn Singh names, and occasionally flying squad tags for squads of which they are not sanctioned members. Players are up in arms. Kill them, teamkill them, I read.

Really?

The moderators are here to help when needed. That is our job. The job of everyone else is to enjoy the game and forum, and to need the moderators as little as possible. Most of the time, it's a few players who are causing problems with teamkilling and foul language, and there's not much of a job for everyone else. But in this case, there is. Your reaction, to so-called squad impostors and player impostors, is critical in whether or not mods are needed here. You can choose to play the game normally, not engage with impostors in the forum, and generally make it less fun for them by ignoring them; or you can declare them as targets regardless of team, give them the attention they are seeking, reinforce their need to be obnoxious, and break the rules of the game in the process.

Is being obnoxious a bannable offense? If so, a lot of you are in SERIOUS trouble. Fortunately for you (and the mods), obnoxiousness is most definitely NOT a bannable offense (short of shooting someone on your own team or swearing like a drunken sailor in this game that includes 13 year olds and possibly tank-spawnkilling if it is repeated and relentless). Impostoring is also not a bannable offense; if it were, some of the ridiculous quote manipulation on this forum would have left bodies everywhere.

I will continue to mute players who use abusive and vulgar language, and ban players who teamkill or relentlessly tank spawnkill. I'll leave alone those who are teamkilling to drive out a teamkiller or pottymouth, as long as they've asked the person to stop first. Anyone else who is teamkilling is abusing the game and other players, and will be moderated. Yes, even if they are doing it to defend a squad tag or a player name from being imitated.

Now, for you players who are taking on names similar to others or flying unsanctioned squad tags: If you are doing this specifically to troll and get a reaction, you are outta here. Fortunately for you, intention is difficult to prove. Fortunately for moderators, the right judgment is usually quite clear. Note that if you are taking on a name to confuse other players, THAT is trolling. I am asking both you and the other players to back off and ignore each other.

Some players and mods might disagree with my points. As always, I welcome a *productive* and *civil* debate on this topic.

Manfred

Clap, Clap, Clap. Thank you Manfred. Some of the behavior of late has reminded me of the playground when I was a wee lad. Just play the game folks.

Manfred is right fellas. May be some of this has gone a bit far. Teamkilling just isnt for me unless its a teamkiller you are after. There are a couple of players that I'd love to kill red or blue. Smack talkin me all the time. But when they are on my team I let them pass. They never stay when they are red. Which I think is pretty funny by the way. And yes I smack talk em back a bit when they start it. No love loss between us never will be. Even momposters I don't teamkill. May try and change sides so I can shoot at em but not in blue. Never.

Attacking some one on the thread is also not the way to handle squad on squad business. There is a PM option that should be used.

Just my thoughts. Your all big boys. Do what you must. But I won't be in on the teamkilling.