So, I have had a lot of newer players ask me recently about red noses recently. The more I was asked, the more I realized that I didn't have much of a clue about them. So, in order to assist people who, like me, have no clue what they are all about; I mailed Moderation, asked some questions and am not writing this blog.
I HAVE A RED NOSE - HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?
Red noses occur when two accounts share an IP address - this can be because
a) One person has multiple accounts,
b) Two people have logged on from the same location,
c) a user has allowed another user onto his or her account.
Some occur randomly through an algo. Others occur when a moderator IP checks a user. In other words, some are automatic, others are manual.
In addition, noses are sometimes given for cheating. This is rare, but it is a way for use to limit the types of games a player can join, as punishment.
WHAT DOES MY RED NOSE MEAN TO ME?
Well, until it is removed, you won't be able to join anything but Rookies games. There is also the POSSIBLE stigma of people wondering if you are up to something.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BE REMOVED?
Noses are removed when the user's IP is "clear," according to the site moderation tool. Typically, this takes about 10 days (this is the same reason they ask users to wait two weeks after leaving an account before starting a new one). IF during this period, a user once again has a shared IP incident, the time will be extended. Time is also extended if there are behavioral issues during the time with the nose. If a user does not disobey any further rules, the nose should be removed after 10 days.
HOW CAN I AVOID GETTING A RED NOSE?
Well, don't allow two accounts to be logged into from the same IP address. That's the red flag right there. Secondarily - don't cheat.
WHAT IF SOMEONE THAT LIVES WITH ME ALSO WANTS TO PLAY?
Tengaged can account for this. Email Tengaged_Moderation BEFORE the second account is created to let them know that another user is being added and will share an IP address. (Family members, roommates, shared internet connections, etc)
OOPS - MY PET RABBIT ALREADY MADE AN ACCOUNT AND I DIDN'T MAIL IT IN AHEAD OF TIME!
Email them as soon as possible to clear things up. If you have already received your red nose, mail them with that information so that it may be used in "clearing" both accounts.
WHAT IS THE BEST PRACTICE FOR CONTACTING MODERATION ABOUT MY RED NOSE?
Well, if you already know why you received the red nose, they ask that you wait 10 days to contact them. If you are not sure, or it has been more than 10 days - contact moderation.
The best way to reach them about this is to mail TENGAGED_MODERATION with as much information as possible about when your nose appeared, the names of any accounts you may know of that share the IP address, etc.
Finally, this would be a piece of advice I would add even if T_M had not added it as a reminder in the tips they sent me:
"Be polite even if you're frustrated - rude messages are simply ignored."
That's pretty much a good policy for dealing with most issues, really.
One final reminder:
To be clear: LOGGING ONTO ANOTHER USER'S ACCOUNT FOR ANY REASON IS AGAINST THE RULES. NO EXCEPTIONS. Do not log on from a friend's house either. If a family member shares a computer with you on a long-term basis, let us know BEFORE they create their account.
Thanks again to Moderation with taking the time to answer these questions. I hope some newer players will find this helpful.
