How to Handle Harassment as a Player

Hello Brawlers! Since I previously had a guide typed up to help some people, an upper level staff member recommended posting this information in the forums so that it could be beneficial to everyone. This thread is intended to be helpful to anyone seeking advice in this area.

Handling Harassment as a Player
The best way to deal with this problem is to collect fresh evidence as it happens.​

On Skype:
This isn't Brawl's domain, so Brawl can't do much about this. What I suggest to do: block all of the trouble people. Don't just delete them, block them.

If you have friends that are still friends with the people harassing you, they should make a decision on where they stand. You need to sever contact, and it doesn't help if there's a middleman delivering he-said she-said messages. The harassment isn't acceptable. It's not "just a joke" anymore because it isn't funny. If someone still thinks they can be the "middleman" in between, you need to let them know that you don't need that negativity in your life. Refuse to give it any more attention.

If that doesn't solve the Skype issue, get a new private Skype account and forget the password to the old one. Skype isn't in Brawl's control, so nothing else can be done about anything that happens there.


In Game:
1) Avoid playing on the same server as them if possible.
2) Screenshot -AND- Chatreport
Every time there is harassment/flame/rulebreaking, do a /chatreport.
The official text is then saved in your report, and it's good to have the official copy on hand even if the evidence is deemed insufficient. Even warnings will eventually add up, so remember to /chatreport.
Screenshots alone are insufficient evidence and must have a chatreport to verify the text.

Tip 1: Keep a shortcut to your screenshots folder on your desktop for fast image uploads (to Imgur or other host).
Tip 2: Keep a folder for each repeat offender, and organize your screenshots so you can upload a lot of evidence on a single person at once.


In Forums:
1) Save screenshots of the entire conversation or post, both what they say and your reply if you decide to reply; it's recommended to not respond. Staff needs to see the entire picture of what's going on.
2) Report the post itself, and organize the screenshots into your folders.


And one of the biggest things: don't incriminate yourself. If they say something hateful, get the proof, but don't start arguing with them. I know, it can take a lot of self restraint and isn't easy to do. But the people harassing you can just as easily screenshot and claim that you were the one starting trouble. DON'T FALL VICTIM TO THIS. They're mean. They're already good at victimizing people, don't give them any ammo.


With all of the evidence and small offenses piling up, the problematic people will eventually weed themselves out. It takes time, patience, and definitely helps to have a good reporting strategy. Just remember that there are always good people around that still have your back no matter how alone you feel, and everything will work out fine.


Thanks for reading.

Spoiler: tag

@chickenputty

 

I emphasize using both because although a screenshot can't be proven without a chatreport, a full harassment case is easier to understand if a staff member can see multiple instances in one collection and see the in-game visual context. (edit: more applicable with Build where there is rampant imagery.)

The screenshot text can be verified with the chatreports.