Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

sick of it, Brighton, Mich. — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 19:36:46 GMT

Would somebody PLEASE tell me when where gonna keep our noses out of other countries business? Just like our government, has the right to tell us what to do and make laws whether we agree with them or not, so does their government. So maybe instead of worring about what happens there, maybe we need to deal with what is happening on our back porches.
So instead of writing articals about other countries addictions. We need to put an end to the addictions Americans have that kill them and destroy families here like internet games, video games, drugs, alchol, pornography, gambling and the internet it's self.
Let's fix our own house and judge it before we fix and judge anothers.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Kazushi Nakamura — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 19:39:59 GMT

Much respect to China! Get the filth out of your homeland.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Chuck, Bear, DE — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 19:44:55 GMT

I'm so tired of hearing people cry "censorship". Have you bothered to look at the absolute trash that's become woven into the fabric of the Internet?

Those same "critics" that are calling this censorship probably don't have much of a problem with 8 and 10 year olds shooting each other up in online video games. After all, it's just good clean wholesome fun, right?

I'm sorry, the only problem I have with what they're doing in China is when people are stopped from voicing their opposition to the Government - which I know they do. Nothing else about this bothers me IN THE LEAST.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Frank S., Merrimack NH — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 19:57:54 GMT

Big surprise here people - we are talking about the COMMUNIST Chinese Government. Communism and socialism derive their power from directly controlling peoples' lives. What I find really shocking is that more Americans are not concerned over the $1.3 trillion in US dollars the Chinese central government holds and that all products from China seem to contain high amounts of toxins. Poison Me Elmo for Christmas this year?

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Deryl, Stone Mountain, GA — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 19:59:08 GMT

The government of china is communist. Their government is trying to control information. They can use whatever label or excuse they want for their actions but what they are doing is wrong. The parent should control the child's online time. The people themselves should be the only judge of what is ok to view online or anywhere else for that matter.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Wes Reeson — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 20:10:40 GMT

Why doesn't the media investigate the authenticity of these fatality reports? I find it quite telling that deaths from marathon-style gaming don't seem to happen anywhere outside Chinese controlled media.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

James, Houston, Texas — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 20:21:49 GMT

Why should anyone be surprised by this stupid crackdown taking place in a communist country?
The same internet gambling crackdown took place in the supposedly free nation of America...pretty scary stuff.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Paul L. — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 20:30:20 GMT

Communism equals media control. In a modern world of instant media access, how does a country that has prided itself for its isolationist stance control the influx of information? They have to control the internet. However, once people sample free knowledge, info and ideas, they can never go back.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Walter Vee, Brentwood, TN — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 21:33:50 GMT

Well if America can ban internet gambling why can't china do the same?

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Pandy — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 22:19:36 GMT

China has two faces, one for outsiders, to make people like us feel good about how they are treating it's citizens, and the other real picture, no one hardly sees. One of severe crackdown in a police state, where it's possible to die in prison just for thinking you may want to criticize the government in power. Keep buying Chineese to mark your approval of this.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

J Doe, USA — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 22:43:30 GMT

I believe their internet addiction problems stem from a greater problem, and that is the fact that day-to-day life for the average Chinese Citizen is so unbearable that they would rather spend time on-line in a fantasy world where they do have a degree of freedom and control over themselves. Life mimmicks art, mimmicks life. And in the case of an online fantasy world, where you have no limits or restraints, it's easy to get lost in there.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

W. Phillip , Las Vegas, NV — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 23:15:07 GMT

I totally agree that the internet and what they call freedom to use, is a cesspool that introduce addiction, crime and indecency to our children and adults who are not able to control themselves. I believe that is the major cause of problems in our schools at all levels, homes, and on the streets.
The internet is a great tool and offer many wonderful things when controled.
Thanks

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Joseph McDonald, Salem OR — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 00:12:38 GMT

I find it surprising and frightening that some people here condone the censorship that China is imposing. Censorship control for children should be in the hands of parents, not governments. As for adults, there should be no censorship at all. Censorship "for our own good" puts the governments in the position of parents. Censorship takes away our right to choose what we feel we need to access. Without that right to choose, we are nothing more than prisoners of the state. I'm for freedom of access with your own morals as your guide. Thankfully I live in America where the government doesn't totally control our individual lives.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

John C. Too,l Seattle, Wash — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 00:15:33 GMT

Before you make any more mention of CENSORSHIP re: China please check out the latest censorship issue regarding the Emmy's,also the burning of books and the distruction of videos. (ask Block Busters for the most resent details regarding the videos.) People that live in glass houses should not throw stones.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

ANONYMOUS, ANONLAND, ANONAMA — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 00:46:59 GMT

ok first off the internet has nothing to do with the crime rate and never has you small minded facist pigs crime was here WELL before the internet even existed and on that note all other things that disrupted families where there BEFORE the internet or even video games all you ppl are doing is looking for something convienent to blame so that you can get the blame off your backs for not takeing care of your kids and letting other ppl do it for you!

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Cheng — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 01:48:00 GMT

You believe? Have you ever been to China? Please don't be so ridiculously ignorant.
"I believe their internet addiction problems stem from a greater problem, and that is the fact that day-to-day life for the average Chinese Citizen is so unbearable that they would rather spend time on-line in a fantasy world where they do have a degree of freedom and control over themselves. Life mimmicks art, mimmicks life. And in the case of an online fantasy world, where you have no limits or restraints, it's easy to get lost in there."

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Miles Seaford, Bethesda, MD — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 01:51:14 GMT

"The internet is a great tool and offers many wonderful things when controlled." Then you must think it a conundrum that the internet was created in freedom and offers its benefits because of the freedom it enjoys. And when it becomes tightly controlled its general usefulness will be completely lost. However, that day is soon approaching when the internet will be corralled and it be this dead place owned and operated by the corporations for the profits of the very few.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

David, Honolulu, Hawaii — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 02:02:24 GMT

James of Houston hit the nail on the head. We in American the land of the free have been censored for years, The current congressional regime to inclued GW have been censoring the internet since they came into power in 2000. Wake up people, as far as I can tell, China is soft on censorhip. On any given day a U.S. Senator can create a law banning the use of the internet for anything but what they feel supports their needs. When the congress banned Internet gambling in the U.S. it was because it was financing and supporting international terrorism, right, it was because a measly 7 Billion was not going into the coffers of the Gambling moguls in America.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

J.G,MO — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 02:47:52 GMT

For one, the Chinese government can do whatever it damn pleases. Those Billion+ people give their consent to their government every day they choose to do nothing about it. As do we, to ours :/
Nothing wrong with the internet, video games are entertainment, shooting things in a game does not translate to being immoral or evil. Drinking causes waaaaay more damage than everything else in the U.S. So until your ready to give up your fun, don't touch mine.

Jesus smoked the ganja

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Quiet Man, Dallas, TX — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 03:12:10 GMT

This is a nonstory if I've ever read one. Juveniles do not have the same right as adults, with cause. I agree that China is not an enlightened nation, but we knew this when American corporations started kowtowing and enforcing real censorship regulations. That is the larger story.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Cato the Younger, NH — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 03:16:12 GMT

If people cannot control addictions it is their own fault, the item itself, be it an erotic movie, a mind altering drug, a bottle of scotch or a video game, holds no magic power.

People run from their lives in a variety of ways. Neither you nor anybody else has any right to tell them which ways they man run unless that way injures you personally.

Everyone has their own guilty pleasures, their own coping mechanisms for escaping the parts of their lives they can't tackle yet, the parts they're not ready to change yet. If you say to yourself immediately "oh I do not!" then yours is quite simple, utter denial. (by the way that's generally right before a psychotic break).

Everybody has one reason or another for escapism, but have you considered that perhaps these kids have more reason than most?

They are living in a totalitarian society with mobile death vans http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2006-06-14-death-van_x.htm

And that until fairly recently when murdering someone who disagreed with them would charge the family of the murdered for the cost of the bullet(s) used to kill their loved one.

This isn't an issue of one country looking at another and criticizing them. This is a view of the most iron-fisted continuous crime against humanity in progress in this era. A government can tell their people what they can and can't do and punish them accordingly? And if those people have no way out (Which most Chinese don't). That's not a country, it's an enormous slave convoy in continuous motion.

There is a concept of human rights. Sometimes it's thrown around by people who simply want the world to be a big happy sing along. I think that's naive. However, to know what goes on in China and just say "well it's their country they can run it how they want" is self-deception of the most banal variety.

I'd like to someone say that when they're living there and they've had a forced abortion http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=9766870

I could keep posting links and talking, but it would do no good. Because when someone says "its their country they can run it how they like" it's very clear what's actually being said.

"Wow I'm glad that's not me"

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

John Hanks — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 03:36:53 GMT

Come on guys - open up your minds a little ! Who is really the communists here. Your government ( American ) taxes you 35% then charges you a 7% sales tax , then taxes you 30% when you sell your home ! Us communists pay a flat rate of 12% tax , have free medicine and if I sell my Hong Kong house pay 1% tax and , and ... I bet I drive a better car than you. Put any good Chinese communist in a phone booth and he'll have a business started in 15 minutes - you guys would just sit in there and cry till you dropped !!

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Marlan D. Los Angeles, CA — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 03:39:24 GMT

Im tired of older people complaining about how videogames are corrupting youth... pssh thats nt true. Video games are an art, an artistic medium and should be treated as such....

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

StrawDog, Marin County, CA — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 03:44:06 GMT

I wish someone would talk about why people are fleeing reality like this. It's an increasingly economically and socially hopeless society, not a video game or beer or what-have-you.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Marquis de Sade IV. — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 03:46:30 GMT

True "Karl Marxism" isn*t dead and is badly needed to conquer the ills of the WORLD. Religion, Drugs, Slavery, Disease, Hunger, Pollution, Wars, Greed,Fear, Injustice, Ambulance Chasers, Corruption, Poverty, Alcohol Abuse, Tobacco usage, & various Ecological Physical/Mental Problems can be Prevented and or Crushed with MARXISM..

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Niteforce, Linton, IN — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 03:50:09 GMT

Its not just in China that World of Warcraft seems to be grabbing peoples lives and taking them into a world of fantasy. It happens all over the world. What needs to happen is to put some sort of limit on the game makers to prevent them from from creating such a large gaming world just for the profits. People get into these type of games and spend senseless hours playing them when most are old enough to go out and get a job, or tend to a family. I have seen 3 people get so involved with this game they lost their high paying jobs over it. Was it worth getting a piece of Epic armor? Hardly doubt at 50K a year or more is worth 15.00 a month and long hours included with a back ache to sit a play a game. China is not the only one who puts a limit on their internet access. I think the US Govt. ought to at least look into putting a stop to how much a game manufacturer can go with their games. And I don't mean graphics or the Rated R games. I am talking about how many times the maker can send out a Expansion pack to keep their money rolling in and ruining lively hoods. Seems like WoW is coming out with their 3rd expansion pack yet again to keep those dollars rolling. Just more senseless time sitting infront of a computer screen doing absoultely nothing other then arguing who gets what after a quest. Not worth it!! Plain and simple.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Isaac, Kunming, Yunnan — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 03:50:40 GMT

I'm an American living in China and have many Chinese friends, co-workers, and acquantinces. None of them like the way the government controls or censors them and nearly all want to move overseas. It is true that everything on the net is filtered, recorded, and subject to screening... even this message. The longer I spend time in an oppressed country the more I appreciate what America has given me, it's truly the land of opportunities!

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Tom — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 04:44:13 GMT

We can just keep borrowing billions of dollars from a communist country, so we can send our kids to Iraq to kill other people and get killed to secure the oil to make gas for our corporate gas guzzling automobiles, Bush and our corrupt congress seem to like my idea! The U.S. Govt. has been stealing from the citizens since 1913 with their illegal income tax
SHOW ME THE LAW, THEY CAN"T BECAUSE IT DOES NOT EXIST!

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Elvis Nashville, Tn — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 05:00:43 GMT

Let it ROCK and let it ROLL!

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

W. Vincent — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 05:25:20 GMT

In the USA, media is STATE CENSORED (i mean sponsored) and STATE RUN, news and media in general, you are being brainwashed, the difference in China and USA is that China openly admits they run their media, in the USA our media and government lie about it, both are detrimental to the health, prosperity and longetivity of the human race and our dear planet earth, live responsibly by governing yourself and abolish the hienous criminal governments from the face of the earth people

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

S. Clifford, Ohio — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 06:54:04 GMT

We're forgetting one very important thing. Freedom of speech (at least our version of it) isn't an absolute right. You probably won't find it (at least our version of it) mentioned in the Bible, or any other religious texts. It was a concept dreamed up some 200 years ago by some guys who wanted to form a new country different than what they lived in before.

There was also a policy back then of never fighting for another peoples' quest for liberty. Why? Because it has to come from within. If the Chinese people want 'freedom of speech' as we know it, if they want the freedoms we enjoy, then they can achieve it the same way we did. It will probably be easier since they have about a billion more revolutionaries than we did at the time.

That said though, who is to say that their way is worse? We have a lot of things they don't have. They have a lot of things we don't have. Depending on your priorities, it can be a wash.

However the bottom line is simple. If the Chinese want the same freedoms we have, they need to fight for them the way we did. The LAST time the Chinese fought for something, this is what they fought for. This is what they chose. Remember, the communists are in power BECAUSE of a revolution, not despite one.

If the Chinese people no longer find this fitting, it is up to them to decide and to do what it necessary to make change.

And let's not talk about "brainwashing". When a man is desperate, and you're his oppressor, no force on earth is going to stop him from putting a bullet in you, or a knife, or a garden tool. It all comes down to what the Chinese people consider a priority.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Santel, Charleston, South carolina — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 07:50:31 GMT

I own a restaurant in China. Opened it 3 years agoI spend 50% of my time there, the other at home. The Internet is the best possible means of communication with my family and friends, so I don't want to see it interferred with either, but before you all spout your "expert" opinions, how many of you have ever been there? Indeed, how many of you even have a passport?

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Shari R. Clearwater, FL — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 08:27:11 GMT

I agree with Frank from Merrimac. I'm sorry someone died from "internet exhaustion"; if in fact someone truly did - in COMMUNIST countries, the media is completely controlled and censored by the state; and China is a COMMUNIST state, and just about everything they do has the agenda of control over the society behind it, including the false reporting of deaths and health dangers from various sources. Sorry, but I'm more concerned about China poisoning American children with their imported toys than I am about the free world killing Chinese adults with internet access...and what I REALLY can't understand is why there isn't more OUTRAGE from both our citizens and our government over this situation. Everyone behaves as if being suspicious of Communist governments is a fad that went out of fashion with the fall of the Berlin wall, like big hair went out of fashion with the fall of disco...and while Washington is busy looking through its binoculars at the the tiny, outmoded armies of the Middle East, the Chinese may very well be busy preparing to sneak up behind us with their poisoned toys and their ENORMOUS MODERN ARMY.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Justin, Nashville TN — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 09:36:27 GMT

Anyone else find it ironic that a guy from Las Vegas is calling the internet a cesspool?

Seriously, the thing I don't get is that whenever China does something like this, everyone bemoans the fact that the communists are, well, being communists, but whenever the U.S. does, or attempts to do, something similar (as in the internet gambling ban) it's considered by many to be legitimate because we're a democracy.
Censorship is censorship no matter what country you live in.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

yaj — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 10:16:05 GMT

oh snap those dummy in the east think its gaming that got the boy, no no. it was saddnes

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

E Collind, Canton, OH — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 10:44:45 GMT

I love all of the experts on China here, how many of you have made the effort to visit China. It seams so easy to speak like experts, but you have no real knowledge of the situation, only what you read in the US media. As a developing country China has many issues, they do not need or want the filth on the internet adding to this, and I agree. The youth in China have a purity that I find very refreshing, and long to see here at home. Let them set their own policy, we have enough real issues to deal America.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

K GREEN, LAFAYETTE, LA — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 11:26:49 GMT

OK so I can't say I disagree with China... obviously they are trying to do something to make things better, and it's true, people have no self-control, and with what's made available on the internet, somebody needs to take the reins. Second, in response to the comment about staying out of other countries business... uh, it's called world news and its about staying informed about what's happening around the world. Third - there is a major problem with the lead in products coming from China... personally I'm leery about anything reading made in china...

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Dan B. Paris, France — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 11:31:58 GMT

The Chinese regime has always tried to control what the country's citizens reads and thinks for the sake of "order and stability." Among the crimes here is the fact such American Internet companies as Yahoo! are doing the bidding of the Chinese censors.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Kay Keene, Michigan — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 11:33:55 GMT

I think the addictions are a sad thing, but they are happening everywhere. We have enough problems of our own to worry about what China is doing in that regard. Agreeing with former poster, I am more concerned about the lead in toys coming from China and THE THIMERASOL WE ARE STILL JABBING OUR OWN BABIES WITH AT THE DRS. OFFICE. WHY IS IT OK TO PUT IN VACCINES, BUT NOT OK TO TOUCH ON A TOY????? AUTISM????MAYBE????????

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

M. Daniher NC — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 12:34:23 GMT

China’s government is trying to maintain the moral fabric in their country. And in America our moral fabric is in tatters and no one seams to care. I just wish that our free society government showed as much interest in the moral fabric as china’s and quit putting children’s rights above the right of parents.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Anthony Wrifford — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 12:46:23 GMT

Is it censorship? Obviously. Anytime you bully people into doing or not doing something they wish to do; that's censorship. And we trade freely with these people, hah ! What a joke.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Robt Campbell Phoenix, AZ. — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 13:25:21 GMT

The very definition of freedom suggests that adults should be able to pursue their dreams and the endeavors that make them happy. Provided these pursuits are not deleterious to society. Defining what's deleterious to society is surrendered to the state by its citizens. We have 60,000 attorneys in the belt way deciding what's deleterious to our society. I would argue the 60,000 attorneys in D.C. should not define the parameters of freedom.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Mike M., Okayama, Japan — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 13:50:27 GMT

@W. Phillip
So are books, movies and television. "Control" of a medium is the first step in a slipper slope to censorship. Control of the internet is not something the government should be sticking thier fingers in. Helping people with a problem, addiction in this case? That's good but trying to control the mass of stuff that is the internet isn't the right direction.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

.big jim — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 14:11:19 GMT

I have 3 girls and it blows me away with the crap you can see,read on this contraption (PC), we should as a nation together with other countries like China, stop the destruction of our future, our children's minds!! We should form an international agency with these country's to track down the people who put the smut and some of the most gross things I've ever seen , little girls underage with animals, little girls PERIOD!! violent games , gross pictures,the people that like this stuff should be dragged down the street too, being they obviously have an mental issue. This just infuriates me and they should be shackeled at the knee and dragged down the street for all to see untill he is a bag of bones, AND POST THAT ON THE INTERNET FOR ALL TO SEE ,that should make them think twice, in this country we can not do it, but in China thay can get away with it, so we'll fly the ones we catch here to China. Animals and girls , little girls having sex ,violent games, etc... when I was growing up in this country I NEVER SAW OR HEARD OF SOME OF THIS GARBAGE YOU SEE ON THE INTERNET, let's stop the poisening of our future, our children's minds, LET'S DRAG THEM DOWN THE STREET FOR ALL TO SEE, IT'LL STOP OR SLOW DOWN PRETTY QUICK. BIG JIM FOR PRESIDENT!!!

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Rick L. St Louis, MO — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 14:12:27 GMT

For all the Chinese government has to worry about going after people who play games is silly. I've enjoyed playing games since I was ten years old and still play them at 37. Addictions happen but to blame people's actions on video games is ignorant. It's a cop out and another society problem of owning up to your mistakes. I'd rather see someone playing a video game killing monsters in a fantasy world than going out and doing harm to others. Lastly, a person died playing video games. Was it games or do you think possibly the person was on drugs being able to stay up for days. The game didn't kill him, the medications he took to stay up days is what did it. Get the facts people.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Toledo OHIO — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 14:15:38 GMT

Gimme a break...
The internet is one of the greatest modern forms of data and communication... and just like everything else you have people that will use it for good and those that will use it for ill.. I beleive that all information is important and like that I can search for all manner of things online no matter how obsure, popular or puriant it may be! I was on DARPA net way back when... when there was no images and nothing but professionals and college students on it. Even back then there was all manner of data.
It is the responsibility of each person to block or ignore or NOT GO TO places in real life and online that they are not interested... aka do you want to go down the adult part of town aka online sex sites, or do you wanna go to the mall aka ebay or amazon or just what? I play online games on pcs and consoles. I have been known to play too much that i go to work the next day tired, but again, it's my own fault! When Government and others decide what is right for ME that oversteps the line.
I agree that the reason that so many chinese young people are online for so long is life in China blows. I have a close friend that goes there on business a great deal of the time... he is in the big proviences and the little ones and says that no matter where he goes, life is hard and rotten and the overshadow of the govt is in everything that they do. Sure would blow to live under that regime. Yeah their $$ issues are terrific and they are coming to the point of kinda being "western" in their buying habits, but it's still a hard row to hoe and live in everyday.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

G Nowfit — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 14:33:16 GMT

It's no surprize that China would attempt to solve their problem with obscessive on-line gaming by making a law to limit it. It may be a sign of progress that they apparently do not aggressively prosecute the law. It is important that we address this problem in the U.S. The medium itself is not entirely unhealthy, the chinese apparently that 5 hours day {LOL} wasn't all that detrimental to their children. However, I think linking gaming behavior with acts of violent crime needs further review. Anecdotally speaking, most gamers don't have the time or the desire to do something as active as robbery or rape. What IS unhealthy is that many children and adults have found a new way to while away their time that has them sitting for hours every day. I predict an upswing in the occurrance of Deep Venous Throbosis and stress incontinence directly attributable to on-line gaming.This country needs exercise, but I don't think a law is the way to do it; so thumbs down on China.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Nick S, Missoula, MT — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 14:47:15 GMT

I do not see why everyone should be penalized for the actions of the few. Chinese officials may be doing what is right for China, but some of the comments regarding America is a farce.

Self Control is not a new concept, and neither is common sense. neither should be legislated, both should be taught. I disagree with the idea that my actions online to need to be controlled by anyone other than myself.

If someone needs the gorvernment oversite to to know what is right or wrong, I am sure there other countries which would be happy to have you.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Jamie Rhiness, Nada, BC — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 15:09:46 GMT

I guess China feels that "It takes a village to raise a child". I'm tired of the government trying to be everyones mom, personally. I was watching Dirty Harry at age eight, along with Goodfellas, and all it did was make me appreciate GOOD movies. Perhaps if American parents got off of their Fat Mcasses, and taught their kids right from wrong, while monitering what they were getting into. The rest of the world wouldn't have to be babysat like children themselves.

As far as "Communism and Socialism" thrive on media control, I'm not neccesarilly disagreeing. But answer me this what about the practices of media monopolies and their advertisers pressuring out respected journalists in your "Laizes Faire" system of capitalism. One name, Rupert Murdoch? Also Disney owned NBC relaxing it's coverage of Chinese human rights abuses so they could get Mulan allowed as one of the ten forreign imports China let's in a year. (how long do you think this post will be here now?)

Like one of you said, Look after your own back yard.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Will, San Francisco, CA — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 15:25:20 GMT

Online game addiction doesnt only happen in China. Here in the US has the same problem, causing families to break up, suicides, academic problems and more.
There are countless teenagers and adults on this planet are having game addiction problems.
What bugs me is... why mix censorship with game addiction? Like our government don't have some kind of censorship already.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Joe, Tuscaloosa, AL — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 15:52:56 GMT

Freedom is power. Controlling the internet is a horrible idea. Pornography, indecency, and anything else that humans want should be freely available on the internet, or anywhere else for that matter.

If people did not want these things, then no one would look at them. If the weak-minded become addicted, does it really matter?

What is better about those who watch NASCAR while getting drunk and rowdy than those who play World of Warcraft by themselves in their rooms and don't bother anyone? I'd rather have gamers and porn-addicts than NASCAR fans in my society, but I'm certainly not suggesting that NASCAR be banned, or even restricted.

I'm far less disgusted by the actions of the Chinese than I am by the response of the majority of the American responses to this article.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Also sick of it! utah — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 16:04:49 GMT

Quote

"Would somebody PLEASE tell me when where gonna keep our noses out of other countries business? Just like our government, has the right to tell us what to do and make laws whether we agree with them or not, so does their government. So maybe instead of worring about what happens there, maybe we need to deal with what is happening on our back porches.
So instead of writing articals about other countries addictions. We need to put an end to the addictions Americans have that kill them and destroy families here like internet games, video games, drugs, alchol, pornography, gambling and the internet it's self.
Let's fix our own house and judge it before we fix and judge anothers."

I agree with you 100%!

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

h.l., CO, USA — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 16:17:12 GMT

TV's and computers are not babysitters. The main problem which introduces 'addiction, crime, and indecency to our children' is society's insistence on substituting technology for parenting. The internet itself is not the problem. The problem is that parents no longer pay as much attention to what their children do, schools equate more technology with better learning (addition and subtraction? who needs those skills, we have calculators to do that!), etc. If you manage your own home and family and take some responsibility, you don't need the internet for a scapegoat.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Jerry S., Orlando, FL — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 16:19:14 GMT

Frank S., from Merrimack NH is correct. Americans are not paying attention to the real problem; China is holding most of our debt and we don't seem able to manage our budget and improve our trade deficit with China.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

R. Laskowski, Madison, Ohio — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 16:22:00 GMT

"All comments must be approved before appearing in the thread; time and space constraints prevent all comments from appearing. We will only approve comments that are directly related to the blog, use appropriate language and are not attacking the comments of others." Censorship is alive and well in the US. Money drives the internet, Porn makes lots of money, so porn drives the internet. Many of the technological advances on the net were finaced by pornographers. Don't know which is the oldest profession, prostitution or pornography, but I bet my bottom dollar they are close in age. But then gambling is old too. Geeze, with so many choices I can't decide on which vice to get addicted.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Robert Holbert — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 16:23:38 GMT

@Wes Reeson,

This phenomena is not limited to China. In fact, several have occured in South Korea. Why don't you investigate the authenticity of your own claims?

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Elijah Teal, Corvallis, Oregon — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 16:31:53 GMT

Has anyone considered doing one of two things?

Firstly: Actually look up what Communism and Socialism actually is, instead of spouting McCarthy Propaganda.
Secondly: Comparing "Internet Addiction" (I use the term loosely. It is not medically speaking an addiction.) to any other strong habit, such as smoking, drinking or even TV? The average american ruins their health in front of the TV. Where does this make us better than the Chinese ruining their health in front of the Computer?

Obesity is better than uh ... Videogames?

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Jason, Alabama — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 16:32:47 GMT

You hypocrits... as children you all ran around with cap guns "shooting" your friends and arguing "i shot you you are dead." So don't DARE say that video games are any worse than that. And if you think the communists are so right by censoring the internet, then go to China, and live there, cuz we don't want your demb ass here anyways.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

S. Su — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 16:33:09 GMT

I put my website on tripod, nothing political. The communist block the whole web server. I put my pictures on flickr to share with friends and families, the communist block flickr because pictures are hard to censor.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Michael, Houston, TX — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 16:48:01 GMT

It is a shame that people have nothing better to do with their time and energy than hours of gaming. It is a self-centered life that needs large doses involvement in the lives of real people with real problems that can use real help.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Kim Lou — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 16:51:59 GMT

Someone DIED? From online gaming for three days?! That's horse 'manure', (I don't want my comment censored here). I find it impossible to believe that anyone in a cyber-cafe could actually die from 3 days of online gaming. It's just another excuse that the Chinese governmnt uses to justify their communistic actions. Just another Chinese lie... "it was Mattel's fault!"... "We didn't know there was glycol in the medication!" They're liars and no one should believe a word they say. They most likely banned it because it doesn't further their vision of everyone constantly working to improve the system. To hell with the Chinese lies....

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

B.Britt, Abingdon, Illinois — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 17:09:31 GMT

Atleast China has internet access...isn`t that a big step forward?

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Jesse Anderson Jacksonville,Fla — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 17:27:15 GMT

I don't have a problem about this, it that where are our right, those that do wrong should go to jail, but if I'm not doing any things wrong then why should I suffer

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

M Hampton, New York City — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 17:30:35 GMT

Land of the free and home of the nosey. Leave them alone and lets get on with our problems , THE INTERNET
OF ALL THINGS !

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Ron, Sarasota, FL — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 17:38:30 GMT

First off, let's call it what it really is: GAMBLING! It is not gaming! That's just trying to soften an image that is clearly destroying lives. Secondly, China is a sovereign country and has the right to govern the way it it chooses. We may not like it or agree with it, and I certainly don't, but we need to stay out of their business. I wish other countries would stay out of our constitution, specifically the 2nd amendment. Lastly, I agree with "sick of it" that we need to clean our OWN house before critizing others.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

PJR Baton Rouge LA — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 17:38:56 GMT

Just like our government, has the right to tell us what to do and make laws whether we agree with them or not, so does their government.

WRONG WRONG WRONG!!! Our goverment is SUPPOSED to listen to us and do what we want it to do, not us serve them whether we like it or not, go read the constitution please!

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Liz, Coos Bay, OR, USA — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 17:44:45 GMT

Let's see some stories about how the same games are affecting our youth and adults in the United States so that we can draw some reasonable conclusions. It has been reported in the past in other countries where deaths or suicides have been connected to MMORPGs, some references please. Don't concentrate on the fact that it is China - let's look at the big picture. BTW, I am an adult player of MMORPGs.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Dean A. Nash, ShenZhen, China — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 17:59:57 GMT

"What does this mean for the short-term future of the Internet in China? Expect more two steps forward, one step back moments..."

That sure seems like slow and steady progress to me. Living here for the past 5 years, in my opinion, the Chinese are getting it just about right.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Dave, Charlottesville, VA — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 18:02:42 GMT

Do those of you that support this really believe China has addressed issues of addiction, violence and "filth in their homeland" with this activity? It's more than a little scary how quick some of you are to jump on this bandwagon. I bet that many of you who are so willing to support the repressive actions of a communist regime are also the flag-waving, phony-patriot type. How ironic.

There are plenty of software tools for you to block your children from accessing sites you deem inappropriate. And how about this, "No World of Warcraft until your homework's done." Or "No computer or TV in your bedroom. Mommy needs to see what you're up to." Is that so hard? If you're at the point that the government can do a better job raising your children than you can, you shouldn't have had any.

And Walter's comment above is dead on. Those of you who disagree with China's policy should realize that our's only differs by a matter of degree, for now.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Allen Anderson — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 18:13:00 GMT

I was in China last year, and I was very impressed with that country. However, my only negative impression was the internet bars. I saw smoke-filled rooms where kids spend hours playing video games. What a waste of time! The government is right to crack down on the excessive use of game time. They are trying to save their kids. I agree with them.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Denver, CO — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 18:22:06 GMT

Communist China has one goal here, and it has nothing to do with the health or welfare of Chinese citizens. It's all all about formulating propoganda to support control of information. I'm fairly certain that noone can die from an overdose of "World of Warcraft." Maybe there wouldn't be a problem if the Chinese had unrestricted internet access.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Patrick O'Brien, Woodstock, GA — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 18:23:59 GMT

Anyone who says the internet is a "BAD" place or a "SESSPOOL" is an absolute idiot. The internet offers things to billions of people all at onece, how can that be so bad. Just because you don't like some of the WebSites does not make it evil, you want to know evil? Go in to any of the tens of thousands of churches in the United States and evil will be right in front of you. (people you'll find inside these "wonderful" places, are the ones fighting against the internet, video games, pornography, sports, curse words and anything else they find to be offensive) Basicly things that are not in the "BIBLE" (the man made book)

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Brian F. Salt Lake City — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 18:56:09 GMT

I'm sorry to inform you Wes Reeson, but these reports are real and it happens all the time. I see stories about this at least once a year and it's not just deaths, but the suicides are rarely reported at all. As a long time gamer, I know that stuff like this while sad, it is true.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Steve — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 18:58:45 GMT

There was a time the US stayed out of the internal domestic affairs of other countries.

There was a time we hesitated to cast stones knowing our own many faults clearly.

There was a time we understood that people of a country changed that country and not outside forces which just re-enforce the problem.

There was a time our religious leaders spoke of love not war.

There was a time America had never started a war.

There was a time the US Presidents main function was protection of the Constitution.

There was time the US had the respect of the whole world

Is that the alarm clock?

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Justin, Deltona, Fl — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 19:10:47 GMT

I can't believe they tied video gaming with crimes. It's like saying guns kill people. Getting rid of them won't stop the crime. This are simply ethical an problem, a problem that should not be tied in with good, wholesome fun. "...printing stories detailing how Internet addiction had contributed to a slew of real-life problems with minors, such as academic failure, petty crimes and even suicide."

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Guardian — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 19:40:27 GMT

when it comes to use their internet it should be none of our business, their is a parable trying to help someone when our own kids are online daiy playing the same thing the parable is before you can improve their life take a look at the log in your eye.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Zy Nox — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 19:47:00 GMT

haha To be brutaly honest MMO's need to be capped on gametime, they are far to easy to get carried away with.

I mean I am 24 this year and I have to have my GF put parental controls on my WoW account or I play till stupid'o clock in the morning.

I have no urge to quit like I did with smoking though :) Perfectly healthy + social life... as long as it stays under "GF" control at least lol

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Matt, Los Angeles, CA — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 19:48:56 GMT

I find it ironic that all of these comments are by people who are sitting at their computers, reading these stories online, and commenting on internet addiction.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

CJCarlin — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 19:54:37 GMT

Freedom of speech, freedom of choice, freedom to destroy yourself if that's what you want. These are the things that the citizens of China have already lost, and the citizens of America are steadily trading away. If you don't want to visit the internet sites that you don't like, well, don't. But it is not your job or mine or even the government's to take them away so you don't even have the option. Look ye well, America: There but for the grace of God go I, and all the rest of you, as well.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

S4Play — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 19:57:30 GMT

LOL. China is doing what any asian parent would do. Spank your kids and discpline them properly. Why is teh asian minority so succesful in the States? Asian discipline.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

JohnMoeMoe, New York, NY — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 20:08:51 GMT

I see the same happening in NEW YORK CITY so what's the big fuss about this? The only thing different is that the Chinese government has a limit on the time a youngster that can play online game. They are not barred from using internet. May be we American people think that online game is entertaining but other cultures think that they are mind posioning. In NYC, youngsters are also banned from internet cafe(youngsters are locked in handcuffs sometimes when foudnin the internet cafes att he wrong times.) We don't call that censorship here, NYC elders and the NYPD said this is for the benefit of the children.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

D Buhler Los Angeles, CA — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 21:42:11 GMT

I'm a gamer and i think it's stupid for the government to have to control ppls lives. if someone wants to die playing WoW then fine die! what difference does it make, Thats what freedom is all about for me. Families are a thing of the past, with everybody getting divorced these days, why dont we just get a clue and abolish the american family. I'f video games, drugs, alcohol, gambling ect, is destroying families, just let it be.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Dylan, Seattle WA — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 21:52:03 GMT

Some commentators feel that the internet is full of filth(quoting from above posts) and censorship of sites deemed filth by the Chinese government is justified. Sounds like moral censorship to me, and I find it abhorrent.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

john doe — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 23:16:52 GMT

All you complaning about this, how about you go live in communist China, and then complain. You have no idea what it is like to live in a communist country, where people are executed all the time for being "enemy of the state", and persecution of minorities like tibetans is wide-spread.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

ray, wixom, mi — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 23:22:05 GMT

for those saying stay out of chinas business...our world and ecomony depends on chinas..much of it being internet based...if it bothers you to know about wahts goin on there...dont read it...its that simple....for those who are saying quit whing about censorship....government censorship is wrong if u dont want ur kids seeing the stuff...be better parents...its prettty simple

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Name, City, State — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 23:47:11 GMT

In theory this is a terrible thing to do, but after a few minutes of contemplation I'm sure most of you will realize that in reality such a thing will die down quickly because it is impossible to control. The internet is a wild frontier in which every man, woman, and child can remain faceless and do whatever they want, and that's the way it should be.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

K. Ogilvie, Berkeley, CA — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 00:29:17 GMT

Okay, first of all, the government China has isn't TRULY communistic, and the USA has just as many problems even though we're the epitome of capitalism, so really are we still in the 50's worried about "the commies"? jeez...Second of all, there are people that die or cause bodily harm to themselves in the US from "internet addiction" among other things (which country has the 60% obesity rate in adults and 30% obesity rate in children?) and thirdly, there are few things that I believe should be censored, after all, pornography has been around in one form or another for thousands of years--and yet--it survives! I wonder why...? Finally, what does the internet represent if not a stratosphere for human interests? We've collectively created it, haven't we now? Until twisted scientists can figure out a way to censor human thought, how much control should ANY government have over the internet or your children? Children will either get bored with their game or parents will be forced to do something. If your children were obsessively eating (like you know, one might fill a void with a video game...) maybe we could give it a whirl and start rationing food...oh wait, I don't think the parents here would like that very much! So much for doing something about a country-wide epidemic. Looks like China and the US are both missing something.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Deng, Shanghai, China — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 03:27:16 GMT

I am not for US or other foreign countries meddling into other affairs but living in China and going to Vietnam often, I have seen the changes (good and bad) by just putting China or Vietnam on a "bad" list for human rights, religious freedom, censorship...

I have been here long enough to know if this article was written in Chinese, I might get my usual window with a internet connection error (this is not of the more sensitive topics I've seen because everyone here knows about the censorship challenges- for good and bad).

If nobody wrotes about these matters to include US or Europe not creating these "your doing bad" lists, any changes would take centuries. Oh- and yes we do need to look at our own countries even more than others.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

rupert rivera Orlando Fla — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 04:42:14 GMT

Can someone tell how to stop the world wide madness shown in this page . Censorship... Tha's what they said. Who? The people who promote every madness in the name of freedom . We are living other times . Well done for China for stopping the pornographers.

Chinese crackdown on gaming or censorship?

Chip Ressel, Buffalo, New York — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 17:17:16 GMT

I am absolutly sick or people calling video games bad, it is becoming a larger industry than movies and yet people fail to acknoledge it as a legitamate form of enteratainment, so stop your whining unless youve actually played them