"The username violates our guidelines"

In addition you get that message before you can even comment, so how would they know if you are a conservative or liberal? Trying to say it is an attack on conservatives just sounds plain stupid to me. In addition, I see plenty of comments by both conservatives and liberals. Do you really think they stalk everyone to learn their views? Some very sophisticated programming going on there if they do. I read articles from both perspectives and have commented both ways before also. But Microsoft needs to get this fixed, I have found no way around it either.

I've never been able to comment anywhere because "The username violates our guidelines". Changing my name to anything doesn't fix it. I'm a leftist, so they're not "censoring conservatives" with this, since I'm not one. I've never been able to express any viewpoint at all though, since I've never been allowed to comment on any news stories due to my "username" "violating" some guideline that seems to be just literally any name.

In addition you get that message before you can even comment, so how would they know if you are a conservative or liberal? Trying to say it is an attack on conservatives just sounds plain stupid to me. In addition, I see plenty of comments by both conservatives and liberals. Do you really think they stalk everyone to learn their views? Some very sophisticated programming going on there if they do. I read articles from both perspectives and have commented both ways before also. But Microsoft needs to get this fixed, I have found no way around it either.

There is clearly something wrong with this organization, it's values, it's conduct, and general business methods. I have not commented on anything in, oh I don't know, forever. I don't disrespect anyone's rights, views, or opinions. However, I also expect that others treat me in a likewise fashion. I, too, have been banned. Clearly my point of view offended someone's delicate sensibilities, no matter how subjective, unexamined, or absurd and Microsoft complied. Or there is something wrong with their programming. The most likely scenario, to my way of thinking, is that as a person of strong moral conviction, Microsoft invaded my privacy and unlawfully monitored my content, summarily concluding that I did not toe their party line, and exerted their undeserved, unmonitored, and absolute power. In all likelihood, all three scenarios may be in play. And, of course, there is little recourse. Microsoft can take their perceived absolute power and shove it. I don't wish to comment on their stupid, inane, and inconsequential content anyway. For them there is a special place in hell. Unfortunately, there will be no consequence to them, at least in this life, as there are billions of people for whom this garbage is the entirety of their life's devotion. How sad.

This is weird and frustrating. I also tried to post a comment on an MSN news story and the message came up "The username violates our guidelines". I don't even see my username or where one can add or change it. When I click "change name" or "edit profile" it takes me to my MSFT account info where it asks for my First Name and Last name. I see no place to edit or add a username. Is one supposed to create a fictious First and Last name? What gives?!!!

PS: After I posted the above msg I see it listed me as ScottInIndiana so I assume this is my username that violates their guidelines... I don't know why it would, but in any case, I still don't see where I can change it.

I also have a Hotmail account from over twenty years ago. My username is not my real name and has never been flagged as inappropriate. I think you may be on to something here.