Christ O’ Mighty.

Sorry you had trouble with my math security system. You aren’t the only one that lost something they wrote. I am reconsidering it as a security measure because it doesn’t seem very reliable. Don’t get too frustrated.

Regarding your comments: I totally hear what you’re saying. I see how buying gold is supporting “slave” labor, though to be totally honest, it’s hard to compare all-day gaming as a job to actual slavery, but it is clear that these gold farms are made up of hundreds of Chinese workers that play earning nearly nothing. It may hurt the economy in long run, but I think part of the point of my post is that when the economy of the game has real-world finanical repurcussions, it may make the game BETTER. The fact that you can sell your level 60 Warlock on eBay for $400 is very interesting, and seems, in some ways, to validate the time you put into it. It has VALUE.

As far as any bigger impact, I don’t know. I look at it as this: I paid good money for the game, more than good money to keep my account in good standing for this long, and I deserve to get enjoyment out of the game. If I am willing to spend even more to make sure my limited time playing can be more PERSONALLY rewarding, I am reluctant, but willing to do it. I am pretty sure my meager impact will not ruin anything. (P.S. I haven’t gone crazy with my newfound cash, but the poverty relief was welcome, and has truly made the game better for me already.)

As far as the TOS, I had no idea I was violating anything. If somebody tattles on me and there are repurcussions, I will be disappointed, but I’ll deal with it.

Bottom line dude, it’s a game. I enjoy playing it, probably far too much, but that’s it. The fact that there is real financial value to some of it makes it more exciting, not less. And part of the point of my post is that in the future, the “real world” spillover will be more and more, so I think you have to get used to it.

Advertisements in a game I pay a monthly fee to will end up with me saying fuck you to the game and never playing it again. Ie.. why i don’t go to movies in the theatre any longer.

Buying gold in game wrecks the economy, supports communism and sweatshop/slave labor. You’re level 30 complaining about not having gold makes you sound like a tool. I leveled 2 toons to 60 and struggled like you’re suppose to pay for things, you’re cheapening the experience, and I’m certain you’ll later write about how the game was too fast and not enough content to reward you for the time you spent playing, because you bought better gear then what you get for actually playing in game content.

ALSO buying gold breaks WoW TOS and since you posted your characters name , server you play on, and everyone knows your name I wouldn’t be surprised if someone doesn’t file a complaint.

It won’t be me. I’ll just let you know what you’re doing is wrong in my book, not rat you out

I thought it wouldn’t happne 10 years ago, but it’s amazing how it simply evolved. Between virtual communites and forum where people feel closer to people they’ve never met then to their neighbors, to blogs and emails that add one more way for people to stay in touch even when they talk regualrly, the world is changing.

It seems ironic that as technology becomes more advanced it becomes mo0re a part of regular life than something apart.

There was an interesting article in Wired a couple months ago, about WoW helping people land real jobs.

http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/14.04/learn.html

Fascinating stuff. Thanks for keeping me in the loop with all things nerd.