I am not against charities getting money, but I can see how many people are pissed off about micro-transactions. Plus you know companies experiment by always adding a pinch more every time. It's hard for a company to hold back once these micro-transactions things become official.
I am not against charities getting money, but I can see how many people are pissed off about micro-transactions. Plus you know companies experiment by always adding a pinch more every time. It's hard for a company to hold back once these micro-transactions things become official.
If you really believe this, blame the F2P market. They ushered this idea of "item mall" RMT, now no one is buying anything so everyone is looking for a quick fix. Everyone run to your nearest F2P game and buy up all the items while they still last. lol
WoW isn't F2P, yet... Be glad for what you still have as it could be gone tomorrow. Vanity items are a way to stay ahead of the wolf pack, but it's not the end.
I agree with the article and find that so many fans complaining are utterly hopeless.
And the people incessantly bitching about this really wonder why game companies don't take them seriously. Trying to keep happy a group of individuals that froth at the mouth over some charity vanity pets...talk about a thankless, never-ending job.
Katsma is Lithuanian for 'he who drinks used douche fluid'.
Oh please..the Author of this Article can join BLizzard and Eat a dick. Guy make some cheapshot article on the "overraction" to news. Basically insulting alot of the mmorpg members. Dont get all heated when your the only one without the sense to come in out of the rain.
While I wouldn't exactly put it like that (in public anyways), I agree in principle. The subject of this article could have been any number of MMO Publisher created atrocities. The fact that he chose this particular one is trivial.
This article is nothing more than a vehicle for Jon to crap on mmorpg.coms readership and stir the pot. While he says he's leaving his own personal opinions out of the article, it's pretty plain to see he has no room for this sight's readers voicing their opinions and fears concerning MMO's, and also proves to me that Jon himself has either never truly invested himself in an MMO (and gotten screwed over because of it) or he has an alterior motive to confronting those who stand up for their rights as consumers by calling those of us who are vocal towards these publishers 'the boy who cried wolf'.
What this article really shows, since Jon is employed by mmorpg.com, and is thereby speaking FOR mmorpg.com here, is that this site itself sides with the publishers, and not the consumers (which is obviously not a shock when you simply look at all the advertising these companies do on this site) and is opting to take a stand AGAINST the MMO playing consumer as opposed to actually trying to be a place where a consumer might come to make an informed decision about a game.
Yes, Blizzard is a business, and RMT is there to make money... and so is mmorpg.com
This is designed as way to get people used to RMT , while i m not against them donating to charity in fact i m all for , what they are doing is plainly sugar coating the pill . Its a PR stunt plain and simple .
Not so much the boy who cried wolf but the wolf in sheeps cloathing .
Its a slippery slope and one i myself forcast would happen starting with pets .
QFT. Its much easier to brainwash people into something slowly. The lobster eventually finds himself being boiled alive in his own juices in what was once a lukewarm pan.
Much like the situation we find ourselves in, in the US these days? Frog soup coming up soon.
What this article really shows, since Jon is employed by mmorpg.com, and is thereby speaking FOR mmorpg.com here, is that this site itself sides with the publishers, and not the consumers (which is obviously not a shock when you simply look at all the advertising these companies do on this site) and is opting to take a stand AGAINST the MMO playing consumer as opposed to actually trying to be a place where a consumer might come to make an informed decision about a game. Yes, Blizzard is a business, and RMT is there to make money... and so is mmorpg.com Terrible, terrible journalism Jon.
Quoted for truthiness - except that I in no way consider him a journalist.
"" Voice acting isn't an RPG element....it's just a production value." - grumpymel2
Oh please..the Author of this Article can join BLizzard and Eat a dick. Guy make some cheapshot article on the "overraction" to news. Basically insulting alot of the mmorpg members. Dont get all heated when your the only one without the sense to come in out of the rain.
While I wouldn't exactly put it like that (in public anyways), I agree in principle. The subject of this article could have been any number of MMO Publisher created atrocities. The fact that he chose this particular one is trivial.
This article is nothing more than a vehicle for Jon to crap on mmorpg.coms readership and stir the pot. While he says he's leaving his own personal opinions out of the article, it's pretty plain to see he has no room for this sight's readers voicing their opinions and fears concerning MMO's, and also proves to me that Jon himself has either never truly invested himself in an MMO (and gotten screwed over because of it) or he has an alterior motive to confronting those who stand up for their rights as consumers by calling those of us who are vocal towards these publishers 'the boy who cried wolf'.
What this article really shows, since Jon is employed by mmorpg.com, and is thereby speaking FOR mmorpg.com here, is that this site itself sides with the publishers, and not the consumers (which is obviously not a shock when you simply look at all the advertising these companies do on this site) and is opting to take a stand AGAINST the MMO playing consumer as opposed to actually trying to be a place where a consumer might come to make an informed decision about a game.
Yes, Blizzard is a business, and RMT is there to make money... and so is mmorpg.com
Terrible, terrible journalism Jon.
Wrong.
You have either a) not fully read the article or b) did not understand the article or, I feel more likely c) deliberately misrepresenting what was said.
First, I said the opposite, this IS my opinion. Hence,the column, which is an opinion piece.
Second, I never told anyone not to confront companies that are legitimately taking advantage of players by using a subscription fee as well as charging for enhancement items and other more typical item shop fare. I simply said that this isn't the time, and complaining so loudly about something that many folks seem to think is trivial will lessen the impact of expressing their opinions when a line is actually crossed in a more concrete manner. This is the actual moral of the story: The boy who cried wolf.
Of course I'm on the side of the MMORPG readers and players. I'm a player myself. The entire point of this article is to protect players and protect the integrity of player concerns by trying to help to make sure that they are listened to and not summarily ignored by companies and CEOs who can simply say: "They complained about X, so they'll complain about anything."
You may not agree with me, and my philosophy. That's your right. But to take what I said so wildly out of context and run me down personally for having a differing opinion is... Well, silly.
But, carry on. you seem to be having a good time, don't let me stop you.
Blizzard's one of the VERY FEW US based companies doing good in business at the moment. Let them continue to do so. AND THANK GOD that they're finally donating to charities. Seriously, they should sell Cow Level cows for breast cancer research and call the move 'SAVE THE UTTERS!'!!
Good on ya Blizzard.
I kill other players because they're smarter than AI, sometimes.
Wrong. You have either a) not fully read the article or b) did not understand the article or, I feel more likely c) deliberately misrepresenting what was said. First, I said the opposite, this IS my opinion. Hence,the column, which is an opinion piece. Second, I never told anyone not to confront companies that are legitimately taking advantage of players by using a subscription fee as well as charging for enhancement items and other more typical item shop fare. I simply said that this isn't the time, and complaining so loudly about something that many folks seem to think is trivial will lessen the impact of expressing their opinions when a line is actually crossed in a more concrete manner. This is the actual moral of the story: The boy who cried wolf. Of course I'm on the side of the MMORPG readers and players. I'm a player myself. The entire point of this article is to protect players and protect the integrity of player concerns by trying to help to make sure that they are listened to and not summarily ignored by companies and CEOs who can simply say: "They complained about X, so they'll complain about anything." You may not agree with me, and my philosophy. That's your right. But to take what I said so wildly out of context and run me down personally for having a differing opinion is... Well, silly. But, carry on. you seem to be having a good time, don't let me stop you.
It seems to be easier for everyone to be alarmists / cry wolf then to look at things objectively or atleast with some common sense. Its like the huge qq over the C Store for Champions. None of it affects in game activites for PVE or PVP but yet there was this huge stink by a small portion of the community some of which dont even play champions.
I could see everyone's QQ screaming insanity if say Blizz was selling Orange Level Mega Epics but they're not..its crummy little pets which they've been doing through the card game and event attendance for years.
Though I'll be honest 10 dollars for a pet is really extreme. I can see 10 dollars to donate to the charity and like 75% of that going to charity and then after the drive is over the pet being 2 - 3 dollars but 10 dollars without the charity hooked on is just extreme. Yelling wont do anything ...not buying will. Tho hopefully those objecting to the selling of pets for 10 bucks will wait until AFTER the charity event is over since its a really good cause.
Oh please..the Author of this Article can join BLizzard and Eat a dick. Guy make some cheapshot article on the "overraction" to news. Basically insulting alot of the mmorpg members. Dont get all heated when your the only one without the sense to come in out of the rain.
While I wouldn't exactly put it like that (in public anyways), I agree in principle. The subject of this article could have been any number of MMO Publisher created atrocities. The fact that he chose this particular one is trivial.
This article is nothing more than a vehicle for Jon to crap on mmorpg.coms readership and stir the pot. While he says he's leaving his own personal opinions out of the article, it's pretty plain to see he has no room for this sight's readers voicing their opinions and fears concerning MMO's, and also proves to me that Jon himself has either never truly invested himself in an MMO (and gotten screwed over because of it) or he has an alterior motive to confronting those who stand up for their rights as consumers by calling those of us who are vocal towards these publishers 'the boy who cried wolf'.
What this article really shows, since Jon is employed by mmorpg.com, and is thereby speaking FOR mmorpg.com here, is that this site itself sides with the publishers, and not the consumers (which is obviously not a shock when you simply look at all the advertising these companies do on this site) and is opting to take a stand AGAINST the MMO playing consumer as opposed to actually trying to be a place where a consumer might come to make an informed decision about a game.
Yes, Blizzard is a business, and RMT is there to make money... and so is mmorpg.com
Terrible, terrible journalism Jon.
Wrong.
You have either a) not fully read the article or b) did not understand the article or, I feel more likely c) deliberately misrepresenting what was said.
First, I said the opposite, this IS my opinion. Hence,the column, which is an opinion piece.
Second, I never told anyone not to confront companies that are legitimately taking advantage of players by using a subscription fee as well as charging for enhancement items and other more typical item shop fare. I simply said that this isn't the time, and complaining so loudly about something that many folks seem to think is trivial will lessen the impact of expressing their opinions when a line is actually crossed in a more concrete manner. This is the actual moral of the story: The boy who cried wolf.
Of course I'm on the side of the MMORPG readers and players. I'm a player myself. The entire point of this article is to protect players and protect the integrity of player concerns by trying to help to make sure that they are listened to and not summarily ignored by companies and CEOs who can simply say: "They complained about X, so they'll complain about anything."
You may not agree with me, and my philosophy. That's your right. But to take what I said so wildly out of context and run me down personally for having a differing opinion is... Well, silly.
But, carry on. you seem to be having a good time, don't let me stop you.
Unfortunately, the two opposing views will not agree on any common ground here. You follow the philosophy that, UNTIL other types of items are put on RMT (like gear), then there is no reason to panic. The other people follow the philosophy that looking ahead and predicting what will happen is important, because you MIGHT prevent the company fromcrossing that line in the first place.
I almost feel sympathetic to both sides, but you guys won't agree on much of anything lol.
Originally posted by Stradden You may not agree with me, and my philosophy. That's your right. But to take what I said so wildly out of context and run me down personally for having a differing opinion is... Well, silly. But, carry on. you seem to be having a good time, don't let me stop you.
No, you're not a gamer - you're an industry insider. You know who butters your bread, and it's not us.
This IS the time to protest this move. As loudly as possible. There IS a wolf, and it's foolish to wait for sheep to go missing to sound the alarm. Once that wolf starts feeding, he's not going away.
People protested about Game Guard in Aion - and it was de-activated for NA launch.
People protested about Champions Online's cash shop, and I am convinced that it made Cryptic very cautious about what they put in there.
"" Voice acting isn't an RPG element....it's just a production value." - grumpymel2
You're being way dramatic. If the for cash shop did something 'wrong' then yeah. There'd be a need to protest, but all this for in game pets that no one should worry about?
Fluff items are a great way for a company to make some extra cash. If you don't wish to participate, vote with your dollars. Don't buy anything, or in your enraged case.. Play another game.
All in all Blizzard's just exploring their business opportunities in ways other companies have done. All in all, it probably won't work. Maybe it does and they become more charitable with their profits therefore bettering everyone.
Maybe even if their shop did good enough they could afford to keep subscriptions at a reasonable price despite the market killing the dollar and lowering their gains.
Stop being so dramatic people. It makes the theory that men don't act like men anymore because there's so much estrogen in our drinking water.
I kill other players because they're smarter than AI, sometimes.
Originally posted by Stradden Second, I never told anyone not to confront companies that are legitimately taking advantage of players by using a subscription fee as well as charging for enhancement items and other more typical item shop fare. I simply said that this isn't the time, and complaining so loudly about something that many folks seem to think is trivial will lessen the impact of expressing their opinions when a line is actually crossed in a more concrete manner. This is the actual moral of the story: The boy who cried wolf.
You are prescribing apathy Jon. Why should people wait until a company crosses the line with powerful items? Why should they wait for something to get so out of hand and not speak out against it BEFORE that happens?
You act like the appearance of a cash shop is trivial. There are more examples of this getting out of hand than you can point to where it hasn't and for you to belittle peoples fears shows a lack of understanding of the situation.
Please for one minute look past the 2 items that are being sold (the specifics of the items are irrelevant) and look at the whole picture, which I am afraid to say you are not seeing. Companies are being asked to get paid huge sums of money for NOT creating in game content. You are advocating people to pay companies to NOT make ingame objectives, achievements and rewards. Is the future of mmos a pay to not play future, because that is what you are telling people they are over reacting about.
Tell me Jon, when does it become a problem? At what exact point does a cash shop cross the line? You can't name it, because it differs for many people and that is why your "cry wolf" is rather offensive and misguided. You are displaying the same failed mentality of "it doesn't affect me so I don't care, sucks to be you", which has been a recipe for failure in a good many games already and honestly companies are counting on people like you to be the first line of defense in these situations.
The fact that you admit there is a line that can be crossed shows you understand the potential danger that the very existence of a cash shop poses to a game. The fact that you are belittling people for speaking up BEFORE there is a problem show you lack conviction. I hope to never hear you complain about the cash shop, because you are helping paving the way to that possibility with your support.
So what if Blizzard adds 'powerful' items for cash?
We as a community OPENLY accept, and have since Ultima Online, account / gold / player item selling. It's the same thing, except the legit company that owns their software can profit from it.
That makes sense. Bitching doesn't.
I kill other players because they're smarter than AI, sometimes.
I think that people complaining about this are kinda stupid. Why would you bitch about the price of something that does nothing, and isn't needed for anything? If someone wants to pay for the thing, fine. If not... just as good. When Blizzard begins to sell things you need in that shop, THEN complain. I saw someone say they quit playing WoW after ten years over this. I can only laugh at the concept that this one thing was enough to make them finally quit... though I have a good feeling they were just talking crap. The people who seemed filled with rage over it were also kinda funny, as online gaming in general shouldn't be that important to cause that level of rage in the first place, much less over a colorful bit of useless crap they apparently don't even plan on paying for. What strikes me the most about this all is that it seems like people are complaining because perhaps they are the type of players who has to have every little thing and if they don't, then they can't enjoy the game... even if the things they have are totally useless for anything but showing off. It reminds me of when I used to play that game myself and would see people decked out to the gills in top of the line armor.... just standing around doing nothing while lesser players ooohed and aaahed over their leet gear. :-
Why don't you read the thread so you understand the reasons why people are alarmed.
Originally posted by Stradden Second, I never told anyone not to confront companies that are legitimately taking advantage of players by using a subscription fee as well as charging for enhancement items and other more typical item shop fare. I simply said that this isn't the time, and complaining so loudly about something that many folks seem to think is trivial will lessen the impact of expressing their opinions when a line is actually crossed in a more concrete manner. This is the actual moral of the story: The boy who cried wolf.
You are prescribing apathy Jon. Why should people wait until a company crosses the line with powerful items? Why should they wait for something to get so out of hand and not speak out against it BEFORE that happens?
You act like the appearance of a cash shop is trivial. There are more examples of this getting out of hand than you can point to where it hasn't and for you to belittle peoples fears shows a lack of understanding of the situation.
Please for one minute look past the 2 items that are being sold (the specifics of the items are irrelevant) and look at the whole picture, which I am afraid to say you are not seeing. Companies are being asked to get paid huge sums of money for NOT creating in game content. You are advocating people to pay companies to NOT make ingame objectives, achievements and rewards. Is the future of mmos a pay to not play future, because that is what you are telling people they are over reacting about.
Tell me Jon, when does it become a problem? At what exact point does a cash shop cross the line? You can't name it, because it differs for many people and that is why your "cry wolf" is rather offensive and misguided. You are displaying the same failed mentality of "it doesn't affect me so I don't care, sucks to be you", which has been a recipe for failure in a good many games already and honestly companies are counting on people like you to be the first line of defense in these situations.
The fact that you admit there is a line that can be crossed shows you understand the potential danger that the very existence of a cash shop poses to a game. The fact that you are belittling people for speaking up BEFORE there is a problem show you lack conviction. I hope to never hear you complain about the cash shop, because you are helping paving the way to that possibility with your support.
I'm sorry to interject into your diatribe at Jon here, but I have two pretty good questions for you, if you care to answer.
First... if you don't like the cash shop in WoW and want to voice your opinion, along with all of the others like you... why not simply ignore it? The cash shop feature is purely voluntary, is it not? No one forcing you to go into it and buy things? What happens as a result of it being in use, or of items being added to it, or of it even existing is completely irrelevant if no one uses the damn thing. Am I right in that respect?
And second. You speak of complaining of a thing *before it even happens*. Think of that phrase for a moment if you will. With that mentality, you could march into Mcdonalds right now, and yell at the manager, "How DARE you put a McNinja burger on the menu?! That's insulting to ninjas everywhere!" (Obviously an intentionally silly example). Complaining about something before it happens just because it *could* happen or to prevent it from happening isn't logical, it's drama based. Blizzard COULD announce an overall increase in their monthly charges... have you complained about that? They ARE already charging you... couldn't they get greedy and charge more? They COULD introduce a whole third side to the game... Neutrals, who fight for either side. Think how out of control THAT could get! You'd best complain now, loud and long, or it might happen at some point.
The point of complaining about something is not to prevent that thing from coming into existence. It's not a preemptive strike against all that could go wrong with the world. It IS a way to express your displeasure in something that has happened that you think is bad in some way. You point to the fact that you think the cash shop is a bad idea. Say 'I think the cash shop is a bad idea.' WoW has had certain services for sale form the start, be it moving a char to another server or race changes or gender changes... why are these... and I have to stress it once more... useless, non game effecting, buy-only-if-you-want-to items the cause for concern?
My opinion is mostly unimportant; I no longer play WoW and if I did, I would express the needed amount of self control to not buy whatever is offered to me by them. If I was asked why I didn't, I would say plainly, 'I think s cash shop in a pay to play game is silly and greedy.' then go about my business. But it's not.complaining and bitching and whining about these things is senseless as long as you, and all like you, exercise the simple right to NOT USE THE CASH SHOP.
I think that people complaining about this are kinda stupid. Why would you bitch about the price of something that does nothing, and isn't needed for anything? If someone wants to pay for the thing, fine. If not... just as good. When Blizzard begins to sell things you need in that shop, THEN complain. I saw someone say they quit playing WoW after ten years over this. I can only laugh at the concept that this one thing was enough to make them finally quit... though I have a good feeling they were just talking crap. The people who seemed filled with rage over it were also kinda funny, as online gaming in general shouldn't be that important to cause that level of rage in the first place, much less over a colorful bit of useless crap they apparently don't even plan on paying for. What strikes me the most about this all is that it seems like people are complaining because perhaps they are the type of players who has to have every little thing and if they don't, then they can't enjoy the game... even if the things they have are totally useless for anything but showing off. It reminds me of when I used to play that game myself and would see people decked out to the gills in top of the line armor.... just standing around doing nothing while lesser players ooohed and aaahed over their leet gear. :-
Why don't you read the thread so you understand the reasons why people are alarmed.
Because its 53 pages long, and I think there's no reason to be alarmed? Also, I've played a lot of those cash shop based 'free' games. If blizzard was stupid enough to convert to that kind of thing, they would not only deserve all of this here, but would seriously discredit themselves in the eyes of most gamers, and put games like Starcraft 2 and Diablo 3 in jeopardy of being ignored or outright boycotted for the potential to follow suit and be cash shop based. Do you think they're gonna do that?
And I'll say it again. The Cash Shop is voluntary. Since this is the case, and they have yet to go full on cash shop style game on you guys, there's no reason to get all bent out of shape. Just... don't use it. Don't use it.
Originally posted by Stradden Second, I never told anyone not to confront companies that are legitimately taking advantage of players by using a subscription fee as well as charging for enhancement items and other more typical item shop fare. I simply said that this isn't the time, and complaining so loudly about something that many folks seem to think is trivial will lessen the impact of expressing their opinions when a line is actually crossed in a more concrete manner. This is the actual moral of the story: The boy who cried wolf.
You are prescribing apathy Jon. Why should people wait until a company crosses the line with powerful items? Why should they wait for something to get so out of hand and not speak out against it BEFORE that happens?
You act like the appearance of a cash shop is trivial. There are more examples of this getting out of hand than you can point to where it hasn't and for you to belittle peoples fears shows a lack of understanding of the situation.
Please for one minute look past the 2 items that are being sold (the specifics of the items are irrelevant) and look at the whole picture, which I am afraid to say you are not seeing. Companies are being asked to get paid huge sums of money for NOT creating in game content. You are advocating people to pay companies to NOT make ingame objectives, achievements and rewards. Is the future of mmos a pay to not play future, because that is what you are telling people they are over reacting about.
Tell me Jon, when does it become a problem? At what exact point does a cash shop cross the line? You can't name it, because it differs for many people and that is why your "cry wolf" is rather offensive and misguided. You are displaying the same failed mentality of "it doesn't affect me so I don't care, sucks to be you", which has been a recipe for failure in a good many games already and honestly companies are counting on people like you to be the first line of defense in these situations.
The fact that you admit there is a line that can be crossed shows you understand the potential danger that the very existence of a cash shop poses to a game. The fact that you are belittling people for speaking up BEFORE there is a problem show you lack conviction. I hope to never hear you complain about the cash shop, because you are helping paving the way to that possibility with your support.
I'm sorry to interject into your diatribe at Jon here, but I have two pretty good questions for you, if you care to answer.
First... if you don't like the cash shop in WoW and want to voice your opinion, along with all of the others like you... why not simply ignore it? The cash shop feature is purely voluntary, is it not? No one forcing you to go into it and buy things? What happens as a result of it being in use, or of items being added to it, or of it even existing is completely irrelevant if no one uses the damn thing. Am I right in that respect?
And second. You speak of complaining of a thing *before it even happens*. Think of that phrase for a moment if you will. With that mentality, you could march into Mcdonalds right now, and yell at the manager, "How DARE you put a McNinja burger on the menu?! That's insulting to ninjas everywhere!" (Obviously an intentionally silly example). Complaining about something before it happens just because it *could* happen or to prevent it from happening isn't logical, it's drama based. Blizzard COULD announce an overall increase in their monthly charges... have you complained about that? They ARE already charging you... couldn't they get greedy and charge more? They COULD introduce a whole third side to the game... Neutrals, who fight for either side. Think how out of control THAT could get! You'd best complain now, loud and long, or it might happen at some point.
The point of complaining about something is not to prevent that thing from coming into existence. It's not a preemptive strike against all that could go wrong with the world. It IS a way to express your displeasure in something that has happened that you think is bad in some way. You point to the fact that you think the cash shop is a bad idea. Say 'I think the cash shop is a bad idea.' WoW has had certain services for sale form the start, be it moving a char to another server or race changes or gender changes... why are these... and I have to stress it once more... useless, non game effecting, buy-only-if-you-want-to items the cause for concern?
My opinion is mostly unimportant; I no longer play WoW and if I did, I would express the needed amount of self control to not buy whatever is offered to me by them. If I was asked why I didn't, I would say plainly, 'I think s cash shop in a pay to play game is silly and greedy.' then go about my business. But it's not.complaining and bitching and whining about these things is senseless as long as you, and all like you, exercise the simple right to NOT USE THE CASH SHOP.
I think that people complaining about this are kinda stupid. Why would you bitch about the price of something that does nothing, and isn't needed for anything? If someone wants to pay for the thing, fine. If not... just as good. When Blizzard begins to sell things you need in that shop, THEN complain. I saw someone say they quit playing WoW after ten years over this. I can only laugh at the concept that this one thing was enough to make them finally quit... though I have a good feeling they were just talking crap. The people who seemed filled with rage over it were also kinda funny, as online gaming in general shouldn't be that important to cause that level of rage in the first place, much less over a colorful bit of useless crap they apparently don't even plan on paying for. What strikes me the most about this all is that it seems like people are complaining because perhaps they are the type of players who has to have every little thing and if they don't, then they can't enjoy the game... even if the things they have are totally useless for anything but showing off. It reminds me of when I used to play that game myself and would see people decked out to the gills in top of the line armor.... just standing around doing nothing while lesser players ooohed and aaahed over their leet gear. :-
Why don't you read the thread so you understand the reasons why people are alarmed.
Because its 53 pages long, and I think there's no reason to be alarmed? Also, I've played a lot of those cash shop based 'free' games. If blizzard was stupid enough to convert to that kind of thing, they would not only deserve all of this here, but would seriously discredit themselves in the eyes of most gamers, and put games like Starcraft 2 and Diablo 3 in jeopardy of being ignored or outright boycotted for the potential to follow suit and be cash shop based. Do you think they're gonna do that?
And I'll say it again. The Cash Shop is voluntary. Since this is the case, and they have yet to go full on cash shop style game on you guys, there's no reason to get all bent out of shape. Just... don't use it. Don't use it.
Originally posted by Stradden You may not agree with me, and my philosophy. That's your right. But to take what I said so wildly out of context and run me down personally for having a differing opinion is... Well, silly. But, carry on. you seem to be having a good time, don't let me stop you.
No, you're not a gamer - you're an industry insider. You know who butters your bread, and it's not us.
This IS the time to protest this move. As loudly as possible. There IS a wolf, and it's foolish to wait for sheep to go missing to sound the alarm. Once that wolf starts feeding, he's not going away.
People protested about Game Guard in Aion - and it was de-activated for NA launch.
People protested about Champions Online's cash shop, and I am convinced that it made Cryptic very cautious about what they put in there.
Now do some lines from William Wallace in Braveheart. xD I swear I can see you applying face paint and getting torches ready for a nighttime raid on Blizzard's main servers!
How would you be able to say that this person is not a gamer? Do you have something that allows you to watch him, and prove he's not? Some way to mark him as 'one of them' simply because he wrote an article? ...Seriously, get some help, or get off your butt and go ride a bike or something. It's not that important, nor worth getting all up in arms over. Remain civil and protest if you feel strongly yes... But the accusations are frankly kinda scary. ^^
I think that people complaining about this are kinda stupid. Why would you bitch about the price of something that does nothing, and isn't needed for anything? If someone wants to pay for the thing, fine. If not... just as good. When Blizzard begins to sell things you need in that shop, THEN complain. I saw someone say they quit playing WoW after ten years over this. I can only laugh at the concept that this one thing was enough to make them finally quit... though I have a good feeling they were just talking crap. The people who seemed filled with rage over it were also kinda funny, as online gaming in general shouldn't be that important to cause that level of rage in the first place, much less over a colorful bit of useless crap they apparently don't even plan on paying for. What strikes me the most about this all is that it seems like people are complaining because perhaps they are the type of players who has to have every little thing and if they don't, then they can't enjoy the game... even if the things they have are totally useless for anything but showing off. It reminds me of when I used to play that game myself and would see people decked out to the gills in top of the line armor.... just standing around doing nothing while lesser players ooohed and aaahed over their leet gear. :-
Why don't you read the thread so you understand the reasons why people are alarmed.
Because its 53 pages long, and I think there's no reason to be alarmed? Also, I've played a lot of those cash shop based 'free' games. If blizzard was stupid enough to convert to that kind of thing, they would not only deserve all of this here, but would seriously discredit themselves in the eyes of most gamers, and put games like Starcraft 2 and Diablo 3 in jeopardy of being ignored or outright boycotted for the potential to follow suit and be cash shop based. Do you think they're gonna do that?
And I'll say it again. The Cash Shop is voluntary. Since this is the case, and they have yet to go full on cash shop style game on you guys, there's no reason to get all bent out of shape. Just... don't use it. Don't use it.
...Don't use it.
Ignorance is bliss.
No, not really. Ingnorance is just a good opportunity for those who are watching you to stick a knife in. Sadly... I don't play WoW anymore, so I just am not quite that excited over it all. And I really can't say it enough. An atrophied limb is useless. An empty hotel soon closes. A diner that doesn't sell food is soon torn down.
Don't use the damn cash shop if you don't want it there.
Comments
I agree with the article and find that so many fans complaining are utterly hopeless.
I am not against charities getting money, but I can see how many people are pissed off about micro-transactions. Plus you know companies experiment by always adding a pinch more every time. It's hard for a company to hold back once these micro-transactions things become official.
If you really believe this, blame the F2P market. They ushered this idea of "item mall" RMT, now no one is buying anything so everyone is looking for a quick fix. Everyone run to your nearest F2P game and buy up all the items while they still last. lol
WoW isn't F2P, yet... Be glad for what you still have as it could be gone tomorrow. Vanity items are a way to stay ahead of the wolf pack, but it's not the end.
I have the right to like what I want!
And the people incessantly bitching about this really wonder why game companies don't take them seriously. Trying to keep happy a group of individuals that froth at the mouth over some charity vanity pets...talk about a thankless, never-ending job.
Katsma is Lithuanian for 'he who drinks used douche fluid'.
While I wouldn't exactly put it like that (in public anyways), I agree in principle. The subject of this article could have been any number of MMO Publisher created atrocities. The fact that he chose this particular one is trivial.
This article is nothing more than a vehicle for Jon to crap on mmorpg.coms readership and stir the pot. While he says he's leaving his own personal opinions out of the article, it's pretty plain to see he has no room for this sight's readers voicing their opinions and fears concerning MMO's, and also proves to me that Jon himself has either never truly invested himself in an MMO (and gotten screwed over because of it) or he has an alterior motive to confronting those who stand up for their rights as consumers by calling those of us who are vocal towards these publishers 'the boy who cried wolf'.
What this article really shows, since Jon is employed by mmorpg.com, and is thereby speaking FOR mmorpg.com here, is that this site itself sides with the publishers, and not the consumers (which is obviously not a shock when you simply look at all the advertising these companies do on this site) and is opting to take a stand AGAINST the MMO playing consumer as opposed to actually trying to be a place where a consumer might come to make an informed decision about a game.
Yes, Blizzard is a business, and RMT is there to make money... and so is mmorpg.com
Terrible, terrible journalism Jon.
Much like the situation we find ourselves in, in the US these days? Frog soup coming up soon.
Quoted for truthiness - except that I in no way consider him a journalist.
"" Voice acting isn't an RPG element....it's just a production value." - grumpymel2
While I wouldn't exactly put it like that (in public anyways), I agree in principle. The subject of this article could have been any number of MMO Publisher created atrocities. The fact that he chose this particular one is trivial.
This article is nothing more than a vehicle for Jon to crap on mmorpg.coms readership and stir the pot. While he says he's leaving his own personal opinions out of the article, it's pretty plain to see he has no room for this sight's readers voicing their opinions and fears concerning MMO's, and also proves to me that Jon himself has either never truly invested himself in an MMO (and gotten screwed over because of it) or he has an alterior motive to confronting those who stand up for their rights as consumers by calling those of us who are vocal towards these publishers 'the boy who cried wolf'.
What this article really shows, since Jon is employed by mmorpg.com, and is thereby speaking FOR mmorpg.com here, is that this site itself sides with the publishers, and not the consumers (which is obviously not a shock when you simply look at all the advertising these companies do on this site) and is opting to take a stand AGAINST the MMO playing consumer as opposed to actually trying to be a place where a consumer might come to make an informed decision about a game.
Yes, Blizzard is a business, and RMT is there to make money... and so is mmorpg.com
Terrible, terrible journalism Jon.
Wrong.
You have either a) not fully read the article or b) did not understand the article or, I feel more likely c) deliberately misrepresenting what was said.
First, I said the opposite, this IS my opinion. Hence,the column, which is an opinion piece.
Second, I never told anyone not to confront companies that are legitimately taking advantage of players by using a subscription fee as well as charging for enhancement items and other more typical item shop fare. I simply said that this isn't the time, and complaining so loudly about something that many folks seem to think is trivial will lessen the impact of expressing their opinions when a line is actually crossed in a more concrete manner. This is the actual moral of the story: The boy who cried wolf.
Of course I'm on the side of the MMORPG readers and players. I'm a player myself. The entire point of this article is to protect players and protect the integrity of player concerns by trying to help to make sure that they are listened to and not summarily ignored by companies and CEOs who can simply say: "They complained about X, so they'll complain about anything."
You may not agree with me, and my philosophy. That's your right. But to take what I said so wildly out of context and run me down personally for having a differing opinion is... Well, silly.
But, carry on. you seem to be having a good time, don't let me stop you.
Cheers,
Jon Wood
Managing Editor
MMORPG.com
Blizzard's one of the VERY FEW US based companies doing good in business at the moment. Let them continue to do so. AND THANK GOD that they're finally donating to charities. Seriously, they should sell Cow Level cows for breast cancer research and call the move 'SAVE THE UTTERS!'!!
Good on ya Blizzard.
I kill other players because they're smarter than AI, sometimes.
It seems to be easier for everyone to be alarmists / cry wolf then to look at things objectively or atleast with some common sense. Its like the huge qq over the C Store for Champions. None of it affects in game activites for PVE or PVP but yet there was this huge stink by a small portion of the community some of which dont even play champions.
I could see everyone's QQ screaming insanity if say Blizz was selling Orange Level Mega Epics but they're not..its crummy little pets which they've been doing through the card game and event attendance for years.
Though I'll be honest 10 dollars for a pet is really extreme. I can see 10 dollars to donate to the charity and like 75% of that going to charity and then after the drive is over the pet being 2 - 3 dollars but 10 dollars without the charity hooked on is just extreme. Yelling wont do anything ...not buying will. Tho hopefully those objecting to the selling of pets for 10 bucks will wait until AFTER the charity event is over since its a really good cause.
While I wouldn't exactly put it like that (in public anyways), I agree in principle. The subject of this article could have been any number of MMO Publisher created atrocities. The fact that he chose this particular one is trivial.
This article is nothing more than a vehicle for Jon to crap on mmorpg.coms readership and stir the pot. While he says he's leaving his own personal opinions out of the article, it's pretty plain to see he has no room for this sight's readers voicing their opinions and fears concerning MMO's, and also proves to me that Jon himself has either never truly invested himself in an MMO (and gotten screwed over because of it) or he has an alterior motive to confronting those who stand up for their rights as consumers by calling those of us who are vocal towards these publishers 'the boy who cried wolf'.
What this article really shows, since Jon is employed by mmorpg.com, and is thereby speaking FOR mmorpg.com here, is that this site itself sides with the publishers, and not the consumers (which is obviously not a shock when you simply look at all the advertising these companies do on this site) and is opting to take a stand AGAINST the MMO playing consumer as opposed to actually trying to be a place where a consumer might come to make an informed decision about a game.
Yes, Blizzard is a business, and RMT is there to make money... and so is mmorpg.com
Terrible, terrible journalism Jon.
Wrong.
You have either a) not fully read the article or b) did not understand the article or, I feel more likely c) deliberately misrepresenting what was said.
First, I said the opposite, this IS my opinion. Hence,the column, which is an opinion piece.
Second, I never told anyone not to confront companies that are legitimately taking advantage of players by using a subscription fee as well as charging for enhancement items and other more typical item shop fare. I simply said that this isn't the time, and complaining so loudly about something that many folks seem to think is trivial will lessen the impact of expressing their opinions when a line is actually crossed in a more concrete manner. This is the actual moral of the story: The boy who cried wolf.
Of course I'm on the side of the MMORPG readers and players. I'm a player myself. The entire point of this article is to protect players and protect the integrity of player concerns by trying to help to make sure that they are listened to and not summarily ignored by companies and CEOs who can simply say: "They complained about X, so they'll complain about anything."
You may not agree with me, and my philosophy. That's your right. But to take what I said so wildly out of context and run me down personally for having a differing opinion is... Well, silly.
But, carry on. you seem to be having a good time, don't let me stop you.
Unfortunately, the two opposing views will not agree on any common ground here. You follow the philosophy that, UNTIL other types of items are put on RMT (like gear), then there is no reason to panic. The other people follow the philosophy that looking ahead and predicting what will happen is important, because you MIGHT prevent the company fromcrossing that line in the first place.
I almost feel sympathetic to both sides, but you guys won't agree on much of anything lol.
No, you're not a gamer - you're an industry insider. You know who butters your bread, and it's not us.
This IS the time to protest this move. As loudly as possible. There IS a wolf, and it's foolish to wait for sheep to go missing to sound the alarm. Once that wolf starts feeding, he's not going away.
People protested about Game Guard in Aion - and it was de-activated for NA launch.
People protested about Champions Online's cash shop, and I am convinced that it made Cryptic very cautious about what they put in there.
"" Voice acting isn't an RPG element....it's just a production value." - grumpymel2
You're being way dramatic. If the for cash shop did something 'wrong' then yeah. There'd be a need to protest, but all this for in game pets that no one should worry about?
Fluff items are a great way for a company to make some extra cash. If you don't wish to participate, vote with your dollars. Don't buy anything, or in your enraged case.. Play another game.
All in all Blizzard's just exploring their business opportunities in ways other companies have done. All in all, it probably won't work. Maybe it does and they become more charitable with their profits therefore bettering everyone.
Maybe even if their shop did good enough they could afford to keep subscriptions at a reasonable price despite the market killing the dollar and lowering their gains.
Stop being so dramatic people. It makes the theory that men don't act like men anymore because there's so much estrogen in our drinking water.
I kill other players because they're smarter than AI, sometimes.
You are prescribing apathy Jon. Why should people wait until a company crosses the line with powerful items? Why should they wait for something to get so out of hand and not speak out against it BEFORE that happens?
You act like the appearance of a cash shop is trivial. There are more examples of this getting out of hand than you can point to where it hasn't and for you to belittle peoples fears shows a lack of understanding of the situation.
Please for one minute look past the 2 items that are being sold (the specifics of the items are irrelevant) and look at the whole picture, which I am afraid to say you are not seeing. Companies are being asked to get paid huge sums of money for NOT creating in game content. You are advocating people to pay companies to NOT make ingame objectives, achievements and rewards. Is the future of mmos a pay to not play future, because that is what you are telling people they are over reacting about.
Tell me Jon, when does it become a problem? At what exact point does a cash shop cross the line? You can't name it, because it differs for many people and that is why your "cry wolf" is rather offensive and misguided. You are displaying the same failed mentality of "it doesn't affect me so I don't care, sucks to be you", which has been a recipe for failure in a good many games already and honestly companies are counting on people like you to be the first line of defense in these situations.
The fact that you admit there is a line that can be crossed shows you understand the potential danger that the very existence of a cash shop poses to a game. The fact that you are belittling people for speaking up BEFORE there is a problem show you lack conviction. I hope to never hear you complain about the cash shop, because you are helping paving the way to that possibility with your support.
So what if Blizzard adds 'powerful' items for cash?
We as a community OPENLY accept, and have since Ultima Online, account / gold / player item selling. It's the same thing, except the legit company that owns their software can profit from it.
That makes sense. Bitching doesn't.
I kill other players because they're smarter than AI, sometimes.
The pets aren't going to make your player any better or worse.. so who cares. Once they start charging for weapons or what not, then I'll chime in.
And hey.. the $5 to charities is a nice thing.. probably more then a good chunk of people bitching give in a year.
Why don't you read the thread so you understand the reasons why people are alarmed.
Considering WoW has only barely been around for 5 years as of this November, either you are lying, or the person you spoke with is lying.
Either way, your statement isn't very credible at all.
You are prescribing apathy Jon. Why should people wait until a company crosses the line with powerful items? Why should they wait for something to get so out of hand and not speak out against it BEFORE that happens?
You act like the appearance of a cash shop is trivial. There are more examples of this getting out of hand than you can point to where it hasn't and for you to belittle peoples fears shows a lack of understanding of the situation.
Please for one minute look past the 2 items that are being sold (the specifics of the items are irrelevant) and look at the whole picture, which I am afraid to say you are not seeing. Companies are being asked to get paid huge sums of money for NOT creating in game content. You are advocating people to pay companies to NOT make ingame objectives, achievements and rewards. Is the future of mmos a pay to not play future, because that is what you are telling people they are over reacting about.
Tell me Jon, when does it become a problem? At what exact point does a cash shop cross the line? You can't name it, because it differs for many people and that is why your "cry wolf" is rather offensive and misguided. You are displaying the same failed mentality of "it doesn't affect me so I don't care, sucks to be you", which has been a recipe for failure in a good many games already and honestly companies are counting on people like you to be the first line of defense in these situations.
The fact that you admit there is a line that can be crossed shows you understand the potential danger that the very existence of a cash shop poses to a game. The fact that you are belittling people for speaking up BEFORE there is a problem show you lack conviction. I hope to never hear you complain about the cash shop, because you are helping paving the way to that possibility with your support.
I'm sorry to interject into your diatribe at Jon here, but I have two pretty good questions for you, if you care to answer.
First... if you don't like the cash shop in WoW and want to voice your opinion, along with all of the others like you... why not simply ignore it? The cash shop feature is purely voluntary, is it not? No one forcing you to go into it and buy things? What happens as a result of it being in use, or of items being added to it, or of it even existing is completely irrelevant if no one uses the damn thing. Am I right in that respect?
And second. You speak of complaining of a thing *before it even happens*. Think of that phrase for a moment if you will. With that mentality, you could march into Mcdonalds right now, and yell at the manager, "How DARE you put a McNinja burger on the menu?! That's insulting to ninjas everywhere!" (Obviously an intentionally silly example). Complaining about something before it happens just because it *could* happen or to prevent it from happening isn't logical, it's drama based. Blizzard COULD announce an overall increase in their monthly charges... have you complained about that? They ARE already charging you... couldn't they get greedy and charge more? They COULD introduce a whole third side to the game... Neutrals, who fight for either side. Think how out of control THAT could get! You'd best complain now, loud and long, or it might happen at some point.
The point of complaining about something is not to prevent that thing from coming into existence. It's not a preemptive strike against all that could go wrong with the world. It IS a way to express your displeasure in something that has happened that you think is bad in some way. You point to the fact that you think the cash shop is a bad idea. Say 'I think the cash shop is a bad idea.' WoW has had certain services for sale form the start, be it moving a char to another server or race changes or gender changes... why are these... and I have to stress it once more... useless, non game effecting, buy-only-if-you-want-to items the cause for concern?
My opinion is mostly unimportant; I no longer play WoW and if I did, I would express the needed amount of self control to not buy whatever is offered to me by them. If I was asked why I didn't, I would say plainly, 'I think s cash shop in a pay to play game is silly and greedy.' then go about my business. But it's not.complaining and bitching and whining about these things is senseless as long as you, and all like you, exercise the simple right to NOT USE THE CASH SHOP.
Considering WoW has only barely been around for 5 years as of this November, either you are lying, or the person you spoke with is lying.
Either way, your statement isn't very credible at all.
First page, third post of THIS journal. You'd think since it came so soon after your first post here, you would believe me more. :P
Why don't you read the thread so you understand the reasons why people are alarmed.
Because its 53 pages long, and I think there's no reason to be alarmed? Also, I've played a lot of those cash shop based 'free' games. If blizzard was stupid enough to convert to that kind of thing, they would not only deserve all of this here, but would seriously discredit themselves in the eyes of most gamers, and put games like Starcraft 2 and Diablo 3 in jeopardy of being ignored or outright boycotted for the potential to follow suit and be cash shop based. Do you think they're gonna do that?
And I'll say it again. The Cash Shop is voluntary. Since this is the case, and they have yet to go full on cash shop style game on you guys, there's no reason to get all bent out of shape. Just... don't use it. Don't use it.
...Don't use it.
You are prescribing apathy Jon. Why should people wait until a company crosses the line with powerful items? Why should they wait for something to get so out of hand and not speak out against it BEFORE that happens?
You act like the appearance of a cash shop is trivial. There are more examples of this getting out of hand than you can point to where it hasn't and for you to belittle peoples fears shows a lack of understanding of the situation.
Please for one minute look past the 2 items that are being sold (the specifics of the items are irrelevant) and look at the whole picture, which I am afraid to say you are not seeing. Companies are being asked to get paid huge sums of money for NOT creating in game content. You are advocating people to pay companies to NOT make ingame objectives, achievements and rewards. Is the future of mmos a pay to not play future, because that is what you are telling people they are over reacting about.
Tell me Jon, when does it become a problem? At what exact point does a cash shop cross the line? You can't name it, because it differs for many people and that is why your "cry wolf" is rather offensive and misguided. You are displaying the same failed mentality of "it doesn't affect me so I don't care, sucks to be you", which has been a recipe for failure in a good many games already and honestly companies are counting on people like you to be the first line of defense in these situations.
The fact that you admit there is a line that can be crossed shows you understand the potential danger that the very existence of a cash shop poses to a game. The fact that you are belittling people for speaking up BEFORE there is a problem show you lack conviction. I hope to never hear you complain about the cash shop, because you are helping paving the way to that possibility with your support.
I'm sorry to interject into your diatribe at Jon here, but I have two pretty good questions for you, if you care to answer.
First... if you don't like the cash shop in WoW and want to voice your opinion, along with all of the others like you... why not simply ignore it? The cash shop feature is purely voluntary, is it not? No one forcing you to go into it and buy things? What happens as a result of it being in use, or of items being added to it, or of it even existing is completely irrelevant if no one uses the damn thing. Am I right in that respect?
And second. You speak of complaining of a thing *before it even happens*. Think of that phrase for a moment if you will. With that mentality, you could march into Mcdonalds right now, and yell at the manager, "How DARE you put a McNinja burger on the menu?! That's insulting to ninjas everywhere!" (Obviously an intentionally silly example). Complaining about something before it happens just because it *could* happen or to prevent it from happening isn't logical, it's drama based. Blizzard COULD announce an overall increase in their monthly charges... have you complained about that? They ARE already charging you... couldn't they get greedy and charge more? They COULD introduce a whole third side to the game... Neutrals, who fight for either side. Think how out of control THAT could get! You'd best complain now, loud and long, or it might happen at some point.
The point of complaining about something is not to prevent that thing from coming into existence. It's not a preemptive strike against all that could go wrong with the world. It IS a way to express your displeasure in something that has happened that you think is bad in some way. You point to the fact that you think the cash shop is a bad idea. Say 'I think the cash shop is a bad idea.' WoW has had certain services for sale form the start, be it moving a char to another server or race changes or gender changes... why are these... and I have to stress it once more... useless, non game effecting, buy-only-if-you-want-to items the cause for concern?
My opinion is mostly unimportant; I no longer play WoW and if I did, I would express the needed amount of self control to not buy whatever is offered to me by them. If I was asked why I didn't, I would say plainly, 'I think s cash shop in a pay to play game is silly and greedy.' then go about my business. But it's not.complaining and bitching and whining about these things is senseless as long as you, and all like you, exercise the simple right to NOT USE THE CASH SHOP.
Very well said. Props.
I'm not here to complete my forum PVP dailies.
Why don't you read the thread so you understand the reasons why people are alarmed.
Because its 53 pages long, and I think there's no reason to be alarmed? Also, I've played a lot of those cash shop based 'free' games. If blizzard was stupid enough to convert to that kind of thing, they would not only deserve all of this here, but would seriously discredit themselves in the eyes of most gamers, and put games like Starcraft 2 and Diablo 3 in jeopardy of being ignored or outright boycotted for the potential to follow suit and be cash shop based. Do you think they're gonna do that?
And I'll say it again. The Cash Shop is voluntary. Since this is the case, and they have yet to go full on cash shop style game on you guys, there's no reason to get all bent out of shape. Just... don't use it. Don't use it.
...Don't use it.
Ignorance is bliss.
No, you're not a gamer - you're an industry insider. You know who butters your bread, and it's not us.
This IS the time to protest this move. As loudly as possible. There IS a wolf, and it's foolish to wait for sheep to go missing to sound the alarm. Once that wolf starts feeding, he's not going away.
People protested about Game Guard in Aion - and it was de-activated for NA launch.
People protested about Champions Online's cash shop, and I am convinced that it made Cryptic very cautious about what they put in there.
Now do some lines from William Wallace in Braveheart. xD I swear I can see you applying face paint and getting torches ready for a nighttime raid on Blizzard's main servers!
How would you be able to say that this person is not a gamer? Do you have something that allows you to watch him, and prove he's not? Some way to mark him as 'one of them' simply because he wrote an article? ...Seriously, get some help, or get off your butt and go ride a bike or something. It's not that important, nor worth getting all up in arms over. Remain civil and protest if you feel strongly yes... But the accusations are frankly kinda scary. ^^
Why don't you read the thread so you understand the reasons why people are alarmed.
Because its 53 pages long, and I think there's no reason to be alarmed? Also, I've played a lot of those cash shop based 'free' games. If blizzard was stupid enough to convert to that kind of thing, they would not only deserve all of this here, but would seriously discredit themselves in the eyes of most gamers, and put games like Starcraft 2 and Diablo 3 in jeopardy of being ignored or outright boycotted for the potential to follow suit and be cash shop based. Do you think they're gonna do that?
And I'll say it again. The Cash Shop is voluntary. Since this is the case, and they have yet to go full on cash shop style game on you guys, there's no reason to get all bent out of shape. Just... don't use it. Don't use it.
...Don't use it.
Ignorance is bliss.
No, not really. Ingnorance is just a good opportunity for those who are watching you to stick a knife in. Sadly... I don't play WoW anymore, so I just am not quite that excited over it all. And I really can't say it enough. An atrophied limb is useless. An empty hotel soon closes. A diner that doesn't sell food is soon torn down.
Don't use the damn cash shop if you don't want it there.