jenniferbrola.com

I recently read an article on World of Warcraft that made me truly rethink about joining the ranks.  I had seriously considered getting involved once the next big expansion released (maybe starting as one of the new character races).  However, having seen just how much time is required to succeed in the game multiplied by it's undemocratic governance...it's disheartening to say the least.  Why would I want to invest in grinding away to gain skills and experience when an anonymous "game master" can impose their will upon me without due process or recourse?

If you're into Warcraft, have you fully read their terms of use agreement?  It states that "Anything that Blizzard Entertainment considers contrary to the 'essence' of World of Warcraft" is a punishable offense for which Blizzard can "in its sole and absolute discretion, take whatever action it deems necessary."  In other words, they can empower any "game master" to do whatever they'd like with regards to your presence in the game...and there's nothing you can do about it.  If this is supposed to be a virtual world, why is it that individuals can make these "life and death" decisions?  Why not hold a tribunal of elders to decide the fate of its citizens?

I realize that Warcraft is a product, a corporate revenue device like Verizon cellphones or DirecTV, and as such they make the rules.  However, unlike cellphones or satellites, people actually invest a considerable portion of their lives into this subscription-based game.  You can switch from Verizon to T-mobile at any time (one way or another) in a horizontal move that would probably provide equal service.  There's no way to transfer your character(s) into or out of Warcraft.  If you've invested 3000 hours into the game (as has been claimed by others), you want to think your time matters and not that you just wasted 125 days of your life.  Until they come up with a better system of superintendence, I think I'll pass.