It is always amazing to me how ignorant people are of foreign lands and the troubles they face. For example, how many people are aware of how disease continues to claim thousands of lives in Lordaeron? Or the irresponsible and reprehensible environmental damage being wrought by corporate interests in Mulgore (not to mention the massive and intentional deforestation happening in the Stonetalon Mountains)? Or the problems of dislocated communities trying to integrate into mainstream culture while preserving their traditions, as is currently happening in both Durotar and Khaz Modan?
I'm proud to say that I've spent a lot of time and energy trying to address these problems, and I think I'm making a difference. Of course, more hands are always welcome, so if you think you are up to it, read on. Particularly if you are a Druid or a Shaman, as I think those would be the most helpful (though we wouldn't spit on a Rogue).
I speak, of course, of the war-torn and tragic World of Warcraft: The newest, coolest and possibly bestest-ever MMORPG. That stands for "Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game," but if you didn't instantly know that, you should click on the Wikipedia link to the definition I provided - it is a veritable wealth of information about the genre, including links to academic interest that has developed (particularly in economics and sociology).
How do I find time to immerse myself in an online world while juggling a career, a family, a small child and a wealth of outside interests? Don't be stupid! I neglect all those things! How else will I ever reach level 60 and purchase my epic mount? Sheesh.
If you want to learn more about this tragic sort of game, seriously - see the Wikipedia link above. Very comprehensive coverage and more than I could link to meaningfully here.
But if you already know - or worse, have already become infected, then perhaps it is time you started a character on the "Dalaran" realm. We really need some help tackling Shadowfang Keep. You have nothing to lose but your so-called "real life." Hey, if there are enough of us, we can start a cool guild!
..
Ohhh, brings back memories of the months (nay, the years!) of my life I lost mudding! (MUD = multi-user dungeon/dimension) I prefer the text-based muds, though. I learned to type in junior high this way!
Hail Telere!
Comment #1 :: link :: January 20, 2005 12:41 PM :: homepageI'm always intrigued by the economics of the MMORPG's; namely, the trading of real-world dollars for virtual resources. I've thought that the gaming companies should simply tax these trades and make money that way; apparently one does, and a guy spent $26,000 buying a virtual island as an investment.
Oh, and yes, Dot, I also used to MUD -- well, LambdaMOO, to be specific. Here's the WikiPedia article on it -- come to think of it, the MOO was sort of like a Wiki. Hmmm.
Comment #2 :: link :: February 2, 2005 1:23 PM
