Yes, that's right!
The wait is over. I had posted a while ago to let you all know that I'd be posting before the 12th but, surprise surprise, it wasn't able to happen. Apparently, my fiancee had an objection to my blogging over studying. Hence, the GF aggro prevented me from putting up anything of consequence for the last couple of weeks.
But, the L.A.S.T. has been taken and I am once again at your service.
So, without further adoux, I give you my most recent posts.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Monday, July 7, 2008
New posts tomorrow!
Hey everyone!
Just a head's up: I began a new shift at work and had the time to write a bunch of new stuff for the site. Expect it up tomorrow!
Stay tuned!
Just a head's up: I began a new shift at work and had the time to write a bunch of new stuff for the site. Expect it up tomorrow!
Stay tuned!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Small Delay and a Little More About Me
Hello Readers,
If you've been checking back occasionally, you've no doubt noticed that there haven't been any new updates to the site since June 21st.
Unfortunately, I've been quite busy in real life. Outside of being a blogger, I'm also going to school to be a teacher and have my first certification exam coming up in about a week and a half. My evenings have pretty much been a study-fest, quickly followed by a soft pillow.
Apart from that, I'm engaged with a wedding coming up in less than a year. So, my fiancee and I have had to do a lot of planning. I actually have an appointment with a florist today.
On top of that, I work as a telephone banker on the weekends and have been going through a department shift.
Anyways, that's my life in a nutshell. The exam is really the main thing that's prevented updates. I apologize if you've decided that the blog must now be defunct. Check back though! My exam is on July 12th. I'll be trying to be before that of course, but you can expect your usual quantity of posts to return after that point.
Until then, take care!
If you've been checking back occasionally, you've no doubt noticed that there haven't been any new updates to the site since June 21st.
Unfortunately, I've been quite busy in real life. Outside of being a blogger, I'm also going to school to be a teacher and have my first certification exam coming up in about a week and a half. My evenings have pretty much been a study-fest, quickly followed by a soft pillow.
Apart from that, I'm engaged with a wedding coming up in less than a year. So, my fiancee and I have had to do a lot of planning. I actually have an appointment with a florist today.
On top of that, I work as a telephone banker on the weekends and have been going through a department shift.
Anyways, that's my life in a nutshell. The exam is really the main thing that's prevented updates. I apologize if you've decided that the blog must now be defunct. Check back though! My exam is on July 12th. I'll be trying to be before that of course, but you can expect your usual quantity of posts to return after that point.
Until then, take care!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
MMOs and bringing people together
Despite numerous RL distractions, I've realized over the last 12 months just how great of a benefit new technology can be.
Most prominently, since I graduated from high school, I'd lost touch with my best friend. First, he'd moved 2 towns away. Then, he moved to what may as well be ten towns away. It sucked. I went from having my best friend just a few minutes away to about an hour away.
Around that time, I picked myself up a cell phone. That allowed us to keep in touch relatively frequently. Even if I wasn't up to much, I could text my good buddy and see what was new in his world.
And then World of Warcraft came along.
We began talking in-game a lot.It was like a rejuvenation of sorts. We talked a lot. We quested and levelled together. Even though we were miles apart, WoW still brought us together.
It was a great thing. We still get together to this day to "WoW it up." Even despite that, the best part of it is getting to spend quality time with my best friend. We do lots outside of the game... don't get me wrong. It's some of my favorite time away from home; he's my best friend and always will be. He's going to be my best man for crying out loud.
In any event, it bridged the post-high school gap. It's what was needed to keep our friendship fresh.
Recently, my little brother decided to begin WoW. He lives away from home; our parents are separated. His joining up with the game is a wonderful thing.
With the VOIP recently integrated (and Vent if I can get him in my guild) I look forward to a lot of virtual time together. I know, it's not the same as RL, but what else do I have?
My little brother is far from home all but 6 days of the month. Now, I can get insight into what he's going through as an adolescent. I can talk to him as an equal and, in lieu of RL time, we get to be together online. It's not optimal but it's something.
I love my brother. If this is what I have instead of nothingness, I'll take WoW time any day of the week. He and I can have fun together here, despite age disparity.
Don't detract. Honestly, put youself in my scenario: you have a half brother with a different mother. They've separated 15 years ago but due to her issues (read: child support) she won't let him visit more than once every two weeks. He's growing into his own and it's different from how you grew up except for your interest in gaming. You love him and want to be there for him.
Would you do anything other than roll on the same server with him? Would you break away from him online even though it was one of your only ways to keep in contact with him?
Only gaming may lack in some ways but it lets me keep in contact with my kid brother. At this point, screw anything Blizzard does with WoW. It doesn't matter.
What I care about now is the communication and identifying medium their world represents.
For that, I am greatful.
Most prominently, since I graduated from high school, I'd lost touch with my best friend. First, he'd moved 2 towns away. Then, he moved to what may as well be ten towns away. It sucked. I went from having my best friend just a few minutes away to about an hour away.
Around that time, I picked myself up a cell phone. That allowed us to keep in touch relatively frequently. Even if I wasn't up to much, I could text my good buddy and see what was new in his world.
And then World of Warcraft came along.
We began talking in-game a lot.It was like a rejuvenation of sorts. We talked a lot. We quested and levelled together. Even though we were miles apart, WoW still brought us together.
It was a great thing. We still get together to this day to "WoW it up." Even despite that, the best part of it is getting to spend quality time with my best friend. We do lots outside of the game... don't get me wrong. It's some of my favorite time away from home; he's my best friend and always will be. He's going to be my best man for crying out loud.
In any event, it bridged the post-high school gap. It's what was needed to keep our friendship fresh.
Recently, my little brother decided to begin WoW. He lives away from home; our parents are separated. His joining up with the game is a wonderful thing.
With the VOIP recently integrated (and Vent if I can get him in my guild) I look forward to a lot of virtual time together. I know, it's not the same as RL, but what else do I have?
My little brother is far from home all but 6 days of the month. Now, I can get insight into what he's going through as an adolescent. I can talk to him as an equal and, in lieu of RL time, we get to be together online. It's not optimal but it's something.
I love my brother. If this is what I have instead of nothingness, I'll take WoW time any day of the week. He and I can have fun together here, despite age disparity.
Don't detract. Honestly, put youself in my scenario: you have a half brother with a different mother. They've separated 15 years ago but due to her issues (read: child support) she won't let him visit more than once every two weeks. He's growing into his own and it's different from how you grew up except for your interest in gaming. You love him and want to be there for him.
Would you do anything other than roll on the same server with him? Would you break away from him online even though it was one of your only ways to keep in contact with him?
Only gaming may lack in some ways but it lets me keep in contact with my kid brother. At this point, screw anything Blizzard does with WoW. It doesn't matter.
What I care about now is the communication and identifying medium their world represents.
For that, I am greatful.
Internet Bandwidth Plans
So, the internet blogs have been abuzz lately with opinions on many ISP's recent announcement about bandwidth pricing packages. To summarize, it goes like this: several popular ISPs, such as AT&T and Time Warner (my provider) are planning on releasing internet packages with prices based solely around bandwidth usage. For example, Time Warner's basic package provides 5Gb of bandwidth per month for $29.99 with a $1 fee for every Gb that goes beyond the customer's pricing plan.
While it may sound innocent to many, this is a topic of high debate. It flies in the face of digital distribution (ITunes, AmazonMP3, etc), not to mention may be limiting to those of us who are regular gamers and participate in high-download activities - i.e. betas. According to their press releases, this change is targeted towards those users who are p2p'ing and bittorrenting. These people, so the ISPs claim use approximately 40% of their bandwidth.
Those who took part in the Age of Conan beta know. During their testing period, those with faulty client downloads were subjected to 32Gb downloads per week. If these limits go into place, they would be paying overage charges out the yahoo. Rather than go into all of the details here, Keen and Graev, as well as The Greenskin, have made very thorough postings with a plethora of worthwhile comments to fuel your discussion.
Keen and Graev:
http://www.keenandgraev.com/?p=1095
The Greenskin:
http://thegreenskin.com/2008/06/19/my-take-on-isp-volume-caps-and-surcharges/
Please read them and comment here or there. It doesn't matter. This is something we all need to be aware of. It doesn't matter if you support it or you're against it; corporate is making a decision that is affecting our lives as internet users. All of us should know the precedent that this could state.
Take care all!
Raegn
While it may sound innocent to many, this is a topic of high debate. It flies in the face of digital distribution (ITunes, AmazonMP3, etc), not to mention may be limiting to those of us who are regular gamers and participate in high-download activities - i.e. betas. According to their press releases, this change is targeted towards those users who are p2p'ing and bittorrenting. These people, so the ISPs claim use approximately 40% of their bandwidth.
Those who took part in the Age of Conan beta know. During their testing period, those with faulty client downloads were subjected to 32Gb downloads per week. If these limits go into place, they would be paying overage charges out the yahoo. Rather than go into all of the details here, Keen and Graev, as well as The Greenskin, have made very thorough postings with a plethora of worthwhile comments to fuel your discussion.
Keen and Graev:
http://www.keenandgraev.com/?p=1095
The Greenskin:
http://thegreenskin.com/2008/06/19/my-take-on-isp-volume-caps-and-surcharges/
Please read them and comment here or there. It doesn't matter. This is something we all need to be aware of. It doesn't matter if you support it or you're against it; corporate is making a decision that is affecting our lives as internet users. All of us should know the precedent that this could state.
Take care all!
Raegn
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Mage Madness!!
Did Raegn just make a play on his own blog name? I think he did. Well... maybe we should poach him. Raegn is in season. Too bad he's now trying his hand at the pew-pew! He may just shoot back.... with balls of ice and fire! Mwahaha!
Last night's events left me a little bit disheartened. As you know, I've been feeling the twangs of burn out a little bit, and that event didn't help.
So, I took the opportunity to roll a character on a buddy of mine's server of choice, Cenarius. It's PVE, which is a little bothersome since I usually play PVP, but for a new mage, I think that it may actually prove beneficial.
After almost a year of solid Horde, I've made an Alliance. I was hesitant at first. My first few characters were Alliance but I left the faction because of a bunch of bad experiences in Goldshire.
Now though, I'm willing to brave the waters again just for the change of pace and scenery. So far, it's been great.
For the first five levels I've been in, that is.
I always wanted to roll a mage but I had only tried with my first and third characters; both were given up because I had a hard time mastering the class at that point. It should be noted that characters 1-3 only got up to a maximum of level 13. And they all died. A lot.
Anyways, now that I'm a bit more experienced with wow on the whole, and have read up on play strategies, I'm loving it.
The damage is great and, hell, who doesn't want to be a wizard?
Anyways, this should add a little spice to what has thus far been a WoW Warrior blog.
My intention right now is to document my 10-70 experience. I'm not planning on writing a guide; there's enough of those out there right now. But shoot, it might be fun and informational for some to learn from my blunders and... other blunders.
I'll keep you posted, loyal readers!
Until then, take care and do your best to solo Kazzak. He's a nice guy once you get to know him. Loves tea. And pie.
Last night's events left me a little bit disheartened. As you know, I've been feeling the twangs of burn out a little bit, and that event didn't help.
So, I took the opportunity to roll a character on a buddy of mine's server of choice, Cenarius. It's PVE, which is a little bothersome since I usually play PVP, but for a new mage, I think that it may actually prove beneficial.
After almost a year of solid Horde, I've made an Alliance. I was hesitant at first. My first few characters were Alliance but I left the faction because of a bunch of bad experiences in Goldshire.
Now though, I'm willing to brave the waters again just for the change of pace and scenery. So far, it's been great.
For the first five levels I've been in, that is.
I always wanted to roll a mage but I had only tried with my first and third characters; both were given up because I had a hard time mastering the class at that point. It should be noted that characters 1-3 only got up to a maximum of level 13. And they all died. A lot.
Anyways, now that I'm a bit more experienced with wow on the whole, and have read up on play strategies, I'm loving it.
The damage is great and, hell, who doesn't want to be a wizard?
Anyways, this should add a little spice to what has thus far been a WoW Warrior blog.
My intention right now is to document my 10-70 experience. I'm not planning on writing a guide; there's enough of those out there right now. But shoot, it might be fun and informational for some to learn from my blunders and... other blunders.
I'll keep you posted, loyal readers!
Until then, take care and do your best to solo Kazzak. He's a nice guy once you get to know him. Loves tea. And pie.
Long week, long night.
Raegn has been a busy bee this week, so he hasn't been able to make any new posts. Not only has he been a busy bee over the course of a week, he's been buzzing just about all night long. In fact, it's 4am right now, so he's about buzzed out! He'll try anyways though.
Greetings new readers!
Tonight was rough. As you know, I've been going back and forth between protection and fury trying to breathe new life into my gaming. Tonight, I was fury and set foot, for the first time, into heroic Mechanar.
Now, I was a good little DPSer and looked up the boss strats on wowhead during the flight out. I was ready and starting out, things went great. We kicked ass right through up until the bombers.
God I hate those guys.
Their incessant 1.2k'ish bombs, never ceasing, never fail to completely wipe me out. I was planning on hanging back to avoid wiping on them. Unfortunately, our tank, as good as he was, was getting pretty well trounced.
So in I went. On the last one, running away, down I went.
Lesson learned. Stay the fuck away from the bombers. Check.
Anyhow, apart from that one death on my part, we did well. I was disheartened to find that I was on the bottom of the DPS meter though. Before the first boss, I was at 389 DPS. For me, that's a little low. I'm at, buffed, 2200AP, so it really should have been a little higher. I chalked it up to the tank running from place to place though... odd for a paladin tank. The circumstances didn't necessarily call for it when he did it (which was often) and yet, still.
I was also comforted by the fact that I was the only one in the group still in blues. You all know, I'm not a raider, but I do my best.
Anyways, we positioned ourselves and pulled the first boss. Bad positioning of him. He was in the center of the room and not kited. Melee was moving, (meaning the rogue and I), but still got the crap bombed out of us a couple of times.
Then, came the polarity changes. I was negative. The rogue was positive. Both of us went boom in a spectacular display of blood, guts, shrapnel (bombs, don't you know), and curses.
"I need to mess with my xperl windows" he says. "I couldn't see my polarity."
So, I accepted it. I'm still learning too. Crap happens, it was cool.
Then, then tank asks for the damage meter and he sees me on the bottom. He very kindly ("Sorry bud") told me that I would be replaced because I wasn't ready.
I respect him for being cool about it, especially given plate repair costs. I was still a little taken back though. I mean, that was it? One group wipe, when the rogue admitted that his UI was messing up his game, and I'm the reason why we wiped?
I don't think so. As a matter of fact, I think that even with all my blues and blue quality dps, we probably could have made it through the rest of the instance. I know we could have gotten past that boss. Honest issues, right?
Here's the thing: shouldn't there be a little more acceptance of people needing to start somewhere? How did they get their first piece of badge gear? By people helping them learn. And hell, not to sound self righteous, but at least I looked up the strat and was ready going in.
Oh well. Another day, another instance.
I wished them luck and said good night; just as I do with you this eve... morning.
Talk to you soon.
Greetings new readers!
Tonight was rough. As you know, I've been going back and forth between protection and fury trying to breathe new life into my gaming. Tonight, I was fury and set foot, for the first time, into heroic Mechanar.
Now, I was a good little DPSer and looked up the boss strats on wowhead during the flight out. I was ready and starting out, things went great. We kicked ass right through up until the bombers.
God I hate those guys.
Their incessant 1.2k'ish bombs, never ceasing, never fail to completely wipe me out. I was planning on hanging back to avoid wiping on them. Unfortunately, our tank, as good as he was, was getting pretty well trounced.
So in I went. On the last one, running away, down I went.
Lesson learned. Stay the fuck away from the bombers. Check.
Anyhow, apart from that one death on my part, we did well. I was disheartened to find that I was on the bottom of the DPS meter though. Before the first boss, I was at 389 DPS. For me, that's a little low. I'm at, buffed, 2200AP, so it really should have been a little higher. I chalked it up to the tank running from place to place though... odd for a paladin tank. The circumstances didn't necessarily call for it when he did it (which was often) and yet, still.
I was also comforted by the fact that I was the only one in the group still in blues. You all know, I'm not a raider, but I do my best.
Anyways, we positioned ourselves and pulled the first boss. Bad positioning of him. He was in the center of the room and not kited. Melee was moving, (meaning the rogue and I), but still got the crap bombed out of us a couple of times.
Then, came the polarity changes. I was negative. The rogue was positive. Both of us went boom in a spectacular display of blood, guts, shrapnel (bombs, don't you know), and curses.
"I need to mess with my xperl windows" he says. "I couldn't see my polarity."
So, I accepted it. I'm still learning too. Crap happens, it was cool.
Then, then tank asks for the damage meter and he sees me on the bottom. He very kindly ("Sorry bud") told me that I would be replaced because I wasn't ready.
I respect him for being cool about it, especially given plate repair costs. I was still a little taken back though. I mean, that was it? One group wipe, when the rogue admitted that his UI was messing up his game, and I'm the reason why we wiped?
I don't think so. As a matter of fact, I think that even with all my blues and blue quality dps, we probably could have made it through the rest of the instance. I know we could have gotten past that boss. Honest issues, right?
Here's the thing: shouldn't there be a little more acceptance of people needing to start somewhere? How did they get their first piece of badge gear? By people helping them learn. And hell, not to sound self righteous, but at least I looked up the strat and was ready going in.
Oh well. Another day, another instance.
I wished them luck and said good night; just as I do with you this eve... morning.
Talk to you soon.
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