I'm all about the gaming today

[karzon]

There's a very interesting discussion here, started by Schneier's inclusion of the word 'imaginary' when referencing World of Warcraft scams, phishing, and hacks. Something has value to a person in World of Warcraft, regardless of it being in the physical world or not. Some amount of value, that someone has spent time and energy to earn, albeit

Comments

[robyscots]

Cute gamer boy:)

People are stupid, and people like to blame something other than themselves for their problems. Music, video games, movies, society looks for some major reason why things are the way they are. If people raised their children to be responsible and to understand that indulgence in fantasy is for entertainment and should not be taken literally, then many of these problems wouldn't exist at all.

Also, just because another person chooses not to participate in some extra-curricular activity does not mean that they should not respect another's choice to do so. As long as you have fun, and aren't huring anyone, then who cares. Enjoy your time.

[karzon]

Hahaha! Who, me?

Good point there about the distinction between fantasy and reality. However, what do you do when, as now, one can make fairly significant money by participating in the fantasy world? It's akin to professional gamblers, though there is much less risk. All it takes it time.

There are companies out there in poorer nations (I know at least in Poland) who just spend time, getting paid real money, to collect in game money.

Check this article out. Talks about what one person who works at a gold farming company does all day. Also talks about more modern "sweatshops" that are using old techniques in a new forum.

It's crazy. And, so far, just seems to be on the fringes of legality. Certainly not illegal as long as they technically stay within the EULA of the game.
How does it work? The macros for World of WarCraft, for example, control a high-level hunter and cleric. The hunter kills while the cleric automatically heals. Once they are fully loaded with gold and items, the "farmer" who's monitoring their progress

[karzon]

I'm totally with you about respecting another person's choices. People seem to get their panties twisted up in knots over the silliest things. However, to those with the twisted panties, it matters. Significantly.

People can definitely be stupid and short sighted. I guess my philosophy towards games is that they are supposed to be fun and a diversion. That's why I stop playing them - they stop being fun for me and I move on.

[bzarcher]

*cough*

Her 'exe's' account? :D