Why do people blog about WoW?
by Natalie Mootz 
May 31st 2008 at 9:00AM
Why do we feel compelled to spill out our guts all over the intertubes for the entire world to read? The answer, of course, is a subset of the larger question, why do people blog about anything? It's probably a variation of the same question that medieval bards asked the operators of the first printing press: "Dude, why do you want to put yourself so, I don't know, out there?"The "serious" answers get all sociological and some junk. We want to be heard popping off about our opinions on talent trees, bragging about one-shots, or feeling part of the larger WoW community outside our own servers.
However, as a WoW blogger myself, I know that the truth about us isn't nearly that pretty. We blog to brag about Kara exploits or show off our expertise on the Hunter class, a frame addon, or prime Oily Blackmouth fishing spots . We dream of demi-celebrity status in the WoW community. We try to provoke people into replying, sometimes with generous link love. We like to have the first scoop on expansion news (essentially, more showing off). We gossip about guild drama, sometimes wrapped up snuggly in the ignorance of our fellow guildies that we even have a blog. (There is a sweet freedom in finding the comfort of internet strangers.) We blog for artistic expression and to make others laugh.
And the main reason we blog? The same reason we feel itchy when we haven't called Mom in a few weeks: guilt.
Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Fan stuff, Virtual selves
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Sinkari May 31st 2008 9:09AM
Welcome new blogger! :-)
Tom Jun 1st 2008 3:29PM
Nothing to do with it paying the bills, then? :P
Oilof May 31st 2008 10:21AM
Heh, I found this post very amusing, newcomer. Keep up the good work, and I may not have to kill you.
Angry Joe May 31st 2008 10:23AM
It's all about love (and hate).
Jamie May 31st 2008 10:54AM
It's through reading blogs like this that I cope at University where I can't play WoW!
Baluki May 31st 2008 1:04PM
Heh, that sounds pretty familiar. I'm one of those WoW bloggers. Initially, I started out by just posting funny/interesting screenshots with a couple sentences describing the joke or the situation or whatever. But lately I've been writing a lot more "feature" content, like lists of ways to improve different parts of the game, talent reviews & strategy, even the occasional stupid video of me throwing myself into death.
For me, it's the "artistic expression and to make others laugh" portion of the original post, and also to help other people understand/play the game.
http://baluki.blogspot.com
Elyx May 31st 2008 1:52PM
I think its really an extension of this 'MMORPG culture' that they like to log us under. But to a certain extent, it is true...its a nature of communication, and in that blogging stirs the interest of peeps and gets the talking, often with each other.
Its all about relation, in my book (and i mean the simple desire of humankind to interrelate with one another.)
Since online interaction fills a gap in this area, blogs are simply a way to continue this, in an individualistic and directional fashion. I see it as people who are part of the culture, who are instigators by nature (both good and bad instigation :D ). Some peeps prefer to simply get involved in conversations, some peeps like to start them, simple as that :)
gowwriter May 31st 2008 2:48PM
I love to write, I love to play World of Warcraft, and I love to read blogs. I've learned a lot about the game, from mechanics to social dynamics, from blogs like this one and the greater WoW blog community.
This sums up to posting on my own blog when I feel like I need to work a thought out. Maybe someone can benefit from my thoughts.
But mainly, it's fun!
http://www.groupsofwords.com
Larísa Jun 1st 2008 6:34AM
I blog to relax. I see my blog as an inn, a cozy place where I sit in an armchair in front of the fireplace, sharing the joys and sorrows of the day with people who're a bit like me.
Even if you only have one single reader it's an amazing feeling to enter the pub. However I must admit getting even a few readers is a bit better. I used to blog in Swedish, my native tongue, but changed to English, to be able to connect to the WoW blogging community.
Most of all I blog because it's an urge. All those thoughts need to get out. It helps me to understand the different perspectives of the game and it helps me in my own development as a player.
http://larisamage.blogg.se
Natalie Mootz Jun 1st 2008 12:50PM
Thanks so much for the warm welcome! It's also nice to see so many different reasons people blog.
voit starr Jun 1st 2008 7:29PM
For me its a case of blogging to remember specific things, such as guild firsts or those pugs that make you want to quit the game. Its also a great way to rant my head off, or make a simple post about my GIANT WILLIE!!! (the tcg pet bikkies+sleepy willie=damn funny)
Voit
http://arcaneshock.blogspot.com
Thrush Jun 2nd 2008 8:40AM
You blog about WoW so I have something to do at work.
Dechion Jun 2nd 2008 9:38AM
I blog mostly to help me organize my own thoughts. Having others read it is a bonus.
Plus it gives me something to do at work =P
http://benameless.wordpress.com/
Beowulfa Jun 3rd 2008 6:32AM
I blog because I have to get the voices out of my head somehow=) I seriously have a continuous blogfest going on in my head.
Leafshine Jun 7th 2008 5:50AM
I think that's a very accurate observation. I blog as much to share the ideas that otherwise just end up rattling around in my skull, as to get attention.
Ratshag Jun 3rd 2008 6:10AM
Nice first article, TGD. Looking forwards ta more. Never put much thought inta why I blogs - is a way ta scratch some itch I got, I guess.
Ataris Jun 3rd 2008 10:33AM
For a post about why there is such thing as wow-blogging, I find there are very few external references to fellow wow-bloggers. I know there are a lot of guidelines in corporate blogs about "keeping readership as much as possible", but if you are trying to bring something new, try to avoid the classic page-rating incest that goes on WI daily.
On the top of my head, three examples that would have suit your post:
- Drama: Almost any post from http://afkgamer.com/
- WotLK speculation: http://honorscode.blogspot.com/2008/05/raiding-in-wrath-of-lich-king.html
- Poking for answers: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ArdentDefender/~3/230344768/why-do-you-fight.html
Take the link-plugging in the comments as a subtle hint :)
Wranngar Jun 9th 2008 12:45AM
I started blogging about my adventures in WoW with my Druid and Lock to let people know what I was up to. Now I update it with what I do every day which is mostly the daily quests, battlegrounds and some instances although lately I have been helping someone level their Shaman to 70. I usually do instances when I am helping someone out. I like to think my blog helps others that are just getting started in WoW with the tips and explanations I give about various quests and situations and people who are just getting started doing the daily's.
http://aworldofwarcraftblog.blogspot.com/
Busby Seo Challenge Aug 30th 2008 4:59AM
Hi you are good! I’m a poet too, though not as good as you. You have such a great potential. Keep it up! Busby Seo Challenge