Breakfast Topic: Oh, the lengths that we go
by Zach Yonzon 
Dec 23rd 2009 at 8:00AM
I'd probably be surprised if I wasn't guilty of having done similar things using a less conspicuous machine. By less conspicuous, I mean a Macbook Pro mounted on a laptop cooling pad and flanked by a Belkin N52te, a Razer hard mat and mouse, while wearing a headset. That wouldn't stand out too much in Starbucks, would it? I do order an iced venti 1-pump classic nonfat 8-scoop matcha green tea latte and a maple oat scone to camouflage my set-up somewhat.
Let's face it. Many of us love this game so much we sometimes go to great lengths just to play it. Logging in from a friend's house, an Internet café, or even bringing around our entire computer set-up around in a van, Vork-style, just looking for a place to log on. I've got an HSPDA USB modem in my laptop bag, you know, just in case.
What were the extremes you've gone through in order to play the game? When you needed to log on just at the exact time, maybe to catch that expiring auction you've been watching, or to finish those Achievements just before the holiday goes away. Because of the Gizmodo story, my imagination right now is limited to nabbing free Wi-Fi, although I'm sure some of you have more outrageous stories to tell... cutting meetings short, excusing yourself in the middle of lunch, or even *cough* calling in sick. What lengths have you gone to just to play WoW?
Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Breakfast Topics, Humor
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 6)
broncofan27 Dec 23rd 2009 8:06AM
I recently made a car trip to Key West from Atlanta. I jail broke my iPhone and used the internet tethering feature to level my warrior during the car rides. It was great because he helped shorten the drive from my perspective.
Kaliazhul Dec 23rd 2009 12:35PM
Don't tank and drive!
DaveLea Dec 23rd 2009 8:07AM
I er "didn't" play at work to get School of Hard Knocks.
Arrowsmith Dec 23rd 2009 8:07AM
I'm currently dogsitting for my mom's boss while he's on vacation, and just so I wouldn't be bored to tears over here, I lugged my Dell Desktop computer over here with me in a large Duffle Bag. Totally worth it, too.
Also, when I moved from Georgia to Panama, said desktop was my carry-on. The look on Airport Security's face when they saw it was priceless.
Thanatos Dec 23rd 2009 8:10AM
In the words of Buzz Lightyear; "You are a sad strange little man, and you have my pitty."
Riley Dec 23rd 2009 8:11AM
I think the worst I've done is just skipped class to go sit in one of the open labs at school to play, although there was no way I was gonna pass the class anyways
FifthDream Dec 23rd 2009 8:13AM
I pay $15 a month to play it. That's crazy enough.
cmichaelcooper Dec 23rd 2009 8:32AM
This.
Alchemistmerlin Dec 23rd 2009 10:35AM
Ah, to be young again and have a job that makes me think 15 dollars a month is a lot of money.
Don't worry kid, you'll have a real job someday.
Vish Dec 23rd 2009 11:04AM
Dear mr Alchesumtinsumtin. Some of us players live in different countries. I pay 120zł per month, which, converted with a percentage of average salary, is about 125$. Thank you for listening.
Austin Dec 23rd 2009 11:24AM
@Vish:
Wow, that's (almost) not worth it
catharsis80 Dec 23rd 2009 2:30PM
All that needs to be said.
FifthDream Dec 23rd 2009 3:26PM
@Alchemistmerlin
It's fortunate that you're in a position to feel that $15 dollars a month is not a lot of money. I hope *you* also realize that it is fortunate. No, in the long run, it's not a lot of money. But there are plenty of adults, with "real jobs" as you put it, struggling to pay medical bills, feed kids, get a little something to celebrate the holidays, etc., etc., and finding that extra bit of cash to have something to pass the time with can be a little tough sometimes. I'm sure you realize this, though, and maybe your grumpy, condescending reply was due to your having a bad day,or missing your morning coffee,or something. I'm sorry for that. But age, social standing, or the quality of ones job does not negate other circumstances that can indeed make one feel "15 dollars a month is a lot of money".
Thanks for listening, and have a nice holiday season.
Alchemistmerlin Dec 23rd 2009 5:00PM
@Fifth
If you're struggling to do any of those things, you should not be putting ANY money toward WoW, even in good times.
Delita Dec 30th 2009 9:45PM
@condescending Alchemistmerlin
Listen well boy, how much you make does not change the fact that money has a value. Your $10 an hour salary may make you think 15 a month is trivial, but it is not.
Remember these words as you grow up: Every dollar has a worth, and even the biggest sum is made of small numbers together.
Sparcrypt Dec 23rd 2009 7:22PM
Though Alchemistmerlin is being condescending, I really don't understand people and this argument. WoW is not food, water or electricity.
I've had to leave WoW before due to money issues. It's a GAME. I also cut back on eating out/alcohol and other non-essentials.
If $15 a month makes or breaks a budget in which you balance medical bills, kids or mortgages you shouldn't be playing games.
Oh and this is from a 24 year old with a mortgage and 30k worth of student loans that I manage on a single average income. Money is not plentiful for me... however 15 bucks a month is still not much. When it gets to the point where 15 a month IS a lot, my account will no longer be active.
So while I respect that some people need to go to an effort to remain in the game, please don't expect the world to be sympathetic that you shell out 15 a month - the fact that you're doing it means you're not that badly off (or you're insane...)
Pallic Dec 23rd 2009 8:16AM
I keep a copy of WoW on my iPod. I can plug that into any computer with an internet connection and a USB port and play right off of my iPod. I use the authenticator to protect myself from key loggers.
Move over music I need disk space for WoW.
themightysven Dec 23rd 2009 8:42AM
that's kinda awesome
Juggalo Dec 23rd 2009 9:02AM
I like that, thanks for the Idea.
Dotixi Dec 23rd 2009 9:10AM
This is fantastically awesome!