The WoW economy code of ethics

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

1-30-2012 @ 9:17PM

Grimgore said...

I wholehardedly agree with the spirit of this article, but I take issue with "We should not expect 100% of our materials to be sourced from non-botted sources, but we have a responsibility to avoid botted sources when they're readily identifiable." The problem here is that if you don't buy it, your competitors will. And since botters tend to sell their mats cheaper and in much MUCH larger quantities than legitimate farmers, you're allowing your competition to compete against you with a lower operating cost and possibly allowing them to run you out of your chosen market(s). When I buy 300 stacks of Elementium Ore off the AH, I'm not fooling myself that it was farmed legitimately. But any cheap ore that I leave on the AH is going to be bought by my competition who will then (rightfully) undercut the bejesus out of me.

I hate hackers and botters, I really do. I would never buy or advocate buying gold. But as long as the illicitly gained ore/herbs/whatever is out there on the AH, the only person you're hurting is yourself and your bottom line if you leave it be. I wish it wasn't the case, but it is what it is. Someone is going to buy it regardless, I can promise that much. It may as well be you rather than your competitors.

1-30-2012 @ 9:34PM

loop_not_defined said...

When gigantic listings appear on the AH, is it worth reporting the incident to GMs? I'm guessing they wouldn't do anything in most cases, but if it's a clearly identifiable case of botting or whatever, then they could remove & destroy the items. Just don't know if this is something they'd ever bother looking into.

1-31-2012 @ 1:26AM

Peebers said...

the spirit of competition is a poor excuse for supporting slave labor.

if you've diversified your product you can afford to participate in less dodgy markets.

all I read was "I gotta get mines!"

1-31-2012 @ 2:11AM

priestessaur said...

@loop_not_defined

Yes it is worth it. I have done this several times, and in almost every case (I only report when I feel positive its botted goods) the sellers disappear. I even had a GM thank me once because of my report they found an account that had become compromised and were able to notify the owner. I am sure it was not just my reports that got rid of these "bad" AH sellers, but it has helped. I see it as more information for Blizzard to trace down the actual botters and help get them banned.

1-31-2012 @ 4:26AM

Luke said...

Yep, buy them out and then report them. When you submit your ticket be very clear. State that you have just purchased a large quantity of materials from x user via the auction house and you want to be sure that they are not using a bot.

They may let you keep it, they may not, but your best bet is remaining in contact with Blizzard Customer Support whenever there is anything questionable. It protects you and your server's economy.

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