User talk:Gaile Gray/Archive Community & Website/May - June 2007

Maria Moon
first off sorry in advance i dont know how to start my open topic so i added a bit on the last one, ok now my question, on one of your ofther accounts do you have a charachter called maria moon, the reason we think this is because she bares very similar charachteristics to you please leave any comments you have on this (please dont take it seriously as trying to impersonate an anet staff member) ^_^ --The preceding unsigned comment was added by User:Words can heal.
 * No I have no such character, nor have I ever had a character with that name. --Gaile [[Image:User gaile_2.png| ]] 23:44, 11 May 2007 (EDT)

Design a Weapon Contest Conversation
So I've taken a look a the recent Design a Weapon Contest results and I am very impressed with most of the results (though there are a few that confuse me as to what they even are). I know you primarily show up as a Ranger in towns and was curious to your personal opinion on one of the weapons. Specifically the one by Marcus Camprechf of Germany that appears to be a couple of leafily clad (wood sprites?) creating a bow and the waterfall creating the string. I absolutely love this design and the fact that my main character is a Ranger makes this even better knowing that it may become a weapon I can own in the future. I have always been a big fan of Boris Vallejo's fantasy artwork (caution, his artwork may contain light nudity) and found this DAW entry a refreshing and similar style. So my converasational question is, what do you (being a ranger player) think of this weapon? I only hope it doesn't create any silly art vs. obsenity arguments. Thanks. --  Vallen Frostweaver  13:55, 16 May 2007 (EDT)
 * The artist for that bow sent along sketches as well as the final 3D art -- it's really good stuff! I think it's a breathtakingly beautiful bow, and I hope that I will get one in the game. --Gaile [[Image:User gaile_2.png| ]] 03:21, 18 May 2007 (EDT)
 * Though none of my own sketches were selected as part of the finalists, I found that most of the finalists (not only the winners) did create exceptional weapon arts. This bow is indeed impressive, though I, myself, prefer the Elementalist focus and the shields and swords. Was not really impressed by the spears though. Anyway, can't wait to find some of them in the game as well. Jaxom 04:31, 18 May 2007 (EDT)
 * Personally, I find the following entry a missed chance: Staff by Shadowlight, but overall I'm very impressed with most entries. -- [[Image:User Corrran sig.png|CoRrRan]] (CoRrRan / talk) 07:07, 18 May 2007 (EDT)

I do like that one. Looks maniacal in a way. Great staff for a Mesmer with the organized chaos (yes I know I just said a contradictory phrase) it seems to represent (IMO). Looks like I should've sent off that spear entry anyway since I didn't see many in there. Tough part is that most of what's up there probably would've beaten it anyway.

Quick question for ya Gaile, if you can or feel like answering it that is, do you know if they've used more than the winners entries to design weapons in the past (or that they might in the future)? I'd still be glad to donate artwork if I knew it had a possibility (even slim) of being used or at least help inspire. --  Vallen Frostweaver  08:16, 18 May 2007 (EDT)
 * Once the winners are selected, the entries are archived. That means that if someone has a particularly good idea and he/she wishes to enter it in the next contest, there's every reason to do so because previous entries are not reviewed. (Art already in the game or on the artists' design pads is considered when judging, of course.) Now, our art team members don't go through the archives for ideas -- they pick a goodly number during the initial judging so that they have a bunch of inspiration for the future months. In this recent contest's case, we're going to make sure that all the finalists, and a few more, are available to the artists, and if the art is used, we'll be sure to give notice of that via the website or fan forums. --Gaile [[Image:User gaile_2.png| ]] 17:38, 21 May 2007 (EDT)

Thanks for all the info Gaile, that's really good stuff to know. So if I were to start on a piece of artwork for a future design-a-weapon contest what's the possibility of there being another one sometime in the future (for GW or GW2) that I can use it in? I'm not asking for a date or anything, just the likelyhood of there being another one. Also, do you or ANet have suggestions for what items might be lacking skins to choose from or ones that currently might need more selection? --  Vallen Frostweaver  15:13, 4 June 2007 (UTC)

People
Izzy hasn't made any changes on this site in over a month, (which includes replies) I hope he's at least looking at the suggestions he is getting, if not, could you direct him towards his talkpage sometime soon? :) ‽-(eronth) I give  up  23:49, 24 May 2007 (UTC)
 * I spoke with James Phinney, who is the Lead Designer for Guild Wars, and he said that we're likely to provide some notes about upcoming skill changes for players next week. Now, I want to emphasize this is not a promise, it's just a plan that we hope to fulfill, if work schedules and update timelines allow. In the meantime, please know that Izzy took a well-deserved week off this wek, but I know that he is very receptive to player input and that he will keep up on suggestions, for sure! --Gaile [[Image:User gaile_2.png| ]] 04:39, 26 May 2007 (UTC)
 * kk, cool. Thanks for letting me know.   ‽-(eronth)  I give  up  04:53, 26 May 2007 (UTC)

Armor Update
Just want say the new update is Awesome. Love it that now i can get my 15k prohecies armor with the bonuses i want. Thanks Anet. Sneaky Take a Bow 18:53, 25 May 2007 (UTC)
 * I think it was a marvelous update, too. And I'm loving seeing all the players in their new duds, especially that tasty new Monk armour. Thanks for the kind words; they mean a lot. --Gaile [[Image:User gaile_2.png| ]] 04:16, 26 May 2007 (UTC)

Australian Sweepstakes Eligibility
Australian copies of Guild Wars get lumped into the European servers, but apparently we aren't good enough to be included in the sweepstakes. :( Is there anything good headed our way or are we being ignored again? - B e X  04:02, 26 May 2007 (UTC)
 * Try The Brand the Bosses 2007 Contest for a start. Unfortunately, due to the difference in laws between countries, the list of those that can be included in a sweepstakes is rather small. Fortunately, we are able to include many more countries in our community-based contests, and I am ever hopeful that we can add even more in the future. The choice is really not ours, and I've explained it before: In order to offer a sweepstakes in all the countries in which Guild Wars is played, the costs would be exceptionally high, on the order of $100,000 or more! This is because there are bonds to purchase, legal reviews to employ, and much more. (And yes, a company simply cannot take the risk of not getting a legal review, and said review is specific to each nation and each set of laws.) So with regret, we go with what we can, when we can, with hopes that we can expand the list in the future. And for community-based contests--as you yourself know, being a Finalist in the last contest--the list is significantly larger. --Gaile [[Image:User gaile_2.png| ]] 04:15, 26 May 2007 (UTC)


 * I will definitely be entering that contest. It's still a pity that we and other countries miss out on the contests with the huge fancy prizes, as well as all the tournaments held at gaming conventions, special promotions, etc. The tyranny of distance is still out there, some things can't be changed, even despite the internet. :( - B e X  04:27, 26 May 2007 (UTC)


 * Yes, Bex, and if I get my way, we'll hold some sort of fan event in Aus someday, and I'll get to shake your hand and thank you for what you do here, personally! Such an opportunity--to visit with those who love Guild Wars in places that we don't usually visit--would fulfill a dream of mine, most definitely! --Gaile [[Image:User gaile_2.png| ]] 04:33, 26 May 2007 (UTC)


 * The sentiment is much appreciated! It's a nice country to visit too and we'd be happy to have you here. ;) The flight is something like 13 hours and really gets your dehydrated - I flew to Los Angeles and back because my other half is an American and let's just say planes aren't my favourite thing. Surprisingly, the food wasn't that bad though! - B e X  04:37, 26 May 2007 (UTC)


 * Bex, I'd row a bloo... blinkin' canoe, if I had to. ;) I'm not saying that it can come soon, I don't know that it will come, ever. But there is nothing in this world that I love more than meeting and visiting with and listening to players from all around the world, and if someday I visit Australia, or New Zealand, or both, it will be something that I know I will treasure for the rest of my life. Your region of the world has birthed some of the most passionate and supportive of Guild Wars fans. I <3 ya, seriously! --Gaile [[Image:User gaile_2.png| ]] 04:42, 26 May 2007 (UTC)


 * Ya, completely understood. Like I said, sometimes physical distance is just too much of a hindrance for us Aussies, even though we're on the international scene thanks to the internet, phone lines, satelittes, etc. But if you do find out you're coming, I'm so there! And NZ is a beautiful country, I'm going for a tour next year with my dad. ^_^ - B e X  05:02, 26 May 2007 (UTC)

Concerns re: GuildwarsGuru

 * 1) Their mods are abusive.  There are countless post that had been deleted before anyone can see it, even in the off-topic forum.
 * 2) Their admins are abusive.  They pretty much "forces" gw fans to pay them money for their "core" or "elite" guru stuff.
 * 3) They ban people for making bad suggestions in the suggestion forum.
 * 4) They ban people for making bad suggestions in the GWG feedback forum.
 * 5) They being lazy and the "Game and Dev Tracker" forum had not been updated for weeks already.
 * 6) Thier number of readers have declined from the daily 500 in the "Riverside Inn", to now 200+.
 * 7) If you post all this in their feedback forum (which won't be displayed until one of their mod reviews it), you'll get banned.

Why I post it here? Because guru have would just ban you and delete your post. I'll probably get more readers here. Lightblade 20:14, 7 June 2007 (UTC)
 * Even GWO get more readers now. Anyways, I've been a guru member since GW first released, and have post title of "Furnace Stoker".  That's over 2250 posts!  But even I have to ditch guru and move to GWO. Lightblade 20:19, 7 June 2007 (UTC)
 * That and their servers are really slow and should be upgraded, I understand that this costs money but if they are putting them self forward as an elite fansite they should be able to support the traffic, the auction site springs to mind. -- Lemming64 20:58, 7 June 2007 (UTC)
 * The servers are terrible. If you try to use Guild Wars Guru Auction you will need a lot of time for just one thing.. I don't know how it is in the Forum itself because I'm not that active there but actually I noticed a decrease of quality, too. poke | talk 21:19, 7 June 2007 (UTC)
 * I've noticed a few of the mods/admins being abusive, editing peoples posts and "correcting" it for them. Don't get me started on the servers... -- Scourge  [[Image:User Scourge Spade.gif]] 21:22, 7 June 2007 (UTC)
 * This isn't a public "whine board"... If you have problems with the admins, take it up with them, or just don't visit Guru. It's that simple. - anja  [[Image:User Anja Astor sig icon.png|talk]]  (contribs)  21:38, 7 June 2007 (UTC)
 * It's not really that simple, as stated the admins there don't listen to complaints. And saying don't go there is not really the point, it is an elite listed fansite, meaning a lot of people who have no idea get directed there from the guild wars site. -- Lemming64 21:42, 7 June 2007 (UTC)
 * absolutly and for the people that do get directed there most of their articles are way out of date, for eg their page on all the titles was last updated sometime around when titles first came out which was way back just after factions was released. However the last time I went on gwguru.com was a long time ago (for obvious reasons ^^), so they could have changed them by now but even if they have now changed them, That would mean it took them just over a year to do so. Also the few times I do bother going on guru (mainly for the forums) I have noticed that their website never seems to work around midday, however this could just be to do with my internet. --[[Image:User Wacked 1 Link Sprite.gif]]  Wacked 1  21:50, 7 June 2007 (UTC)
 * Lol, even I've been temp banned there a couple times for just saying an opinion and stuff. What ever happened to Freedom of Speech?--Eloc 21:51, 7 June 2007 (UTC)
 * I got a warning from a mod for "trolling". I replied to that message asking how is saying "wammo should bring draw conditions to help monks with daze" considered trolling.  I didn't get any reason, or directed to forum policy page.  Instead I just get banned for 2 weeks.  I forwarded the message to Inde (an admin), but I didn't get ANY reply.  So yes, their admins don't listen to complains. Lightblade 21:57, 7 June 2007 (UTC)
 * Whoa Dejavu... well anyway I was thinking how about we all go and campign in maguuma stade ^^ --[[Image:User Wacked 1 Link Sprite.gif]]  Wacked 1  22:03, 7 June 2007 (UTC)
 * Most forum are moderated by kids, power trip is common. I dont bother wasting time on them. Wikis are, by far, more civilized and better source of information anyway. Now i stop watching this talk, too much stuff going on and what ever i say it's isent related to Gaile anyway. --Bob 06:03, 8 June 2007 (UTC) (PS: post as "Anonymous Coward' next time you troll on forums :)
 * I did NOT troll in there or maybe I did do it unintentionally, but at least I politely asked the mod how am I trolling. He didn't direct me to a forum policy page or tell me what's wrong with it, he just banned me.  When I went back to check the policy page, it said nothing about "wammo", therefore it doesn't make me guilty of anything.  I am falsely accused of it.  I even forwarded the message to an admin and ask to explain how am I guilty of trolling and he just ignored me.  Lightblade 06:25, 8 June 2007 (UTC)

(RI) This is SO not the place for this. Gaile's talk page is not for airing out complaints to ArenaNet, and it's not for trash-talking other websites. I don't even really care what the right place is, and I very much don't care if the admins there ignore your complaints. Send an e-mail to community@arena.net (someone WILL read it), but don't clutter Gaile's talk page or the wiki with this junk. MisterPepe talk 22:36, 7 June 2007 (UTC)
 * Anet wouldn't care less about what GWG did to me. If I want to get them off the list, I have to show them I'm not the only one that think so.  I need other people to support me.  As you can see here, I'm getting plenty of supports.  If I only send the the complain to Anet's mail office, nobody would care about it, because they'll think I'm the only one. Also, I'm kinda taking advantage of wiki, because you can't really ban people from wiki.  It have a lot more room for free speech.  Gaile is the community manager.  It's her job to handle the community stuff and that makes this the currect place to file the complain.  Lightblade 00:06, 8 June 2007 (UTC)
 * You got a ban for trolling? Look how this section is turning out... Why do you think Anet doesn't care? Did you try sending them repeated complaints? Just because the support response doesn't tell you how many other people complained about guru doesn't mean there aren't any. Gaile's talk page is not a complaints page. And funny that you even admitted that you're abusing the wiki yet continue to do so. -- ab.er. rant [[Image:User Ab.er.rant Sig.png|sig]] 03:21, 8 June 2007 (UTC)
 * And where else can I publically discuss this without being deleted or banned? Lightblade 05:12, 8 June 2007 (UTC)
 * It actually is possible to ban people from a wiki, in case you didn't know. It happens multiple times a day - that's half of the job of a administrator here on the wiki. It's highly unlikely that you'd be blocked for spamming Gaile's talk page (=P), but it's technically possible. Just an fyi.
 * As for "discuss[ing] this without being deleted or banned," this conversation really seems to stretch the definition of "discussion." It's more of a festival of whining. As I said, community@arena.net is the place to send these complaints - if you really want people to show support, have them send in e-mails too. This is the PERSONAL TALK PAGE of Gaile - it's not a "HALP MI ANET" board. This is for personal messages to her. It's probably one of the few places that gets more off-topic questions than our Ask a Wiki question page.
 * If you must continue this thread, please confine it to your own userspace. Thanks. MisterPepe talk 06:08, 8 June 2007 (UTC)
 * That would defeat the whole point of having me post it in here. The point is to get attention on this matter, from all of you AND Gaile.  I already got ignored by GWG's mod and admin, I don't want to get ignored again. Lightblade 06:34, 8 June 2007 (UTC)
 * (Response to original comments) I (and we) do care about the situations you've described, but as pointed out here, this isn't the place for such a report. While we won't mediate issues between a forum member and a member or members of the forum administrative/moderator staff, you are free to send your general concerns to our community@arena.net email address. Don't be discouraged by a general response -- we're simply not able to engage in lengthy correspondence about the matter. We view our Fansite Listing as a "recommendation," and our various ranks or levels as a mark of accomplishment. If any site shows a decline in appropriate levels of moderation, if a higher-ranking site falls off in maintaining the site and regularly expanding what it offers the community, if a site breaks the Terms of Use by, for instance, posting gold ads, we will review their membership and rank within the Guild Wars Community Fansite Program. Because neither membership in the program nor a site's rank within it are given on a lifetime basis, we will not hesitate to take whatever actions we feel are appropriate as far as membership, rankings, participation by staff members, and so forth. We love our fansites and want to have the best possible relationship with each of them, but ultimately, decisions concerning the GWCFP rest with ArenaNet.
 * This isn't an invitation for people with personal grievances to write us asking for action against Site X or Site Administrator Z. However, we do listen, and we will do a confidential review of matters to determine if action is required on the part of the company. Due to our respect for the sites, and to our Privacy Policy, the outcome of a review will generally not be made public. --Gaile [[Image:User gaile_2.png| ]] 06:45, 8 June 2007 (UTC)
 * Gaile, thank you for posting such a wonderful, even-tempered response. I got an edit conflict while writing up something a little... vitriolic... and I'm glad I didn't end up needing to post it. =) MisterPepe talk 06:54, 8 June 2007 (UTC)
 * Ok Gaile, I emailed the fansite program. It's already been 2 business days, but I'm still not getting any reply.  Not even a machine generated one. Lightblade 22:14, 11 June 2007 (UTC)
 * Well, first of all, we don't do machine-generated responses. Secondly, I'm sorry if I did not make it clear--I truly thought that I had in the final comments of my earlier post--but out of respect for all concerned, and due to privacy policies that we uphold with care concerning both individual players and site operators, we'll accept reports and review them internally as needed, but we will not engage in a dialogue about someone's problems with a fansite. If a report results in contact between ArenaNet and a fansite, that will be private. If a report and investigation results in changes to a site's membership within the GWCFP, we will not publicize that fact (although ultimately changes would no doubt be noticed). So my honest advice is, if you want to engage in a discussion about your issues with the site, please do contact the webmaster of the site in question. --Gaile [[Image:User gaile_2.png| ]] 22:57, 11 June 2007 (UTC)

Personally, I always liked GW Guru, but it is degenerating quickly. The admins are becoming lazy and full of themselves, moderation has been either sub-par, overreactive, or biased, and I feel as if the site itself doesn't really have much to offer any more, seeing that the game information part of the site is ONLY filled with 25% of prophecies things. I would say to remove the fansite from elite status, because it isn't elite, it's just popular for its forums. Sadly, that might not last either. Alreajk 19:14, 8 June 2007 (UTC)
 * Gaile, might I suggest a speedy archive for this section as you seem to be in agreement that it's not really appropriate for this page. [[Image:Aiiane-a.gif|Go to Aiiane's Talk page]] (Aiiane - talk - contribs) 20:32, 8 June 2007 (UTC)


 * Honestly, since we have the wikis, I view all other fansites as obsolete. :) &mdash;Tanaric 23:23, 8 June 2007 (UTC)


 * /agree. Maybe even this wiki should be made the Guild Wars main page! =) &mdash; Rapta (talk|contribs) 04:22, 12 June 2007 (UTC)