User talk:Regina Buenaobra/Archive Community and Website/June 2008

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Contents 1 PvP "Leavers" 2 Silence is not golden here. 3 On the GW homepage... 4 Not just America. 5 GuildWars.com languages 6 Fansite Roster 7 Anniversary Sweepstakes 8 Bannings for cursing 9 Guild of the Week and Notable Guilds page on the website 10 Another thread you need t o read. 11 An Open Letter to ANet 12 Wolf & Arenanet @ PAX 2008 13 Location, Location, Location 14 A "thank you" to ArenaNet 15 Invisible to me but did you tell players in-game about HoM?

PvP "Leavers"

I was just writing to let you know of a little problem that I feel should be looked at. I'm not sure of Anet's exact response to characters leaving PvP areas(Dishonor only if match is lost, and for 10 minutes?) but I think it possibly should be re evaluated and lengthened. I have been playing Ft Aspenwood and such on both sides and have noticed over the last few weeks that there are an incredibly large amount of leavers. Just about every single game I have been in has had about one and sadly most have 2 or 3 leavers. They always leave right at the beginning or as soon as they feel we will lose, so you know it was not a sudden disconnect or something that's occurs every single game... Also I've noticed it in other PvP arena's as well but not as much as here, the purpose being swaying the player count in favor of other side? not wanting to wait to lose? or whatever it may be... I, as well as many other players find it rather annoying to say the least and obviously the leavers do not find the consequences adequate enough themselves as there are so many of them. Would it be possibly to give them unconditional dishonor points whether the team wins or loses? I mean if we win that's because of the players that stay not the leavers, so why should they get credit as well? I also think lengthening the duration of dishonor from the beginning would be another suggestion.. I know there are some players that have disconnects and such but the majority in this area are purposeful. I just feel specifically the punishment for "leaving" needs to be looked at once more. Thank you for taking the time to consider this --O Frost O Image:O Frost O Sig.GIF 15:07, 11 May 2008 (UTC)

Dishonor isn't conditional. If you leave before the end of the fight you get dishonor points regardless of who wins and who losses. -- Salome 15:34, 11 May 2008 (UTC)

Actually i 100% DISagree with with frost. You get a R/any with Power shot, warrior with frenzy and no elite, and an assassin with 4 lead attacks is outright ridiculous when you are a r4 monk with leet armor and skills. There should be more of a (rated) RA match. A title system mabye for Random arenas solely to show the amount of experience you have, so when being paired in Random arenas, the new players will learn the game with other new players while versing other new players, while the 1337 players can fight. I dont find it fair to always be teamed with new players when I am not. TBH what is really IMBA is having noobs vs. pros who sync RA, for they will not understand what guildwars is about. They will get the idea that Thay are better than me because they are a dervish or something outright riduculous like that. If new players learn the game with other new players, they will begin to learn how to have an advantage over a foe instead of why the cool guy with full black armor is killing me. Thank-you :)--CRφssFIRE© 00:57, 6 June 2008 (UTC)

r4 takes like 10minutes to get. Also, ranked RA... oxymoron in my book. keep it how it is. there will always be new players, get to love them! --24.195.135.159 05:33, 21 June 2008 (UTC)

Nobody does Ft Aspenwood but PvE'ers. If its not on the isles its not PvP. Drogo Boffin 15:10, 23 June 2008 (UTC)

Silence is not golden here.

Advice to keep players attracted to Guild Wars and the upcomming Beta. More and more get less interested. Resources for GW2 are important but who are you making GW2 for? Silverleaf 13:36, 18 May 2008 (UTC)

Hmm, I just realized I haven't played in 3 days, and my time here is getting less and less as well. I think I will continue to not play until something is done about Ursan, one of my main pet-piss-offs. Info on GW2 has been dead for ages, been waiting months to hear anything about the HoM, the only relevant thing at the moment, but I'd get more information or interest by talking to the local crazy lady than looking here for Arenanet info. 118.92.221.51 19:06, 18 May 2008 (UTC)

Sounds just like me and /agreed. Dominator Matrix 19:08, 18 May 2008 (UTC)

They'll release information when they're ready. It's been months since they've announced it, but you know how slow ANet is.--Arkantos

GW2 was announced April 2007, more than 'months' --92.235.8.13 16:26, 19 May 2008 (UTC)

There comes a time with most MMO developers that they start to slowly bring the players in on what to expect in the game they're developing. So far, all we have is a handful of races, some backstory, and a few hints from EotN. Numerous sources cite ArenaNet claiming that the game should go to beta around the second half of 2008 (or maybe early 2009), and still we have absolutely nothing more than we've had a few months to a year ago. I'd even be satisfied knowing when we can expect to hear something, but we know E3 is out, and while ArenaNet will be at PAX, we have no way of knowing what (if anything) will be shared. It's a very frustrating experience to see GW2 running dark for so long. I can't blame ArenaNet for not releasing information, but any update would be a welcome one.207.191.205.18 17:31, 20 May 2008 (UTC)

What keeps me from playing right now is the grind, so I mostly play in the Kurzick/Luxon areas, where the points earned are account-shared. Updtes is what keeps me more in the game, like the last Prophecies endgame update. MithTalk 13:33, 19 May 2008 (UTC)

My guess is that we won't receive information about GW2 until PAX 2008, as Arenanet is a sponsor of that festival, and it they'll keep all info to be released on that expo to excite a lot of it's visitors. It's a pity in fact, that not more info has been shared before. It's not that players want to know every single detail of GW2 yet, but even the slightest hint keeps people motivated, happy and interested. I've heard a lot of my members ingame talk about other games so far, most of them are looking out for Aion (another NCSoft game) simply because they know it has been announced it will be released end of 2008, pictures are available and even some vids. I really hope A'net decides to release some info soon, PAX is so far away... It's hard enough to keep a guild together without info on GW2. grtz -- (Tribina / talk) 15:07, 19 May 2008 (UTC)

Aion cought my eye too. And it looks nice with promises for GW2. It did not draw my attention away from GW. PAX is in August 31th in Seattle, USA. How many will be able to visit that? (Europe, Asia?) --Silverleaf 16:47, 19 May 2008 (UTC)

I would expect PAX to be big with lots of info on GW2, but that is really a long way off. Considering the loyal fan base GW has and the extraordinarily long span of time since anything new has been announced, it sure would be nice if we got some info before then. I agree with Tribina, we don't need to know every detail, but some general information on how it's progressing would be nice. Lady Chevon 18:25, 19 May 2008 (UTC)

They kinda had to announce GW2 really early to explain for the lack of further chapters. Since then there hasn't been much to show us. Not sure what people are expecting to see at this point tho. We got some basic lore, but it is far too early for screenshots and the like. So I guess we got no info, because there isn't anything they can share. Release is still almost a year (if not more) away, we just have to be realistic and be patient. Dutchsmurf 23:55, 19 May 2008 (UTC)

I agree 100% with Silverleaf.--122.108.8.47 02:36, 20 May 2008 (UTC)

I would like to add my agreement that silence is not golden. I don't know how many (especially you Regina) have read this, but I suggest you do. It totally mirrors my thoughts on Ursan, and also about the 'statement' that Anet is making by not doing anything to change it in all the months that it has now been in play. Quite simply, Anet needs to just come clean with the reasons they have refused to even comment on what Ursan Blessing has done to pve play in this game. Even after the immense monetary investment and time commitment I have made to Guild Wars, the utter lack of concern that Anet has shown for pve players in the year plus since they have unveiled the grand plan of starting from scratch with GW2 and the subsequent release of EoTN and introduction of Ursan Blessing, has convinced me that further investment of money into this company is a waste, so I currently have no plans of purchasing GW2. By not addressing the clearly voiced concerns of a large portion of the player base, Anet is ultimately costing themselves. I also find myself logging on less and less, and when I am on, there is very little excitement or drive to accomplish anything because those accomplishments mean virtually nothing to anyone any longer. I hope that you can talk some sense into whoever has decided to remain utterly silent on this issue.-- Wynthyst 03:41, 20 May 2008 (UTC)

I couldn't give a sweaty toss about Ursan, as I gave up PvE. My real gripe is with the lazy attitude Anet and our new "Community Manager" are taking to things. I am not talking about weekend events. Just the general "silence" ever since EOTN came out. Why should i buy GW2 and help pay Anet Staff salaries when they have given up? --122.108.8.47 09:00, 20 May 2008 (UTC)

First of all can u guys stop complaining about ursan, Regina already said that they're looking into it, and I'm tired of seeing every topic converted in your negative thoughts about ursan. Second I think its not too early for screenies and info about GW2 since the beta is later this year. Also I agree with silverleaf about PAX. It's not fair if they release all the info their as there are ppl who can't attend cause of the great distance. --MageMontu 10:06, 20 May 2008 (UTC)

I am forced to agree with these statements unfortunately. There is not enough involvement from the admins directly to the community and in game. ANET has gotten way to laid back with the automated tournaments and the weekends in regards to shaking things up. While there are up dates and changes there is no new buzz to the game, it just feels like the same stuff repackaged again and again. A good example is the Z-Rank. Sure there is a new e-mote and a new title but the concept and feel of it are not new. Also there is not much to look forward to with GW2. The people who are looking ahead to it are mainly concerned with the HoM and grinding out titles. No new concepts or ideas have been thrown out there except "We are looking into it." or "You will be informed when things are ready."

Some good solutions these problems is to have a more active presence in game. While Gaile did not tell us much she was always willing to put herself out there to here these concerns. Reading this talk page makes me sad about how little feed back players are getting from A-Net. Sure upkeep and making things work is great, but if people don't feel confident about the people running the game they will be less interested to play. The people who come here are some of the most active people in Guild Wars and have a good feel on the flow of the game. People don't need to be kept happy but they should be listened to and understand that there concerns are heard.

A good way to fix the issues surrounding GW2 would be to just announce some ideas that are under consideration and are no way final. This keeps people guessing and interested in what is coming up. A huge release of information at once may make good headlines but the buzz level of GW2 will drop off again. By releasing updates on the progress you keep people interested and can get immediate feedback on different ideas.

I hope this helps but I personally think ANET won't change it's tune. I will still keep playing GW because I love the game and will continue to hope for some more direct involvement.--129.21.100.55 10:19, 20 May 2008 (UTC)

While I agree that some more info on GW2 would be nice, I don't think its fair to say they're doing nothing about GW1. They said in the last update that they would be doing a major rework of the skills system with respect to PvP/PvE. I got the impression that this would be accompanied by some pretty major buffs for PvE versions of skills. I hope that if they do choose to nerf ursan, this is when they do it, lessening the impact on the casual community with buffs of other skills. Ashes Of Doom 12:17, 20 May 2008 (UTC)

I would like to remind people that ANet, like any other company, cannot be catering to everyone's wishes all of the time. Seeing as they are working on a new product and have given feedback that they are continuing support for the original, as well as revamping the PvE/PvP skill system, I think that should be enough said on their stance. People often forget that those working on the product are people as well, and at this current point in time, they're putting most of their effort into trying to push the new product along as quickly as possible, while maintaining high quality. I don't know how many people here have actually worked on making a serious game (as in commercially) but it's allot of hard work (and for those of you that will go on your rants about other jobs being hard work, enough said).

While I too would like more information, I would say it is safe to say that silence is as much part of the business as is communication. Saying things too early makes people get the wrong idea or develop unrealistic expectations. I would say, that if their schedule holds to what they predicted, expect some actual information this Fall and not a moment earlier in regards to Guild Wars 2. Best to keep the beast in the box until its time to unleash it.

Also, as one more side note, let's keep the Ursan rants in the discussion page for it. We've already seen posts archived because of it, everyone's been given answers as to the current situation in game and with the developer's views on it. Let's just wait and see how it pans out. Currently it's a "----ed if you do, ----ed if you don't" situation. We all get it, let's move on for now. Anyhow, my two cents. Davnian Siscus 15:20, 20 May 2008 (UTC)

I must agree with Davnian Siscus, Although I eargerly await news from GW2, they are developing the game over a new engine, so I guess I must be patient, It's higly dangerous to rush any programming project(being a programmer myself). True that I don't play as much, because even though there are many things I want to do... my Guild and friends have been mostly inactive. I also Agree about the "Ursan" topic, the amount of posts on the topic is inmense... funny thing is that, when (and if) they do something about it (whatever it is), we'll get a new batch of posts stating how awfull/good Ursan was handled. So I basically do what Regina has stated, simply don't pay attention to the skill or the many groups requiring it. --Nekki 15:40, 20 May 2008 (UTC)

We understand your frustration about not having any recent GW2 updates. The developers know you're anticipating the new game and want more information. Right now, there really is nothing that we can talk about that isn't already out there. I think I've noted this before in relation to a different topic, but this situation is partly about trying not to mismanage expectations. The reason we can't talk about a whole lot right now is because we wouldn't want to talk about some cool new feature, have people get super excited, and then later down the development cycle, decide that we don't have time or resources to implement it after all. In that scenario, even though players may know that information and features are subject to change, they may still be incredibly disappointed and jaded if something they want was not delivered in the end. We don't want to over-promise and then later possibly disappoint a lot of people. The developers are of the opinion that it's better to keep things a surprise and reveal information if they are totally sure about features. It's a balancing act. --Regina Buenaobra 18:58, 20 May 2008 (UTC)

Regina, I thank you for your post, and my response means no disrespect to you or A.Net. I just feel that developers and publishers are way too... well I think they think we are just "the public." There is a betaleaks site I have been watching for Warhammer Online info, and a lot of information has been leaked from the closed beta. The most interesting thing is the way the community there treats the non-polished information. It is nearly the complete opposite of the gullible mismanaged expectations that are always lauded (here and in other places). People seem mostly aware that stuff is still being heavily polished and worked on (even if it will change). And if they aren't, there are plenty of people to remind them.

I know my posting this will probably have no effect on A.Net's marketing policies, but I do think it is something to think about. Maybe I am just too naive thinking gamers usually comprise more people on the sunny side of the bell curve... even with Gabriel's internet theory. --Ravious 19:34, 20 May 2008 (UTC)

I noticed this section in passing and wondered if there isn't a different approach to releasing information. That is, not releasing information about game features but about background story or historical information or story-line information that fills in bits and pieces of the time between EoTN and GW2. For instance, we know that the sylvari make an appearance in GW2 (if I recall correctly as a playable race), what if information were written in that fills in more about them? Things that don't necessarily impact the gameplay in GW2 but are related in that they address how the Sylvari came to Tyria. Or possibly the dragons, which have been noted but little backstory is available for. I'd imagine all this is also being finalized but in theory (the happy, optimistic type theory that all of us end users seem to like) "teasers" and other small-ish tidbits could be released as they become finalized. Just a passing thought. Lojiin 19:47, 20 May 2008 (UTC)

How bout confirming that you will be showing GW2 at least something of if at PAX? At least we'll know then something is coming and dont have to keep asking about it. This void of silence is no way to handle expectations --92.235.8.13 19:48, 20 May 2008 (UTC)

I just read all of this and I totally agree. We all understand that you cannot release a ton of info on GW2, but you could give us some. I mean we have been like wating forever :P. I like Lojiin's suggestion above, just give us details on some small things that do not effect major gameplay. If you guys do not hurry and do something, you may lose more of your fan base; which I know that you do not want. Phnzdvn 20:07, 20 May 2008 (UTC)

It's not as easy as me simply deciding to tell you stuff. I am not the only one involved in a decision making process to reveal or not reveal inforamtion. There are several departments involved in this, and these issues that you are bringing up regarding GW2 information are issues many people are aware of and are discussing. People here are very cautious of revealing information for the reasons I stated above. I have not been given any clearance to reveal any information. Until firm decisions have been made within the company on releasing GW2 information and through what methods, I will not be giving any hints at all. --Regina Buenaobra 20:20, 20 May 2008 (UTC)

I think people would be more then happy if once a month SOMETHING showed up. So we know you are still there. That something however doesn't have to be screenshots or gameplay details. As you pointed out, it is better if it isn't. Warhammer was pointed out earlier, but Warhammer is a lot closer to release then GW2, so naturally more accurate info can be 'leaked'. However, there must be things you can show us. Some artwork maybe or some lore. Like for GW1 we had the story of Devona and friends, which were a nice read while waiting for the next beta weekend. Like those dragons we have, they probably weren't born under the ground. So they must have gotten there for some reason. Things like that will keep the people entertained, without giving problems later. We don't want a lot, just a little at a time to keep us excited. Dutchsmurf 12:33, 21 May 2008 (UTC)

It's not even listed on this site as being in development. Beta testing is anticipated 3rd quarter of 08. That is 1 to 4 month(s) away. I'm sorry, I just don't buy the line that there is nothing that can be discussed if that timeline is going to be met -- and if it's not, it would be nice to have an update on how that's going. Lady Chevon 16:52, 21 May 2008 (UTC)

I'd have to say this topic is all dependent on the timeframe ANet wishes to adhere to. How should GW2 and it's information release be compared to other games? We know that there have been vids and screenshots out for a long, long time for Aion. Additional info about it is slim as far as I know. There are a multitude of games out there right now with releases in the future that have their official site up that include screenshots, vids, forums, etc. One just needs to browse mmorpg.com as a starting point to glean all sorts of info. Compared to other new games coming out and comparing those to the estimated time of GW release, then yes, information is probably quite a bit behind.

Is ANet thinking on a separate level than other companies on what they do to create some buzz for their upcoming game? I don't know. I do know that there's really nothing in regards to it on mmorpg.com though. If potential gamers out there are looking for the game they want to play in the future, right now they're looking at Warhammer, Aion, Stargate, Jumpgate, etc. I don't believe GW2 has any sort of grasp on any minds other than GW players. I can only imagine that they've created their timeline to allow a sufficient period for anticipation building.

We loyal players of GW do have a different level of expectation for information. We're not the same as your standard looking-for-a-new-game player. We've been told that some things we do have ties to GW2, but we don't have a clue how. So we hang on that tidbit while playing, just waiting for any little thing we can. There's quite a bit that could be 'leaked' to create some buzz, because to be honest, GW is buzzless now and appears to be staying that way. A simple screenshot or concept art would help to keep interest. Things like that don't bind developers hands at all. Right now, as current players, we wait anxiously in the silence and really start to wonder if GW2 has been cancelled. Communication has fallen off the table with GW, other than for tournaments there isn't much news (last headline on official site is May 9)... I don't know, it is just a bit concerning when it gets so dark. A little 'night light' would be super. :) Clobimon Craiggy 16:51, 21 May 2008 (UTC)

I have been talking to people over the past few of days, with all of your comments and feedback in mind. We don't have firm plans for what information we're going to disclose, and how, but I have made people in key departments more aware of how much interest the community has in any new GW2 information, and these issues are under discussion and at the front of their minds. --Regina Buenaobra 19:20, 21 May 2008 (UTC)

"You sending the Wolf?" -- Jules from Pulp Fiction. Seriously thanks Regina. I think that is great, and I thank you for doing that AND telling us. I support your style... with absolutely no disrespect to Gaile... it's refreshing. --Ravious 19:30, 21 May 2008 (UTC)

Hey, so reagarding this developer blog idea that a few people here (and on GWO) seem to support. I'd like people's feedback/thoughts on what you'd like to see in it. Please read my latest journal post for more. :-) --Regina Buenaobra 00:50, 22 May 2008 (UTC)

Discussing a lot... very little action. 118.92.196.222 00:15, 22 May 2008 (UTC)

This is a typical case of "You get what you pay for" and in Anets case its all talk and no action, like the above poster said--122.108.8.47 02:30, 22 May 2008 (UTC)

I'm just sharing. Sure the lack of silence is definitely deafening but I rather have my expectations met than be thoroughly disappointed by the end result. Let's assume that they do release information that changes once alpha is out. It leaves a bad taste since it was not the game you were told it would be. You then would tell your other friends how GW2 sucks, which in turn makes them not want GW2 and not buy it. We the players will not lose out since we are just the users, we are not the makers. aNet just simply wants to make sure they do not have such an affect on people even if it means complete silence on their part and alienating their current players. Even if you say "I'm never going to play GW2 because of lack of updates" or "because they completely ignored me and my friends," you know deep down inside yourself, your curiosity about GW2 will eventually win you over. Even if you have to secretly use a friends' computer to look at GW2 with the fear that aNet is tracking down your IP address (yes, complete paranoia). In the end, Regina is right. They're just managing expectations more than anything else. If they promised you flying mounts, god-of-war-esque type of boss fights and in the end does not deliver, who loses? We the players or the makers of the game? End of sharing. Renin 04:36, 22 May 2008 (UTC)

Eh, days without Guild Wars and I don't seem to miss it. Expected to come on and find something to make me want to install it again after so long playing, but all thats left is the grind. Wanted to do a full Hall of Monuments but thats just a massive grind with greatly hard to reach titles etc and there's always the questions of what it actually means.

The expectation at the moment is that Guild Wars = grind for anyone who's actually finished a hang of a lot of the content. 118.92.65.62 08:57, 22 May 2008 (UTC)

I don't know of many games coming out in 2009-2010 that have any serious information available already, so I don't see how GW2 is behind. Games people are pointing out as giving more info are all coming out a lot earlier. As in this year. When GW2 has a couple of months until release, there will be lots of info available too. One thing I do agree with is that Anet has been really silent the last months about everything, including GW1. Even their balance updates have been more sources of disappointment then getting people excited. Would be nice if Anet can do something to make people more positive about the game again. Dutchsmurf 14:53, 22 May 2008 (UTC)

I think managing expections are one thing when it comes to Guild Wars 2, I like so many of us are worried Guild Wars 2 will go the way of other MMOs - sorry but from what we have heard most of my guild agrees Guild Wars 2 = WoW with a guild wars theme to it. Its the funny thing though, a lot of points will be set in stone soon, or should be when it comes to whats in GW2

I criticize Anet's handling of Guild Wars at the moment. Skill updates - BS new grinding titles - lets face it thats all it is. The old girl seems to be becoming more and more let out to dry and GW2 isn't anywhere near completed yet.

I also criticize when it comes to the connecting aspects between the two games, the Hall of Monuments. There are many questions that every gamer from casual to hardcore want to know about it, players play in various degrees but doing and Hall of Monuments is hard work and people would love to know more info. I criticize any company who at this point wouldn't know these answers for something similar to the Hall of Monuments, you should and seeing as its something you're using to keep people going, because lets face it for many people thats all we've got left, you would think a lot of care would be going into keeping us wanting to play.

In the end I question why I type this; Regina will just go down the usual CM-cushioning road instead of actually doing something. Many of the concerns, questions and begs for info have been asked before, Wiki seems to echo itself, Gaile said she said something to the devs, you're saying you're saying stuff to the devs but as more and more time goes by, and the more and more goes seemingly ignored many of us are questioning why we've devoted - for some of us - 3 years to this game just to be bitterly let down here.... 118.92.65.62 18:46, 22 May 2008 (UTC)

I bet you guys in the future Anet will give up on GW2 just like they have done with GW1. Two years after GW2 is released GW3 would be announced and we would cop the same crap we are getting now--122.108.8.47 07:07, 23 May 2008 (UTC)

You know I really don't mind the silence, Anet thankfully gave us the info way in advance that GW1 was going to come to a close.. that allowed a lot of people the time to change focus, finishing up titles ect in preparation for GW2. I mean they could of just kept the community in total dark, of course a lot less people would be playing as a result. The only thing I would like to see which didn't really happen for the betas of factions and NF was allowing the "active" players to beta.. so many players that were invited to the betas for the last chapters had abandoned the game for months.. they came in, tried out the new chapter, told us whatever info they pleased and then left GW again just as fast.. now that was rather disheartening to see. I think giving the beta info in game as well as wherever else it's posted would definitely bring a bigger more diverse crowd, not just the regulars from the forums ect.. Of course there might be reasons to allows the same old regualrs to beta to get them excited about the new GW ect, but I think more hype would come from active players having the opportunity to beta and spread the word throughout the game..and you have to remember a lot of them don't even use forums.. heck I just found out about them myself.. I mean its beta for your new game.. why not give it the the gamers that still actually play your old game? And who stole my little polar bear -.- Avenge him for me Regina! --O Frost O Image:O Frost O Sig.GIF 19:58, 30 May 2008 (UTC)

The announcements for the Factions and Nightfall test events were both originally posted on the in-game login screen, as well as the Guild Wars website. (Aiiane - talk - contribs) 20:03, 30 May 2008 (UTC)

Wow are you serious? I played everyday and never saw it I guess I must of just been oblivious then haha --O Frost O Image:O Frost O Sig.GIF 15:43, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

April 2007 till June 12 2008. Nothing much changed other than 2 teams working on GW1/GW2 and a new CC pressing the request for more information. Is anyone still taken serious? Who are the Bosses? -- Silverleaf 11:30, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Seriously, ANYTHING would be FANTASTIC. A single screenshot, a peice of concept art, anything. I don't care how minor, as long as it lets me know there is a team alive and at work on GW2, instead of just getting GW updates and a comunity manager telling us she can't realy tell us anything. Also, concept art is a GREAT thing to give us, it gives us a general idea of possibilities, gets us excided, but at the same time, lets us know, hey this thing isn't done yet, and this could very well change. If I see some cool armor or creature or building in concept art, and it doesn't make it to the game, sure, I will be a little bummed, but people a little bummed out b/c the don't get an armor sytle or creature, or place is MUCH easier to deal with than people suffering from information starvation or telling us about a feature and having it not come through. Concept are is a great and easy way to give us SOMETHING without realy giving us anything. It gives us something to talk about and at the same time says "this is in no way final" without actualy having to say it a million times. On that same note, maybe a screen-shot or two of some random area, even if it is juts flora and landscape, I'm very curious to see how things are progressing. There is something interestign about seeing progression in that area, to where I can look at a couble screenshots and say, this one looks pretty good, but look how much better it has gotten. As I recall, with the anouncement of GW2, we were given a single screenshot, why not more like it? Please, give us something, anything, it doesn;t have to be solid or in anyway conclusive. Earlier Regina, you stated that you were talking wiht the devs about what exactly you would be able to give us, Concept art, excelent place to start, and maybe landscape screen-shots when graphics get more finalized, I'm a sucker for a good landscape shot. Thanks in advance for reading this, and I (for one) will love you forever if something is produced. Still rootin for you and the devs! --Wolf 21:01, 16 June 2008 (UTC) ( I belive someone asked if Regina was sending them the Wolf? Well, I'm here now, you may send me wherever =D )

Well, the third quarter 08 is right around the corner. Is it safe to assume that Beta testing will not be occurring then? Oh well, I guess there's always Aion to look forward to. AoC is pretty fun too. Lady Chevon 21:56, 18 June 2008 (UTC)

I wouldn't consider it safe to assume anything about beta testing, or game release when it comes to GW2.-- Wynthyst 22:01, 18 June 2008 (UTC)

My point is, if beta testing were going to occur at any time in the next 102 days, the Anet folks would have something to talk about. Kinda the point of this topic is that silence, which in this case has been prolonged, does 'speak' loudly. The difference is it speaks to one person differently than it speaks to another. To me, the message is that GW2 is a concept that may, or may not, be released in the future. It's not well into development, but rather still in its infancy - it's an idea with some rough sketches and a rough storyline. Anet is losing me, and I don't think I'm alone here. I think Anet spilled the beans too soon about something new coming down the road, and that they were not going to further expand the original game. If they honestly believed people would stick around for years with no further expansions, that's pretty naive. Lady Chevon 23:24, 18 June 2008 (UTC)

Well Anet, you look like a ship in troubled waters, now is your chance to prove us wrong, or confirm our fear. Keeping us guessing too much longer is only gunna make people think you've long sink sunk. I'm rootin for ya. --Wolf 00:23, 19 June 2008 (UTC)

Well, I have spent several hours a day for several days now giving suggestions, asking questions, giving input, and over-all trying to help the situation on both sides, but so far, all of my efforts were in vain. With that I take my leave of the wiki for a while until something else happens, I will be checking my talk page from time to time tho. Best of luck to you all and Goodbye. --Wolf out. 13:47, 19 June 2008 (UTC)

I concur with Lady Chevon. As of now all we know of Regina is “GW2 PvE is going to be great!”.and the things we know form the PCGamers article: that there will be the “dragon attacks bridge, player defend” aspect of the open world. That there will be none at all or a very high level cap. That items will be far more important then they where in GW1. That the HoM gives us “some not game affecting something”. That we’ll be able to jump and swim (do we really need this?). That you are not sure which ones and how the profession in GW2 will mirror GW1s. That the open beta would be held around mid to end 2008 (suggesting you should be reaching closed beta about… now). That all we knew of the GW1 world is being destroyed by the cataclysmic rising of the ”dragons” (cheap story telling to begin with).

That’s about it. And this information is fast growing a one year old beard! Taking the above: at this point, with ANets pre stated beta date approaching fast, you still want to make us believe that: You still don’t know if there will or will not be a level cap? You still want to say, that you have not made any final decision you can talk about on what “in game goody” the HoM is going to give players for various achievements? You still have no information on what profession, and what possible race benefits we can expect? That you cant offer any in game screen shots so we can at least get an idea on who much more superior the GW2 world will be like compared to GW1? And on and on… Taking the profession uncertainty and the not yet made decision on a level cap, how in Jesus Christ’s name can ANet design GW2 at all if not even these fundamental design elements have been set in stone yet?? Especially with the already mentioned open beta in mind which is supposed to be happening in under 6 month!? This is our, or at least my PoV, based on what information we have got about GW2. And since you always say you don’t have anything new to talk about, I guess that would mean you do nothing at all and are still shoving around conceptual ideas and possible game play elements on the Devs tables! Ludicrous! Since I DO believe ANet IS working hard on GW2 there MUST be some information already set in stone (eg. level cap, professions etc)! Some design elements MUST be final, so that the Dev team can work around them to create the world that will be GW2! The foundation of the game mechanics MUST be there! Other wise the beta date was a lie! And since this a logical deduction on what we know you MUST have information you COULD share with us! You are just not willing to do it! And right now I tell you … you are loosing customers because of your information blockade AND because you are seriously neglecting the product your customers are currently playing… GW1! Add to this some rather unpopular design decision made by the Devs to GW1 (away from skill>time… and closer to time>skill e.g Luxon/Kurzik PvE Skills and associated title) which player are complaining about and you are not looking at a very good starting point community mood wise for GW2!I really don’t get that kind of behaviour! Stroke the egos of your current products customers now by maintaining it as best as possible and listening to customers sorrows AND acting upon them and you can be sure these same ppl are going to switch to your new product! But you opt to not listen, to not giving any new information on the new product and by not acting on month old player angers! Well… you certainly know that a angered customer seldom returns! Regards ~Garbaron~; 20th Jun 2008

If they say anything and then change their mind the torrent of critical winge will make the complaints about Ursan look like a praise-Anet party, so. Also, the show preview button is your friend. --Star Weaver 13:28, 20 June 2008 (UTC)

Euhm I think a lot of people tend to blame Regina for not releasing any data candy. I am sure everyone is eagerly awaiting any kind of news about GW2, but don't shoot the messenger . It's not Regina's call to make data public, it's the call of the bosses. I hope I'm right with my assumption that they aren't releasing any data yet, because they don't want cheap copycats in the near future after release of GW2. Arenanet has always made sure to astonish gamers with the gameplay they developed (read gameplay and not skill functions etc.). Arenanet is a company, and companies need to make profit and if you watched the DVD with CE of Nightfall, you will noticed they have some crazy, wacky but talented people out there! I am confident GW2 will be awesome, I don't like the silence either, but I can understand their point of view. Just wait another 2 months maximum, because at PAX (gaming exhibition where A'net is a sponsor) their will be some more information released, I'm pretty sure of that. -- (Tribina / talk) 11:01, 20 June 2008 (UTC)

As I see it GW2, as stated somewhere here on this Wiki, appears to become a WoW clone with the basic lore and characters aka races founded in Guild Wars. So ANet does not need to worry. The “copy cat” is ANet themselves and it seems they are afraid that, if they release information too early, we might realize that GW2 really is WoW without a monthly fee. I base the WoW reference on the “no/high level cap”, “items more important” and “stuff you see in GWEN will be used in GW2” (IMO title grind linked to merchant/quest/area access) and the general direction GW has taken since NF release (grind more important then fun; skill>time no longer viable). And since ANet does nothing to disproof my assumption by releasing new information on GW2, am EXTREMELY sceptical about GW2!!! To say it bluntly: at this point am still not convinced if I really want to buy GW2! Regarding “don’t shot the messenger” am not convinced by any statement made by Regina so far and am sorry to say so, but to me she just does not fits the extremely big shoes handed over by Gaile! Yes I had my run ins with Gaile too, but I respected her more because she had something in her that made her part of the player community. Regina on the other hand appears to just be doing her job, which is not a bad thing at all. But to me she seems cold in reaction and detached from the player base. Like her “there is no use to in game visits by me! It does not work as an information dispatcher” attitude which seems to imply she does not want to relate to the community ingame wise. That’s my personal impression and is by NO means to be taken as an attack on her or insult or something like that. It’s just my impression I have got of her ever since she took over as CM. Regards ~Garbaron~ 20th Jun 2008

On the GW homepage...

I count all girls. How's about tossing some eye candy in there for the female players of Guild Wars too? :)

Just a thought I had when I looked on the site today. 70.160.199.109 03:40, 21 May 2008 (UTC)

How about that hunky Paragon on that wallpaper? 145.94.74.23 06:53, 21 May 2008 (UTC)

It's not only females that need male eye candy, y'know. >,> Kokuou 07:11, 21 May 2008 (UTC)

LoL GG--74.61.209.219 07:27, 21 May 2008 (UTC)

Not all females are opposed to female eye candy, either. ;) (Aiiane - talk - contribs) 07:36, 21 May 2008 (UTC)

Lol, nice 1 Aiiane. Anyway since this is about the site, it should be on Emily's Page. --MageMontu 07:56, 21 May 2008 (UTC)

You people crack me up! XD --Regina Buenaobra 20:47, 21 May 2008 (UTC)

Yes, but what about the people who just want candy?! :0 -- Elv 07:48, 22 May 2008 (UTC)

I would like some candy... =D On the site, It would be nice to see some variety, instead of the same poster-girl for each campaign. --Wolf 21:05, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

Not just America.

I cannot refrain from making this point. Although an American originated game it is targeting a Global Audience. Except that the "Global Community" is hardly recognized. You have a German, French and Spanish Community Coordinator. But they lack profile and "accessibility". So ... a reluctant American Community Coordinator online at times most Europeans are not able to attend, feel the social aspects and Important "Community Feeling". I cannot but advice to make a difference and make it a higher priority in Communication Issues currently under review. -- Silverleaf 06:42, 26 May 2008 (UTC)

I can understand where you are coming from, and ingame appearances are nice for socialising, the reality is that players want solid information whenever they see one of us online. If we are not able to deliver that, player get frustrated and vent this on the boards. So this has nothing to do with "accessibility", but with perception. If you want to contact me, details how to do this are on my wiki page, and you can also reach me (and my european colleagues) via Guru and GWO. --Martin Kerstein (talk) 10:08, 28 May 2008 (UTC)

Thank you Martin :). This is really about the Community. Not about me. I know where to find all the (most) CC. the "perception" from (a part of) my fellow players is that there is a lack of "accesability" and "Information". I Made a point about the possible 5 million out there. -- Silverleaf 14:07, 28 May 2008 (UTC)

Martin, on the „information“ account. I concur that when a CM comes online, ppl expect her/him to have something to say rather then having her/him start a conga or talk about the weather report. You know it, the community knows it, I know it, everyone does know it. So… what keeps you CMs from ONLY coming online when you HAVE some new information? I know from WT that you (and Regina too) mostly reject online appearances to be used as means to convey new information’s but that really only is because in the past most of the time CMs had NO information at all when coming online although KNOWING ppl would be asking for it. So it really only comes down to that a CM should be prepared to give some information when she/he is coming online. And pardon the pun, but I guess noone really ever cared to hear what min pets where stored in Gailes Xunlai chest or what bows she has collected since that could be read at her Wiki page. Bottom line: ingame visits by CMs CAN be a benefit to the community and CAN be used to negotiate news about Guild Wars IF the CM is prepared to share new information since that simply IS what ppl expect to get from a CM showing up in LA!! Regards ~Garbaron~ ; 9th Jun 2008

If all GM's would just be online to play once in a while and dropped that it will be possible in the near future to add tormented weapons to HoM that would be "stimulating" and "in-game news". Currently the "Buzz" is out of the game. Breath life in it again...for all continents! -- Silverleaf 11:36, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

GuildWars.com languages

Some time ago i asked about Polish and Russian language on GuildWars.com and I just received message from Gaile "(...) Perhaps in the future, though, we will have a website in Polish, Russian, and other game languages that do not currently have website pages -- Gaile 02:43, 28 October 2007 (UTC)"

Any news in that case? --Grethort 12:14, 28 May 2008 (UTC)

Uhmm... hello Regina? ~~ --Grethort 05:34, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

I love your fast anserws, zomg! oO" --Grethort 19:49, 9 June 2008 (UTC)

There are currently no plans to have websites in other languages besides what already exist in the game. This may be possible for the GW2 website, but realistically it's unlikely for GW1. --Regina Buenaobra 18:30, 23 June 2008 (UTC)

Fansite Roster

The fansite roster needs better moderating, even if it's just reading the emails from time to time. ;)

I sent an email probably 12 months ago pointing out that ANZGW (anzgw.com) would no longer be meeting the requirements for a listed fansite. Now the site has been taken down and the domain released. The link on the official website now directs you to a typical sex enhancing pills spam site, which I'm fairly certain you wouldn't like unless ArenaNet is exploring some new business ventures?

Thanks 218.214.126.215 01:59, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Thanks for the heads up, 218.214.126.215. I'll get it fixed as soon as possible. --Regina Buenaobra 15:59, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

yeah uhm............viva viagra?--Raph Talky 02:11, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

you could take this as a sattire of how Anet feels about the community.......75.165.102.213 08:55, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

more site's dont work of that list either(example tc fish fansite.) Death Sligher 10:52, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Uhm, with thousands of players of all ages, how many emails and notices does A-NET get from customers, from co-workers, from management, from providers and who knows where else? And I'm sure no one in A-NET is being paid to ONLY read and reply emails. My point is, even though there is always room for improvements, just because there is silence doesn't mean they don't care/read or listen. In fact, I feel closer to A Net than with other game commpanies. So sure, comment on how the community feels and what their needs are, (And broken links to Viagara) but let's not assume they don't care or don't try to please everyone (which is humanly impossible). Just my opinion though. So far I think Regina has done a good job as a CRM and I'm sure she will get better over time. --Nekki 15:25, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Please, you are obviously oblivious to the fact there is an email address specifically for fansites. Filter spam and manually filter bogus/malicious correspendance and it'd probably take 10-20mins to clear the inbox. Why do people always insist on adding their mindless, stupid commentary? 203.213.7.130 21:25, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

It's true, the fansite inbox could do with some more reading. If Regina alone is responsible for the fansite inbox it's probably understaffed. Although I don't know for sure how many emails it gets.HeavenMonkey 21:36, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

That's pretty funny re: viagra. But I'm sure it'd only take 10 minutes top every month to click on those links. Assign an intern or a peon to that and poof problem solved.  :) – Barinthus 22:26, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Anniversary Sweepstakes

I just did a quick re-read of the rules and found that it says to receive a list of the winners in the U.S. I would have to send an envelope to ArenaNet. My question is, Will the winners also be posted at guildwars.com or is that the only means of finding out if you won?Blackie ewilson92 14:50, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Look at the website now--Yankeefan984 21:45, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Errr i can't find any mention of the EU sweepstakes anymore. -- Salome 01:03, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

http://eu.guildwars.com/anniversarycompetition. "We’ll be announcing winners very soon." (Note, that it said "around June 11th" 2 days ago, so they must have had a delay somewhere.) — Poki#3 Image:User Poki Signature.jpg 02:25, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

Bannings for cursing

My account is tempbanned for saying some combination of 4-letter words. Why?

The terms of use and EULA state that I am not supposed to offend people. People who choose to play with their chat filters OFF do so for a reason, they are not offended by what it censors. If they were, they'd play with the filter on.

Banning someone for working around the filter, I can see that (S U X O N My K U R D I C K [GULP]), but why ban **** that zero people are offended by? I choose to play with the chat filter off, and because I'm not a crybaby when I lose to Shard's teams in HA, I never report people for cursing. When other people say **** or **** or ****, I don't care, because I choose to play with the filter off and I don't mind playing with people who use them. Sometimes it even makes the game more entertaining.

Banning people for saying censored words is like banning victims of scams for being gullible. ~Shard (talk) 23:31, 20 June 2008 (UTC)

take it to gailes page --Cancer Angel 23:59, 20 June 2008 (UTC)

Contrary to popular belief, the chat filter is not a license to spew profanity. There are many sociolinguistic views on the usage of profanity--some which condone it, some which don't--but from a business point of view, sometimes it's in a company's (read: ArenaNet's) best interest to ban people for doing so. Seriously, though, if you can't get a point across without using your non-naughty (that doesn't mean you have to be nice) words, then maybe you should stop by Amazon and pick up a dictionary? (Okay, I'm begin facetious, but you get my point.) Kokuou 00:00, 21 June 2008 (UTC)

I would like a Player v Environment/Player for all ages where all have no use of chatfilters. --Silverleaf 01:15, 21 June 2008 (UTC)

I agree with Kokuou -- Salome 01:22, 21 June 2008 (UTC)

ur opinion is worthless, take it to gaile who tell u to take it to support who sends u a letter telling u about why u are wrong. --Cancer Angel 02:30, 21 June 2008 (UTC)

Why take it to Gaile's page? This is a community relations issue. If nobody in the community is offended by my language, why am I being punished?

Also, anet bans you for non-cursing too. They take away fame for ranking izzy's corpse in HB. They, however, do not ban you for abusing most game mechanics. Anet is a terrible customer service company, and issues like this are why.

IMO IWAY scrubs need to cry less when I roll their faces in with a balanced build.

One last thing, telling someone to pick cotton is not a racial slur. All races are equally skilled at picking cotton. ~Shard (talk) 07:34, 21 June 2008 (UTC)

I find this quite amusing. Censorship is dumb. Banning someone for foul language is dumb. Those word are a part of the language.

I also fail the see the problem with "go pick cotton" but maybe that's an american thing. -- NUKLEAR IIV 10:41, 21 June 2008 (UTC)

Maybe the problem is with the fact many consider it to be "part of common language". --Silverleaf 11:17, 21 June 2008 (UTC)

Ya know who picked cotton? Slaves. Telling someone to go pick cotton implies that you are calling them a slave. What kind of people were slaves? Black (I would say African-American, but they aren't just american) people. So, you get where I'm going with this? Also, there old arguement comes up that "Just because you can, does that mean you should?" --98.161.62.235 12:16, 21 June 2008 (UTC)

African American is a stupid term. They're not African. Telling someone to pick cotton is not a reference to slavery. If I had said do mandatory labor on a plantation for no pay like your great grandparents, that MIGHT be a racial slur, but telling someone to pick cotton is not. Is telling people to shut up offensive to mutes? Is telling people to play Tetris offensive to children without Gameboys? 99% of the humans on this earth need to grow up. Racism only exists because people are too sensitive about something they aren't even affiliated with. ~Shard (talk) 22:24, 21 June 2008 (UTC)

Te filter does NOT excuse you from the rules. The filter is there because people may break the rules. Of course, there's a problem about double morals and being too much touchy in USA, making mountains out of molehills when they don't understand what are you talking about or regardless of where you are from in Spanish, we say 'Nigro' refering to 'Nigromantes'(Necromancer), just like some people say 'Necro' in English. People must understand that such things happen. But when but no one is forcing you to use impolite words. You don't need them, so don't use them. MithTalk 11:25, 22 June 2008 (UTC)

Shard, I have to agree with Mith here. Just because there's a filter, doesn't mean you can swear. You say 99% of the people on this world need to grow up? Either you're among the 99% that need to, or you're among the 1% without the ability to understand that 1% is in fact a serious minority, in which case that 1% may just need to grow up. Telling someone to go pick cotton is offensive. Slavery still exists in the 21st century. Maybe not in Europe, maybe not in the USA, but the world is bigger than that. The GW community is bigger that that. History, and sociolinguistics, are bigger than that. Some terms and phrases acquire a negative meaning over time, and the thing about negative experiences, be they personal or of a global nature, is that they tend to stick around for a very long time.

Racism still exists, and as long as it does, terms referential to past (and present) slave labour and practises will continue to offend. Racism exists because people like you deliberately offend others, all the while yelling that "you're not a racist, you're just misunderstood" or some similar nonsense. Guess what? You're not misunderstood, you're simply ill-mannered and hideously rude.

Now, I hate to point this out to you, but banning people for breaking the rules is not the same as banning the victim of a scam. For one thing, you consciously broke an existing rule. You read the Terms, you accepted them every time they were updated, too, or you wouldn't be playing anymore. Now, regardless of whether or not you actually bothered to read the whole text (one would hope you're intelligent enough to do so), the fact of the matter is that you agreed to behave in accordance to the rules ANet set. You broke the promise, you got punished. Apparently you're not mature enough to accept these consequences. It's like crying that you got arrested for shooting someone, and pleading innocence because the law gave you the right to bear arms. Your argument is crooked. Flawed. Self-righteous. You broke the rules, get over it.

You say you're not a crybaby? Sounds to me like you're crying now. You see, even though you loudly proclaim that no one is offended by the words you use, you did get reported for them. You know what? That means that people took offense and felt it was necessary to report you. Support seems to have agreed with these people, and felt you had been offensive enough to be rewarded with a ban. So, honestly, get over it. Sit in a corner and cry if you like, but when you get back, try to behave. You got banned once. Sure, you might feel inclined to continue your puerile practises, but I can guarantee you that sooner or later you'll find yourself banned again, maybe permanently. That's what happens in the real world too, you know? Rights and responsibilities tend to go hand in hand. You can't have one without the other. -- Elv 12:42, 22 June 2008 (UTC)

Elv, you remind me of this one time I posted the "How To Treat Your Woman" build in alliance chat. They told me it was uncalled for and I had to grow up. Okay, now step back and think. Obviously I'm not a misogynist, but they were surely convinced that they were more mature than me. They can't handle a joke build being posted and get all shitfaced over it, and yet, I need to grow up. No, they need to get outside of the house and experience life. That's like the parents that don't let their kids swear: it's going to happen eventually, you're just delaying their growth. So no, I don't think you're mature, I think you're quite immature for BAWWing about swearing. It's the fucking internet. You can visit lemonparty and get 3 guys sucking each other off, disguised as a link to disney.com. If you can't handle seeing terrible things such as "swearing" in GW, you put your damn filter on. And please, get some thicker skin, because our world is only getting worse. Vael Victus 13:24, 22 June 2008 (UTC)

I work in the oil industry. I'm one woman between a LOT of men. I put up with sexism every day. I think the fact that I'm still standing (despite sexist comments, swearing, and really bad jokes) should be a fair indication of the thickness of my skin. Yes, I can survive these attitudes. No, it does not justify other people being disrespectful, rude, immature or in poor judgement. Nobody's perfect. I'm not, you're not, Shard's certainly not. But for the love of chocolate, let's try to be sensible? The rules are there for a reason. I really prefer playing GW in a friendly, pleasant environment over a GW environment equal to a free-for-all rudefest. I do keep my filter on. It doesn't catch everything, and it certainly doesn't catch those people avoiding it by alternative spelling.

As far as I'm concerned, the rules there are now are fine, and there really is no excuse for breaking them. Getting banned for breaking a rule has nothing to do with the thickness of another person's skin- it's got everything to do with your own behaviour. So, rather than calling other people immature (which is what Shard did, and this is the only reason why I held up that mirror), try to look at your own faults first, and acknowledge that you may have been wrong. It might not be pleasant, but hey, it's the mature thing to do. As for the build name you gave... misogynist? Maybe, but I've seen worse (in literature, no less). Poor judgement? Possibly. Poor sense of humour? Maybe.

I wouldn't have reported you for it, just as I've never reported anyone for a single use of the f-word. (Rare as the occasion may be, I've used it myself, gasphorror.) I do report repeat offenders, or people clearly out to provoke others. In this same way, I have little sympathy for people who break the rules knowingly and then complain when they face the consequences. Dealing with those is, once again, the mature thing to do. And as for the equation of being allowed to swear being the same as growing, and growing up... wow. Just wow. Should we condone rape then? And murder? Because surely, punishing people who break the rules is just "delaying their growth"... I'm sorry, but that just doesn't fly with me. I'm all for allowing people to grow and to broaden their horizons. I have done a good deal of it myself, on the happy bunnies and rainbow side as much as on the darker sides. However, I have never broken the law of the country I live in in the name of growing up. I wouldn't even think of throwing about racial slurs in the name of free speach. This might be an unfamiliar concept in the age of the internet, but it is in fact perfectly possible to express yourself without swearing, just as it is entirely possible to say that you don't agree with something or someone without resorting to the most degrading uses of language. People don't seem to know the limits, and they complain when they discover that there are some. Just because I'm one of the people who still value the existance of these limits doesn't mean my skin is as fragile as porcelain. All it means is that I still believe in such a thing as respect.

People are aware of the rules, it's time they tried a little harder to live up to them. Not a lot of people will be upset at an occasional slipup. Personally, I'd arch an eyebrow and then move on. However, people will get annoyed when others keep "slipping up" or consciously continue to break the rules. It's these people I wouldn't miss. They'll have to learn there are limits somehow. -- Elv 16:55, 22 June 2008 (UTC)

Elv, thank you for the long and thought-out post, but I really don't see the connection between swearing and raping. I think that's just a liiiittle bit of a stretch. The only reason words are bad is because of the social taboo we put behind them. Whether racial (that I personally do not agree with, but in my own endeavors in which I do allow complete freedom of speech, allow) or cuss words, they are only seen as bad because of taboo. Whereas raping and murdering, well, that's genuinely acknowledged as something bad, everywhere you go. People do get older and do swear more, and kudos to you for not. I don't swear that much, I'm just defending someone getting banned when there's a filter. Now dodging their filter is definitely not appropriate and if you did that, Shard, then you deserved the ban. Unless it was like a measley typo obviously. Vael Victus 20:13, 22 June 2008 (UTC)

Vael, I know it's a little off stretch. It wasn't meant to equalise the offenses, because obviously, they're very far apart. The thing is, though, and this is what I hoped to stress- we have to draw lines somewhere, and that doesn't just go for severe crimes, it also goes for levels of behaviour. Most of us swear, at times, and depending on both the culturue and the social environment you grew up in (I confess, personally I didn't exactly grow up in the bad part of town), the trend tends to be that we peak on our levels of profanity in our teens and twenties, and then find other ways of going about expressing ourselves. In my area, at least, I've not found a lot of people in or past their thirties who still make it a habit.

So, while you said that you allow racial slurring in the name of free speech, I think that's taking tolerance a step to far. We have a politician over here who'll say absolutely anything and justifies it like that, but the sad fact of the matter is that all he's managed to do is spread hatred, and kindled racism, and frankly, he reminds a little too much of Adolf Hitler. Now, I absolutely agree that everyone's entitled their opinion, and there's nothing wrong with expressing it, but I do think people should try and be a little more sophisticated about it. I don't agree with radical Islam, to take a modern-day example, but you'd never catch me calling Islam on the whole backwards or retarded. I do not agree with Sharia law, and while I will never understand that there are people who do, I respect that they believe in this system of law. I disagree with it as much as this radical politician I mentioned, but as you can see, I've managed to disagree with the viewpoints without resorting to racial slurs. Really, what's wrong with disagreeing a little more respectfully? :)

Racism and discrimination are also genuinely acknowledged as bad, and while I'm sure there are a few areas or nations that disagree there, the world at large condemns it. We've seen the ugliness of slave trade. We've seen the drama of WWII, we've had the tragedies of Apartheid. A single racial slur, in your opinion, might not be the worst thing, but the sad thing is that they inspire others, and incite hatred and fear. While GW won't exactly be subject to WWII, I don't think it would be a pleasant environment to play in if such sentiments were allowed to stay and fester.

The filter is there to catch people who break the rules. I've discussed some issues I've had with it (with Gaile, among other people) and I'm glad to say that they have largely been fixed. I keep it on again nowadays. There was a time, however, when I switched it off, just because I couldn't type the word Assassin without getting filtered otherwise, and there were a number of other words getting the filter slap this way. The pro side was that with the filter off, I could discuss game mechanics and read my own text properly. The con side, of course, was that I found myself subject to whatever profanity people felt they needed to spew at the GW community. I'm very glad to have a better filter these days. Even so, the filter is not there to allow people to swear at will. It's there to catch people who do swear, and to ensure that these words don't spoil the atmosphere instantly. People who bypass it more than deserve the ban, but let's face it, if you keep Local Chat on for a while, and someone is constantly sending "----" in it, then it doesn't matter whether or not you can read the "bad words"- what matters is that someone is deliberately trying to spoil the fun somehow- someone is quite consciously breaking the rules. Then there's the thing about racial slurs, of course. While I have no doubt that say, the "N-word", would be instantly filtered out, there are many more ways to make racist comments (by context, for instance) that will still get passed. Take the picking cotton thing, for example. Shard can say whatever he likes, but he wouldn't have told someone to "go pick cotton" as a random way of telling someone to go away. It's very specific, and I have no doubt that he was very much aware of the racial tone, and I'm quite certain that's exactly why he chose that particular phrasing. And while he claims that he was only banned for some 4-letter words, his defending of the use of the phrase here on the wiki makes me suspect that he's done similar things in game, and I suspect it's that attitude more so than a 4-letter word, that might have gotten him banned.

The filter is just the net to catch some of the worst, it's not the shield for rule-breakers to hide behind. There are clear rules about swearing and general conduct, and regardless of whether or not there is a filter, people should stick to them. -- Elv 09:59, 23 June 2008 (UTC)

Damn you're good! Glad to see something so well-written. My only beef is the racial slur freedom of speech stuff. I allow it in my game (just be aware I run a community, that's all that matters) as long as it's not hardcore trolling. Two types of racism: "every _____ is bad", and "I hate ___ because they *generally* act this way". The first is obviously illogical because not every one race can be bad, which while I do allow, will just get you a bop on the head for being stupid. The second is acceptable as long as they can back up their arguments. But it's not like the game is a racist community or anything, I just don't want to push family-talk bullshit on the community, as is, like, everywhere. I know you feel swearing is immature, but putting in filters to block out fuckshitpiss is really not going to change anything, except it might detract people like you, who... no offense meant, are not really who I'm targeting when I write for, or make for, anyone. Vael Victus 14:32, 23 June 2008 (UTC)

Slippery slopes and straw men are cool, no? -- Brains12 \ talk 10:13, 23 June 2008 (UTC)

I'm sure you're referencing me because you're Brains12. I get the straw man, but I don't see where I used it. Slippery slope's wikipedia entrance confuses me and I also don't see where I used it. If you weren't talking to me, then sorry. :P Vael Victus 14:32, 23 June 2008 (UTC)

Only if it's the Straw Man from The Wizard of Oz and he's trying to go up a hill on the yellow brick road when it's raining. :P Kokuou 10:16, 23 June 2008 (UTC)

I skimmed Elv's posts and saw a slippery slope/straw man or two. (And what was "I'm sure you're referencing me because you're Brains12" about o.o?)-- Brains12 \ talk 14:35, 23 June 2008 (UTC)

Oh. Alright. Actually you know, Brains, I just figured you didn't like me because I'm a bit crass and I think you yelled at me once on my talk page under "Hello." Sorry mang. I like you finely. Vael Victus 00:44, 24 June 2008 (UTC)

I just don't really understand why someone would feel a need to report someone because their screen said "Someone says, '____ you _____'." But then, I'm pretty hard to offend, so. Also, tend to prefer Puzzle Pirates's system (short: "If sender OR receiver have filter on, chat is filtered. Default is to change things to be pirate-like replacements for swear words, e.g., f___ => scupper.) --Star Weaver 15:03, 23 June 2008 (UTC)

The positive thing about straw men is, though, that they burn quite well. ;) -- Elv 16:39, 23 June 2008 (UTC)

Well in that case, if it's your argument, wouldn't your argument... burning in flames... be bad? xP Vael Victus 00:44, 24 June 2008 (UTC)

IF. ;) -- Elv 18:11, 24 June 2008 (UTC)

Oh, is THAT what the Charr are doing. (Also, I can't find a page for the burning titan effigies e.g Eastern Frontier on this wiki O_o.)

Yup, they're basically going pagan with their Tyrian version of wicker men. There's a lot of titan effigies in Pre as well, actually. Wiki has no page on those? :o -- Elv 16:57, 23 June 2008 (UTC)

Seems that way. I know i've seen a page on them, must have been Guildwiki. --Star Weaver 17:07, 23 June 2008 (UTC)

I also chuckle when I have that chat filter on, especially when it obsecures words I didn't know where 'bad', especially names or parts of name Arenanet themselves put into the game. [looks shocked] Arenanet, putting bad words in the game? [pouts] So who do I complain to about that?  :P 000.00.00.00 23:05, 23 June 2008 (UTC)

"----ed Clerk is using Symbol of Wrath!" ---- NUKLEAR IIV 13:30, 26 June 2008 (UTC)

"LFG ----ang's Last Stand" -- Brains12 \ talk 13:32, 26 June 2008 (UTC)

Getting back to the topic at hand, rules are rules and the chat filter is not to be used as a means or excuse to break them. --Regina Buenaobra 21:27, 24 June 2008 (UTC)

You know what its really easy SAY IT OUT LOUD NOT ON THE BLASTED KEYBOARD! duh. --Briar

Guild of the Week and Notable Guilds page on the website

Hi Regina! I have been working on the guild page policies here lately, and we just made a change to how Notable guilds are tagged. We are referencing this page and using it for a basis for determining Notable status, but it does not contain all the guilds chosen for GotW. I have also noticed there has been no GotW since March 25th. Has that project been shelved?-- Wynthyst 08:24, 18 June 2008 (UTC)

It most likely has been shelved becuase I sent in three seperate applications for my guild and never heard back.--67.241.10.75 17:23, 19 June 2008 (UTC)

Guild of the Week is under discussion. The traffic/readership statistics for GotW have been very low for a long time -- long before I came on board. There are questions as to how much of our efforts to edit and publish these interviews on the website are worth it, given the lack of traffic. Part of the reason for the lack of traffic is that the format/structure of the interviews have become stale and repetitive. Another reason that the stats are a lot lower is that GW1 is a three-year old game at the tail end of its lifecycle, so there isn't a lot of interest from players in reading these interviews. If you've got any ideas on how to improve the program or refresh it, let me know, so I can justify to others here whether to continue it in its existing format or change it entirely. --Regina Buenaobra 17:39, 19 June 2008 (UTC)

Honestly, I think as it stands it is near worthless. It sure is exciting for the guild chosen, but that's it. I don't know how to change it, but I would say the problem for low readership is the information provided doesn't really help or affect the average reader. That, and the content does really seem to repeat itself a bunch. I'd rather see effort go into more dev updates and community event news. --Ravious 18:14, 19 June 2008 (UTC)

Another thread you need t o read.

http://www.guildwarsguru.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10300896

While you're there, can you do us the common courtesy of at least admitting it's true. If it's not true, time for you to come out and prove it.

Also while you're there, why don't you just admit that you've completely left hero battles to go to rubbish.

another gay thread u dont need to read --Cancer Angel 02:27, 21 June 2008 (UTC)

You're not even a good troll. Try using correct grammar and actually putting effort into trolling, all you're doing is making me *facepalm* mentally because of the fail you're continuously emitting. (cursed angel) Although hey, I'm sure the cancer of your name fits well at other sites you may enjoy. :) Vael Victus 13:27, 22 June 2008 (UTC)

lol im not trolling at all --Cancer Angel 17:15, 22 June 2008 (UTC)

Then I'd love to hear how that page is homosexual, why you feel you had to state that, and why you continuously type "u" instead of "you" outside of instant messaging. Vael Victus 20:14, 22 June 2008 (UTC)

Quit it, both of you. (Aiiane - talk - contribs) 21:31, 22 June 2008 (UTC)

nyoro~n :3 Vael Victus 00:45, 24 June 2008 (UTC)

An Open Letter to ANet

[1] read it, respond to it if you care about your community

That's a pretty good summary of what I and most of pvpers have been screaming for all these years: "PvE needs to be become closer to PvP". I hope you guys do read it, because it is made of 100% win. odd, considering what guru usually has to offer... 20:59, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Well, in my opinion, while there are one or two valid points, it's nothing more than another thread lamenting about Ursan Blessing. So many people have the old-fashioned idea that "the customer is always right." Unfortunately (or fortunately, as the case may be), this just isn't true anymore. Were this true for the Guild Wars community, ArenaNet would have 3,482,490 different versions of their game. Seriously, Regina has stated that they're mulling things over amongst themselves, just sit tight and be patient. Kokuou 21:16, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

The customer is not always right, but the customer is always the customer. 203.213.7.130 09:39, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Did you read the whole post? Because 16 minutes isn't much for that long of an essay/letter. And I do think that you, Regina, should read it, and maybe some of the longer replies (the shorter ones are all '/signed x 100' or 'this thread is made of win') but the longer ones have some good suggestions for the game or reasons why the author is wrong. I would highly suggest this as the start to getting some of your player base more interested in the game. --71.35.100.24 21:32, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

I read it before this was posted in Regina's talk page. And yes, I read the whole thing. Sure, the letter's a little more eloquent than the majority of threads on Guru, but it's just as impatient and whiney. Every game, after playing it for so long, gets stale. Sure, I agree with a few points he's going on about, but the majority have been brought up again and again and again. Kokuou 21:36, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Since now seems to be the time to bitch and moan about the problems of the game, I'd like to draw your attention to User:Gem/Request for balancing PvE. The article itself is a bit outdated, but to my surprise the petition at the bottom has kept gathering names even during the period of time that I've been inactive on the wiki, even though there has been hardly any visibility for the petition. I guess it shows that people really want changes done and it's already taken too long, and they are looking for every possible way to make their opinnion visible.

Also, I saw your reply to the open letter ar guru and noticed how you managed not to answer most of the stuff in the letter at all, but from atleast one of the replies it seems that some players actually fall for it, so I guess your job there is done. Since your introduction as the CM after Gaile left, me and a lot of other players have felt that the transparency between the developers and the players has, in some ways, vanished. We hardly know what's going on and when ever we actually try to come to you and ask/suggest/complain all we get is a semi-negative answer. As someone might have noticed, I completely stopped posting on your talk page after the last time me and you had a discussion, and from what I've been watching, it seems like others seem to stay away from this page too. To me it's kind of worrying that people don't want to communicate with the CM anymore. Maybe this is a good time for the dev team and the community relations team to think about their near future actions closely. The player base is getting unhappier all the time, based on any interactions happening in and off the game that I am aware of.

Thank you for your time, -- (gem / talk) 22:48, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

gem u QQ too much, maybe she isn't supposed to tell us things at all --Cursed Angel 00:43, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Oh really? I'm not actually whining about not getting actual facts about GW2 or what ever. I very well know that the CM only tells what he/she is allowed to. It's the general feeling and the style in which you present or don't present the information that I am talking about. -- (gem / talk) 01:04, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Gem: We're addressing the transparency issue with more frequent and visible Dev Updates. Do you have additional suggestions on how devs can improve this? One of the ideas someone proposed was to have devs participate in forums personally. This is pretty hot topic at ArenaNet, and until we can come to some sort of agreement on how we would like this to work, the Dev Updates and wiki pages are the main tools for the developers to use.

Your perception may not reflect reality. I communicate with tons of people from the community each week. This wiki and the visible areas of the internet, like the forums, are not the only methods I have been using to get feedback and answer questions. For example, people PM me on the forums regularly and I have instant message conversations on Xfire. I personally answer questions and have dialogue with individuals on email. I actually participated in an ad hoc, informal chat on Xfire other day with members of a Guild Wars group in that community. I am accessible and people do take their concerns to me, but just because you don't see it doesn't mean it doesn't happen.

You say you want to know what's going on, and when I tell you that these issues are being discussed and debated, it's not a satisfactory answer. Game design decisions are not made by one person. They are made through discussions and collaboration, so unfortunately you cannot have immediate results. The dev team is currently split between two huge projects: maintaining GW1 and developing GW2. There are staffing issues here. We're actually recruiting for more developers so that we can work on both games. The recruiting process is taking a while because we want to get the right people on board, but the goal is to have one designer and one programmer dedicated exclusively to GW1 so that we can work on these GW1 issues that are so pressing. This is a positive thing, because it will take the work load off of those who need to work on GW2. I'm sorry that we are making slow progress on the issues that you've brought to our attention recently, but the reality is that we don't currently have the resources to work on everything in GW1 that needs attention, however we are addressing it through recruiting efforts and exploring ways that we can more efficiently collect feedback. --Regina Buenaobra 01:25, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

What I and many other players would like is a clear statement from Anet telling us the direction they plan on taking Guild Wars. Though their original statement was skill > time, they've made many decisions in the recent past contrary to that (namely Ursan.) If they plan on abandoning skill > time, then state this. If they plan on firmly standing by it in GW2, then state it. Many players, including myself, would like to know. It isn't possible for Anet to be this far into GW2 development and not have you main goal set in stone, as this should be one of the first things that was done. Thanks, Metroid 02:22, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Thanks for the response here and at GWG. A.Net does seem to be growing in leaps and bounds as of late... I noticed a bit ago the "entry-level" scripter job (to quote Professor Farnsworth.. "A man can dream [about a finglonger]") ... and all sorts of others. It's a tough chokepoint that community relations had and still has in GW. A big problem is dissemination to the public. Like you had some X-fire chats recently, and I doubt "juicy" hints were dropped. But, it is communication many don't see. I think your "work blog" is a great way to disseminate more to the public, and I suggest maybe just talking about the small community relations you do that no one sees. Not in depth, just "I got some good feedback from the X-fire GW community last week." Peace. --Ravious 12:03, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Thank you for the lengthy and neutral styled post.

I am sure you comunicate a lot with people through forum PMs, Xfire, e-mail and any other private methods that you happen to use. That however doesn't contribute to the transparency and publicity of problem solving and community relations in general, since what the majority of us see is what happens on forums, on the wiki and during in game public discussion situations. The forum portition of player-developer discussion has always been too small in Guild Wars. Basically most of the times that developers have taken the time to post on forums seem to be the times when there are major crisis situations going on, but what many players are used to from other gaming experiences or just otherwise expect is more regular and visible participation in forum discussions. For example there is the huge suggestion forum on guildwarsguru, and a couple of us even bothered to make huge compilations of the reasonable suggestions, but not once did we get actual feedback on those forums concerning all of the suggestions. Yes, Gaile has often pointed out that the dev team has people reading through all of it, but what people really need is to see it for themselves by seeing replies in those suggestion topics, or atleast the summary topics.

The same goes nowdays with the wiki since it has grown to be a place where both the players and developers have active presence. It's been getting better all the time here now that the dev team is getting more used to using a wiki, but there's still a lot of things to get better with. There aren't any major problems with the wiki participation of devs, since most of the people that actively use it also actively respond on their talk pages. Some examples of active wiki users are Emily, Mike, Gaile and you, and it's a positive thing. However, devs from different parts of game design entering the wiki would benefit the game and the community even more. What we have now is devs from the writing team, quest and other misc stuff and the community relations + support, but devs from some major areas of game design are still absent. For some time Izzy was active before his talk page turned into a flame feast, and his presence here as a skill balancer was great. The same would go for other parts of the dev team.

And concerning the topic of splitting staff between GW1 and 2 I am aware of all of the positive plans and support them. The problem here isn't that ANet isn't taking steps to make things better, it's the fact that it has taken far too long. You say "I'm sorry that we are making slow progress on the issues that you've brought to our attention recently", but to me and the rest of the players Ursan (just to pick an example, I hope people don't turn this into an Ursan love/hate discussion) and other problems are not recent. Most of the