Don't confuse the new Atlas Book with EQ Atlas

Just copying over what I posted on the update page so you can comment: Muse sent me this note to post for you: "SOE recently began promoting their new book, the Everquest Atlas, and some of you have expressed to me some confusion regarding this. Despite the similarity between the name of this product and their use of "EQ Atlas" to advertise it on the Everquest Live site, the product is not related in any way to my site, EQ Atlas (www.eqatlas.com). While we both offer maps and descriptions, the specific content is quite different. I hope that this announcement will clear up any confusion." I'll go a bit further. /rant on. It seems pretty rotten of them to be using the good will he built up over the past three years to sell their book in a way that would clearly confuse players into thinking Muse is involved with it. Muse is a friend, so I may be prejudiced on this one, and yeah it is Sony's game, but I can easily think of a dozen names they could have picked that would have been just as good and wouldn't have suggested a connection with his site. The only logical conclusion to draw is that they are hoping people will go "Cool. EQ Atlas has a book" and buy it based upon that. Shameful, really. Moreover, having looked at the example pdf file SOE lists and compared it to the information on Muse's site, I'm not sure why anyone would buy that book when EQ Atlas offers far superior maps and information for free, and has been serving the community for years. Yeah they're pretty, but who wants a map without locs and camp information? /rant off.

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omg
# Dec 28 2002 at 9:57 AM Rating: Default
whoever said they bought the prima strat guide
"After allowing Prima to use Muse's maps to promote their game" LMAO Their game? your an idiot Prima is a strat guide compandy basically they dont make or own a piece of EQ and neither did they make the "Everquest Atlas: the Maps of Myrist"...sorry if i sound like iam being an **** and i hate verant/SoE just as much as the next guy but when i see ignorance i must correct it all you all are doing and sucking up to Muse and trying to seem like his biggest fans so get off it....he does make some nice maps but you all wont get off it i personally prefer eqmaps.com or eqatlas.com
bah
# Dec 28 2002 at 9:48 AM Rating: Default
boo hoo SoE named their book EQ atlas...like they have to know every EQ site out there???? no they dont and if they did know about the site ...maybe Muse should of had a copyright on the title. i bought the book as well did my friends i enjoy it i dont need locs or camp information because i have a window for that in my UI
Muse's Maps
# Oct 17 2002 at 6:50 PM Rating: Excellent
*
66 posts
They are the best maps out there and I have been using them from the very beginning. I always recommend EQAtlas to anyone who is looking for the best maps. I have most all of them printed in color and in binders by continent. I like the way they look, and the information they have, like the information on the zones, drops and mobs. I have no wish to buy the SOE/VI book. I have everything I need. Keep up the great work Muse! I am always in awe of how fast you come out with the new zone maps. You are Norrath's greatest cartographer!
Part umm.. Guess 100
# Oct 16 2002 at 6:43 PM Rating: Decent
Well here I am one of 100 or so people letting you know that you RULE Muse! Thanks for EQAtlas! Without it I would have been really lost and given up on EQ.. (I am a new player actually).. So thank you.. Thank you.. And SOE/VI needs to give you credit somehow for the name of there book and the outstanding work you do for them by keeping us going into there world!

Philip Aka D'Urtha Lvl 11 Pally
atlas
# Oct 07 2002 at 3:14 AM Rating: Decent
god only knows, id like to own it myself tho!
I'll pass
# Sep 12 2002 at 8:19 PM Rating: Decent

I've been using Muse's maps before I started playing. I got the game and Prima guide a bit over a year ago. The book said the maps were from the eqatlas.com site, so I went there ASAP to see how big the EQ world really was. Now I have binders for each continent.

After allowing Prima to use Muse's maps to promote their game, I figured the EQ Atlas would be better quality copies (if that can exist) of Muse's maps. After seeing the map on the eq site, I saw it wasn't really an atlas (by my definition) at all, but a book made up of the major landmarks of Norrath etc.

This would be totally useless to me as a game player.
Perhaps....
# Sep 12 2002 at 8:07 PM Rating: Decent
Sony recently introduced EverQuest as a pen and paper RPG with the help of White Wolf games. I am wondering, maybe their "EQ Atlas" is a release for their offline roleplaying game, rather than an addition to their published resources for the online game? I've not heard of it, nor seen it, so i might be wrong, but I know they're releasing an EverQuest bestiary, that is not connected to the online game.
Muse Rules...or, MuSe RuLz :)
# Sep 12 2002 at 6:04 PM Rating: Decent
While others have said it many times in the past, I have to say that Muse and EQ Atlas have made my long journey in EverQuest much less painful! I still get lost, but that's bcause I was too lazy to look at one of his many fine maps!

At one point he talked about creating a "CD" to sell of his website. I emailed him and promised to buy two copies regardless of cost right away, but sadly it has yet to happen:(

And yes, I agree that Vi is trading on his good name without his permission...and that truly does stink!
sticking with muse.....
# Aug 29 2002 at 7:31 PM Rating: Decent
I usually keep my messages contained to my guild site......

But I truly have to stay with Muse for three reasons:

1. The maps are great resources.
2. I already pay Verant and SOE enough money.
3. Muse's maps have saved my life numerous times.

SOE and Verant have the right to run their business however they desire.

But we players can vote with our pay checks.

Personally, I won't buy the book. I am going to stick with Muse.

Elevar Ilumnimarr
24 season
Paladin of Mithaniel Marr
Norrathian Collective

Atlases
# Aug 27 2002 at 9:20 AM Rating: Decent
Why doesn't/didn't EQAtlas print a book and make an awesome profit? The business out there is called competition anyways.....
#Anonymous, Posted: Aug 27 2002 at 8:15 AM, Rating: Sub-Default, (Expand Post) Big hairy monkey balls - BAH! - I am sure that if there had been cooperation between eqatlas.com and sony/verant - they would have sold a PILE -and- had a better product to sell the people /sigh
My thoughts...
# Aug 25 2002 at 7:45 PM Rating: Decent
I just want to say I have premium service with Allakhazam. I love the sight, the services, and the look. I can get all, or most of my information here, as well from some affiliate sights. I also love EQAtlas.com Couldn't find better map/loc/spawn information if you tried. I most definitely print out many maps from there, and I most certainly have a binder. Both these sights (Allakhazam and eqatlas.com) are awesome, do a wonderful job, and are wholeheartedly supported. You definitely have my support. Keep up the good work.

Also, as to this new book...I am sure I will not be buying it, as I will use the $20 to buy a new printer cartidge and paper. ;) But I am sure some will, and hey, it's their money, let them spend it as they wish. I do think Verant could have stated no affiliation with Muse, so that in turn, players would not be confused...

Anyone who uses this sight, or eqatlas.com will know it is not, since I believe it has been stated in both places. And if you haven't been to eqatlas, then you are a newbie, and I am sure the maps will help you some bit. Of course, I don't know why we are writing to those who do not know of eqatlas.com, because they probably are not on this site either, lol. Anyway, as you can tell, I am a bit loopy. I haven't slept but 8 hours all weekend. So forgive me if I my mind doesn't fully work as well as it should.

Bottom line...Eqatlas.com and Allakhazam are the best EQ sites out there, IMO. And I will continue to enjoy them and my Premium service. Thanks!
Lack of Features
# Aug 25 2002 at 4:15 PM Rating: Default
I believe I understand VI's logic concerning the lack of information on the maps. Not that I agree but its the only logical explination I can think of. Basicly the book wasn't intended as a spoiler/stradegy guide, rather more like the name implies an "atlas". When was the last time you opened a RL atlas, and it told you every last McDonalds or Liquer store. I believe the book was intended for the player that avoids spoilers, but could still benifit from a small refrence.

Do I believe the book is worth the money no. Do I think the market on such players is big enough to warrant a book like this no. Do I agree with most of what has been stated here yes.

Now I do feel obligated to give VI some credit. They aren't stupid people, some times good logic escapes them, but stupid people do not have the ability to make a game such as EQ. In a general over all look at EQ I feel they have done a fine job, no one, or nothing for that matter is perfect. Logic most deffinitly escaped them with this book though, IMO the best logical course would have been A. Pay Muse to write the book, or B. Forget about the book entirly and let the community continue handle it, they've done a most excellent job sofar. B is most deffinitly the best choice.

VI will never kill the community they understand it has impact, way to many online games have only succeeded because of the community. Half-Life/CounterStrike for instance. Half-Life would not has succeded if not for the "FREE" game mod "CounterStrike" plain and simple. I've also seen many good online games fail because a good community base was never established. That said I faith and confidence that sites like EQatlas.com and Alla's, are here to stay in the legal realm.

Hats off to EQatlas.com the maps are deffinitly TOP notch. Now as a web designer I think EQatlas.com could benifit from a make over, but thats not the discussion at hand hehe.

Hablethorn <Warrior of Fate>
hablethorn@clantac.com
55-Bristlebane-Rogue
Zeb Server

PS: Sorry about the anon/long post forgot my password and didn't want to fish it up out of the net.
Prima's Guide
# Aug 24 2002 at 5:16 PM Rating: Default
I bought a copy of Prima's Strategy guide back when it first came out, and I was still new to EQ. I noticed a similarity to the maps on EQatlas, and I believe that those are Muse's Maps. Muse has stated on his site that he has spoken to Verant about a book of maps. ( or they discussed it once, but for some reason it didn't happen)
I think Muse helped make EQ popular, because I know I would have given up before now if I didn't have maps of the new places. He's the best cartographer of Norrath, IMO, and his maps are tremendous on many levels.
Yes, Verant/SOE owns the game. Yes, Muse doesn't have room to complain legally. Once again, just like everything else, Verant/SOE is doing what they want, with no consideration of the society that supports the game. I would have paid $50 for a hardbound copy of EQAtlas.com. But Verant won't let that happen, so I think I'll just donate to Muse's PayPal account.
/rant
Everquest Atlas contents
# Aug 23 2002 at 9:33 AM Rating: Decent
Going by the preview of Everfrost provided on EQLive, this is not a publication I shall be purchasing. The map, while pretty and colourful, is not of any use at all for players of the online game and the notes on bestiary, people and history are too feeble to be able to run a tabletop game on. Frankly, given 2 weeks, plenty of coffee, access to eqatlas.com and a copy of Campaign Cartographer 2, I could do a better job myself.
As to the name: my initial thought on seeing the name WAS that Muse would be involved. Such a shame that is not the case.
Yet another IMHO
# Aug 23 2002 at 4:57 AM Rating: Default
Too true that eq owns the game ect. They created the game and I personally dont care what the book is named-I think mention of eqatlas would be a classy move or perhaps a reference in the book would be nice for site traffic but -bottom line- if it is well done it will be a hit (sounds like this isnt the case-but we shall see). Hats off to websites that support games like eq-especiallly when they re free-but the best product will win-I love eqatlas and have an imac running next to my puter when i play-for realtime eqatlas! Another interesting advantage eqatlas has is that websites are dynamic and can change adding new zones and chars as the game grows-try that with a hardback atlas. I dont view sony as the big bad Microsoft of online gaming-I am stoked that they made a game that we all enjoy so much-let them publish their book-it will be a hit for christmas-but come January we will all be pulling maps from eqatlas. Cheers- Hamut Warbringer
Intrigued
# Aug 22 2002 at 1:20 PM Rating: Decent
40 posts
I'm not an avid "poster" to the boards, as it seems I never have any new information that someone else hasn't relayed before I came along. This subject, though, has moved me to put my thoughts out there.

As far as I'm concerned, and take it as you will, Allakhazam's and EQAtlas have provided a service, one which I whole-heartedly pay for. I think both sites are doing an excellent job and I can only hope they continue into the future.

In regards to the book, a waste of money for me. I don't print, nor do I need every map to EQ. I print what I need, keep them in an expanding folder, use them when I need them, and replace when they get too old to read or need updating. I just checked on Amazon.com and am actually pleased to see this new book with the lowest rating possible, it shows that I am not the only one with this opinion (makes me feel all warm insideSmiley: tongue). I don't think that SOE/Verant brass were totally oblivious to Muse's site, but I do think they probably didn't care. As far as I'm concerned, I play the game to have fun, and SOE/Verant makes the game to produce income. I don't want to try and speak for everyone here, but I think anyone that uses EQAtlas.com for their Everquest maps would have thought it a good gesture on SOE/Verant's part to include Muse on the construction of such a book, like it was referred to in an earlier post by baumuth. But such an idea is, taken at face value, beyond SOE's scope...

I apologize for the long post, had to get that off my chest. Please keep up the excellent work guys, you're both much appreciated.
Sony's Atlas sucks
# Aug 22 2002 at 8:34 AM Rating: Decent

After hearing the news, I downloaded the PDF sample of the Atlas's coverage of EverFrost. The map was terrible! No locs, no drawn-in features, no enumerated items of interest except for obvious ones like "Halas" and "Permafrost" (DUH!).

The zone description and bestiary information was laughable.

EQAtlas.com has more info and better maps. If someone was truly motivated to have a bound, hard-copy book of EverQuest maps, simply save EQAtlas.com webpages to CDR and bring it into Kinkos.

I don't think Sony was intending any confusion with Muse's site, considering the second paragraph of the Atlas's description says they were made by some NPC from the Plane of Knowledge.

Anyway, if you have the $20 to buy this Atlas, use your money more effectively by doing the Kinko's thing or getting a Premium Membership with Allakhazam.
Retarted
# Aug 22 2002 at 1:18 AM Rating: Decent
While buying a book because of the author is common among New York Best Seller type novels, I can't see anyone walking into a book store and saying, 'Hey, EverQuest Atlas! This must be made by Muse of EQ Atlas so it must be a good book.' No, anyone who buys this book wants a book maps plain and simple.

Now, I could see how there would be some kind of infringement if Muse already had a book in stores. But he doesnt so what the hell is the problem?
Difference Between Mythic and Verant
# Aug 21 2002 at 7:54 PM Rating: Default
It is iteresting to notice that Mythic just announced a map book for Dark Age of Camelot. It will have useful map (like Muses EQ maps) and it credits Kirstena (who runs a very nice maps website for DAOC). It is sad that Verant does not recognize the role that website have in making the game much more enjoyable.
Where's the value???
# Aug 21 2002 at 4:23 PM Rating: Decent
to be honest, this move on the part of soe was the first (and so far only) thing they've done which really has me considering whether or not to cancel my eq subscription. to me, it's not that they decided to publish maps, it's the fact that they grabbed the name of a site that they must have been aware of, and used it as if it were their own creation. this demonstrates two things to me; first, that they are not very original, and second, that they are not particularly ethical.

in that i don't see muse leaving or calling for anyone to leave, i shall keep my subscription. but as for soe's book, i cannot figure for the life of me why i would by it. i suppose if you want to own everything everquest, you might be in the market for it, but value-wise, it's a non-starter.

muse's site will forever be the better deal for all the reasons mentioned below, and more. you can update a web page. how do you expect to update a book? maybe release another one? ...lacking all the detail and information we have come to expect and enjoy from muse's site? $20.00 (plus shipping and handling) will garner much more information for you from the several sites affiliated here. to me, it would be worth it at twice the price!

the soe book is a niknak. buy it if you are into that sort of thing. the value for your gaming dollar is right here, and with the many other wonderful player created sites. i hope that soe does not try to kill these sites off with the issuing of inferior products. as player created sites, these are the foundation and cornerstone of everquest.

sincerely,

katherine porterfield
#REDACTED, Posted: Aug 21 2002 at 5:42 PM, Rating: Sub-Default, (Expand Post) They did not use the same name.
RE: Where's the value???
# Aug 22 2002 at 1:03 AM Rating: Good
I'm sorry but he does have a soapbox to stand on, the name is close enough that it encures a thought that it might be from Muse himself, they took that in consideration when making this book and have surely taken advantage of it. They're probably thinking that the confusion alone will make people buy the book thinking it was published by Muse.

I'm sorry, but the soap is there and firmly planted in the ground, not by us but by Verant Inc., if they didn't want these comments, posts and feedback they should have hired better monkies to think of names for their products, because the ones they have are surely slacking o the job!
RE: Where's the value???
# Aug 22 2002 at 12:29 PM Rating: Default
You know what they say about opinions... "Everybody has one." Sure, SOE's book may be a waste of paper, but it's kind of ridiculous to flame them because they used the name "EverQuest Atlas."

Get a clue: SOE OWNS ANY and ALL reference to the word "EverQuest." It's their game. Only their good will allows the continuation of sites like EQAtlas.com. If they thought for a second that site's like Allakhazam's or Muse's hurt their game, then the sites would not exist.
RE: Where's the value???
# Aug 22 2002 at 5:16 AM Rating: Default
31 posts
Lets see it's an atlas for Everquest what should it be called hhmmm Zork's Atlas no, Zelda's atlas no, how about Sony's Atlas no that wouldn't work either since you wouldn't know what game it was for how about Everquest Atlas yeah that makes sense to me. Hey folks Atlas is a book of maps and their game is called Everquest. I sure hope that someone doesn't have a web site out there titled EQ2 sony may have to change the name of that game to satisfy you also. That being said I personally wouldn't buy the book I like Muse's site and will continue to use it if needed. Great job Muse your work is apreciated.

Edited, Thu Aug 22 06:07:39 2002
RE: Where's the value???
# Aug 23 2002 at 2:58 PM Rating: Decent
Yes I can see that... but they could have called it Sony's Atlas to Everquest, or Altas of Everquest, or even fancy stupid useless pictures of Everquest, but the point is they didn't. They chose to use the hype already surrounding Eqatlas.com. Whether they own everything or not shouldn't matter, cause they apperantley do not own morals!
RE: Where's the value???
# Aug 27 2002 at 3:14 PM Rating: Good
Bah, if they had realised that it was a confliction with EQAtlas, they would have renamed it something else. Lets face it, although Muse has done a lot of work to get his Maps, 90% of them are out of date and totally useless except for zone location info, which most people know by now anyway. I cant remember the last time I looked at a map of any kind. :o)

Apart from all that, the idea of this game is a ROLEPLAY game, you are supposed to find your OWN info on mobs/drops/locations/blah/blah. DOH! :o)


RE: Where's the value???
# Aug 27 2002 at 3:20 PM Rating: Default
Yeag, /agree 100%. God knows what all these noobs will do when EQ2 comes out and there are NO maps anywhere! ROFL

hats off to muse
# Aug 21 2002 at 3:49 PM Rating: Default
My hat off to Muse for the EQatlas web page...really incredible maps and helpful comments on virtually every loc with particular interest of the EQ world...

As to the Sony move on it..well it's not as good as Muse work. Really not.

SO DONT BUY THE DAMN (HELLO I'M A NOOB) BOOK !

Lulamilye
hats off to Muse
# Aug 21 2002 at 3:44 PM Rating: Default
SOE book, pretty but useless.
# Aug 21 2002 at 1:06 PM Rating: Excellent
What use is a book that has no LOC coordinates and no labeling of features and characters in the zone? Take the Everfrost map for example. No mention of the goblin camps? No mention of Bandl's location? No mention of the holes in the ice? No mention of the aggressive nature of the beasts beyond Bandl? How about a mention of the Vengefuls? Someone walking into Everfrost from Blackburrow on a round-the-world tour using SOE's book is going to find themselves in a big mess. The Atlas has not served to aid and assist, but rather to place players into a predicament.

EQ Atlas (the site) is a wonderful resource. I'm a paid supporter via Allakhazam's, and I applaud Muse and company for a job well done. I rarely venture into a zone without first visiting EQ Atlas and printing off the maps, and reading the benefits and dangers before stepping for in the zone.

Marna Spiritweaver
IMO
# Aug 21 2002 at 12:29 PM Rating: Excellent
Contrary to previous post SOE does not hold the trademark to EQ. They only hold the trademark to Everquest. This can be confirmed at http://www.uspto.gov/web/menu/tm.html TESS is the Trademark Electronic Search System. All enforceable trademarks in the US are registered here. Doing a search of EQ will return a number of companies that own Trademarks containing only the letters EQ and in that order. However, if you do a search on 'everquest'you will find some interesting results.

You can also register for trademarks at the above site. Which I feel Muse and Allakhazam should do to protect there interest.

That being said, in no way would I buy a guide from SOE. SOE's publications have been consentily lacking in content. IMO EQAtlas and Allakhazam are the best sources for Everquest maps and information (though a few maps of the planes would be nice). While it is within there right to print anything they want, I wish SOE would utilize the Everquest culture developed by the players when creating items like this.

As far as using the popularity of EQAtlas as a springboard for sales, I don't think the SOE boys are THAT unscrupulous. But you never know. If SOE were smart they would commission Muse, Allakhazam, eqtraders and others to compile an Everquest compendium. Complete with development milestones (provided by SOE), backgrounds, NPC's, quests, mobs, trade skills etc. Rather then slap a bunch of documents together to make a quick buck.

Until then my agnostic Half-Elf Ranger will be working on his cultural plate armor.


Edited, Wed Aug 21 15:04:45 2002
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