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Diablo III - Real Life MoneyFollow

#52 Aug 03 2011 at 8:37 AM Rating: Good
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idiggory, King of Bards wrote:
Forced online is realistically no different than if they released it through Steam, no? As I understand it, you can only play steam games if logged in. I've never tried to do so offline, though, so IDK.

You can play it offline. Just as you can play SCII offline too. You just wont get updates nor achievements or that type of stuff.
#53 Aug 04 2011 at 11:46 AM Rating: Good
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My initial reaction was very negative - similar to many others here.

After sitting on it for a while, I'm not so against it for three reasons:

1. No gold or generated items on AH - it's player to player transactions only.

2. Gold selling exists in WoW. I've met so many random people, such as guild mates and arena partners, who shamelessly admit to buying gold in WoW. Blizzard has tried so much to stop it, yet it still happens. And the gold being sold is now more than ever a product of account phishing/hacking, rather than more traditional farming. I guess what I'm saying is that I'd rather there is a fair system in place designed by the dev than leave it to shady business to fill the niche. I've never bought gold, and almost certainly won't buy items in D3, but I've accepted it as reality.

3. I can see myself selling stuff. I don't need the money IRL but my Jewish blood always puts me up to such challenges :)

Also, the game itself looks damn awesome. There is nothing else on the horizon like it. In fact, the only other game I'm excited for right now is TES5:Skyrim. If I take D3 off the table, it's just depressing...
#54 Aug 04 2011 at 12:04 PM Rating: Excellent
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My initial reaction to this news was an emphatic WTF

But then I came to realize a few things...
1: D3 is not a competitive game, therefore no competitive edge is being gained through cash purchases
2: D2 worked almost the exact same way, just with way fewer safeguards in place (like... none). Seriously, there was an entire black market for gear that existed on the internet during D2's height where you would go to a website, plunk down some dollars, and get your phat lewtz in-game. The key difference here is that now you're not dealing with some shady guy in a back alley who may or may not be stealing your money, you're dealing with Blizzard's in-game system.
3: The transactions are player-to-player. Nothing is being generated by Blizzard to be sold in a cash shop, all this stuff is from other players (see also point #2).

I think the overwhelming reaction this news got is because most of us are coming from WoW, where a system like this would absolutely WRECK the game. But D3 isn't WoW, so it's not fair to treat it like it is, and this really doesn't wreck D3 any more than it wrecked D2.

Edited, Aug 4th 2011 1:05pm by Callinon
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#55 Aug 04 2011 at 12:48 PM Rating: Excellent
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What Callinon said.
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#56 Aug 04 2011 at 3:39 PM Rating: Default
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My friend in highschool ran <link removed> . He saved enough money up from it to buy a civic and put himself through college. I got him passwords for **** or cigarettes and he would give me d2 gear/runes. I liked it better that way, Blizzard already has enough money.

Edited, Aug 7th 2011 8:25am by Nepabrite
#57 Aug 07 2011 at 5:45 AM Rating: Excellent
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Transmigration wrote:
My friend in highschool ran <link removed> . He saved enough money up from it to buy a civic and put himself through college. I got him passwords for **** or cigarettes and he would give me d2 gear/runes. I liked it better that way, Blizzard already has enough money.

If Blizzard wanted to make money, they could put a straight-up cash shop in D3. The cash AH keeps people from getting ripped off by 3rd-party sites less scrupulous than your friend.

Edited, Aug 7th 2011 8:24am by Nepabrite
#59 Aug 07 2011 at 3:56 PM Rating: Good
AstarintheDruid wrote:
Transmigration wrote:
My friend in highschool ran <link removed> . He saved enough money up from it to buy a civic and put himself through college. I got him passwords for **** or cigarettes and he would give me d2 gear/runes. I liked it better that way, Blizzard already has enough money.

If Blizzard wanted to make money, they could put a straight-up cash shop in D3. The cash AH keeps people from getting ripped off by 3rd-party sites less scrupulous than your friend.

Edited, Aug 7th 2011 8:24am by Nepabrite


I'd be willing to put money down that there will be at some point a cash-shop in D3/on the Battlenet website within a couple years of release of D3.
#61 Aug 07 2011 at 6:13 PM Rating: Decent
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Anobix wrote:
I'd be willing to put money down that there will be at some point a cash-shop in D3/on the Battlenet website within a couple years of release of D3.

It's possible, but they'll already be taking a cut of what's sold in the player-controlled AH. Setting up a cash shop is just going to drive people to the sort of websites that abounded during Diablo II, because they'll almost certainly sell items for less. It would also require Blizzard to keep a heavy eye on the in-game economy, to avoid setting inaccurate floors or ceilings for any items.
#63 Aug 07 2011 at 11:16 PM Rating: Decent
Mazra wrote:

Who are you? Smiley: dubious


Greetings Mazra!,

My Name is Nepabrite, and I am a Content Manager for ZAM. As we are all gamers, it is not infrequent that we see the forums of all games we cover at ZAM, and to help keep the community (as a whole) a safe yet encouraging atmosphere for all the gamers who use our services :)

Sincerely,


Edited, Aug 8th 2011 1:18am by Nepabrite
#64 Aug 08 2011 at 12:42 AM Rating: Default
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Please tell me that Nepabrite's posting style is just a parody of Demolition Man.

@Nepabrite

You appear to be unfamiliar with this forum. If you were, you would be aware that we usually go out of our way to report RMT ads. This particular thread is discussing a change in policy by the company that runs World of Warcraft, Transmigration's post was relevant to that discussion.

Your post and tone were condescending to the point of insult and a report will be filed.
#65 Aug 08 2011 at 1:05 AM Rating: Good
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Rhodekylle wrote:
Please tell me that Nepabrite's posting style is just a parody of Demolition Man.

@Nepabrite

You appear to be unfamiliar with this forum. If you were, you would be aware that we usually go out of our way to report RMT ads. This particular thread is discussing a change in policy by the company that runs World of Warcraft, Transmigration's post was relevant to that discussion.
The posting of the website address was absolutely unnecessary to the conversation and a report was made about it.
#66 Aug 08 2011 at 1:13 AM Rating: Excellent
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Nepabrite is new, and just getting to know the community. I don't believe any insult was intended. According to the forum rules, technically URLs that fall under the link removed list are prohibited, though in that particular instance there was probably room for some leeway since you weren't trying to promote the site. That being said, the links we ban are banned for a reason too.
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#67 Aug 08 2011 at 1:33 AM Rating: Decent
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Pol, respectfully, I disagree and you are welcome to ask Kao about my own record of reporting RMT.

In another post, I would have reported it myself. In this instance, I'd say it was relevant because it appears to have been cited for support of the point -- that there was a lucrative RMT market in Diablo 2. Since several people quoted the link, I'm guessing I am not the only one who made an exception for this topic.

Consider, there are a lot of WOW sites out there. If I were to say "I knew a guy who made a lot of money" it carries less impact than "I knew the guy who started this website allakhazam" We frequently ask people to support assertions, Transmigration did.

Removing the link is a judgment call for admins, but there is no call for a PR speak post on ZAM policy.

Quote:
Terms of Service for the games our forums cover.


I mouse over the ZAM network and don't see a Diablo 2 site.

As a technical point the linked Forum rules actually stipulate:

Quote:
The ZAM network does not condone or allow the posting or PMing of ads


Transmigration did not post an ad, he cited support for his friend having made enough money to buy a small car as an example of the RMT market in Diablo 2.

#68 Aug 08 2011 at 1:39 AM Rating: Decent
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Are you really getting this bent out of shape about it? Since when have the posters here ever said "oh, you claim a friend of yours did something completely commonplace, we need a cite!!"? They're a new admin and they decided to make a post about it. I suppose at all the new jobs you've worked, you immediately got the feel of the workplace? Or did you choose to shirk your responsibilities until such time as you did, as you seem to think that Nepabrite should do?
#69 Aug 08 2011 at 2:39 AM Rating: Default
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Yes, on reflection, I'd say I am. Actually, out of respect for a request by another admin I was going to drop it, until you decided to keep things rolling.

I'm glad you know a lot of people making enough money in the RMT trade to buy a car and put themselves through college. If you consider that commonplace, I'll accept that as an admission of who you hang out with and not ask for links.

When do people ask for support? Hmm, I guess you never read the OoT, the Asylum, or the thread on the front page of this forum where someone got called on having failed to link something.

There is a reason many companies have a training period for new employees, some also have mentoring programs, most have training materials to provide examples of how to interact with customers. As for my work record, I read those things, stayed awake during training and when I didn't know what to do, I asked someone with experience. No, I didn't get by on "give the new guy a break" Actually, if there were things clients didn't like they complained regardless of whether I was following policy and one of the things I was expected to know was how to handle that.

There was a day when this forum had a designated admin and I don't recall having such problems then, the person in charge knew the forum. Now, we have people making judgment calls without having a basis for making well informed decisions. I don't see that as a positive change by the new administration.

Now, if you want to grow up and have a reasonable debate, that's fine. If the best you can do is make a personal attack, we can cat fight until someone locks the thread or mutes one of us. I really don't care which path you want to take.
#70 Aug 08 2011 at 3:43 AM Rating: Decent
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Rhodekylle wrote:
In another post, I would have reported it myself. In this instance, I'd say it was relevant because it appears to have been cited for support of the point -- that there was a lucrative RMT market in Diablo 2. Since several people quoted the link, I'm guessing I am not the only one who made an exception for this topic.

One person quoted the link, not several.

Rhodekylle wrote:
Quote:
Terms of Service for the games our forums cover.


I mouse over the ZAM network and don't see a Diablo 2 site.

As a technical point the linked Forum rules actually stipulate:

Quote:
The ZAM network does not condone or allow the posting or PMing of ads


Transmigration did not post an ad, he cited support for his friend having made enough money to buy a small car as an example of the RMT market in Diablo 2.
While I don't see it specifically in the rules during a quick scan through, it has been longstanding practice that RMT links of any kind get removed as they are found by admins, regardless of the reason they were posted. That's why I dropped in a quick report. I even added to the note that I didn't feel it was an advertisement and that the poster didn't do anything wrong exactly, just that I figured that the link didn't belong. Based on Kao's response, I have a feeling that it was a justified supposition.

No one got in trouble from what I can tell. A quick reminder not to post RMT links for any reason can't really hurt anyone.



Rhodekylle wrote:
there is no call for a PR speak post on ZAM policy.
/shrug

I would have rather seen a quick reminder on the edit like DF or Kao often adds, but as Kao said, it's a newbie admin. I don't really see what was wrong with the post he made, but I'm not really here to comment on it. He pulled out a link I felt to be questionable and I'm thankful for that.

Quote:
When do people ask for support? Hmm, I guess you never read the OoT, the Asylum, or the thread on the front page of this forum where someone got called on having failed to link something.

Each of the boards here are wildly different, but some things remain the same. I can't honestly imagine anyone asking for a cite on which RMT site someone's friend used to run on any board. It's not like you can really offer proof, anyway, short of editing the site or posting financial records or something, and that's just silly.

Quote:
There was a day when this forum had a designated admin and I don't recall having such problems then, the person in charge knew the forum. Now, we have people making judgment calls without having a basis for making well informed decisions. I don't see that as a positive change by the new administration.
This has absolutely nothing to do with designated admins or any such. A report button was clicked on a slow day. First admin to see it jumped on it. That's how it always works and always has(at least since the addition of the report button) as I recall.

Edited, Aug 8th 2011 3:49am by Poldaran

Edited, Aug 8th 2011 3:54am by Poldaran
#71 Aug 08 2011 at 4:20 AM Rating: Excellent
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I think it's also relevant that, unlike every game in the ZAM network, RMT is allowed in Diablo II. It just isn't supported or allowed on the B-net forums.
#72 Aug 08 2011 at 5:21 AM Rating: Default
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Quote:
One person quoted the link, not several.


You are partially correct. It would have been more precise to say a couple and I retract any implication of a larger number. I see <link removed> in two posts beyond the first, one by AstarintheDruid and one by Anobix.

Quote:
While I don't see it specifically in the rules during a quick scan through


If a rule is cited to me, and linked, then it should have been clear enough that you and I are able to find relevant language. If we can't, it may very well be policy or tradition, but the link was not germane. I would be on equally valid grounds to assert that one does not disappear an admin post without reason. Now, if I am completely wrong, why for did the post vanish? I practiced law long enough to be uncomfortable when people start editing records, there is seldom a proper justification for it.

Quote:
I can't honestly imagine anyone asking for a cite on which RMT site someone's friend used to run on any board.


It is disingenuous to misinterpret my statements in that manner, particularly when I gave an example. People here support, and are challenged to support, various assertions. The assertion in question was that a friend earned enough to buy a car and put himself through college. I will assume, since I neither play Diablo 2 nor claim knowledge of who's who in RMT (nor do I imply that you do) that the site linked was one that would have been reasonably well known, to the point people might reasonably have gone "oh, yeah, I bet those guys made some real money." Don't try to straw man what I wrote.

Quote:
This has absolutely nothing to do with designated admins or any such.


Again, let's dispense with the rhetorical devices. Making an absolute statement may sum up your opinion, but it doesn't make it true. Also, you've been posting longer, but I've been posting long enough not to accept a "back in the day" explanation that doesn't predate me. Our opinions differ, fair enough, but in those days (before the button) the random admins were other people like Kao and DF who knew the community. I don't think the current model encourages that kind of familiarity.

tl;dr You reported the link, it is only natural that you agree with that removal. I reported a post, it is gone too.

edited to remove dead space at end of post

Edited, Aug 8th 2011 7:22am by Rhodekylle
#73 Aug 08 2011 at 6:52 AM Rating: Good
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Where'd my post go? Smiley: dubious
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#74 Aug 08 2011 at 8:40 AM Rating: Good
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Mazra wrote:
Where'd my post go? Smiley: dubious

Taking a walk at Oblivion, I suppose.
Oh, wait, its another ES now, forgot the name...

Anyway, I do agree with the link removal. It could have been done in a smoother way, though. Removing posts is kinda bad.

Edited, Aug 8th 2011 11:41am by Brisin
#75 Aug 08 2011 at 11:21 AM Rating: Good
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Rhodekylle wrote:
Quote:
One person quoted the link, not several.


You are partially correct. It would have been more precise to say a couple and I retract any implication of a larger number. I see <link removed> in two posts beyond the first, one by AstarintheDruid and one by Anobix.
Oh, I see what happened. I don't count Anobix as a person. Smiley: tongue


I keed, I keed. I just tend to miss a lot of non avatar posts. My bad.

Rhodekylle wrote:
Quote:
This has absolutely nothing to do with designated admins or any such.


Again, let's dispense with the rhetorical devices. Making an absolute statement may sum up your opinion, but it doesn't make it true.
Edit: I misread and responded to something that wasn't actually there. Smiley: laugh
Actual response follows:
You said:
Quote:
There was a day when this forum had a designated admin and I don't recall having such problems then, the person in charge knew the forum. Now, we have people making judgment calls without having a basis for making well informed decisions. I don't see that as a positive change by the new administration.
Implying that this wouldn't have happened if we had a designated WoW admin. I said that this absolutely has nothing to do with that, since who is to say that admin would have gotten online before our poor newbie?

Rhodekylle wrote:
Also, you've been posting longer, but I've been posting long enough not to accept a "back in the day" explanation that doesn't predate me. Our opinions differ, fair enough, but in those days (before the button) the random admins were other people like Kao and DF who knew the community. I don't think the current model encourages that kind of familiarity.
Fleven? Vlor? Those are two admins I can name off the top of my head that in the last year or so have popped in to deal with reports. An admin other than DF or Kao often deals with reports, including content managers for other parts of the site, news managers, site coders, you name it. That's how it has always been done, and I would expect you to know that. But since you're so upset over this, either I have to suspect that you didn't realize that, or you have a completely different problem and we're wasting time arguing this. Which is it?

Rhodekylle wrote:
It is disingenuous to misinterpret my statements in that manner, particularly when I gave an example. People here support, and are challenged to support, various assertions. The assertion in question was that a friend earned enough to buy a car and put himself through college. I will assume, since I neither play Diablo 2 nor claim knowledge of who's who in RMT (nor do I imply that you do) that the site linked was one that would have been reasonably well known, to the point people might reasonably have gone "oh, yeah, I bet those guys made some real money." Don't try to straw man what I wrote.
Whether it's well known or not, I'm just saying I can't understand a need to defend the assertion by naming the site. And I think you've spent too much time in the Asylum. This isn't a political discussion, nor is it a discussion among asylumites.

Also, "don't straw man?" How is saying that I can't see it being asked in this particular type of instance on this particular board strawmanning your statement that people ask for evidence?

Edited, Aug 8th 2011 11:26am by Poldaran
#76 Aug 08 2011 at 12:14 PM Rating: Excellent
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Mazra wrote:
Where'd my post go? Smiley: dubious


I ate it.

Is delicious with cheese wiz.

Smiley: drool2
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