Do you play WoW deaf?

OK, so my sister "Bela" emailed me this YouTube video and I had to share it. But it brings a thought into my mind that I would like to find out what our readers think.

Do you play WoW deaf?

What I mean about this is do you play WoW and listen to the music and the ambiance as it is? Do you play WoW with the sound effects on but you listen to your own music on your computer or iPod? Or are you like Mo and listen to podcasts while playing WoW?

For Ol' Xan I actually play WoW completely muted. This stems from playing WoW in the same room as my wife and child while they are watching TV, or while I was rooming with Kilzar for those 9 LONG months waiting for my work to allow me to work from home. Kilzar and I both mostly play WoW with the sound turned off. We generally have a television going and are looking up over the tops of our laptops at the action going on the television.

How do you play WoW? Why do you play WoW that way? Give me some thoughts and feedback, I'd like to hear from the readers.

Mo-Moments #8: "We built this city, we built this city on Podcasting!"

Hello,

I wanted to write about the podcasts I listen to on this post. More specifically of course WoW-related podcasts.

In my opinion there are so many people missing out on so many wonderful podcasts, as well as blogs so I feel it is my responsibility to promote one another.

What I will attempt do is list the ones that I listen to that are WoW related in alphabetical order and allow you to search them on iTunes or what ever means you wish. Another great tool I use is the Google Reader to listen to some podcasts.
If you do not utilize Google Reader than I suggest you first get Gmail than read more about Google Reader.

Also please comment if I have missed one you listen to and let us know what podcasts I have missed that you enjoy.

OK here we go!

1. Alea Iacta Est Podcast (http://aie-guild.org/)
I am not in the AIE guild on Earthen Ring but this is still a good listen. The AIE gang is so passionate and knowledgeable that they provide so many great pointers and suggestions that any one WoW player can listen to this podcast on any given episode and learn something.

2. Aleara's Hobbit Hole Podcast (http://alearajl.blogspot.com/)
Well, this is Aleara's podcast, and as she states it is a short and sweet quick hit podcasts of what she does and things and her WoW happenings. Many people wonder why anyone would want to just talk about what they do, let alone for people to listen to other people's happenings. OK I cant explain it but just give it a try. Why do you read a book or magazine? Same difference! Read and listen to her podcast!

3. All Things Azeroth - (Xan busting in to include) YOUR World of Warcraft Podcast (http://www.allthingsazeroth.com/)
This cast is by Medros and Graece and a podcast that covers what they have done in game, game news, opinions, discussions and more. One of the well produced casts and I do not miss an episode and look forward to each episode.

4. Analog Hole Gaming (explicit tag warning) (http://www.analogholegaming.com/)
You may hear this podcast name and wonder what the (enter whatever word you wish) and ask what is with the explicit tag??? Well this is by 3 very interesting, normal, WoW/gaming people that just may be like one of your friends or guildmates. They talk about what they have done recently in their lives, sometimes it is about WoW, other times it is about other games, and all the time you are guaranteed to be entertained. Just do not be offended by their language and their epicly long podcasts. Give it a try and please don't say the episodes are too long!

5. AppSlappy (http://www.myextralife.com/appslappy/)
OK, OK! I'm cheating but you have to listen/read what ever Scott Johnson does! He is (just in my opinion) one of the most "today" modernly technically intelligent interesting minds and you will be hearing more from this kid, he will be going somewhere one of these days!

OK no joke, if you are an iPhone user or just an app user on smart phones, this is your podcast.

6. Big Red Kitty (http://www.bigredkitty.net/)

For the experienced WoW/blogger/podcast listening people you know Big Red Kitty has quit WoW and left our blogging community for the very important personal reason.
But that does not mean you cannot go back and watch/listen to his podcasts and read his blogs. Yes I will plug blogs too. Very educational even for the very experienced WoW player including the raiders.

7. Bind on Equip: a World of Warcraft Podcast (BOE) (http://www.bindonequip.com/news.php)
It does not get funnier than our Australian podcasters. I just wish I could email them every week. Very funny/friendly gang that plays WoW and does a great job telling us about it. They have started and been doing their experiment of rerolling Horde on a new server with no sugar daddy's and just pure WoW fun! This is a must listen to on your podcasting list!

8. Blizzcast, well yes it is by Blizzard but I am just wondering why they do not have one each week. Perhaps they don't want to over shadow the great job other podcasters are doing but I think you will all agree we want to see more episodes from Blizzcast.

9. Buzz Out Loud - yes yes another cheat by MO! but if you are a techy this is a great podcast, check it out.

10. The Combobulater Podcast (http://nlcast.wetpaint.com/thread/1620567/The+Combobulator)
This is another podcast of gamers, at times they talk about WoW but lately they have been sick of WoW, which I know some people have been. You may learn about a game you want to check out from them.

11. Ctrl Alt Wow - World of Warcraft Podcast (http://ctrlaltwow.com)
The Best WoW podcast, OK I am biased because this wonderful gang reads OUR emails :)

But take a listen: Aprillian's passion for the game is unmatched by no one else I know, and her playing style too. She is an altaholic, as I am and many others...and a multi-boxer (playing with multiple characters on multiple accounts at one time). Ashayo and Glanthur have the raiding experience and also play different styles. Each week it is a great 2 hour listen to what they have done in game and their guild happenings. For the CTRL ALT WOW!

12. Elunes Grace and Epic Dolls (http://epicdolls.com/) podcasts - 2 great podcasts and lots of people that worked on them, no longer making podcasts. First of all Thank you so much to both podcast peoples and for their wonderful work. Listen to their episodes and you will hear why they will be so missed!

13. Lucky 13 for our communities troll podcasters: Epic Shardz! (http://www.epicshardz.net/) Zebgora and Tamori, two WoW players that play as trolls in game and out! :)
They discuss their WoW happenings, news and opinions.

14. Extralife Radio, with Scott Johnson (http://www.myextralife.com/) Actually that link will allow you to check out all of Scotts work. This is a very cool podcast and each week Scott and his clan discuss different things they like, and you will like no doubt.

15. For the Horder Radio
I have just discovered this podcasts so I cannot say much about it yet.

16. Heathcast, this one as well, I have recently discovered.

17. Hearthstone Tavern (http://hearthstonetavern.podbean.com/)
I call this the Harvard of podcasting, also your role playing and lore podcast. The group has only 3 episodes behind them but WoW will you learn so much and if you are like me and do not know much about the WoW lore or RP much, you will be intrigued to learn more!

18. Inside Azeroth (http://insideazeroth.libsyn.com/)
This is, as you can guess, a podcast that goes inside Azeroth :)
The hosts were previously part of other podcasts and blogs and for some people too controversial or opinionated. I believe that is not possible and in podcasting and blogging, opinions should be encouraged and if you don't agree with someone doesn't mean that you should not listen or read what they think.

19. The Instance (http://www.myextralife.com/wow/)
If Ctrl Alt Wow is the Queen of podcasting, this is the King without a doubt!
Scott and Randy do such a wonderful job that I believe most of you already listen to them but don't let that stop you from pass the word along. A great podcast about WoW news, upcoming patches and listener participation.

20. Outlandish: A World of Warcraft podcast (explicit) (http://www.outlandishpodcast.com/)
Dudes talking about WoW, news, and of course opinions. They are funny, make fun and don't mess with them!

21. Project Lore (http://projectlore.com/)- another podcast I have just started watching, it is video casts

22. Proudmoore Pansies: A World of Warcraft Podcast (http://pansydivision.net)
Similar to Outlandish, dudes that I appreciate their wow knowledge and opinions.

23. Rawrcast: World of Warcraft Podcast (http://rawrbitchrawr.blogspot.com/)
This is one of the few podcasts that has really gained a large fan base and still growing. A couple that plays WoW, raids and have opinions. They are currently recruiting so check them out.

24. The Starting Zone: A World of Warcraft Podcast! (http://thestartingzone.com/)
A refreshing new podcast that does focus on new players or just getting down to the basics. They do a great job on their podcasts and looking forward to many other episodes from them.

25. Twisted Nether Blogcast Podcast (http://www.twistednether.net/)
A podcast of WoW and the blog community. This is another podcast that I believe recently has gained many fans and I think we should promote them as they do an awesome job!

26. World of Warcast: A World of Warcraft Podcast (http://worldofwarcast.com/)
The Oxford of podcasting I say, as the hosts are very knowledgeable in WoW and raiding and for so long have done a great job covering WoW. Even if you are not a raider you can still listen and you will enjoy their work.

27. Wow Dawgs (Explicit) (http://www.wowdawgs.com/)
A very cool opinionated podcast and what he does in game, upcoming news and more.
Also checkout:
The Vinyl Experience (http://thevinylexperience.com/)

28. Wow Radio: Casually Hardcore - I will always say do not complain about a podcast until you have done one successfully but on this podcasts, even though I have enjoyed many episodes, I have not been able to listen because of the sound variations. But I would still like to plug them and want you all to gather your own opinions.

29. wow.com used to be wowinsider and yes part of the wow.com website that has the wow.com bloggers and Sr writers

30. Wowcast: World of Warcraft Podcast (http://wowcast.weebly.com/)
This is the one and only Alachia and only wish she would do more casts as we all know, or if you don't, very interesting knowledgeable wow players, bloggers and as she says all things meta!

31. Yet Another World of Warcraft Podcast (Explicit)

32. 450 First Aid

Wow!!!

Ok that is all I have in my iTunes. What did I miss?

I know there are so many other blogs and we may cover that on a later date.

Please comment, write to us, comment on my twitter @mohalen and let us know, do you listen to podcasts while you play, walk, workout, and spread the word!

Thank you

Mo

Contest is OVER =[

Unfortunately not a whole lot of entries were submitted into the "Pimp your Noob" contest despite my best efforts to promote it.

As such winners were selected by default. "Brajana" has been given their prize from the "Nerdtacular '09" contest as promised. I have contacted Brajana via Twitter to gather the appropriate information to send the shirt.

Rabidlemming won the gift code from J!NX. Unfortunately I haven't a way to contact them. Hopefully they will comment here or email me as soon as possible. If I do not hear from you, I will be forced to redraw another entry.

Hopefully the next contest will have more support and response.

Zander’s new blessings… (Original Fiction by Xan)

“Now, where shall we begin?” Philomar queried his guests. “How about you, my rather original giant? It is not often you see a half-ogre.” Philomar points to Zander. Zander only looks behind him thinking of the ‘little guys’ first. Philomar chuckles. “Yes, I meant you. Tell me, my large friend who were your parents?”

Zander looked to the wizard in shock. “I have not been asked that question in many years.” He sheepishly walks up to the wizard. “Well, I am known again as Zander, Son of “the Indefinite” for a reason. It is believed my mother was a human and my father a filthy ogre, I do not know my parents. I was raised by the priests of Othr as a human of great strength.”

“Ah yes, that explains it.” Philomar smiles at the comment Solcloud made about Zander breaking the mold. It especially fit after seeing Zander’s childish demeanor towards a man half his size. He pats the giant on the shoulder and continues. “What do you require?”

“I am traveling as a minister of Othr’s word. I wish only to be worthy of Othr’s blessings once again. He is a God of war and would look upon me unfit without armor and a weapon. Do you have such things to fit my size?” Zander looks down to the wizard in humility.

“I do indeed, my large friend.”

Philomar waves his hand at a doorway to his left. The door creaks open to reveal a treasure trove of armor. Chain mail, plate mail, hide, everything was on display in front of his eyes. Zander’s eyes bulged at the sight, but then his heart sunk when no armor seemed to look big enough for his size.

“There is nothing to fit me.” Zander’s heart sunk.

“Yes there is!” The wizard reaches out and pulls out a chain shirt that had the symbol of Othr on the chest off the wall. However, it looked to only be able to fit a man of Beasley’s stature, not Zander’s hulking build.

The giant chuckled at the image of him wearing that chain shirt over his massive head. “Yes, that is my God. But it is most definitely not my size.”

“Put it on,” urged Philomar. “It will fit. Trust Ol’ Philomar.”

Zander shrugged and lifted the shirt over his head. As he did so, the chain shimmered with a tingle of blue electricity and the shirt began to expand. He let out a mighty roar of laughter as the shirt tickled him as it slipped over his arms and down his body to fit him perfectly.

“Othr must be praised! How did that work?”

Philomar explained that the chain shirt recognizes followers of Othr and conforms to fit them. “Might I suggest a robe to befit a cleric, Master Zander?” The wizard waved his hands and a white robe with only holes for the arms and a hood floated into his hand. Zander put the robe on and pushed his arms through the holes. The metal of the chain mail on his arms shimmered as it pushed through the robe.

“What else does such a cleric need?” Philomar asked rhetorically. “Ah yes, you said a weapon befitting the god of war! I know just the room.”

Philomar smiled at the obvious pride now being expressed by Zander in his new clothes. Philomar walked across the hall, Zander following behind anxious to see what was next. The door to the armor room creaked shut behind him. Philomar waved his hand at another door, it creaked to life and a room full of hammers appeared before their eyes. Zander’s chest puffed up with pride as tears of gratitude filled his eyes.

“Pick one.” Philomar urged.

Zander rubbed his eyes, sniffed and praised Othr once again silently. “I cannot. Such gifts can only be given to one worthy. How can I be graced with such wonders?”
Philomar nudged Zander. “Othr is blessing you through me.”

Zander smiled, “Then let Othr bless me, you choose for me.”

“Very well.” Philomar waved his hand and a hammer floated into his grip. “This befits a follower of Othr.” He hands the hammer to Zander. The giant inspects the hammer and noticed it was perfectly balanced.

“This is Othr’s Hammer of Smiting, it causes massive damage to your foes in battle, but it especially takes large bites out of the undead. Othr would be pleased for you to have it.”

Zander smiled and shrugged, “Is it too much to ask for just a shield? Nothing special, just a shield?”

“Of course not, my large friend.” Philomar points to Zander’s arm and a large wooden shield with a hammer carved on the front appeared attached to his arm.

“Thank Othr, and bless you, servant of Othr.” Zander smiled. “I will wait for the rest of you with Solcloud.” Zander walked back towards the dining hall, very happy with his ‘blessings.’

ROFLMAO L33T PWN!

As a noob to the game you probably are bombarded with the darned abbreviations and stuff associated with World of Warcraft. (WoW) I thought it would be fun to expound on this a bit after seeing this great video on You Tube. But before I continue I have to say one thing... Is that all Undead and Tauren are good for is for comedic references? At least it is better than all those darned jabs at the short folk... you know who you are!

So here we go, let's start with instances:

Ragefire Chasm: RFC
The Deadmines: VC (Named after final boss VanCleef)
Wailing Caverns: WC
Shadowfang Keep: SFK
Blackfathom Deeps: BFD
The Stockade: Stocks
Gnomeregan: Gnomer
Razorfen Kraul: RFK
Razorfen Downs: RFD
Scarlet Monastery: SM
Uldaman: Uldaman
Zul'Farrak: ZF
Maraudon: Maraudon
Sunken Temple: ST
Blackrock Depths: BRD
Blackrock Spire: UBRS or LBRS (Upper / Lower)
Dire Maul: DM
Scholomance: Scholo
Stratholme: Strat
Hellfire Citadel: Hellfire Ramparts: Ramps
Hellfire Citadel: The Blood Furnace: Blood Furnace
Coilfang Reservoir: The Slave Pens: Slave Pens
Coilfang Reservoir: The Underbog: UB
Auchindoun: Mana-Tombs: Tombs
Auchindoun: Auchenai Crypts: Crypts
Caverns of Time: Old Hillsbrad Foothills: Old Hills
Auchindoun: Sethekk Halls: Sethekk
Auchindoun: Shadow Labyrinth: Shadow Labs
Caverns of Time: The Black Morass: BM
Coilfang Reservoir: The Steamvault: Steamvault
Hellfire Citadel: The Shattered Halls: Shattered Halls
Magisters' Terrace: MT
Tempest Keep: The Arcatraz: Arc
Tempest Keep: The Botanica: Bot
Tempest Keep: The Mechanar: Mech
Utgarde Keep: Utgarde Keep: UK
The Nexus: The Nexus: Nexus
Azjol-Nerub: Azjol-Nerub: AN
Azjol-Nerub: Ahn'kahet: The Old Kingdom: Old Kingdom
Drak'Tharon Keep: DTK
The Violet Hold: VH
Gundrak: GD or Gundrak
Ulduar: Halls of Stone: HoS
Caverns of Time: The Culling of Stratholme: CoS
The Nexus: The Oculus: Oculus
Ulduar: Halls of Lightning: HoL
Utgarde Keep: Utgarde Pinnacle: UP