Last post

As I alluded to in a previous post I've been thinking about whether the violation of Blizzard's EULA and their strong stance against selling any sort of in game items or gold is too big of a hurdle toward my goal of making real-world dollars in WoW. In short the answer is yes.

Stories like this where Blizzard pushed EBay to ban a legitimate seller of a strategy guide are not comforting to me as I hoped to eventually sell a guide myself. Furthermore account bans are being pursued more and more aggressively. While I am not in favor of automated 'gold farming' using bots or other tools, which I suspect makes up the majority of bans, I see no reason why a legitimate player shouldn't be able to sell their gold and items. Sure I'm familiar with the reasons regarding disruption of the in-game economy, creation of the rich have's and poor have not's, and other such arguments but I think the trend to virtual economies in online worlds is inevitable. In any case, Blizzard (and Vivendi?) doesn't seem to think so.

My short time playing the game and writing this blog was fun and challenging. I appreciate all of the readers who contributed to the blog and encouraged me to write on with all of your insightful and helpful comments. This blog wouldn't have been the same without you (nor would I have made as much gold!). World of Warcraft really does have a great community of players, but the powers that be over at Blizzard are clearly dead set against my original goal of making real world money from the game. Other online games like Everquest and Ultima Online are more receptive to this so perhaps I'll switch over some day, but until now I'm hanging up my hat. Good luck to all and farewell.

Playing time - 8d 10h 3m
Final gold - 423
Main character level - 41, with mount

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We have a winner!

Well, back from a long vacation and I'm happy to see a couple of great comments for the reader contest. The contest winner is Illaraphaniel with a detailed and highly effective technique in Stranglethorn Vale. Drop me a mail at virtuallyrichinc [at] gmail [dot] com to arrange for your prize payout. A reprint of the winning entry is below.

Also thanks to Belletriste for some good tips on maximizing profits with our auction alt by training him up as a 'disenchanter'.

Okay, your money making potential is limited by your profession choice first up because you've chosen a crafting profession. Very, very little of what you can craft in any profession will bring in more money than the corresponding materials would.

However, at level 40, it's not what you do that will define your ability to make money, it's where you choose to base yourself coupled with the time you log on.

If you log on during populated times you're somewhat hindered by the sheer numbers of people all chasing the same resources, so a different log on time might be a first step.

Location: southern tip of stranglethorn vale. 42-45 mobs which means they may be a little high but you're playing a hunter and they play quite a bit above their level with the right pet.

Start point is the crystalvein mine for herbs (chest spawn point just outside the mine; regularly inside the mine). Aim for goldthorn, mageroyal(looking in particular for swiftthistle) and fadeleaf. A quick AH check will tell you these sell well because they are also used in high end pvp potions and raid potions.

From the mine you head south and take the first opportunity to hit the east coast (around zanzil). Schools of fish and wreakage will make you consistent money as they are firefin and oily blackmouth. All the mobs are humanoid which means cloth drops and coins. Do not first aid the cloth. At this level they are used in alliance/horde cloth quest hand ins and will sell for more. Only first aid if you absolutely must the cloth.

As you head down the eastern coast continue to look out for fish and go all the way to the southern tip. Then ride back and head from east to west across Booty Bay to the pirate mobs on the other side. Most of these are linked in two mob pulls, plus they tend to net and run to adds. You want to get over the bridge and start heading along the west coast (again with an eye out for schools of fish and herbs) and start hitting Myrmiddons or whatever they are. These are nice kills as they drop large clams that have a small percentage to drop golden pearls. These sell for up to 40g depending on server and are required in enchants. You can then head up the path across to the mine again.

Remember to stop in at Booty Bay and sell so your bags have space as you start the circuit. Also, if you find the mobs too tough, head north a little and fish up the greater sagefish schools and cook them. They provide a health and mana replenishment plus give mana regen over time. Very nice food for higher levels.

If possible, seriously consider dropping alchemy and picking up either mining or skinning to fully realise your money making potential.

-illaraphaniel

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