Engineer Outsider

he said “so they fixed it, right? how did they fix it in the game?” and i told him the truth: they didn’t. they couldn’t control it. they had to reset the servers and roll them back to the time before the ZG encounter.

a CNN article recently referenced another “viral” event in world of warcraft: leeroy jenkins facepulling as a metaphor for the expedited reopening of businesses. what it fails to mention however is how the video ends. everyone who charges in with leeroy dies. he wipes the raid.

Those with healing magic would go into infected areas to see if they could save the infected or at least keep them alive through the disease. Those that couldn’t do that tried to warn players before they entered infected areas. NPC could be infected and have “no symptoms”; they could be asymptomatic carriers and pass it to nearby players.

The best part though was by the time Blizzard had finally come out and said “if you are infected, try to quarantine yourself so you don’t spread it!!” the player base was ALREADY DOING SO. The players had recognized the problem and worked together in myriad ways to fix it.

They also had negative reactions as well, another reason this was such a good example of a real outbreak. They had a couple people report healers or alchemists who were claiming to sell cures/treatments to the disease that ultimately would do nothing. They had a group of players that would hide in the mountains near cities and just pass the disease back and forth between themselves and then raid cities to infect them all over again. They had higher level players start rebelling on the servers. Saying it was an overreaction and if you get it you’ll just die and you can come back and be fine, etc. Since they could get the disease and survive, ie it didn’t do enough damage to them since they were higher level, they felt it unnecessary to care about whether they got it or not. They complained about not getting to play like normal just because this plague could kill lower level players.

ALL of these reactions, good and bad, were real enough to what we assumed a real life epidemic would play out that people started to use it as a model. And now look, we have proof that it was accurate.

However, what we needed to learn from it was primarily that it wasn’t reversible. The bad reactions and lack of care from the few players that weren’t cooperating made it impossible in the end to contain. The only reason it was fixed at all is the game had to reverse time, literally just delete their entire game log a few weeks and time travel weeks into the past to before the plague even began.

Think about that.

The reason no one believed it was a valid model is that it was a video game and thus the consequences weren’t permanent. “No one would act like that in real life.” But look at how we are handling this outbreak. Is it not eerily similar?

he said “so they fixed it, right? how did they fix it in the game?” and i told him the truth: they didn’t. they couldn’t control it. they had to reset the servers and roll them back to the time before the ZG encounter.

a CNN article recently referenced another “viral” event in world of warcraft: leeroy jenkins facepulling as a metaphor for the expedited reopening of businesses. what it fails to mention however is how the video ends. everyone who charges in with leeroy dies. he wipes the raid.

Those with healing magic would go into infected areas to see if they could save the infected or at least keep them alive through the disease. Those that couldn’t do that tried to warn players before they entered infected areas. NPC could be infected and have “no symptoms”; they could be asymptomatic carriers and pass it to nearby players.

The best part though was by the time Blizzard had finally come out and said “if you are infected, try to quarantine yourself so you don’t spread it!!” the player base was ALREADY DOING SO. The players had recognized the problem and worked together in myriad ways to fix it.

They also had negative reactions as well, another reason this was such a good example of a real outbreak. They had a couple people report healers or alchemists who were claiming to sell cures/treatments to the disease that ultimately would do nothing. They had a group of players that would hide in the mountains near cities and just pass the disease back and forth between themselves and then raid cities to infect them all over again. They had higher level players start rebelling on the servers. Saying it was an overreaction and if you get it you’ll just die and you can come back and be fine, etc. Since they could get the disease and survive, ie it didn’t do enough damage to them since they were higher level, they felt it unnecessary to care about whether they got it or not. They complained about not getting to play like normal just because this plague could kill lower level players.

ALL of these reactions, good and bad, were real enough to what we assumed a real life epidemic would play out that people started to use it as a model. And now look, we have proof that it was accurate.

However, what we needed to learn from it was primarily that it wasn’t reversible. The bad reactions and lack of care from the few players that weren’t cooperating made it impossible in the end to contain. The only reason it was fixed at all is the game had to reverse time, literally just delete their entire game log a few weeks and time travel weeks into the past to before the plague even began.

Think about that.

The reason no one believed it was a valid model is that it was a video game and thus the consequences weren’t permanent. “No one would act like that in real life.” But look at how we are handling this outbreak. Is it not eerily similar?

POUR ONE OUT FOR COMRADE OPPORTUNITY 

People piled into the museum to watch the super cool animations of the landing sequence and such, and talking about how exciting this all was cuz it WAS and still is. THE EXCITEMENT. THE WONDER.

DRYP - an app that keeps your plants alive and happy

Hi Tumblr!

I know I’ve been gone for a while.

In part it’s because I’ve been working on an app!

I keep a lot of plants. I think everyone should!

- They clean your air - They give you something to name - They give you something to take care of - They teach you about care, needs, and resources - They make you look like you’re good at decorating

Here are some of mine:

But some people, because they’re overwhelmed or simply can’t figure out how to start, think that plants are out of their reach.

DRYP is for newcomers and experts.

It reminds you when to water

And it helps you fix what’s broken

If you think the world would be better with this app in it, please consider contributing to the Kickstarter!

I’ve tried to make it worth your while:

Again here’s the link to contribute:

DRYP - an app that keeps your plants alive and happy

And if you like me / if you like my idea, please signal boost!

A friend told me about their friend’s character being reported for a rename. They renamed their character with the same name (as you do, since it’s usually someone reporting you for petty bullshit) and they were reported again, so they were banned.

Sucks, yeah, but apparently Blizz doesn’t really understand the problem here.

They don’t understand RP addons. 

What fucking RP realm do you play on where most people don’t RP with any RP addons?

Hey look at all these Moon Guard RPers who don’t use any RP addons whatsoever, especially not TRP.

It’s certainly not around 700+ players, definitely not, no way. 

Hey GM maybe non-RP names on your RP realm are such a problem for you because you don’t use any RP addons for custom names because WoW has an antiquated naming system and has no character profile system. 

So they don’t understand the problem of having a name for your toon that doesn’t match your RP character because they don’t use RP addons, so therefore they don’t get why picking a unique name is such a problem, so apparently it’s fine for there to be one and only one man named John in Azeroth. 

And when you try to explain that you just use a common-use RP addon to have a proper RP name for other RPers to see, you get banned. Yeah, you could put effort into making up some stupid elf name that you don’t even like, but that just takes that name away from someone who might have actually wanted it. 

ESPECIALLY GIVEN THAT GETTING ORIGINAL REGULAR ASS NAMES IS HARD. (Hey guys. Special characters are included in the ‘nnot allowed’ section too which makes it even harder)

You know what are??? Røšâłïñthå and Däîmÿáń or Wīłlíåm

Ah, love is in the air: sweet flowers, perfume, and sharing gifts with loved ones! Some call it love, and some just call it friendship and admiration. The more skeptical, however, are convinced goblins made up the holiday to sell candy and perfume! But to many in the Alliance, the Love Festival signifies the victory of good over evil, and for many a festive day to meet others, play and laugh, forget and forgive, and strengthen relationships.

This year, the Night Elves open Darnassus to revelers throughout the Alliance, to meet new friends and strengthen diplomatic bonds.

Kaldorei Love Lore

In ancient times, when a night elf wished to find love, it was custom that they first court an individual of their choosing. Culturally courtship can take many forms; a man may compose songs or poems praising the object of his affection; or may fashion a special jewel for the loved one to wear.

Often a simple flower can become a token of undying affection. When a man or woman desires another of their acquaintance, the suitor customarily shows that desire by wearing either a single flower pinned to the clothing or worn in their hair. He or she wears the flower until it withers, or until the object of desire responds to it in some way. By custom, those who know the wearer of the flower must each determine if they are the desired one by presenting gifts to reciprocate affection, asking outright, or choosing to ignore it if they are uninterested. The wearer of the flower need not state his or her preference; indeed, this custom works particularly well for those who feel a certain delicacy about approaching the object of their affections.

In modern times, this custom is upheld to some degree. Women who seek love still wear a single flower, often a lovely red rose, but men have taken to wearing charm bracelets. Still, it is the custom for those who know the wearer to present gifts (typically chocolates, flowers, or candies) to reciprocate affection.  

A Walk-up Social RP Event

On Friday, February 9th beginning at 5pm (server time) the kaldorei of WRA host a casual role-play night in Darnassus for walk-up RP! On this night, we invite our friends in the Alliance to join us for casual roleplay and to celebrate the Love is in the Air Festival IC!

How it works

- Casual roleplay in Darnassus begins at 5pm server time and can last long into the night!

- Wear formal or casual attire in keeping with the festival theme!

- Ladies looking to meet new people should wear a forever-lovely rose in their hair!

- Men looking to meet new people should wear a lovely charm bracelet!

- Offer gifts of chocolate, heart candies, or flowers to new friends you’d like to see more of in RP!

Darnassus Casual RP Map

“Is he here?! Is your -LORD- here, inside his office?! Don’t you dare lie to me! I know where you sleep.” A voice no other than Monisha would be heard. She was speaking to one of the Borhswald staff members. Moni didn’t bother knocking on Oklin’s door and quickly turned the knob to open.

Oklin crooked his head towards the entrance of his office. “Come in.” His voice like that of a ragged man. Monisha heard Oklin’s invite. He must have overheard the ruckus outside his door. She gave a winning smirk at the staff member, whom have turned around defeated. The staff member wanted the Baron to rest after his journey north, but Monisha could not wait to badger her fiancée. Moni entered Oklin’s cozy office, finding him loitering around the balcony. Her silver heels tapped along the flooring of his office as she approached him.

“I brought you something you might enjoy.“ Moni held up a blueberry pie and placed it on a table. Oklin took a moment to look at the pie. A brow raised altogether in suspicion. "Is it poisoned?” He asked while making himself comfortable on a couch.

Moni shifted her weight to the side and repeatedly tapped a heel. She was already getting irritated with the man. “No, darling. This is not poisoned. Your beloved kitchen staff watched me to make sure. They love you. I’m sure rumors will go around how I bake in the nude. Was the meeting that stressful? You know, the one I was not allowed to attend.” Moni was still sour about being denied attending the meeting. She left the pie alone on the table and made her way over to join him.

“Stressful wouldn’t begin to describe it. Plus, I think you would have done more harm than good.” He replied.

She scoffed at him. "I, Monisha D'Angelo, would have caused more harm? Some people don’t know how to handle a civil war. Perhaps those nobles should have had their own commanders speak for them.” Moni shifted her position on the couch, leaning over to lightly rub the Baron’s leg.  She used a free hand to massage the back of his head. “Since you do not mind them being hung next to Warlund. Perhaps, you can take their land? Show their people who a real leader is.” She spoke in a soft, sultry, tone of voice.

“Be that as it may, land should fall back in to the hands of the Kingdom of Stormwind. Take your hand away from me. More cunning have tried to manipulate me.” Oklin did not like her tone nor did he fall for her seductive ways.

She tore her hand away from his leg and abruptly stood up. “I’m sure better ‘whores’ have manipulated you. Since you think of me as such. A WHORE! I’m sorry, my lord, am I being too loud?! IS YOUR WHORE FIANCEE BEING TOO LOUD?!” Moni started to shout. She started to lose her temper. She stood in the middle of the room, facing Oklin. The atmosphere started to grow heavy with magic. Monisha’s magic. A ghostly dark tendril crept along the walls of his office, slowly making its way towards him.

“Callous. Jealous. Vein. Too many traits in personality to make you a whore. More like an escort.” The man was dismissive with her. An uncaring glimmer was on his face as he picked up his mandolin, strumming on the cords. Oklin began to play a soft melody, fingers dance upon the strings brining the song to life; He started to sing.

“Far from time you think is your hold. However, you still grow old. As a lily in the summer, dies upon the cold winds of fall. You cannot seem to bring yourself to understand the nature of it all. D'Angelo, you look as if you can cry, though only through sadden amber eyes. For when I look, upon your face, all I see is regret and disgrace. For what you held is no longer home. For that life tis in a past tome.” Oklin finished singing.

“Now if you ain’t thinking on saying much else…leave my sight. I grow weary of you.” He said.

“I am not jealous!” She shouted out between his singing. Instead of the shadowy tendril coiling Oklin’s neck as intended, it lash around the mandolin, and yanked it out of his hand instead. The corrupted shadowy tendril, bashed that musical instrument onto the floor, tiny wooden pieces flung all around him and the room. Strings popped out, curling upward as it died. Oklin can only watch as his mandolin gets destroyed. Eyes followed as it bashed it against the ground in quick succession. He clenched his hand to the medallion that he wore round his neck, whilst his eyes could be seen to gleam with signs of tears.

Moni’s amber eyes stared at the destroyed mandolin. “I will not rest until I get what I want. And I want everything….” She said haughtily. Silently Oklin stood up.

“That…that used to be my wife’s.” Was all the Baron managed to say before he left the balcony.

Moni flickered up to him, seeing how hurt he looked. She had crossed the line with Oklin, and looked back to the ruined mandolin. At that very moment Moni understood it all. She kneel at the broken pieces and started to clean up. It was the first time she ever cleaned up her own mess. Moni realized she could never fill the role of his prior wife. She finished cleaning up the mess, piling up the wooden shards and placing them inside a basket. Could it be saved? She’ll have to seek someone who could fix it. The Tanari woman glanced over at the blueberry pie that was supposed to be for Oklin.

“He didn’t seem to like my baking, lavish style of clothing, my exotic body or charm.” Moni muttered. She groaned wondering if Oklin even liked humans. She picked up the pie and headed towards the kitchen, tossing it in the trash.

House Everstone is recruiting able-bodied folks! We’re a noble family located north of the Thandol Span in the Hinterlands. A majority of our role-play centers around daily life and adventure in the Duchy of Everstone—specifically, Everstone Citadel; ruled by the Duchess Jossetta Everstone, the habitual affairs of governing such a vast holding falls upon the shoulders of brave, loyal, and shrewd men and women. Currently, all positions (Council, Magus Order, Golden Chapel, Bannermen, Commonfolk, and Vassals) are available! So whether you’re an independent lord or lady looking to swear fealty, a wandering knight, an ill-tempered blacksmith, a gentle healer (priest, druid, or common physician), a shrewd merchant, a veteran sellsword, a friendly farmhand, or anything in between, we’re open to hearing from you!

We’ve a few ranks—all have been tailored to match the wants and needs of various role-players.

The Council -

The Council is made up 9 positions, or seats: the Hand, the Chancellor, the Marshal, the Steward, the Spymaster, the Archmage, the High Lord/Lady, the Lord/Lady Bishop, and Advisor. The Council, when it’s fully filled, will be expected to meet bi-weekly to discuss the wants and needs of Everstone, and its people.

The Crownsguard -

The Crownsguard acts as the personal bodyguards to Her Grace, the Duchess Jossetta Everstone, and her children. They’re heavily vetted before being inducted into the prestigious ranks of the Crownsguard; the ceremony, itself, is said to be quite a spectacle. Of course, to join the Crownsguard, you must first succeed in a series of tests known as the Gauntlet.

Vassals -

Vassals are lords and ladies sworn to House Everstone. They occupy their own holdings, and they’re given a large degree of autonomy; before becoming a vassal, you must swear an oath of fealty to Her Grace, the Duchess Jossetta Everstone. The individual representing the Citadel’s other holdings is the High Lord/Lady, who resides upon the Council.

Bannermen -

The Duchy’s Bannermen are valiant brothers and sisters of the sword and shield, tasked with defending Everstone and all its holdings from outside threats; they’re frontline soldiers, and they’re legion. They’re drilled regularly, outfitted with the very best equipment, and are sent off to fight in defensive wars or for justified causes. The individual in charge of the Bannermen is the Marshal, who resides upon the Council.

The Magus Order (Order of Magi) -

The Magus Order is responsible for aiding in the protection of Everstone from magical attackers; in addition, they’re responsible for the placement and upkeep of magical wards, for research and development, and for dealing with threats in a more permanent and secretive way. The individual overseeing the Magus Order is the Archmage, who resides upon the Council.

The Golden Chapel (Light’s Resolute) -

The Golden Chapel (or Light’s Resolute as it’s locally known) is the spiritual centerpiece of Everstone; it is what brings the Duchy together, in a way. It represents the core beliefs and values of House Everstone: strength, unity, courage, and prosperity. The Golden Chapel’s known for its charitable ways, offering an open heart to all in need. However, secretly, it is much more than what’s stated. The Golden Chapel employs monster and witch hunters and inquisitors to root out evil wherever it may dwell. There’s a darker side to Light’s Resolute, hiding just beneath the veiled words of hope and kindness. Its representative upon the Council is the Lord/Lady Bishop.

The Commonfolk -

The Commonfolk make up the largest majority of the Duchy’s inhabitants. They’re the laymen of Everstone. They’re the farmers, blacksmiths, merchants, and innkeepers. They’re the tailors, serving boys and girls, shepherds, and minutemen. The representative of the Commonfolk upon the Council is the Steward.

Positions we’re actively seeking:

Council positions!

A bodyguard for Lady Farah Blackfyre!

A handmaiden for Lady Jossetta Everstone!

A nurse for Reveramon (our Court Physician)!

As a guild, our one and only priority is to bring together a group of individuals who share a like-mindedness for political role-play, while maintaining an open-minded approach when dealing with others! We’re trying to offer something a little different: ‘slice of life’ role-play, with noble elements. Of course, we’ll do events and campaigns; but you’ll find a family, too, we hope! Open-ended, organic adventures await us all.

Our motto’s quality over quantity, so if you’re interested, we do have a few OOC questions for you first. We simply want to ensure we’re a proper fit for you, and that you’ll find a home for your character at Everstone.

Discord required.

UPDATE: This used a link I was provided when I asked for the specific application by Bell Media. It was not the correct link. I will be updating the post with the correct information but please do not circulate it until then.

(And this is why we don’t fall asleep right after posting lads.)

Posted December 19th, 00:45 PST

If you are currently unfamiliar with the unexpected net neutrality battle, please refer to this post.

As a short summary, Bell Media, backed by Cineplex and Rogers Media, is attempting to take control of net neutrality in Canada by going directly to the CRTC (who regulates most Canadian media related leglislation).

This allows them to skip the regular court process that would normally open them to public disapproval and is a dangerous and underhanded move for all Canadians.

This guide will show you how to directly comment to the CRTC on the proposal put forward by Bell step by step. The comment process should take less than ten minutes and could make a huge difference on tomorrow’s outcome.

The following is for Canadian citizens or permanent residents only. If you are neither please follow the above link where you can still make your voice heard by signing the active petition. Please also continue to circulate information including this post and the post linked above.

You can continue to do this until the hearing period is over, but comments submitted in the next few hours will also hold a lot of weight.

You will see a feedback form. Select all three applicants listed (Bell Media, Corus Entertainment, and Rogers Media).

Next, select your intervention type as opposition. You will also submit your comment here. If you don’t know what to write or don’t feel comfortable writing from scratch, you can use the following skeleton:

“My name is [LEGAL NAME], and I am writing my intervention in opposition to this application.

The application will set a standard for media moderation without input from the majority of Canadian consumers. As a Canadian citizen, I do not believe this is in line with our right to freedom of speech and furthermore does not accurately represent the majority of consumers desires.

As a consumer I ask for this application to be denied, as it stands in opposition to the beliefs of the CRTC as well as the values we as a people hold for our freedom of information and speech.”

I recommend changing the wording slightly if you are able. However even just a direct paste if you agree with the message still is a good contribution.

This next part is optional, but I would recommend selecting “I do not wish to appear” unless you are completely confident should you actually be asked to defend your message in person.

Unless for some reason you actually are a respondent or a designated representative (if you are one you’ll know, don’t worry), skip these two. Agree to the confirmation of service, you won’t be asked to provide evidence or proof as you are responding as a consumer not as a legal or commercial representative.

Finally, before completing make sure all necessary sections are properly filled out. Use your legal name and most professional email.