What's In A Name?

I recently started an Alliance character to level up with my kids. I chose a dwarf hunter and named him "Whatsfordinr". I really grew to like the name, especially when I got the ability to train pets. My Ice Claw Bear I named "Chickenagain". I really enjoyed seeing it on the screen next to my own name.

"Whatsfordinr - Chickenagain"

Then I made the long trek to Wailing Caverns (with a high-level friend) to train a raptor that I wanted to use in Warsong Gulch. I named him "Hordemeat". I really love my litte Hordemeat, and we got quite a few compliments on the name combination from fellow WSG teammembers.

Subsequently, when in front of the Ironforge bank, I got my first ever message from a Gamemaster. I was going to be disconnected in 15 seconds, and I should check the email account of the registered user for further information.

When I got booted and checked my email, I was shocked to find out that someone had reported my name as being offensive/taking away from their role playing experience and that I would have to choose a new one. I fail to see what was offensive about my (old) name, and am perplexed as to why it might "take someone out of the RP experience" !!! I have seen myriad player names and even many NPC names that are far worse in that respect. It's sad that someone spent the time to complain about "Whatsfordinr's" name. It makes me want to report others, but this would only screw others who I'm sure were not the one(s) who complained about my name. I'm confidant that the complainer's name is RP-respectfully derived from latin, italian, greek or japanese. I also wonder whether the GM's actually consider whether the name violates their policy or if they just strip any non-latin (etc.) name that is complained about. What is it with some people?? DOH!!

Okay, it's out of my system now.

In conclusion, because I was in a bit of a rush to get back into the game, I didn't give much thought to my dwarf hunters new name: "Olddwarf" - as in old dwarf (hey, he has grey hair, and I'm kinda old too). "Olddwarf" doesn't sound as good as the old name when he runs with Chickenagain and Hordemeat - but I still like him anyway.

Three Accounts Strong

My household now has three WoW accounts. After the transfer of two high level alliance toons, we all rolled alliance alts to enjoy some of the fruits. I stalled out at level 19 with my dwarf hunter because I'm having too much fun in Warsong Gulch. My son rolled a Pally and we've been having a blast. My daughter a priest, but since she's only level 14, she concentrates on healing in WSG. Since I hate level 19 twink gnome rogues so much, my son and I decided we'll both make one. So far they're very fast/easy to level.

Family party

Last weekend I set up a second World of Warcraft account. My kids have been creating and using characters on my account for several months (see this earlier post). While they were pretty good about sharing, sometimes they would argue about who got to play, for how long, etc. I, of course had thought about another account, but never even brought it up, thinking my wife would put the kaibash on it because of the subscription fee. However, the other night when the kids were saying (again) they wished they could play with me (or with each other), she asked why I didn't have another account. When I said because it would mean $30/month instead of $15, she said : "Just do it." By the next evening I had gone out and bought another copy of WoW and BC, had them installed, and the second account was up and running.

Now instead of HOTS (helping over their shoulder), it's PHIG (party/help in game). I like it much better this way. And they do need a lot of help.

My oldest daughter rolled a BE rogue, and I rolled a BE mage to level with her. She did okay at first, but when we got to the Silvermoon ruins, she was constantly running into crowds of mobs and either dying, or leaving me to die when I pulled them off of her. But while she's learning, we're having tons of fun. It's my first mage, so I'm leanring some things too. I think I'm going to enjoy these family parties.

So, if your considering a second account so you can play with family - I say: "Just Do It!"

My Kids and World of Warcraft

I've been playing World of Warcraft for nearly two years, and my kids (now 13, 11 and 8) have grown more computer literate over that time. At first they would just watch me play. Then they would suggest where to go, what to do, and give advice. Then they had fun just creating new characters. And now they have started adventuring on their own - when I'm not playing that is. They have several characters progressing into their teens, use my bank alts (when on my servers), and are exploring different servers (PVP in particular). My son (11 year old) loves to duel, which is something I never really got into. Their playtime is extremely limited because of other activities, but it is fun to help them out and watch them enjoy the game. I also find it interesting that to them, playing World of Warcraft is as natural as emailing, AIM-ing, and getting their school assignments online. They find it hard to comprehend that there were no such things as computers when I was growing up. LOL!

My main playing time is after their bedtime, and on most nights I have to ask them to get in bed when I realize they still are watching over my shoulder. They complain to me and their mother, saying that its not fair that I get to stay up and play WoW. I guess Dad's DO have certain privileges . . .

The Music of World of Warcraft

I've always loved the WoW music. Thank you Jason Hayes. I bought the CD from Blizzard, put it on my iPod, use it as background music in my office, etc., etc.

I have three kids, all play the violin. My oldest (13) is in first chair of her school orchestra. I attended their Spring Concert last week, and the musical selection was - sorry to say - quite BORING. I love classical music, especially the violin repertoire, but this stuff was sleepersville. I couldn't help thinking to myself that if I were the musical director I would throw some WoW music into the program. It's exciting, would be fun for the kids, not too difficult, and you could even pull the school chorus/choir into the concert.

Then today I saw this article: World of Warcraft promotion at PLAY! concert in San Jose. It is about a touring orchestra playing video game music (particularly WoW music). Has anyone seen World of Warcraft music performed? I think it would be great.