/tar 4 Haelz /cast Cyclone

It seems like only a little while ago that I needed guest bloggers because I was going on vacation. And, indeed, it was only a little while ago. However, I’m about to likely disappear for a week or so. I’m not asking for guest bloggers, as in truth I wouldn’t have time to upload their submissions, nor do I have time to give them warning to work on them.

You see, my housing for this semester of university is in utter turmoil. I don’t know where I’m going to live or how soon I’m going to have internet. I seem to keep getting some sort of amazing find that will get me set and ready to go, only to have it fall apart at the last minute. The yo-yoing is frustrating and emotionally draining; I’m stressed and depressed. For the past few days I’ve been babysitting from about 6 AM to 5 PM every day, calling apartment buildings, my university, and trying to pack without knowing just how much room for things I’ll need (or what, in truth, I will need to bring). I have been on Bellwether a total of fifteen minutes and only to apologize to people I had made plans with. I have no internet at my father’s and few chances to use it while at my mother’s.

There are comments I want to respond to, e-mails I need to get to, and all manner of things that just can’t be done right now due to the clusterfuck that is my living situation.

Therefore, all I’m asking is your patience while I get my stuff sorted out, and I apologize for leaving you in the middle of that five-part series.

Thanks everyone for your understanding, and I’m sure I’ll be back again in no time at all.

A Touch of New Paint

I haven't done too much work on the blog, but there's some new things I want to point out.

There are more blogs added to both the Druid Blogs and Other WoW Blogs section. I am sure that all of them properly display their titles when hovered over; however if there is one missing or broken I'd love if you let me know!

I reinstated the "Guild Member" blogs section, as a holy paladin (warlock/rogue/balance druid) in Sunder has decided he'll step up to the plate and give you all a taste of what he knows. I, myself, am eternally grateful for this, as my baby Paladin Bellbell is finally climbing in levels again, and I know for sure I could use the help. It's under construction at the moment, but when he gets started it's going to be a doozy.

At the bottom of the blog I'm going to be embedding one machinima at a time. I'm not putting these on any sort of update schedule, I'm just doing it because I feel like it! And I feel there's no better reason than that, right?

Also, to close, everyone should toddle on over here to Witch Doctor and check out her awesome comic about healers!

Posts of the Week (Or Two)

I missed this last week, but in all fairness, this is a harder post to write than it looks. Also, it seems it's "cheating," as my Hunter CO calls it, to write a post just of links. Though he also said in the same time frame that it was incredibly helpful to him, so I'm just going to say "Up yours" and leave it at that. This has some older posts in it too, but they're still great!

Levelling a Paladin: Introduction - Banana Shoulders
This is a long, well-thought out post with a lot of information to help baby pallies or those of us who are simply clueless about the class figure out the basics. It's well-worth the time to read. She's also got a great guide to Tanking as a Holy Paladin. Really, just read the whole blog.

Critical Mass for Raiding Guilds - Moar HP than Jesus
This is a nice, succinct article that shares some thoughts on what is needed to raid, strictly numbers-wise. Some definite food for thought.

Patch 2.4 Official Class Changes - Resto4Life
After scaring us with fake patch notes, Phaelia comes through (for druids at least) with the real deal.

Galertruby on "Why I Like Being a Priest" - Need More Rage
The profound Galertruby explains the best things about being a priest. The illustrious Ratshag also sheds some light on why it's great to be a member of the warrior class. Mmm, scars are sexy.

Gnaked Gnome Race - BigRedKitty
It was awesome. I was there. I didn't take pictures. I'm kicking myself.

PvPing as a Tank - Critical QQ
A great concept for an article, this will help anyone who wants to tank for PvE but hasn't the resources to be constantly speccing in and out for battlegrounds.

Ego MailDump: Flash Heal - Egotistical Priest
An in-depth look on using Flash Heal vs. a downranked Greater Heal. Very nice, very well-written and clear on why exactly one way works better than the other. I'm not telling you which one. Go read it.

How Fast Can You Kill Curator? - World of Matticus
Matticus has a challenge for you. Get to it! And while you're at it, read the excellent interview of Big Bear Butt on his site as well.

Stealth Topic... shh! Don't tell anyone! - Big Bear Butt
Well, um...I totally didn't tell you this, but BBB has a blog post about finding motes and getting the most bang for your buck. Or motes for your time. But seriously, I didn't tell you. This isn't even here.

Arrowed! - Aspect of the Hare
Guide to all ranged ammunition! It's list-tastic with nice commentary. Everything a hunter needs to know about arrows and slugs and shells.

Posts of the Week

It's time once again for more posts of the week!

Sporeggar - A Tale of Two Druids
This caught my eye because, being the total noob in Outlands that I was, I completely botched my Sporeggar rep progression and it's taking me a thousand times longer just to get the transmute, let alone the pet I so desperately want. This should help anyone else from making the same mistake I did!

I feel light - Laser Chicken
A sadder sort of post...Laser Chicken is leaving WoW behind. I think he's doing it for the right reasons, even if he will be sorely missed. /salute

Fighting the intangibles - Of Teeth and Claws
This is a great article with some detailing of ZA for bear tanks, but a more important look on confidence and the loss thereof.

Arrrghhh!!! Trinkets!!! - Resto4Life
Phaelia over at Resto4Life delves into various trinkets and their returns, helping you find which one suits your needs. Like some things, the item (more specifically, its rarity) may surprise you.

On Agro Management - Elvis Does WoW
My Hunter CO details various ways to not pull mobs off of your tank, keeping you alive and doing your job, whether it's dps, cc or healing.

A Question for the Ages Leads to an Informative Post - Aspect of the Hare
Pike and Tux head to Dr. Doom to check out the increase in their dps using various trinkets and abilities. It's detailed with screenshots and the outcomes are highly favorable.

EgoRaidLeader: Five Principles to Raid By - Egotistical Priest
The Ego's RL stepped in to give everyone some fine-tuned advice on how to go about raiding. Whether you're casual or not, there's truth in there for everyone. There's more tips in the comments!

Guest Blogger: Galertruby - Need More Rage
Truly wisdom for the ages. Galertruby knows all.

6 Reasons Why I Will Never PUG a 25 Man Raid Again - World of Matticus
One of those painful, so-glad-it-didn't-happen-to-me Schadenfreude reads. In case you actually needed more reasons not to PUG raids.

He loves me, He loves me not - Gun Lovin' Dwarf Chick
A quick, helpful post on pet loyalty and getting those cute little buggers to fawn all over you.

Blog Spotlight: Three Druid Noob
He has three druids! THREE! One of each spec! This can only get more interesting.

Blog Azeroth!

So there's this awesome new place to hang out. You've probably seen it pop up on a bunch of blogs, and now mine! Astounding. Why is this happening? Well, now you can know!

It's called Blog Azeroth. Now, you've probably all gotten the same spiel, but! I want to do it too. I want to be part of the "in" crowd and invite you all to read further and then join a great community!

So, how's it work? The oft-quoted Phaelia says,

Blog Azeroth was created to facilitate the exchange of information and foster community among Warcraft blog authors. While we all appreciate and thrive upon building our own separate communities of readers and — in some cases, members of the class upon which we have focused — we are all part of the same community. Many of us struggle with the same problems, be it the cumbersome migration from one blog platform to another, knowing what stats are the most helpful, or gold spammers trying to take advantage of a publicly available platform. By sharing what we’ve each learned individually, we increase our collective knowledgebase. And all without having to hunt down an e-mail address or post a comment in an attempt to contact each other!

That's right!

I don't know where she got the idea!

;)

Posts of the Week

So, this is something I'm going to do every week (give or take, when time allows) where I highlight my favorite posts of the week. This does not mean that they were written that week, but...this week was when I read them! So, let's get started.

Pump out even more DPS in Kara (or threat) - Laser Chicken
Though not written this week, I always like finding new and interesting trips that put new spins on clearing TBC instances.

Snobbery, Elitism and Things That Go "Boom" - Leafshine: Lust for Flower
A great article on the need to feel special, and different. I want to be a snowflake!

Shockadins vs. Heal Specs - Crusader Aura
A great comparison on the difference between Shockadins and Healbots (er...Healadins).

/tap tap tap - Big Red Kitty
Blogs no one has done before. Except now, someone did one. Welcome Captain Pugger to the blog scene!

Talent Spec: Levelling Restoration/Balance - Resto4Life
A great guide if you want to level as a druid, both being able to dish some damage and learn healing as you progress.

Is Feral T5 Worth it? - Of Teeth and Claws
A great breakdown of T5 for the feral audience! Seriously.

Beneficial Balance Builds - A Tale of Two Druids
Great for anyone who wants to know how to build a better Balance Boomy.

10+3 Personalities Every Guild Leader Needs Around - World of Matticus
Not only funny, but true!

Shifting Perspectives: Levelling and Talent Specs - WoWinsider (as written by Big Bear Butt Blogger)
And finally, it's time for the feral levelling builds. Moar mangel plz!

Need More Rage - Ratshag
It's...Ratshag. You just...it's Ratshag. Just go read the whole blog. Go. Do it. Technically, this is a whole blog, and I've been reading it for a while, but the whole thing is amazing.