World of Warcraft by Seth Schiesel

The two articles by Schiegel about the interactive Internet game,The World of War are enlightening and intriguing. The two perspectives he gives are from very different vantage points one is mainly informative and the other is an expression of his personal experience actually playing the game.The insight gained enables the reader to experience one of the most popular on line gaming phenomena. Each article gives us pertinent information and insight into the reading both articles I was amazed to learn how many gamers are actually registered to play. I was also interested to learn about the wonderful graphics and interactive play. The commerce aspect to the game and the ability to buy and sell goods in an eBay like trading area is also very novel. I have to admit, I have never played the WOW, but after reading both articles my interest is now peaked.The fee to register for the game is fairly nominal and the mass attraction to the game is of interest. I don't believe that this is just hype, I do believe that there is a genuine interest and mass appeal. The question is, when does this draw of the game and the desire to play boarder on obsessive compulsive behavior. Schiesel describes non-stop play and being the first to reach virgin levels. The competitive and relentless desire to finish more levels that anyone else seems excessive. If I were to play it would be for pure entertainment and not as serious competitive gamer. I wonder is this how it starts, and then progresses to an obsession? On second thought, maybe I will pass for now.