WoW Insiderhttp://wow.joystiq.comWoW Insiderhttp://wow.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gifWoW Insiderhttp://wow.joystiq.comen-usCopyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/WoW Insider ShowEvery week, the WoW Insider Show brings you news and views from the World of Warcraft and the site that covers it all, WoW Insider. We introduce a panel of rotating guests, including bloggers from WoW Insider and other WoW blogs, and many popular personalities from around the WoW community. From the live listener chat and polls during the show, to the emails direct from listeners (reach us at theshow@wow.com), right on to the "meat" of the show -- in-depth discussion of the most popular news and posts on WoW Insider -- the WoW Insider Show is a terrific source of news and entertainment about what's going on with Blizzard and their World of Warcraft. Listen live every Saturday at 3:30 pm Eastern on our Ustream page (http://www.ustream.tv/channel/wow-insider-show) or subscribe to the feed and let us know what you think by reviewing the show right here in iTunes.Letter From The Editor: Diablo 3 launch coveragehttp://wow.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/letter-from-the-editor-diablo-3-launch-coverage/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/letter-from-the-editor-diablo-3-launch-coverage/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/letter-from-the-editor-diablo-3-launch-coverage/#commentsFiled under: ,

Image

At the end of days, the first sign shall appear in the heavens. Justice shall fall upon the world of men.

At midnight tonight, Diablo III launches in North America. Other regions aren't far behind (or ahead, as the case may be). The number of World of Warcraft players who will be playing Diablo tonight is astronomical; more than one million Annual Pass subscribers will be receiving the game, and countless more will be purchasing Diablo III on its own simply because it's a good game.

The Real ID and BattleTag systems have brought these games' audiences closer together than they have ever been. With all of that in mind, we here at WoW Insider feel that we would be doing our readers a disservice if we didn't provide content that will help all of you ease yourselves into your brand new game. For the next two days, you're going to see a number of Diablo-related articles and guides here on our site mixed in with our usual WoW stuff. In the long term, we plan to continue to cover major general Blizzard news from all of its games as we've always done (see our recent Blizzard All-Stars news), and the next 48 hours or so will be a little bit heavier on it than you may be used to seeing. We hope that you'll enjoy what we have to offer.

However, if you're the sort of person who has absolutely no interest in Diablo, if the mere mention of the game makes you sick to your stomach and you don't want to see anything on our site but World of Warcraft, we have a solution for you. For the next two days, all of our World of Warcraft content will be tagged "not-diablo." To filter out all of our Diablo content, just go to this link here for the next couple of days for content that's 100% Diablo-free. Treat that as our front page for awhile. Come Wednesday, though, make sure to come back to our real front page -- we won't use that tag forever, just during this Diablo blitz.

If you have any feedback on our Diablo III coverage throughout the day, please feel free to email me your thoughts at alex@wowinsider.com. Did you like what you saw? Is there something we could have done better? I won't be able to respond to everyone, but I assure you that every email sent will be read.

Evil has returned! 1.2 million WoW players are getting Diablo III for free thanks to the Annual Pass. You can get prepared for the evil with WoW Insider's launch coverage. From the lore of Diablo, to the important blue posts and the basics of Diablo gameplay, we'll get you on the inside track for the return of evil.

WoW InsiderLetter From The Editor: Diablo 3 launch coverage originally appeared on WoW Insider on Mon, 14 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>annual-passdiablo-3diablo-3-launchdiablo-3-releasenot-diabloAlex ZiebartMon, 14 May 2012 10:00:00 ESTWRUP: Fox Van Allen's Getting Your Kids into Commercials!http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/wrup-fox-van-allens-getting-your-kids-into-commercials/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/wrup-fox-van-allens-getting-your-kids-into-commercials/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/wrup-fox-van-allens-getting-your-kids-into-commercials/#commentsFiled under:

Every week, just at the start of the weekend, we catch up with the WoW Insider staff and ask them, "What are you playing this week?" -- otherwise known as: WRUP. Join us to see what we're up to in and out of game, and catch us in the comments to let us know what you're playing, too!

There are only two weeks left until yours truly packs up and moves cross-country from Boston to California. But not just anywhere in California -- Los Angeles. Hollywood! The next time you see me, I'll be a star! Why? Because I've been watching Mel Kane's Getting Your Kids into Commercials nonstop. I think I finally have all the know-how it takes to be a showbiz kid!

Do you look at your child as a financial burden? Then you're doing it wrong. It's time to take that toddler and monetize him through the magic world of commercial acting!

Don't know where to start? Well, no worries -- Mel Kane's Getting Your Kids into Commercials is here to help. Mel will teach you all the key aspects of being a showbiz parent: how to punish your child when they mess up their lines, how to punish your child when they miss their mark, and how to punish your child when they look bored and clearly don't want to be there acting. And most importantly, Mel will teach you how severely to punish your kids when they don't read that week's WRUP. (Very severely! WRUP is totes important!)

So, that's that. While you get your kids browbeat into shape, the rest of us will be here What aRe yoU Playing our hearts out to avoid the wrath of our own showbiz parents. This week's bonus question: With the recent announcement that cross-realm zones are coming to Mists of Pandaria, I've been in a very nostalgic mode. So, I want to know: What's your favorite low-level zone?

Continue reading WRUP: Fox Van Allen's Getting Your Kids into Commercials!

WoW InsiderWRUP: Fox Van Allen's Getting Your Kids into Commercials! originally appeared on WoW Insider on Fri, 11 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>what-are-you-playingwrupFox Van AllenFri, 11 May 2012 19:30:00 ESTWRUP: The WoW Insider TV showhttp://wow.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/wrup-the-wow-insider-tv-show/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/wrup-the-wow-insider-tv-show/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/wrup-the-wow-insider-tv-show/#commentsFiled under:

Every week, just at the start of the weekend, we catch up with the WoW Insider staff and ask them, "What are you playing this week?" -- otherwise known as: WRUP. Join us to see what we're up to in and out of game, and catch us in the comments to let us know what you're playing, too!

Here's a question, ladies and gents: What's your favorite TV show? Are you a fan of the recently renewed Fringe? Perhaps you're more the American Horror Story type? Maybe you British blokes care for Coronation Street, Blue Peter, or The Chase? (Look at the American pretending he knows stuff about British culture -- isn't that cute?)

Surely none of you said your favorite show was TMZ, even though that's an actual show that really exists on TV in real life. Apparently, someone thought it would be a great idea to take a celebrity gossip site and turn it into an awful TV show. (P.S.: I am so sorry for sharing the above clip with you.) But that's not the only terrible idea floating out there on television -- after all, someone is turning that I Can Haz Cheezeburger nonsense into a TV show, too.

So, that got me thinking -- if any website out there can wind up being a poorly rated TV show, why not ours? Why can't there be a show that revolves around our wacky escapades? We literally could not be worse than TMZ. Never mind that it's a bad idea to put folks like Mike Sacco and Mat McCurley on TV. I'm ready to be famous. Not like I-write-for-the-internet famous, but B-list reality show famous. It's time.

While you're waiting for good ol' Fox to make his TV debut, why don't you WRUP with us? This week's bonus question: What kind of parties have you been to ... er, I mean, what are you doing in the MoP beta right now?

Continue reading WRUP: The WoW Insider TV show

WoW InsiderWRUP: The WoW Insider TV show originally appeared on WoW Insider on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>what-are-you-playingwrupFox Van AllenFri, 27 Apr 2012 20:00:00 ESTWRUP: Panda and demon betas reignhttp://wow.joystiq.com/2012/04/21/wrup-panda-and-demon-betas-reign/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/04/21/wrup-panda-and-demon-betas-reign/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/04/21/wrup-panda-and-demon-betas-reign/#commentsFiled under:

Image
Every week, just at the start of the weekend, we catch up with the WoW Insider staff and ask them, "What are you playing this week?" -- otherwise known as: WRUP. Join us to see what we're up to in and out of game, and catch us in the comments to let us know what you're playing, too!

Whoa ho ho, ladies and gentlemen. Did you know that Blizzard has two betas going on at the same time, right now, while you read this? It's a Blizzard Beta Bountiful Bonus Weekend, with Diablo III's mega stress test and public beta arriving to destroy Blizzard's servers, as well as another 400,000 invites to the Mists of Pandaria beta, rounding out the Annual Pass holders still not with beta access.

We're playing all sorts of games around here this weekend, but the real question remains: What is your absolute least favorite ability currently in the game? What ability in WoW is just so offensive to you, so gut-wrenchingly awful, that you can't fight the disgusted scoffs that accompany the mere mention of it?

Continue reading WRUP: Panda and demon betas reign

WoW InsiderWRUP: Panda and demon betas reign originally appeared on WoW Insider on Sat, 21 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>what-are-you-playingwrupMathew McCurleySat, 21 Apr 2012 09:00:00 ESTWRUP: Get there early and save!http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/wrup-get-there-early-and-save/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/wrup-get-there-early-and-save/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/wrup-get-there-early-and-save/#commentsFiled under:

Every week, just at the start of the weekend, we catch up with the WoW Insider staff and ask them, "What are you playing this week?" -- otherwise known as: WRUP. Join us to see what we're up to in and out of game, and catch us in the comments to let us know what you're playing, too!

I don't care if it's slated to be 72 degrees and sunny tomorrow here in Boston -- this weekend is going to be terrible. Why, you ask? Because this weekend isn't a PAX East weekend. Mat McCurley isn't crashing on my couch, eating pizza and doing nerd stuff. And the staff of WoW Insider isn't entertaining a crowd of people during a live show. That's the real downer.

Mat worked feverishly to entertain the hell out of an estimated 300 PAX convention-goers last Saturday. Thankfully, he had the foresight to video record the whole thing. You can only watch 10 minutes of it, but they're the only visually important minutes anyway. You should watch it, even if only for the fact that the stunningly handsome Fox Van Allen is in the mix. (Check out the full audio podcast.)

Anyway, though this weekend is sure to be less interesting than the last, we still need to WRUP. Today's bonus question: What's your favorite independent video game?

Continue reading WRUP: Get there early and save!

WoW InsiderWRUP: Get there early and save! originally appeared on WoW Insider on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>PAXPAX-eastpax-east-2012what-are-you-playingWRUPFox Van AllenFri, 13 Apr 2012 19:00:00 ESTWRUP: PAX East is funhttp://wow.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/wrup-pax-east-is-fun/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/wrup-pax-east-is-fun/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/wrup-pax-east-is-fun/#commentsFiled under:

Image
Every week, just at the start of the weekend, we catch up with the WoW Insider staff and ask them, "What are you playing this week?" -- otherwise known as: WRUP. Join us to see what we're up to in and out of game, and catch us in the comments to let us know what you're playing, too!

PAX East has been a phenomenal time so far. We've met lots of fans, stood in a bunch of lines, and have been having a generally positive time. That's what I've been up to, anyway. How about you and our intrepid WoW Insider staff? Playing beta? Running raids? What are you guys playing this weekend? Remember, come see our panel.

This week's bonus: PAX East is now. Give me a Monday morning headline for after the show -- what's that big news going to be?

Continue reading WRUP: PAX East is fun

WoW InsiderWRUP: PAX East is fun originally appeared on WoW Insider on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>pax-eastwhat-are-you-playingwow-insider-showwow-insider-show-livewrupMathew McCurleySat, 07 Apr 2012 13:00:00 ESTFind Alex, Mat, or Fox at PAX East and get a free in-game companion pethttp://wow.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/find-alex-mat-or-fox-at-pax-east-and-get-a-free-in-game-compan/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/find-alex-mat-or-fox-at-pax-east-and-get-a-free-in-game-compan/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/find-alex-mat-or-fox-at-pax-east-and-get-a-free-in-game-compan/#commentsFiled under:

Image
If you can find Alex, Mat, or Fox walking around the convention floor at PAX East this weekend, be sure to say hi, and you could get a code for an in-game companion pet. All you need to do is tell them you want it -- maybe sweeten the deal by saying how cool WoW Insider is -- and it's yours!

Alex, Mat, and Fox will be giving these out on Friday and Saturday, so the sooner you find them, the better chance you'll have at some sweet loot. Supplies are limited.

Oh, and there's this WoW Insider Panel on Saturday at 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Wyvern Theater, where we're giving away just about everything under the sun. Actually, including the sun. Yup.

The above picture is of Fox and Michelle Morrow after Fox was denied several hugs at a taping of The Price is Right. I'm not sure if he'll be wearing his Price is Right name tag or not at PAX East, but I wouldn't be surprised if he is. Hit the break for pictures of what Mat looks like. I've also thrown in a picture of Sacco for good measure, even though he doesn't have any codes to give away. (/chuckle)

Continue reading Find Alex, Mat, or Fox at PAX East and get a free in-game companion pet

WoW InsiderFind Alex, Mat, or Fox at PAX East and get a free in-game companion pet originally appeared on WoW Insider on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>breakingpaxpax-eastpax-east-2012Adam HoliskyFri, 06 Apr 2012 12:00:00 ESTWoW Insider's PAX East/Boston survival guidehttp://wow.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/wow-insiders-pax-east-boston-survival-guide/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/wow-insiders-pax-east-boston-survival-guide/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/wow-insiders-pax-east-boston-survival-guide/#commentsFiled under: ,

Image
Heading into Boston for PAX East? Well then, welcome -- you're visiting Fox Van Allen's hometown. Be sure to wipe your feet first. And pay no mind to that dude on the bicycle making the siren noise -- he's just part of the ambiance.

If this is your first time at PAX East -- or really, your first time in Boston -- you might be a little bit overwhelmed by this fair city I call home. But don't be! Boston is one of the nicest, cleanest cities in the United States (no, seriously). It's also one of the safest. If you're spending every waking hour at the convention hall, you're seriously missing out.

Continue reading WoW Insider's PAX East/Boston survival guide

WoW InsiderWoW Insider's PAX East/Boston survival guide originally appeared on WoW Insider on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>bostonguide-to-bostonguide-to-pax-eastpax-2012pax-eastpax-east-2012wow-insider-showwow-insider-show-liveFox Van AllenThu, 05 Apr 2012 14:00:00 ESTWoW Insider receives new comment system, apocalypse imminenthttp://wow.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/wow-insider-receives-new-comment-system-apocalypse-imminent/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/wow-insider-receives-new-comment-system-apocalypse-imminent/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/wow-insider-receives-new-comment-system-apocalypse-imminent/#commentsFiled under:

Image
Hey, remember that time when you guys were like, "Hey WoW Insider, when are you getting a new comment system?" And then we were like, "We're totally getting one real soon!" And then three years later, we were still using the same awful comment system that nobody ever liked? Yeah ...

Well, guess what? We're getting a new comment system! Like, right now. This very second. Enjoy.

WoW InsiderWoW Insider receives new comment system, apocalypse imminent originally appeared on WoW Insider on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>comment-systemthe-end-is-nighAlex ZiebartWed, 04 Apr 2012 20:15:00 ESTWRUP: A bunch of cool catshttp://wow.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/wrup-a-bunch-of-cool-cats/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/wrup-a-bunch-of-cool-cats/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/wrup-a-bunch-of-cool-cats/#commentsFiled under:

Every week, just at the start of the weekend, we catch up with the WoW Insider staff and ask them, "What are you playing this week?" -- otherwise known as: WRUP. Join us to see what we're up to in and out of game, and catch us in the comments to let us know what you're playing, too!

Ah, the weekend! That magical time of the week when all you cool cats get out there on your choppers and ride.

But more importantly for our purposes here at WoW Insider, the weekend means it's time to WRUP. That's when we check in with our WoW Insider writers to see what it is that they're doing this weekend. This week's bonus question: When Mists of Pandaria Pet Battles launch, who's going to be your go-to pet?

Continue reading WRUP: A bunch of cool cats

WoW InsiderWRUP: A bunch of cool cats originally appeared on WoW Insider on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>what-are-you-playingwrupFox Van AllenFri, 30 Mar 2012 22:00:00 ESTWRUP: Want to be a part of the MoP beta? You have the power!http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/wrup-want-to-be-a-part-of-the-mop-beta-you-have-the-power/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/wrup-want-to-be-a-part-of-the-mop-beta-you-have-the-power/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/wrup-want-to-be-a-part-of-the-mop-beta-you-have-the-power/#commentsFiled under:

Every week, just at the start of the weekend, we catch up with the WoW Insider staff and ask them, "What are you playing this week?" -- otherwise known as: WRUP. Join us to see what we're up to in and out of game, and catch us in the comments to let us know what you're playing, too!

Well, certainly you all have read the news -- the Mists of Pandaria beta is open. And you're probably not in it. I mean, after all, if you were, wouldn't you be spending your time this evening playing it instead of reading this nonsense?

But still, for those of us who are beta free, you cannot give up hope -- for, you see, you have the power. You have ... crystals! Look at them longingly. Hold them close to your face. Now hold them slightly away from your face. Now have someone look at you from a different angle. Do you feel the power? Are you surrounded by glowing light? You'll find that crystals power truth!

I'm pretty confident that the secret to getting in this MoP beta hinges on proper crystal usage, so don't give up hope if you're not in yet. Just spend several hours a day holding and hoisting crystals. And while you're waiting for the power (that you already have, mind you -- you have the power), you can tell us what you're playing this weekend. And finally, you can answer our bonus question: If you could have any in-game ability to use in real life, what would it be?

Continue reading WRUP: Want to be a part of the MoP beta? You have the power!

WoW InsiderWRUP: Want to be a part of the MoP beta? You have the power! originally appeared on WoW Insider on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>crystalsweekly-roundupwhat-are-you-playingwrupFox Van AllenFri, 23 Mar 2012 22:00:00 ESTWRUP: Mists of Pandaria spoiler alerthttp://wow.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/wrup-mists-of-pandaria-spoiler-alert/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/wrup-mists-of-pandaria-spoiler-alert/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/wrup-mists-of-pandaria-spoiler-alert/#commentsFiled under: ,

Every week, just at the start of the weekend, we catch up with the WoW Insider staff and ask them, "What are you playing this week?" -- otherwise known as: WRUP. Join us to see what we're up to in and out of game, and catch us in the comments to let us know what you're playing, too!

Oh my God, you guys.

You're forgiven if you don't know the ins and outs of our relationship with Blizzard. But right now, Editor-in-Chief Alex Ziebart and The Queue superstar Mike Sacco are in Irvine, California. They're getting a special insider look at the Mists of Pandaria expansion from Blizzard itself.

But here's the problem: Though we have a ridiculous amount of unbelievably amazing information, we're not actually allowed to share it with you yet. We're under a press embargo. It's driving us crazy.

So in the interest of maintaining our relationship with Blizzard, we're going to spoil every other thing we can that isn't Mists of Pandaria. So -- spoiler alert! Today's WRUP combines the fun of telling everyone what you're playing with the fun of ruining stuff for other people.

Continue reading WRUP: Mists of Pandaria spoiler alert

WoW InsiderWRUP: Mists of Pandaria spoiler alert originally appeared on WoW Insider on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>mists-of-pandariamopspoiler-alertwhat-are-you-playingwrupFox Van AllenFri, 16 Mar 2012 17:30:00 ESTWRUP: The Price, in this selected instance, is probably not righthttp://wow.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/wrup-the-price-in-this-selected-instance-is-probably-not-righ/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/wrup-the-price-in-this-selected-instance-is-probably-not-righ/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/wrup-the-price-in-this-selected-instance-is-probably-not-righ/#commentsFiled under:

Every week, just at the start of the weekend, we catch up with the WoW Insider staff and ask them, "What are you playing this week?" -- otherwise known as: WRUP. Join us to see what we're up to in and out of game, and catch us in the comments to let us know what you're playing, too!

This past Wednesday, I got to spend the day with Michele Morrow in Los Angeles. For those who don't know, she's not just a WoW-lebrity aiming to be cast as Lady Sylvanas in the upcoming WoW movie. She's and honest to goodness real celeb, having appeared in a number of horror movies and on TV.

With yours truly in Hollywood, I figured it was time to do as the locals do -- both Michele and I headed to CBS Television City to try our luck at landing a starring role on daytime TV via The Price is Right. There was lots of waiting involved, but the payoff was pretty cool. We got front row seats and plenty of camera time. (You're welcome, America.)

But enough about dinette sets, cars, and the thrill of Plinko -- that episode won't air until March 29. We need to live in the now. And living in the now means it's time to roll up our sleeves and WRUP like we've never WRUPed before.

So, ladies, gents, and misshapen gnomes -- what in the heck are you playing this weekend?

Continue reading WRUP: The Price, in this selected instance, is probably not right

WoW InsiderWRUP: The Price, in this selected instance, is probably not right originally appeared on WoW Insider on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>michele-morrowthe-price-is-rightwhat are you playingwhat-are-you-playingWhatAreYouPlayingwrupFox Van AllenFri, 02 Mar 2012 20:00:00 ESTWRUP: Just say no to Brandon Tartikoffhttp://wow.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/wrup-just-say-no-to-brandon-tartikoff/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/wrup-just-say-no-to-brandon-tartikoff/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/wrup-just-say-no-to-brandon-tartikoff/#commentsFiled under:

Every week, just at the start of the weekend, we catch up with the WoW Insider staff and ask them, "What are you playing this week?" -- otherwise known as: WRUP. Join us to see what we're up to in and out of game, and catch us in the comments to let us know what you're playing, too!

Dumb. Creepy. Lame. Stupid. Life-ruining.

These are all words to describe Bloodthistle. (Conveniently enough, they also describe Tyler Caraway.) Bloodthistle is all the rage amongst inner city blood elf youth. A cheap, quick buff that makes your magic stronger.

But it comes at a price. Bloodthistle withdrawal. Not only does it slash your intellect, but it's the number one cause of terrible public service announcements starring Brandon Tartikoff.

If a Thistlehead tries to get you hooked, get a teacher! Or just tell them: you're not a chicken -- they're a turkey. That line will burn. That line will burn them so bad.

You know why you don't need the thistlejuice? Because you've got a pretty sweet natural high right here in WRUP. Hearing what your favorite WoW Insider writers are up to this weekend is an unrivaled head rush. And seeing them answer this week's bonus question, where I ask them to tell me how the story for World of Warcraft is going to end? Pure nirvana.

Continue reading WRUP: Just say no to Brandon Tartikoff

WoW InsiderWRUP: Just say no to Brandon Tartikoff originally appeared on WoW Insider on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>brandon-tartikoffjust-say-nowhat-are-you-playingwrupFox Van AllenFri, 24 Feb 2012 20:00:00 ESTWRUP: Supplies are limited -- act nowhttp://wow.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/wrup-supplies-are-limited-act-now/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/wrup-supplies-are-limited-act-now/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/wrup-supplies-are-limited-act-now/#commentsFiled under:

Every week, just at the start of the weekend, we catch up with the WoW Insider staff and ask them, "What are you playing this week?" -- otherwise known as: WRUP. Join us to see what we're up to in and out of game, and catch us in the comments to let us know what you're playing, too!

At my age, there's nothing I treasure more than spending time with my grandkids. But my overactive bladder has ... other ideas. It used to stop me in my tracks. Now, thanks to my little secret -- WRUP -- I can get back out there and start enjoying life again. What a terrific National Secretaries' Day gift!

And making eggs? What a hassle! First you need to get water! Then you need to turn on the stove, risking severe burns and structure fires! Isn't there an easier way? Now, there is -- WRUP! What aRe yoU Playing uses space-age technology to make cooking eggs a breeze. Makes a great graduation gift.

This commemorative WRUP is struck in 24-karat gold. You and your family can cherish the memory of what your favorite WoW Insider writers were playing on Feb. 11 and 12, 2012. What a great way to teach your children video gaming history. One or two WRUPs is not enough -- you're going to want to buy three, five, 10, or more. Because once this WRUP is minted, it will never be minted again. Makes a great Arbor Day gift!

If there's one company that's mastered the art of the promotional tie-in better than us here at WoW Insider, it's Blizzard. There are promotional WoW drinking cups. There are shirts. Plushies. And soon, there is even going to be a World of Warcraft Monopoly game. It left us asking the question: What's next?

So in addition to the usual What are you playing? question, that's precisely what I asked our columnists: What promotional tie-in will Blizzard come up with next?

Continue reading WRUP: Supplies are limited -- act now

WoW InsiderWRUP: Supplies are limited -- act now originally appeared on WoW Insider on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>what-are-you-playingwrupFox Van AllenFri, 10 Feb 2012 20:00:00 ESTWRUP: Feb. 3, 2012http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/wrup-feb-3-2012/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/wrup-feb-3-2012/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/wrup-feb-3-2012/#commentsFiled under:

Every week, just at the start of the weekend, we catch up with the WoW Insider staff and ask them, "What are you playing this week?" -- otherwise known as: WRUP. Join us to see what we're up to in and out of game, and catch us in the comments to let us know what you're playing, too!

Today is Feb. 3, 2012. That probably doesn't seem exciting now. But someday in the future -- probably somewhere around April 12, 2038 (give or take) -- the idea of revisiting Feb. 3, 2012, will be so exciting. A trip to the past! What pop culture relics would our future selves uncover (and then mock)?!

The idea of a non-self-aware Facebook will seem quaint. We'll be in disbelief that we still powered our cars on dead dinosaurs. And Lana Del Rey?! What fools we were.

There's one thing we can take solace in, though. No matter what aspect of 2012 those time travelers from 2038 see, nothing can be as ridiculous as that song I posted above with the dancing robot. Nothing. (OK, maybe Lady Gaga compares.)

Enough about the past and future. It's Feb. 3, 2012. And dammit, we're going to WRUP in the here and now. This week's bonus question: Who is your favorite in-game NPC?

Continue reading WRUP: Feb. 3, 2012

WoW InsiderWRUP: Feb. 3, 2012 originally appeared on WoW Insider on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>what-are-you-playingwrupFox Van AllenFri, 03 Feb 2012 18:00:00 ESTThe Queue: Behind the curtainhttp://wow.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/the-queue-behind-the-curtain/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/the-queue-behind-the-curtain/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/the-queue-behind-the-curtain/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Welcome back to The Queue, the daily Q&A column in which the WoW Insider team answers your questions about the World of Warcraft. Alex Ziebart will be your host today.

In today's special edition of The Queue, I answer a ton of questions about WoW Insider's inner workings. Your regular World of Warcraft questions will return tomorrow!

kristen asked:

How does Wow Insider select writers and editors? Do they look for people with prominent blogs that can bring their own audience, or do they look for unique writing voice/style? Does WoW Insider go public with its need for new writers or editors, or is it an inside thing (no pun intended)?

Continue reading The Queue: Behind the curtain

WoW InsiderThe Queue: Behind the curtain originally appeared on WoW Insider on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>facebookfeedfeaturedguideqaquestion-and-answerwow-answerswow-daily-answerswow-daily-questionswow-guidewow-player-questionswow-q-and-awow-questionsAlex ZiebartTue, 31 Jan 2012 11:00:00 ESTWRUP: 1 (900) 555 - WRUPhttp://wow.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/wrup-1-900-555-wrup/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/wrup-1-900-555-wrup/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/wrup-1-900-555-wrup/#commentsFiled under:

Every week, just at the start of the weekend, we catch up with the WoW Insider staff and ask them, "What are you playing this week?" -- otherwise known as: WRUP. Join us to see what we're up to in and out of game, and catch us in the comments to let us know what you're playing, too!

Don't sit there sad and alone on yet another Friday night. Come on, give us a call and find out what the hottest WoW Insider writers are playing this weekend. Alex Ziebart, Adam Holisky, and more ... just waiting after the jump.

WRUP is $4.99 per minute. Please be 18 or older, or have your parents' permission. Or don't get your parents' permission. We'd actually prefer you don't, cause they'll probably just say no.

This week's bonus question: Do you still participate in in-game holidays? And do you participate in the Lunar Festival, in particular?

Continue reading WRUP: 1 (900) 555 - WRUP

WoW InsiderWRUP: 1 (900) 555 - WRUP originally appeared on WoW Insider on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>lunar-festivalwhat-are-you-playingwrupFox Van AllenFri, 27 Jan 2012 19:00:00 ESTExclusive: Watch "Race to World First" documentary free through Feb. 3http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/exclusive-watch-race-to-world-first-documentary-free-through/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/exclusive-watch-race-to-world-first-documentary-free-through/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/exclusive-watch-race-to-world-first-documentary-free-through/#commentsFiled under: ,

In a game where tools like the Raid Finder have democratized raiding, how does the mindset of players in top-echelon guilds pushing for world firsts differ from yours and mine? How much time do bleeding-edge guilds really put in? What tricks help them push past wipes and overcome raid challenges? How do they make up time and nudge past other guilds to claim world firsts? And why do other WoW players love to follow the action?

The whole sprawling scene plays out onscreen in the feature-length documentary Race to World First -- and you can watch it free right here at WoW Insider now through Feb. 3. (The film is also available at RacetoWorldFirst.com for a small fee.)

The Looking for Group Productions film, begun back in the day when clawing to a top spot on raiding progression charts was perhaps at its cut-throat peak, follows a handful of top-tier WoW guilds in their sprint to the top. Producers John Keating and Zachary Henderson conducted some of the early interviews for Race two years ago at BlizzCon 2010's WoW Insider reader meetup, including familiar faces like WI Editor Adam Holisky and GM/actress/huntress extraordinaire Michele Morrow.

Get a peek at this film for free while you can right here at WoW Insider. Who knows what in-game challenges you might feel up to tackling after seeing that much fiery motivation in action?

WoW InsiderExclusive: Watch "Race to World First" documentary free through Feb. 3 originally appeared on WoW Insider on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>25-man-raidingblood-legiondocumentaryjohn-keatinglfg-productionslooking-for-group-productionsprogressionprogression-raidersprogression-raidingrace-to-world-firstraidingraidsworld-firstzachary-hendersonLisa PoissoThu, 26 Jan 2012 20:00:00 ESTWRUP: Contact your [redacted] and tell them you oppose [redacted]http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/wrup-contact-your-redacted-and-tell-them-you-oppose-redacted/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/wrup-contact-your-redacted-and-tell-them-you-oppose-redacted/http://wow.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/wrup-contact-your-redacted-and-tell-them-you-oppose-redacted/#commentsFiled under:

Every week, just at the start of the weekend, we catch up with the WoW Insider staff and ask them, "What are you playing this week?" -- otherwise known as: WRUP. Join us to see what we're up to in and out of game, and catch us in the comments to let us know what you're playing, too!

Ladies and gentlemen, WoW Insider is not where I typically get political, but there's something that needs to be said. And if I'm going to say it anywhere, it's going to be on the rudderless ship of filler we've all come to know and love as WRUP.

As you may know, this past week, half the internet wound up blacking itself out in protest of the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and PROTECT IP Act (PIPA), two anti-piracy bills that could have wide-reaching consequences in terms of what those of us who make a living as internet creatives do. The congressmen who support the bill barely know what the internet is and sound like sputtering children when they try to explain why SOPA and PIPA are good bills. They're not.

SOPA is dead for now, but its House sponsor promises to bring it back in February. PIPA, SOPA's sister bill in the U.S. Senate, is undergoing retooling after a massive nationwide protest Wednesday. We did good, but we haven't won. And because the bad guys have unlimited money and stand to make more of it by passing SOPA/PIPA, we may never win for good. They'll keep trying. We have to keep fighting.

Why should you care? There's this thing out there called fair use that lets us at WoW Insider use certain copyrighted material to bring joy to your life. Fair use is what lets us talk about and show you images from World of Warcraft without having to beg Blizzard's permission. Fair use is what lets me bring video clips like that of Duane above into your life. SOPA and PIPA would literally kill WRUP. SOPA would kill Duane.

OK, I've said my piece. I'll get down from the soap box and hand you back your WRUP. Watch that video of Duane over and over again until the bad taste of politics is out of your mouth. Today's bonus question is a fairly innocuous, SOPA-free one: How far have you progressed in the new Dragon Soul raid? Are you running hard modes? Working on 10-mans? Or just running the Raid Finder? The world needs to know.

Continue reading WRUP: Contact your [redacted] and tell them you oppose [redacted]

WoW InsiderWRUP: Contact your [redacted] and tell them you oppose [redacted] originally appeared on WoW Insider on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>dragon-soulpiparaiding-statussopawhat-are-you-playingwrupFox Van AllenFri, 20 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST