Comments on: Warcraft Looting Rules, Part Two: Basics http://wowgrrl.com/2007/02/15/basic-warcraft-looting-rules/ A Horde Girl's Adventures in World of Warcraft Wed, 07 Jan 2009 03:07:55 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7 hourly 1 By: Groove http://wowgrrl.com/2007/02/15/basic-warcraft-looting-rules/comment-page-1/#comment-16735 Groove Tue, 15 Apr 2008 20:54:47 +0000 http://wowgrrl.com/2007/02/15/basic-warcraft-looting-rules/#comment-16735 Certainly excellent advice to new players. However, I think it is also important to consider how to deal with a situation where someone has "ninjaed" loot. Despite horror stories to the contrary I have spent the majority of my instance runs PuGing, and I can honestly say that the vast majority of players are respectful, polite, intelligent people, most of whom genuinely want to work well with a group. Occassionally, someone rolls need on an item you may think they should not have. Before flying off the handle and tossing out accusations there are some things to consider: #1) Some players solo and/or PvP almost their entire "career" in the game. Many of these players know very little about the looting rules, particularly early in the game. Find out if this is the case with the player, and avoid being condescending, if possible. #2) Accidents DO happen. Be willing to accept that they may have accidentally selected the wrong button, or may have misidentified the nature of the item they are rolling on. Be watchful of them thereafter, to ensure it does not happen again. This rule is also applicable in situations where a group is wiping. I'd be lying if I said that I had a perfect run through every dungeon, where I played my toon perfectly, and I do consider myself pretty competent. #3) Unless you are the "WoW guru" of the day, and have extensively researched every class and every 1 of the multitude of options a player has for spec, I'm willing to bet that there are some things you do not know about other classes, and what type of items or stats they benefit the most from. Be willing to listen to the person's explanation. Druids and Shamans in particular have 3 VERY different talent trees, each with their own very unique needs for equipment. Don't assume that a Shaman only rolls on mail caster/healer gear. #4) Always be diplomatic, even when the other person isn't being so polite. Do NOT allow yourself to get pulled into a childish argument. Being respectful and polite, but remaining firm, will not only defuse what can be a very tense situation, but it also leaves an impression on the other players in the group about your character, and a good 1 at that. #5) I DO suggest that you confront them in Party/Raid chat, and when the alleged incident occcurs, only so that other players in the group do not simultaneously confront them in 4 to 24 separate whispers. #6) Resolve the situation quickly, and make certain that the situation is resolved. Other players are waiting, and some may not be as concerned as you are about the situation as you are. #7) Avoid using profanity and insults, regardless of how appropriate these may seem. It only displays a lack of maturity and intelligence on your part. If you have gone through all of this, and found the person is an unrepentant, unconscionable, greedy, self-serving "loot ninja", then there are 2 actions I recommend: #1) Ask the group leader (assuming you are not the group leader), PRIVATELY, in a whisper, to remove the person from the group. If you are the group leader, tell the person that the behavior is unacceptable, and remove them from the group. Also, if you are the leader, apologize to the group for delaying their play. Most will be understanding, but it also gives those who will not have the time to wait to find a replacement to leave the group as well. #2) If the first does not work, then apologize to the other group participants, wish them luck, and leave yourself. Don't get moody, don't make threats, don't toss insults, and don't argue. People will respect a person who leaves calmly and politely, even if they are agitated by your premature departure from the group. Certainly excellent advice to new players. However, I think it is also important to consider how to deal with a situation where someone has “ninjaed” loot. Despite horror stories to the contrary I have spent the majority of my instance runs PuGing, and I can honestly say that the vast majority of players are respectful, polite, intelligent people, most of whom genuinely want to work well with a group. Occassionally, someone rolls need on an item you may think they should not have. Before flying off the handle and tossing out accusations there are some things to consider:

#1) Some players solo and/or PvP almost their entire “career” in the game. Many of these players know very little about the looting rules, particularly early in the game. Find out if this is the case with the player, and avoid being condescending, if possible.

#2) Accidents DO happen. Be willing to accept that they may have accidentally selected the wrong button, or may have misidentified the nature of the item they are rolling on. Be watchful of them thereafter, to ensure it does not happen again. This rule is also applicable in situations where a group is wiping. I’d be lying if I said that I had a perfect run through every dungeon, where I played my toon perfectly, and I do consider myself pretty competent.

#3) Unless you are the “WoW guru” of the day, and have extensively researched every class and every 1 of the multitude of options a player has for spec, I’m willing to bet that there are some things you do not know about other classes, and what type of items or stats they benefit the most from. Be willing to listen to the person’s explanation. Druids and Shamans in particular have 3 VERY different talent trees, each with their own very unique needs for equipment. Don’t assume that a Shaman only rolls on mail caster/healer gear.

#4) Always be diplomatic, even when the other person isn’t being so polite. Do NOT allow yourself to get pulled into a childish argument. Being respectful and polite, but remaining firm, will not only defuse what can be a very tense situation, but it also leaves an impression on the other players in the group about your character, and a good 1 at that.

#5) I DO suggest that you confront them in Party/Raid chat, and when the alleged incident occcurs, only so that other players in the group do not simultaneously confront them in 4 to 24 separate whispers.

#6) Resolve the situation quickly, and make certain that the situation is resolved. Other players are waiting, and some may not be as concerned as you are about the situation as you are.

#7) Avoid using profanity and insults, regardless of how appropriate these may seem. It only displays a lack of maturity and intelligence on your part.

If you have gone through all of this, and found the person is an unrepentant, unconscionable, greedy, self-serving “loot ninja”, then there are 2 actions I recommend:

#1) Ask the group leader (assuming you are not the group leader), PRIVATELY, in a whisper, to remove the person from the group. If you are the group leader, tell the person that the behavior is unacceptable, and remove them from the group. Also, if you are the leader, apologize to the group for delaying their play. Most will be understanding, but it also gives those who will not have the time to wait to find a replacement to leave the group as well.

#2) If the first does not work, then apologize to the other group participants, wish them luck, and leave yourself. Don’t get moody, don’t make threats, don’t toss insults, and don’t argue. People will respect a person who leaves calmly and politely, even if they are agitated by your premature departure from the group.

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