WoWGrrl's World

World of Warcraft is a massively MULTIPLAYER online role playing game.

There are now some 9 MILLION registered players according to Blizzard, and it's THE most popular online role playing game going.

With that many PEOPLE playing the game, it's important as a member of the WoW community on your realm to think about how you can do things to "win friends and influence people", as having friends in-game can be a huge benefit to you in ways you cannot comprehend nor predict when you first begin playing.

What is "Social Wheel Greasing"?

At some point in life we all learn that certain mechanical objects work better when they're well-oiled than when they haven't been oiled in a while. Not only that, but the guy who brings oil is appreciated by anyone who has experienced the pain of a poorly-oiled machine.

This applies to WoW as well: The player who has taken the time to prepare adequately for a group encounter is able to do their part in being part of that well-oiled machine, and isn't the one to cause the group to "seize up" and experience complications.

Why Worry About Greasing The Wheels?

It's completely possible to get your WoW toons from creation to max level without ever relying on another person (outside of those using the Auction House) to help you. If you're fine with being 100% solo, then don't worry about this stuff unless it directly helps you. Or, if you have Real Life friends playing, this may not apply.

However, most of us enjoy the opportunity to join our friends for questing groups, or join in on 5-person or larger parties that are going into progressively more difficult dungeons located throughout the game, and most of us are going to rely on building friendships with virtual strangers in order to join this experience.

So, in short, only worry about it if you're interested in doing more dungeon-based group content or if you've got a dream to "maybe, someday, perhaps, join a raiding guild" with any of your characters.

How Does Wheel Greasing Help?

Truth: Relationships online aren't like ones you develop with people you're in the same room with. Physical presence offers a lot of influence and is less easy to ignore than when "you" are just words written on my screen.

As a result, players who have an interest in joining this fun and dynamic portion of the Warcraft universe (dungeon parties, guild questing groups, anything non-solo) benefit from learning how to "stand out" from the Average Player, while also learning to recognize other players who strive to be Above Average.

Average Players tend to get left behind when the "A Team" wants to go out and do a group-based venture because the A-Team consists of players who "go the extra mile" to make sure they're in tip-top condition for contributing to the dungeon or raid team.

Are There Costs To Wheel Greasing?

Becoming a well-rounded Warcraft character does cost money, just like becoming a well-rounded Human Being does.

Some of the money comes in the form of skills learned, some in the form of materials purchased, and all require some of your time and purposeful attention.

Are There Downsides To Wheel Greasing?

Sure. Some players feel entitled to take advantage of any help offered them and the Wheel Greaser will be burned on occasion as a result - giving way more than they ever get back. It's up to the Wheel Greaser to also step back emotionally and learn effective strategies for recognizing "users" before you allow yourself to get resentful.

When Does Wheel Greasing Pay Off?

The techniques one would use for the wheel-greasing actually benefit yourself as a player, so the technical pay-off does come right away.

However, the social pay-off is slower to accumulate and requires patience of its pursuers. I have noticed that below level 20, very few people stand out in dungeon parties as those who have gone the extra mile, even if they have begun the process. During the 20-30 trek the A-Team players tend to congregate more often within parties, but many level at different paces. (if you're looking for a good levelling guild, join the guild of someone you've enjoyed running a dungeon or two with at this range as a great start)

By level 62, in low-level Outland dungeons, players who have not taken the time to round out their characters for Wheel Greasing begin to stand out like a sore thumb in the parties I take part in. By the level 70 pre-heriocs dungeons, Wheel Greasing techniques can help you make a great showing - even if you're a bit undergeared - when you luck into a party with an obvious A-Team.

So, What Do I Do To "Grease The Wheels"?

Stay tuned, I have more entries coming in, now that I have this introduction that I can point back to :)

Related posts:

1. Greasing the Social Wheels: Preparing For Dungeons
2. Greasing the Social Wheels: First Aid Training
3. How To Join A PUG