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The Story of the Gold Farmer
The Deadalus Project has a massive update looking at Player Opinions of Gold Farmers. While farming activities are well documented, Mr. Yee opens up the dialogue about the topic by looking at player opinion in a larger context. From the piece: "Of course, the story of prejudice against the Chinese during the 1800s is far more complex and nuanced than stemming from just the laundry workers. And, of course, the parallel that I'm trying to draw isn't perfect. But the juxtaposition of this historical narrative with the much more recent narrative we typically tell about 'Chinese' gold farmers reveals its disturbing metaphors and framings. The contemporary narrative starts to feel too much like the historical one - Chinese immigrant workers being harassed and murdered by Westerners who feel they alone can arbitrate what constitutes acceptable labor."
Just one more example where a global economy screws over legitimate consumers.
Let's face it, 90% of us would love to get paid by people to sit on games like World of Warcraft and just play. Sure it's 'work', but with work like that, who need's fun?
I for one think it's moderately helpful. I've purchased gold before, because on months where I'm on the road, I can't rationalize my character just sitting around doing nothing.
I do agree however that such practices cause in game price inflation, and some problems with people 'ninja'ing items (ie taking it from right under your nose while you do real player stuff, like kill monsters)
But in disagreement with the Article, I've never been directly harassed by a farmer, but have gotten messages (PMs) from companies trying to sell me gold. I don't see the two as one in the same however, since the actual farmers themselves just do one thing, FARM.