Gold Farmer Documentary Preview

There's a preview up on YouTube of an upcoming documentary on Chinese Gold Farmers. Terra Nova links to the video in a discussion on the hypermobility of labour in the 21st century. From the discussion: "In watching the video, I am most struck by the intertwined empowerment/disempowerment that is occurring simultaneously for these Chinese workers. Their lives in these virtual worlds are brighter, but yet their interactions with American players (and associated slurs) are a constant reminder of their inferior socio-economic status. The disembodied hypermobility granted by these virtual worlds is, to a certain extent, dispelled when they are labeled as 'Chinese gold farmers'. For them, it is a double-edged sword."

Re:Is a documentary wise?

[blunte]

I'll watch it. Many people I know will watch it. It's a fascinating (and hopefully accurate) look at how the CGFs work. I'll bet there are many preconceived notions that will be demonstrated to not be correct, and there likely will be some surprises.

There was an article in the past that gave some insight into the gold farming business, and I recall it created quite a lot of discussion. Seems to me that means people find it interesting.

Re:That makes no sense

[Jurrasic]

It takes time and patience to make that scheme work. Eventually, when he holds all the items in question in that level range and none are availible, his price becomes the 'going' price. People coming into the market to sell will sell at or near his price, (or be bought up by plate) and new buyers are forced to pay the 'going' rate as that's what it is. You have to speculate for a long time and prepare to lose some gold before you start earning it back in bucketloads, but it does work. A guildie of mine did this as well, and lost his shirt a couple times figuring out the right items to do it with. (dont try it with any tradeskill supplies)

obCorey ref

[ian_mackereth]

What? No link to Cory Doctorow's excellent take on this situation in his story "Anda's Game" yet?

http://craphound.com/000187.html [craphound.com]

The full text and a podcast version are there.