Lately, I have been noticing a trend in our guild chat which I would like to discuss in this blog. First, let me emphasize that for all intents and purposes, I am here not to preach or scold anyone. My intention is to hopefully provoke and impart a realization – something you have not realized so far.

That being said, I observed that some players are insisting that they be included in heroic runs. I used the word “insisting” because it was mentioned several times in the guild chat. I am pretty sure that they are even feeling left out because they don’t get invited to heroic runs or raids. To them it seems like those who get all the fun and action, have their own “circle of friends” and are certainly “cliquish”. And to them this is utterly unfair.

Is it really unfair? I think not. Most of us in the guild are yuppies or students or both who have limited time to play wow. We have many things to juggle in our real lives and when we log in in wow, we are using our quality game time. Those hours are precious hours and we want to maximize it to accomplish our wow goals whether it is emblem, reputation, gold, mount or achievement farming.

And so, if I want a quick heroic run to farm emblems, I would certainly be choosy in the members that I would be getting and pick those who already know the drill and can bring something important to the instance (raids also work in similar principle). If I like to farm a mount in UP or CoT, I would choose players who are at the top of their game. If I just need to complete an easy heroic daily, I may not be as selective with the members. I will prioritize and select the player that serves my need or choose someone that I enjoy running with. I want to play wow with as much fun and as little hassle as possible.

“But isn’t that selfish? You only think of yourself!”

No, I do not think so. Realize that heroic run is a 5-man run. It takes 5 to tango. All other 4 players should share my goal or they will pass up and decline my invitation. In effect, it is really a synergy and sharing of goals. That is really how most runs are formed. Few runs with them make me develop a certain relationship with these guild mates and that somehow makes it easier for us to band again in future runs.

Just because you are a guild mate does not necessarily give you the right to be included in my runs. Yes, I may be here to help each and every Eraptioner to get good gears and make a better player out of him or her but the weight is not upon me. It is really up to you to be proactive and develop relationship with other players so you can clique with them and achieve goals together. You cannot just say “Heroics invite please” and expect to be included. If you must, you have to steer the wheel and form your own group. You can even post in the guild calendar and plan in advance so those people with limited time to play can make room in their hectic schedule to join you.

WoW is an interaction game. It is how you interact with other players that will determine how you will enjoy the game. Get that idea, make use of that idea, and you will be cliquing with people in no time.

PS: Feel free to agree, disagree, and flame on this article.  I would love a healthy discussion!