Video Game Blog #6

I chose to look specifically at http://wowgrrl.com/, admittedly drawn to it merely because the author was a female gamer and thus could offer a perspective outside of the conventional. Unlike some of the other blogs I’ve come across, this one in particular intended to convey a sense of ethos to her audience by using a page dedicated solely to her experience with basic facts about herself, her experience with the game, her personal progression, and specifics about her game play including her realm and affiliation with the alliance i.e. This page, aptly entitled “About,” listed such credentials as “World of Warcraft player since 2005, raider since 2008,” “Author of detailed yet precise WoW playing guides” (and provided the link), and perhaps most reflective of her efforts to establish her qualifications- “In terms of Raiding Progression, Zul'jin [her guild] is a competitive realm on both the Horde and Alliance sides and the top 15 guilds (according to 25m Achievement Progression on GuildOx.com) are all within the top 2000 US guilds on all realms.” Further, the author provides a link entitled “Accomplishments,” which presents the reader with walk-throughs. By describing her vast experience not only in World of Warcraft but online gaming generally and even by revealing her ability to complete quests (through walk-throughs), the author was effectively able to present herself as a competent source on the subject matter.

The author chose to convey her ethos as overtly as possible, dedicating an entire page to her experience and credentials on the subject of gaming and World of Warcraft. The author took a similar, overt approach in her discussion of purpose in forging such a website. On its homepage, beneath the title, the author noted, “A GAMER GRRL’S WOW BLOG, VIDEOS, AND GUIDES- OH MY.” While simultaneously using the site as a forum for her own views on such matters as the importance of seasonal events, which yield new titles for your characters and how to merge guilds seamlessly i.e., she also provided a plethora of guides for the reader. In this manner, the author seemed to be propelled by a desire to facilitate players, not only by providing tips and suggestions but by providing guides to help accelerate the pace of the game and make readers more competent players. All the while, the author retains the perspective of a female, presenting a unique outlook as a backdrop to all her guides and suggestions.