Some WoW gamers out there are sometimes tempted to buy gold from one of a ton of online WoW gold merchants. If you have the money this may seem like a good idea at first, since this is will save you time, but what you are actually doing is helping to sustain an industry that is nothing less than a sweatshop for pixels.
Some WoW gamers out there are sometimes tempted to buy gold from one of a ton of online WoW gold merchants. If you have the money this may seem like a good idea at first because it will save you time, but what you are actually doing is helping to sustain an industry that is nothing less than a sweatshop for pixels.
A research paper was done by U of C San Diego student Ge Jin, it was titled Chinese Gold Farmers in the Game World. The research paper found that there is exploitation in virtual markets just like there are in tangible markets. Ge went to the Si Chuan Province, Fu Jian Province, and the Dong Bei area to do his hands on research. He found a lot of gold farms. The farms were found all over the places he visited. Ge found small ones and large ones.
The gold farming industry is large and growing, he found its genesis in about 2001. Due to this worldwide demand the farms have grown exponentially. Because we are connected via the web, state boundaries are no longer an obstacle, it is this new paradigm that has fed the gold farming industry.
The average gold farm provided meals and dorms, the workers live there, work 12 hour shifts and have quick breaks. Typical farms have about two farmers for every one PC, this allows them to farm for 24 hours straight. The farmers are usually paid from between 40 U.S.D. to 200 U.S.D. monthly. Ge also found farmers that are willing to work for free as long as food and shelter are provided. That was quite a disturbing find.
China is the world's primary source of cheap labor, knowing this it was not surprising how poorly the farmers are treated. Though I am hopeful that in the long run this will change and farmers are paid a wage equal to their labor, it is unlikely until China opens up its market.
I hope this article enlightens you a little and give you pause next time you consider buying some pixels to enhance your gaming experience. As always, it is just best to take the high road and get yourself a guide or walkthrough that will help you get what you want honestly. There are a ton of resources online as well that will greatly enhance your WoW gaming experience, including well reputed gold guides, go that route instead. Happy gaming!
WoW Alchemy - How to Level Up Your WoW Alchemy Profession Fast
WoW Alchemy can be used a useful Profession, especially when teamed up with the Herbalism Profession since they both complement each other so well. Because of this Profession is a good one to have, I wanted to provide you with the steps to level it up fast.
Warcraft Gold Guide Review - Glendor's Gold Guide Review
Glendor's Gold Guide is one of the least known WoW gold guides. Having recently gotten the guide for myself I realized that now would be a good time to review this bargain guide.
Warcraft Add-Ons - WoW Add-Ons What They Are and Which Ones Are the Most Valuable
Warcraft Add-Ons are an invaluable part of the WoW experience. Let's see what they are and how they can help.
