Gaile Appreciation and Thank You Thread

[Quintus Antonius]

DISCLAIMER: The following post is the personal opinion of the individual user Quintus Antonius and in no way reflects the views or opinions of the gwonline.net staff, including moderators and administrators, and should not be taken as such. This post, and subsequent user postings, are made independant of, and are not specifically endorsed by, GWO.

From this (http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4086333#post4086333) thread.

Thanks for understanding, and for posting this. Your sensibility and LordShadowblight's sense of humour are certainly a bright patch here.

James Phinney ended one of his presentations yesterday by saying this, "By the way, I'd like you to know that Gaile never lies. If she says something that ultimately doesn't come to be, it's because we've changed our minds and haven't told her, or because I (that's James) or other designers have done a poor job of providing her the information that she needs. But she never lies and I'd really like that to be better known." Either he read this thread, or others like it, and sensed how low it was going to get.

I'm not marketing, sales, PR, spin artist, or your local snake oil huckster. I tell you what I can tell you, when I can tell you. The visits are intended to keep in touch, and they benefit as much from my hearing from you as you hearing from me. Many, many things have changed in the game because of the visits. You've aided with suggestions and bug fixes, too. Many things in the game--things that you value deeply--come from my advocacy of each and every individual Guild Wars player.

When I read some of the comments here, though, I begin to understand what James was talking about. And I comprehend why people, even my co-workers, thought I was nuts to try in-game visits. And I grasp the reason why, even with my deep personal regrets, it might be time to stop.

I believe in being in touch, and I thought a visit from the show floor at E3 would be fun. You know, a "hi there" and "how's it going in game?" and "this is what's happening at the show." Frankly, I missed being connected with the players. On the other hand, if people are going to count smilies and thereby denegrate genuine cheerfulness (petty, much?), if they're going to assess every word for "lies," looking always through the glass darkly, and if they're going to act so intentionally unkind, we can stop. If people who spend hours on the forums daily are going to moan every time they think there's no information (even when there is!), and if that core group is foolishly going to expect new information every visit, we can stop. If groups are going to continue to spam their questions, and if individuals remain resolute to use the visits to put forth their petty personal grievances, we can stop.

We can stop, and by stopping, do what any other developer does: develop in a vacuum. And, you, as players, can have the about-zero input that you get with and from other dev teams.

But do consider what you wish for; for it may well come true.

And if that's the case, we'll all be the losers for it.

As you can all see, our constant whining is finally wearing down the ever-patient Gaile Gray. If this continues, she may stop her chat sessions with us, and our voice to the devs will be lost. If this happens, we have only ourselves to blame.

Because of this recent development, I am creating this thread to let Gaile Gray know that there are those out there who appreciate and are grateful for the work she does, which is a rarity, if not a unique example, in the MMO game community.

Leave your thanks and comments of encouragement and appreciatation to Gaile Gray here, and hopefully she will see it, and know that the community is still behind her.

This is NOT a place for flames, trolls, sarcasim, or negativity towards Gaile, ANet, or Guild Wars in general, and if I see that, I will make sure it is delt with. It is up to us to keep Gaile around, we already screwed up once, let's not do it again.

So once again, I say, thank you Gaile, and I hope that you will forgive our transgression and continue to be the Voice of Guild Wars that you have so faithfully been.

[Scutilla]

Hear hear!

While even I've been frustrated by some of the things she's said, in just about every case it's been because of something she's said that she has no control over, which is something that's the juristiction of the development team. I hold no aminosity towards Gaile whatsoever, and I doubt many other people do as well.

I love Gaile's visits- just being able to sit around in town and shoot the breeze with an ANet rep is great fun, especially one as easygoing and hard-to-tick-off as her. (Froggie is always fun to be around too, of course :grin:)

I can only imagine how stressful her job can be sometimes- there are some times where I have to turn local chat off when she's around (although the last couple times I've been there haven't been too bad). She is a saint for having the patience to put up with the stuff she gets in person and on these forums, and I don't blame her for getting frustrated once in a while.

If she really feels that stopping her visits would be for the best, that's her purview, but she would be dearly missed by many of us, myself included.

In other words... Don't go Gaile, we love you!

[Alodarn]

While I've never been around for one of the Gaile visits I love reading the screen captures of her chats.

I certainly take anything that is said with a pinch of salt, it's a shame others can't too.

However, take heart, if the players are getting passionate about the game, then it means they are hooked, thats a good thing :)

[Malhavoc Adhamar]

Maybe I'm partially to blame for the current mood since, before myself and others started logging the Gaile and Frog chats regularly, the logs weren't as frequent as they are now and so there were more 'new' things to keep people happy.

Reguardless it's been fun to sit in and log the chats for people who weren't there for them. I, for one, am grateful for the time Gaile has taken out to head in-game and hold the Q&A sessions. It'll be sad to decommission the old Gaile/Frog radar after five months of service but if she decides to end the visits then I respect her decision to do so and to her I say this:

It's been an honour to log the past five months worth of chats and I hope that once people realise what they have lost they'll change their attitudes. Perhaps then, when some people have grown up, you would consider returning to visiting us in game.

If Gaile decides to stay then I look forward to her next visit and hope people will be more respectful to Gaile in the future.

Word of warning: If I see any spam, offtopic, flames, trolling, sarcasm or anything offencive to either Gaile, Anet or any other member here I will issue bans without warning.

[Aaiiry Astald]

Miss Gaile, you know you always have the support of The Boat Crew!

While I have had a few times I havnt aggreed with what you said, thats a normal thing, no two people can agree on every little thing in the world. But even with those you are still an awesome person, and I enjoy logging your chats!

There are those of us out there trying to help you out with chats by whispering people asking questions arleady answered and stuff, and other stuff. I think its just with factions out and there are things we arnt liking the way they are(Though somethings just needed time, like you said to begin with), we are a bit whiny, so hopefully this will serve as a wake up and things will calm down.

You always have my support Gaile

[Quintus Antonius]

Remember folks, tell your friends about this thread, refer others to it, we need to let Gaile know she is not only wanted and appreciated, but needed.

The more people that leave their thanks here, the more likely it will mean something, so make sure to encourage everyone to sign!

[Zeittotschlager]

It makes me very sad to think that Gaile may be forced to stop appearing in game... :cry: It must be so very frustrating for her. Seeing many of the posts about Gaile that appear on the forum make wish I had a ban button to reach for... :angry: Some people just don't think.

Whatever your decision is, Gaile, just know that we have appreciated your visits very much! I've only managed to be there in person once, and I do hope to see you in game again. But I'd like to see you show up in force with a couple of BanBot NPCs that throw temp bans on all the foulmouths and spammers. :laugh:

[Emmavescence]

I'm sure yours is one of the toughest jobs in the company, being caught between the players who want specific dates for getting specific things done and the devs who can only tell you that things may be done by uncertain times. Although I count myself among those who aren't 100% happy with the current state of the game, I appreciate tremendously the work you do in connecting with the community, and I know there's many others like me. Best wishes to you.

Quote from the previous post... which pretty much sums up my feelings. I'm too tired to be original, but wanted to say something anyway. Gaile, you do a fantastic job, and are liked and respected by most of the players I know (the others are mostly unaware of you!). Some people are just all too ready to treat others poorly when sat in front of a computer, as if they're not talking to a real person, and it's okay to insult them as much as they want. They'd never say half the things they do if they were standing in front of you! I'm not sure what the solution is for people like that. But try to remember the people who support you when they're mouthing off in local. I prefer to read the logs later, just because the rudeness and spamming and inanity in local gets too much, and ranting on forums isn't much better.

[Saxgod]

I know that I am very pleased with the job Anet has done and it is the constant presence of people like Gaile that had kept me interested in the game, even after my friends and guild mates all left to play WoW.

I am not going to say that I agree with everything that has happened (such as for some reason forcing me to change my characters name from Ball Slap... come one! I was because I was a hammer warrior using a ball hammer!) but I still support their actions and am constantly singing the praises of their constant participation with the community of gameplayers.

I can go on here for hours and hours and hours about how happy I am for Guild Wars and they quality of the job they have done. As is the case with the world, there are constantly trolls (not those cool jungle ones) and problematic people, and to those who read this, it is my hope that our praise and thanks gives you at least some solace.

[Empraim Wainwright]

Don't go Gaile, I love the visits!
I know it's a hard job, but PLEASE stay!
I have never been to one of the visits but I have read all the logs and love them

[Pardoz]

The in-game visits are one of the coolest things about GW, and something my friends who smoke WarCrack envy greatly. It would be a real shame if they were to stop, as the little looks at the people behind the scenery are interesting, as are the bits and pieces of info about upcoming events and changes; let's not forget the opportunity to raise concerns and actually have them heard, even if they're not acted on immediately (or ever).

It would be a profund shame if the actions of an idiotic few ruined this for the rest of us.

[Zilken Zatin]

This just can't go by without comment me I feel either. While I spend a LOT of time in game and have these forums constantly open on other screens, I rarely say too much.

But the thought of NOT having Gaile pop up AND the boat crew log it for my future reference, worrys and saddens me. OK So Gaile is PR and as such is supposed to whet the appetite and generate enthusiasm, which to be honest is already there so the boost I believe is and should be appreciated.

I have genuinely been left slackjawed at the abuse she recieves from the moment she appears to the moment she goes. Now ANet and The GAME might both have flaws and thats clearly another thread for considered discussion however, IMHO there is NO WAY she or the other ANet employees that surface deserve THAT kind of abuse.

I and ALL of my Guild would be deeply saddened if this "service" offered by Gaile etc were to stop.

So from myself and all at TCW ... we salute and support you GG & Co.

And as an extra .. thx also to the Boat crew cos your efforts on the logs saves me lots of effort :)

Zilken Zatin [TCW]

[False Visage]

Personally I really enjoy the few Chats I manage to get in to. For me, it's not only a chance to speak to the creative minds behind the game, but also a game in itself. One must have a sensible and well thought out comment to be noticed above the crowd of players spamming the same single line, repeatedly through the chat. I always enjoy the few times that I have had my questions answered, or been commented to. I think it'd be a shame if the Gaile did stop coming to visit, as she makes the Guild Wars community part of what it is! What other online game lets the player talk to the staff? I believe you won't find one.

People just have to learn to make use of the support services more, and also to be grateful with what they do have. Sure, Guild Wars isn't perfect and it can't be, as everyone has a different idea of what it should be. That doesn't mean it isn't good though, so to all those who whinge about the faults of Factions, just sit down and think about what you have got!

Gaile, all of us hear that consider ourselves mature, conscientious and well mannered players appreciate that you have one of the toughest jobs in the company. It's easy to deal with numbers and code, they don't talk back and they don't whinge. But I hope you remember that some of us do appreciate your hard work, and do enjoy your visits.

[Kitty Go Rawr]

Shame on all of you who flamed her! Next time you want to whinge, think about how you would feel if you were in her position. I think it's great that the devs care so much about the community that they set time aside to meet the players. Although I've never actually been to one of her visits... where are they? Lion's Arch? Is there a visit schedule somewhere I can look at?

Anyways! I think Gaile is great and I consider her a celebrity. At the back of the Factions Manuscripts book where it had all the names of the Arenanet team, when I saw Gaile Grey, I thought "omg it's Gaile!" XD

[Cyberman]

Maybe I'm partially to blame for the current mood since, before myself and others started logging the Gaile and Frog chats regularly, the logs weren't as frequent as they are now and so there were more 'new' things to keep people happy.
No.
You only provide the information. Everyone had to decide how to react upon them.
As Isaac Asimov(and probably others) said:
"If knowledge can create problems, it is not through ignorance that we can solve them.

On topic:
Gaile: don´t go. I think most appreciate the visits, and it´ll probably only make things worse if there aren´t any more.

[LordShadowblight]

Gaile Thank you for your visits<3 I have always looked farward tor the times that you came by LA dis 1 to give us the news on some thing that has been added or will be added to the game. I have noticed that you have not came by the past little while to cantha or tyria and hope you stay as the Anet CR. It would not be the same with out that LvL 7 Ranger coming by.

oh BTW- I hope you continue with the visits... after all who else can get away with calling the frog a toad :)



As for those that Flamed her on the fan sites forums or in person when she comes for her visits I think you are the lowest of the low, worse than the 55 farm bots, worse than the scammers selling colectors items for tens of plat. Just be glad I don't work for Anet or as a mod at the forms or I would start swinning a ban stick at every one of you.

[False Visage]

Well, you can police it here at least since flaming is against the ToS, and Gaile is a member of these forums.

[DBZVelena]

GAILE!!!!!!!
PLEASE DON'T LEAVE US!!!!!!

I'd Like to tell you that I love it that you come ingame to tell us stuff.
And really, please don't let the few that are upsetting you, ruin your game time with us.
You have no idea how many people who can't get in to International 1 when you're there, love that you come in game.
We instead read every log of your visits and are happy that there are such logs. And when there aren't any we go "hu, no log, did anybody log it, because i really want to know what was said."
And at least to me, it doesn't matter if you don't have anything more to say than a "Hi guys, I'm at [insert convention location that is to far for me to visit in person] and I'm having fun!"
It makes me feel just a tiny bit like I'm there too, you are your team's logs of the going's on at such events are like the rarest gem to find to me.
They let me feel just that bit more like I'm part of something bigger.
And so i really hope that after seeing all these post showing how much we LOVE you. You'll realize that what you do IS appreciated.
And we'll continue to love your visits for as long as you'll make them.
Remember, without you, i would not even be on this forum.
I'd just be floating in and out random fan sites once a month, like when i played Diablo 2 Lod.
But Guild Wars is 1000 times better, and part of that reason is because of you!

I'm going to stop now, because I could go on and on till this post is novel length. but i think you should have some time to read the other guy's post too!
So good bye and i hope to see you ingame again soon!

[MixedVariety]

Gaile's a big girl...um, not big, an old girl...bah! I mean to say, she's a grownup, and I suspect she knows full well her value to ArenaNet and, more importantly, to her charges (meaning us). Maybe she is getting depressed about some of the comments she's been seeing, but I'll bet when she thinks about it, she'll realize that most of the apples in the barrel are good, it's just a few smelly ones that make it seem like the whole thing's gone bad.

Yeah, like that made sense. What I'm trying to say is, my feeling is that the majority of players are just out enjoying the game and, if there are things about it they don't like, either dealing with it or commenting politely and properly. Most of the raucous noise is coming from a small group of chronic malcontents.

[Lady Argent]

Just a quick note here...

Gaile, from the BWE's to now, I've been coming out to your sessions. Sometimes I would have a question, but most times I would be there simply to hear what you had to say. I've always appreciated your concern for the player community and willingness to get involved help people out.
Thank you

[Volitar]

I hope that you do not stop your chat sessions, Gaile. I have always thought that one of the things that makes Guild Wars to continue to be a great game is these chat sessions with the players. People don't understand that you're a PR rep and not a dev. I can't even imagine how frustrating it can be to hear all of these rude and inconsiderate comments. There are certain parts of Guild Wars that I think need to be given a closer look at, but I do see why people need to resort to flaming to get their way.

Anyway, I hope that you continue to have your chat sessions. You've always been doing a great job.

And people count how many smilies you use? That is really strange...

[jciardha]

It is unfortunate the shortsighted selfishness of some players make them fail to realize that Gaile is a human being with flaws and feelings just like everyone else. I'd certainly be sad to see her go, but I can also understand her anger and frustration, and for her to have put up with this sort of regular abuse this long simply goes to show how amazing she is.

[hendryx]

I just want to say that I personally think Gaile is amazing. I'm saying this not to try and make her feel warm and fuzzy but just to state facts. Areanet themselves seem to be a group of coders/artists/etc that care more about making a great game than they really do about cash (although profit is of course important as well). Gaile to me is really the mascot and representation of AreaNet as a whole. She is the light that shines, no matter what else is happening in game. No matter the bug, no matter lag, no matter any issue we may have (or ever) face in game. Just Gaile's regular presence in game keeps me reminded that the game I am playing is made by a company that *do* care, and that whatever the issue it will at some point be fixed - we just need to be patent.

As heroes in Guild Wars we have thought and struggled against char, murzat, the lich, and some of us have even made it as far as to fight Shiro. Now we face are biggest and greatest battle. The battle to make sure that Gaile truly realises how many of us truly value her and her visits, and the battle to keep her visits alive. Only true heroes should apply!

[Serena Corvidae]

I would also like to voice my appreciation for the dedication that Gaile has shown to the community. I admire the fact that Gaile has been so tolerant of the immature malcontents that plague the game (and these forums) for as long as she has.

Gaile and ANet's willingness to listen to the players sets them apart from other developers, we as a community have surely shot ourselves in the foot by driving Gaile away.

Whilst I'd certainly miss pouring over the latest Gaile Chat with my morning coffee, I would completely understand any decision Gaile might make.

Gaile, please don't be disheartened by the vocal (and rude) minority!

[katya]

I have a lot of sympathy for Gaile at the moment. Even as a non-Gaile, reading some of the comments are making me cringe to the point that visiting the forums have become unpleasant; especially coming so hot on the heels of the first ever (afaik) present from a community to the gaming company to say thank you for the way they interact with us and listen to us.

Gaile, thank you for putting up with us. You're awesome and I appreciate the tidbits you send our way!

[LeeOfDalmaska]

you are unique, if you stop gw will lose its uniqueness...

i appreciate what you are doing for us, so please do not stop visiting us!!!

[teh Monkeys]

I know I'm not the most positive of people. Hell, I whine about just about everything when I get the chance. But still, I admire the way you keep in touch with us. I don't know why, but it really gives me the feeling that Anet is actually willing to listen to us. It creates something unique.

So please, keep up the good work, and don't let the selfish whiners get to you.

[critical vengeance]

Gaile you rock :) plz don't leave us, gw will seem darker without you!

[Lyger]

Thanks for your hard work, Gaile. Being in England, I never see you when you hold these chat sessions, but I always enjoy reading them here. Judging from things I have read, you must put up with alot of hassle when carrying out these chats.

Please don't let the nastier vocal people get you down - I think it's great that you take the time out to talk to the community. It shows a level of caring that I have never before encountered in any other game I have played, or from any other company. It speaks well of your patience that you have continued the chats for so long.

Anyways - all the best from this little foggy island, and I hope you find it in yourself to give another chance, and continue to talk with the community. You have done a great job so far, and it is appreciated.

[LunarEffect]

Yes, it would certainly be a tragedy if you stopped visiting, Gale. I think everything I had to say about this has been said by others, but I'll say the most important thing again: Please dont go!!! =(

Its a shame some people just fail to see the humans behind all the in game avatars and just open fire in all directions as if all players were bots in an action shooter.

[SerenitySilverstar]

I don't know how much you know about pro-wrestling Gaile, but game forums remind me very much of the internet wrestling community - a bunch of very loud and vocal fans, who find the internet a free and easy place to spread their woe. Heck, wrestling fans around here will know what I mean when I quote Matt Hardy - "If you take on board everything internet fans say, you'll simply want to kill yourself."

Being a part of both those communities, it really breaks my heart to see good people get hurt. In fact, most internet communities I have taken part in seem very good at driving away the good people, leaving the inmates to run the asylum.

I can see what Anet is trying to do with this game - create a better breed of internet community. It's subtle and hard to pinpoint, but I understand. And I appreciate.

But of course if you create a game for a youth market, you're going to get the youth who thinks the world revolves around them. This generation's internet whiners are last generation's talkback radio callers!

Please Gaile, keep Guild Wars different, keep creating the standard that all others should follow - Top Class Customer Service. I know how much it sucks to be on the end of that phone, or computer screen.

Hang tough, be cool and...use the ignore bat.

[milias]

Hi Gaile, I've probably been one of your harsher critics in the past; however, I want you to know that I respect what you're trying to do, and I appreciate what you're doing for the community. As you mentioned in your post, it would probably be a disservice to both ANet and the player community if the chats were to stop. I personally very much enjoyed reading those chats, and would like them to continue. Being the Community Relations Manager is not an easy job, and a person certainly needs to have some sort of jadedness in order to do the job well. Just don't let things like that get to you, and you'll be fine. It sucks when the community decides to shoot the messenger, but it does come with the territory, no one said it was going to be easy. Personally, I think you have the mettle to tough it out and turn the situation around. Don't give up this easily Gaile, because we sure as heck haven't given up on you!

[elsydeon]

A. if i ever hurt Gaile's feelings (i know ive had my share of flame throwing here); im sorry; having you around does make GW better, i still remember when i first got GW and remembering how it was different and better than other games ive played (and how nice pre-searing was), a rep who listens to the community, devs that make things better, no copy protection, etc.

B. the in-game talks are good for both anet and us fans, it lets anet know what we want and lets us know what anet is doing; your co-workers need to listen to you more:)

C. we do appreciate you Gaile, but i do have to be objective, some of it is your own doing; you were rather dismissive (but nice) toward players in regards to the favor and elite mission issues (the latter is something that many feel very strongly about, being that it is blasphemy against the GW mantra of "skill over time spent") and this is probably where most of the anger comes from

[Art Yi Mor]

Gaile, once all the toys are back in the cot everything will be as good as it was before, if not better.

It has been a very busy year for you and all of your team and I'm sure it will get busier. Just know that as a relatively new player (Oct 05') and one who remembers Pac-Girl well your dialogues with the community have been invaluable. I would not have known anything about Winterfest had it not been for you and as my first online 'event' I had a marvelous time and told many, many friends in the real world about it too.

So as an adult who still views online technology with awe and has seen the differences it has made to the world - thank you for being a jovial and informative friend amongst it.

-Art

[CMEPTb]

I give a big thank you for your in-game talk sessions. I agree with what has been posted so far that it is a unique stance that Anet has taken in getting involved with the community. I feel its a good stance, and one that will keep fans connected to Guild Wars in the future.

I remember when the frog started talking...wow :shocked:. I have never seen this before! An in-game non-NPC charactor that wet my curiosity with rumoured tid-bits. I feel it adds to the game even more vitality then it already has in scope and environment, something I have had a lot of fun musing over. Its great to know Anet is working hard to provide the best for thier users.

:flowers:

~CMEPTb

[Sar Ar Qua]

All non-constructive critism posts/threads to do with Guild Wars should be deleted.

Gaile is doing us a favour. I appreciate her presence in the community!!

[Art Yi Mor]

All non-constructive critism posts/threads to do with Guild Wars should be deleted.

That's not right. Democracy et al.

-Art

[Zaxares]

Gaile, you have my deepest sympathy for doing a job that shoulders a lot of responsibility and gets little love in return. Were I in your shoes, I'd be swinging that mute/ban bat around a LOT harder if confronted by rude, obnoxious people. :wink: That you don't is something that never fails to earn my respect and admiration. I appreciate you keeping a line of communication open between us and the developers at ANet. It's not something that's commonly done in the industry, and I'm sure you now understand the reason why, but I want you to know that a lot of us out here are grateful that you do, and we would sorely miss you if you were gone.

P.S. If things are getting too taxing, perhaps restrict your visits to a once monthly affair, reserved for important announcements and clarifications, and ask Frog to take over weekly affairs. That lazy amphibian used to wax lyrical into the night about coming developments, but now he just sleeps, eats pizzas and ogles the Xunlai Agents.

P.P.S. No, I am not envious. :tongue: But seriously, being an anonymous face means that flames can't be aimed at you personally.

[Lady Rhonwyn]

Gaile,

Please don't stop the in-game sessions. While I may miss most of them (why do you have your headquarters on the other side of the states?!?), I try to visit as soon as I see you're online. And if I see a log, I read it first thing in the morning (at work :rolleyes:)...

I know sometimes what you say isn't to be. I'm still waiting for more storage... But I also know that specifications and deadlines change (I'm a software developer myself...) But the one thing that really attracted me to this game (I was dead against online games...) was that the creators of this game wanted to know our opinions... And now some people are abusing this to be rude and a pain in the behind. The internet is an anonymous place, people do there what they normally wouldn't do with their RL friends.

As Aaiiry Astald already said, whenever I see somebody asking something that has already been answered, I usually try to answer them privately. And most of the times, they are friendly and thank me for doing so. So, don't let those veryrotten apples out there, spoil it for us.

And I still hope to see you in August, in Leipzig.

[PtiteDiablesse]

That's not right. Democracy et al.

-Art


It's a private forum, so free speech doesn't really apply. Having free speech is one thing. Using it to defend deliberatly inflammatory or downright silly points of view is a little sad.

Yes, Factions has problems. Yes, customers have a right to point that out. Yes, ANet should listen and address that. But the expansion isn't even three weeks old. Three. Weeks. And all the conspiracy theorists, nay-sayers, and paranoid, self-righteous fear-mongers shouting about doom and the death of Guild Wars are already popping out of the woodwork. Give it a rest. It's pathetic. You have a game with no monthly fee, a game that gives us fun and free content and events every now and then, a development team that listens and respects the player base and communicates with the player base, and the player base then turns around and rails away at these people. Buying the game does NOT give you the right to be disrespectful, insulting, or just plain stupid.

People complained about runners spoiling the game in Prophecies. ANet largely removes running. Oh no, those locked gates are so frustrating, we can't run anywhere!
People complained about the long, boring storyline in Prophecies (ie the whole Maguuma thing). ANet tightened up the storyline. Oh no, the game's not long enough and has less content!
People complained about the state of the economy, about botters ruining the game by overfarming and reducing the drops in a given area. ANet improves overall drops, makes certain rare items more common. Oh no, it's easy to get rare items, the economy is doomed!
People complained about the PVP aspects being favoured over the PVE elements (despite the name "Guild Wars" suggesting). Well, now the Alliance/Faction element is introduced to give the PVE players something to strive for. Oh no, the elite missions are only available to a handful of groups, the general population will never get to experience them!

The problem is that people have short memories and can't make up their minds. Everytime a game element that ANet introduces rubs someone the wrong way, they think they have the right to rant and rave about the downfall of Guild Wars and how ANet are a bunch of deceptive liars only out to make a quick buck.
Grow up. Be patient. Give ANet some time to analyze the problems. Give ANet some time to test solutions or fixes. Everyone seems to expect a perfect game now now NOW! That's not how the world works, bub. Believe it or not, ANet devs are human too. They have feelings, they probably care, and they can't come up with perfect solutions and code those solutions at the drop of a hat. They need to... get this... dev-elop solutions. They need time to write the coding. They need time to test their coding to make sure that further problems don't crop up.

If folks seriously can't hold still long enough for ANet to come up with a solution that will appease the most people possible, then maybe you should go play another game, and spare everyone else the moaning and whining. On the other hand, if you have a legitimate concern, then voice it with a modicum of eloquence and respect. If you can't respect others, then nobody's going to respect you or your point of view. For instance, which do you think is going to get a better result:

Gaile, I can't believe you keep lying to us, fix the damn so-and-so game mechanic or I'm not gonna buy Guild Wars any more! I can't believe I wasted my money on this ****ty game.

Gaile, I've noticed an issue with the so-and-so game mechanic, in that such-and-such seems to be a serious problem. Do you know if this is going to be addressed any time soon and are you able to comment on it?

It's pretty apparent which one is going to have a shot at actually getting you an answer, while still being respectful and not cluing folks into exactly how much of a jerk you are.

I've noticed a couple of extremely rude folks seeming to explain their behaviour by saying that English is not their first language, or that they're not very good at writing the English language. I can understand that to a point. But trust me, it will speak much better of your character if you say something like "sorry, my English not so good" or "sorry if this sounds a bit harsh, but...". That's not a great stretch of the imagination, it's just common sense and will certainly make folks read your post with a bit more sympathy (for instance, I know what it's like to try conversing in a second language that I'm not very well versed in, and I manage because I have no problem stating that my French isn't so hot, so if I say the wrong thing, it's because I'm trying to learn). Coming back later and defending myself by hiding behind the language barrier is, frankly, not a valid excuse.



The gist of this long, rambling diatribe? Show folks common courtesy. Be patient. I'm sure ANet is quite aware of people's problems with the game, and as long as folks continue to bring these problems to the attention of ANet with a degree of courtesy, they'll be happy to address them. I'm sure ANet wants to maintain a happy player base that will want to buy Chapter 3. Makes sense, yes? So why not be patient and see what happens. And more importantly, if you have a point of view or an opinion to share, do so with a degree of courtesy, respect, and common sense, even if you don't agree with the other person's point of view. The right to express your opinion is one thing. Being a total *** about it is quite another.

Sorry about the long diatribe, but I think folks are a little tired of all the repetitive posts ragging on the same old things in Factions. Give it time.

[PtiteDiablesse]

Wow, I did go on there, didn't I? Heh.

[michaeldt]

Why would they listen to the fanbases when they don't even listen to the alpha testers (cue factions release)

And you know this how?

See, it's comments like these that cause problems. Random statement with no supporting evidence which some will take as fact.

Anet do a lot in terms of communication, yet many people just want more, and more and more.

[TrippyIMP]

it's sad that the a small part of the community has to ruin it for the rest. it's that way I real life too unfortunatly. wish we could do something about it but we really can't. whiners will always keep whining, it's their sole purpose to do so, they don't come to gaile visits for info, they only come so they can annoy others. it's pathetic. as everyone i'd wish it wasn't a part of guild wars but it unfortunatly is. I can very well understand that gaile has had enough of it and I compliment her on her endless patience so far as I know if I were in that situation I would've quit a lot sooner.

Gaile, keep up the work, you're a great person, it would be a great loss to not see you ingame anymore

[SilentMoon]

All right, I'll chip in too.

I don't think I've ever been in LA or anywhere at the same time as Gaile. The only time I could be found hanging around bigger outposts is for holiday events, and even then that would be on the european servers. So fat chance. :p

Nevertheless,

I appreciate Gaile's dedication and cheerfulness and enjoy reading the Boat Crew's logs every now and then. In fact, I think I enjoy the logs more than I would sitting in there while she gets flooded with 'questions' (at the best of times...). It is unfortunately her burden to see most directly both the good and the bad in the community, and everyone knows that the total IQ of a crowd is inversely proportional to the number of participants.

Henceforth, a suggestion:

The Guild of the Week interviews I believe are rather popular. The Gaile sightings in LA have nothing left to prove in that respect either. How about a mix of both? Make it a two-way interview?
Let me explain: The guild chosen for Guild of the Week would receive Gaile (and/or more devs if appropriate) in their Guild Hall. They would be interviewed, and they would get to ask a few questions in return. Hopefully one of them or Arenanet would think of posting the results somewhere. If not, you can always invite Mal too. ;)

I'm not saying this should replace the LA visits, but it might be a nice break from the ganking and actually a pleasant experience for all parties involved.

At any rate, Gaile: stick with us! :thumbsup:

[GrimWolf]

:flowers: for Lady Gaile...

Please do not leave us. We do appreciate your visits. I am truly sorry for the abuse you have to suffer because you want to help us.

I hope each and every uneducated, selfish and rude flamer will learn to behave like mature adults. Gaile and her team are trying their utmost best to help the Gw community and give us information on what the future hold. They do not deserve the rude and immature replies from all the low-life scums.

Thank you Gaile and Anet for a great game and the opportunity to communicate directly with you. :wink:

GrimWolf

[Rob Van Der Sloot]

I would be very saddened if Gaile decided no longer to visit us. I appreciate her visits a lot, aswell as Mal's logs (and those of the rest of his crew). It would be a great loss, however considering the amount of abuse and whining she has to put up with, I would understand it completely. But Gaily, please stay. :flowers:

[Lothiron]

Excellent idea SilentMoon, as yours usually are.

Gaile, a great man once told me "Don't let the bastards get you down." This applies tenfold on the internet. Retarded 12 year olds get vocal and pissy because no one can yell at them and ground them, like their parents would if they were to dare address them in similar ways to how they chat in game.

I think the guild of the week cross interview is an awesome suggestion, and you could easily cut down the LA appearances to say, once a month or something.

Or, even better idea: Anyone who slanders Gaile during her appearances gets their account permabanned. Forever and ever. Never to return. And then, to top it all off, we somehow get their internet connections turned off forever. That would be my utopia.

So, yeah, I guess the point of my post is don't let the bastards get you down. The rest of us love the support and interest you and the rest of Anet show in the game community; its what seperates GW from other, crappier MMO's. We just cannot express our appreciation through the spam of the retarded 12 year olds.

[Keevan Draco]

I guess i'll put my head on the chopping block then, I may not always agree with what Anet does, and from time to time, voice my opinions about it, such is human nature.
However, Gaile, you are one of the few true treasures of the game, to lose you would be like losing the louvre, or the statue of liberty. The game would be so empty and cold were it not for your visits to the unworthy masses. The world is full of jerks, will be full of jerks long after we're gone, but remember...for every jerk out there, there are many more people who love you and respect the job that you do. Please stay...

[Derrick the Nomad]

We appreciate you Gail.

I don't think I need to tell you to ignore the people that try to ruin your day.

[Urzas Legacy]

please stay :)

[SylverDragon]

Gaile, should you choose to leave, you would be missed :sad:
Like others who have posted here, I don't get to attend the chats but I look forward to reading the logs (thanks to all the loggers:grin: ).

[Rae Fenrir]

Just to add my voice to the general consensus.

Guild Wars would be a sadder place without Gailes visits.

[Vitae]

It is such a rare thing to be able to talk directly to a representative of those who create and develop a game.

I might not personally have been able to chat live with Gaile, but I do appreciate reading the logs and see how some ideas actually get taken on board. That shows a huge respect towards the GW gaming community, an interest to find out how things are going and exchange information and sprout creative ideas - and it would be such a shame to loose out on it.

Few game developers listen so intently to their customers.

Gaile, I hope you will see how appreciated your efforts are. Please remember those who whine tend to be very loud about it, while those who are content feel no need to raise their voices - but that doesn't mean we do not exist.

Regards, Vitae

[Auntie I]

I don't know what to say....
I appreciate you Gaile, and I don't know how you put up with the drivel that gets typed during your visits. I made it to one of your visits once, I'd have muted about half the kiddies spamming the same question over and over and over and over....even after it had been answered. Apparently reading skills do not match typing skills in all cases.

[Xitoahc]

It was something of a Guild Wars goal to be able to assist a Gaile Gray visit. And let me tell you that is one patient woman. Gaile Gray even though there is a portion of people who may not see the good you have done for this community, there is an even greater portion who love and are thankful for your visits.


So for my part I would like to give a big http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/2579/thankyou0na.gif!


Please do stay we love your visits, you and The Frog make Guild Wars even more enjoyable. :grin:

[neoteo]

i loved seeing you in game

THANK YOU

[Trin Storm]

Remember folks, tell your friends about this thread, refer others to it, we need to let Gaile know she is not only wanted and appreciated, but needed.

The more people that leave their thanks here, the more likely it will mean something, so make sure to encourage everyone to sign!
Hmm - I'm sure you delete this mods - but for Gaile's sake, I hope you do not.

Funny thing is I thought Gaile was a pr professional, as such it puzzles me the affirmation being sought from the community. I work in PR and CR and i have never seen someone in the field need as much personal affirmation from the communtiy the service as this.

Gaile - I'm sure you know this but in the PR world our nickname is Flak - as in flak jacket - as in it is your job to carry the message both ways - and yes - take the bullets for the company you work for. As a PR proffesional I have to say that you seem to be more worried about how the community likes you than you are about carrying the message. That is a bad line to cross and every time I have seen it crossed - it usually spells bad news for the person.

I don't know you, so I neither like you or dislike you. You are there to do a job, and yes - sometimes that job sucks, is at odds with your personal opinions, or is frustrating beyond beleif - I know, been there. When you start only responding to apprication threads and posts material like that quoted to kick this thread off - then I believe it is time to take a step back and do some serious self evaluation.

Sincerly,
Trin

[Xunlai Agent]

These were my thoughts on the subject: http://forums.gwonline.net/showpost.php?p=4090174&postcount=18

You need to continue this for the community!

~Xunlai Agent~

[Cerulean Niteshadow]

I will say thank you to Anet for giving us GW:P & GW:F and allowing us to play for no monthly fee. I will also say thank you for the contact that Anet does give form time to time with the community though posts on the forums and in game.

I do have to question the post that spawned this thread, but I will do it in that thread and not here.

[Alana Gravebed]

Gaile,

I am just the average Joe in this game. I try my best to keep a clean and respectfull Guild. I've never been able to talk to you ,but I read the posts on this forum almost every day and I relay the information to my gulid members with the usual "as Gaile said...". Now I have no idea what really was said to you, but please keep this in mind when you take your decision. No matter what people say, it is YOU and your kindness that makes GW as it is. The success of GW is due to this relationship between you and the Boat team. Maybe you said things that did not happen .... (yet) ... but to call it a lie is to not understand this relationship.
Please dont let narrow minded people destroy this jewel.

[echo envitas]

Thank you Gail and Thank you ANET for the fantastic game you've given us!

Don't listen to all these kids who wouldn't know a good thing if it slapped them in their face...
;)

[Rakgar]

Gaile, a great man once told me "Don't let the bastards get you down." This applies tenfold on the internet. Retarded 12 year olds get vocal and pissy because no one can yell at them and ground them, like their parents would if they were to dare address them in similar ways to how they chat in game. So very true. In my time recruiting, I had run into a great many (and really do mean a great MANY) ignorant individuals who were both cruel and cowardly in their attacks for little reason or provocation. What I came from that experience learning however was that there are a great many that also understand what you do and see it on a larger picture and that while they may not always agree, they support. It would be a great disservice to Anet, the playerbase and even to you, if you were to quit. I say this because, as you have stated, you have found these visits rewarding in the past. Do not allow the ignorance of others to cloud or guide what you think is the best for the guild wars community and the best way to go about accomplishing your job. You are now and always shall be appreciated by the majority.

[the grieving terror]

Gaile, you do an amazing job, and put up with a lot of nastiness, but your work (giving a voice to the people, and the devs), is what makes Guild Wars one of the best games I've ever played.

And besides, what would froggie do if you were no longer around? :sad:

:flowers:

[SerenitySilverstar]

Hey Gaile, you should post that spanking good commentary you posted re: your chat from E3 problems from...er..."another place", here!

[Ju Smurph]

Gaile's a big girl...um, not big, an old girl...bah! I mean to say, she's a grownup, and I suspect she knows full well her value to ArenaNet and, more importantly, to her charges (meaning us)...

Agreed, but a kind word is never a wasted breath :azn:.

To quote myself from the same thread...


...

While i have never 'meet' you in game and probably never will, I'm sure many people take great pleasure in your presence. It would be said to see the fans fall due to those that choose to wallow in the darkness.

I have to say I'm geniunely amazed at your "Obsidian Flesh" when it comes to dealing with some of the lesser public. I think Anet needs to put a day spa voucher in your fortnighly pay packet :wink:

But don't stop the ingame visits... purhaps consider alternate approaches on some occasions. For example, ingame 'interveiws' with Mal and other Crew.

Certainly it would be a sad day to see your resiliance consumed by the stupitidy that is the [B]lesser Guild Wars community.:cry:

- Signed one guy in appreciation and awe!:grin:

[FireballX]

Gaile Gray is the only Customer Relations employee I've seen that actually does a good job. Compare with the idiots over at WoW forums or the idiots at your local big-box return department.

About the only PR employee that doesn't place a ton of marketing-schleck in her posts. And for that, I'm grateful.

A toast to Gaile and Guild Wars.

[ctq]

Gaile, I think it would be a step in the wrong direction to stop the in game visits. What you should understand (and I am sure you do) is that everyone is a different person and responds differently to different stimulus. Add to that the number of younger players and older players that have yet to grow-up and the anonymity provided by the internet and you end up with a small percentage of people who cannot be polite with their questions. It is important that you do not react to this minority and instead remember the majority of reasonable and polite and mostly silent majority that are there listening or posting the occasional pertinent question.

I think your post today on the elite missions access shows that anet is listening to the community and is addressing the issues raised. Hopefully, this should deflate some of the tension seen in the game and on the forums recently. What I would say that an in game statement to say that Anet were consider the issue of elite mission access in the last chat log of your visit would have gone a long way to deflating some of the tension earlier without commiting anet to any particular strategy regarding this hot topic.

Don't equate negative criticism as not being appreciated as this is not true for the majority of level-headed players, where there is criticism it is because players perceive a flaw in a game they love and which they want to see grow and improve on a continuos basis.

In short your work is appreciated...erm, just thought, shouldn't your boss be saying this? :wink:

[Miss Inverse]

Yes, I totally agree.
Gaile is the best community rep in the MMO biz, and the regular ingame visits together with frog talk as well as your and your fellow co-worker's activity on community fora is exceptional.
Keep up the good work.
:wave:

If you need help with the forum trolls just call in a necro to cast some Spiteful Spirits on them, you know it's team game, so you don't have to fight them on your own.
:tongue:

[Theosebes]

Gaile,

I have done tech support for a major software company, done code developing and support for a small firm, and programming/consultant work for a variety of companies. As such, I know how difficult a relationship with a customer can be sometimes. You do a marvelous job, and are far more patient than some of my collegues have been when dealing with rude customers.

We really appreciate your hard work, and your constant efforts not only to keep the community at large happy and informed, but to provide a real, solid link back to the company, and the sense that our voices are heard. Thank you.

[Joe Black Dude]

Thank you Galie for all your visits :) It is great fun to come and see you and hear all these cool things you tell us. And I have to say GWs would not be the same without you. And we would all miss you very much :(

[Luciana Lucius]

Gaile,

You do an excellent job and so many people love you and this game. Don't let the handful of complainers bring you down. The people who love this game, are busy playing, so you see all the childish negativity and whining instead. Someone said that these spoiled bratty kids wouldn't know a good thing if it hit them in the face, and that is SO true. Factions rocks. I love it.

You and the Anet team care about the game, and it shows. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication. You're doing an awesome job; don't let them bring you down!

[Tsubasa Ikemoto]

Hi Gaile,

Thank you for the "Gaile-Talks". I am always happy, if I could get more informations about Guild Wars. I loved the talks and I am looking forward to seeing them soon.

I think that the most of us will be very happy, if you go. Stuipid people are overall and I know that it is a hard job what you do, but it will be not good if you give up the visits in-game. I saw and read what some kiddies wrote on the Preview Event's end for example and I was really shocked, but I was surprised of your behaviour and I was absolutly disappointed of this people. Chin up and I hope to see you soon ingame.

Sorry for my english, but I think you understand what a german boy means

Paul

[Halostar]

If I ever get partnered up with someone that flames gaile, they are in for the biggest fight of their lives. I like gaile and what she does for us. no other game i've played has had some1 get "in the trenches" and find out what we think. I especially like that she tells us the ideas the devs are tossing areound. besides, no1 insults a woman.:angry:

[mist waver]

Hello Gaile, I do not post myself much on forums. This is my 3rd here. I think that your reaction has more merit than people know.I would not of handled the type of behavior as well as you. It is hard being called a liar or cheat or anything vulger. Your reaction would be the same as mine. That you interacted for so long takes great finesse and whole lot of heart. I know I appreciate all you've done.I admire all you've gone through.I hope you will continue for us the silent majority who watch listen and read all you chat and love your sense humor. we'll miss you,please don't go.

[RangerRob]

Just to chime in with the others, I just wanted to say we love you Gaile. Your visits mean a lot to us and you even have multiple forums accross the internet purely dedicated to your charming banter, that wouldn't be the case if we didn't appreciate you and all you do for us.

You are the coolest 108 year old I know bar none!!! :grin:

[Archenine Paranoia]

I've been a pretty verbal critic of what I have disliked about the Factions release, but Gailes efforts throughout have just been amazing. It's through the fantastic work she has done, as well as the commitment from the whole Anet team, that I will still be buying the 3rd chapter of Guildwars.

[Sister Tuck]

While I have had disagreements on some of the changes, I would never blame Gaile. I also see the reason for the changes and they make sence. As to new fetures that are on the list, they will come when they come. Programing is not a thing that can be done in 22 seconds.

As another poster pointed out, The only reason I even am playing an on-line game is because of the interaction with the ArenaNet staff. I have been dead set against on-line games until now. That is a long time. I started playing Computer games back in the 8088 days.

I got into the Computer field JUST because of computer games. I still play them to remind me why I loved computers when things go nuts in my company.

I appriciate everything that ArenaNet has done with this wonderful game. To give you an idea how much, I am going to GenCon. I haven't been to a Con in 10+ years. I used to be on the Hospitality Staff at MarCon.

Why am I going to GenCon? 3 reasons.

#1 first and formost I really want those skill pins! (Great Idea there)

#2 to meet whoever shows up from ArenaNet so that I can shake their hand and tell them Thank You! in person.

#3 Just to have fun.

Just to let you know, I am spending quite a bit of money to get to and stay at GenCon. All because I love GuildWars. Finally a game that I don't have to pay monthly for and I can play casually as my free time allows. To me, it is worth what I am going to spend just for the few seconds it takes to shake a hand and say thanks.

Hope that lets you know that yes, there are lots of us who really appriciate what you at ArenaNet have created here.

[Drazera]

Thanks for all the lil previews on upcoming features. I hope you decide to put all those rude comments aside and continue to chat with us :)

[PhoenixSapphire]

:flowers: Thank you, Gaile and Anet. I love that you care about your players. I was feeling really sad about some things, but rather than just defend yourselves like some people might, and say, "well this is how it is so tough noogies," :goofy: you're actually working on changing things. I LOVE Guild Wars....it was my first pc game, I bought it for my husband as a wedding gift 1 year ago, hehe....and he ended up getting me hooked and now we play together all the time....it's so great that we have something to do together that we both enjoy! I already can't wait for Chapter 3. Thank you! :thumbsup:

[Cynn]

Gaile, I'm in awe of your patience. Thank you for all you do.

[Zerek]

Gaile,

Thanks for everything you do for the community. For answering our questions, for listening to every side of the argument and for explaning how 6 is more than 8 about 798759435 times :)

I sincerely feel heard and respected as a player because of your visits and I've been able to get answers to several of my questions that I could not have otherwise obtained. Your active position as a liason between us and the devs seperates Guild Wars from the rest and makes for a better online experience. I hope this thread shows you the importance many of us place on this aspect of the game. From the entire MaxDamage.net team, I send a great big "Thank You" your way.

Sincerely,

Zerek and the MaxDamage.net staff

[Vallen Frostweaver]

Gaile,
I appreciate all you've done. Many people fail to look at all the positive that come about from your visits. If you weren't here, they wouldn't have heard of the upcoming improvements or events or get that little butterfly when they hear of this new 'thing' that you'll absolutely love! They wouldn't have a 'person' to talk to about there woes either and share their feelings. You humanized the game that is GW. I don't know how many other games I've played ended up being 'dead' with no interaction between the developers and the players. You are the bridge! And what a wonderful piece of architechture you are (I'm not hitting on you just praising the role you are playing). You set a great example for future developers so please continue the great work.

[Alaric Surion]

I would like to throw my thanks in here as well..you have already done more for us in the 6 months ive played gw then i think i saw EA do for the uo community in the years i played that.

I think what you are doing is great, and im sorry you have to deal with so much immaturity and negative attitudes that have been both on the forums and your visit to LA..and i feel it down right disgusting the people who said you lie and dont know what your talking about and so on.

So thank you Gaile, i hope to see you in LA, cantha and all the future events as well.

[the bomb]

After seeing all the flaming on gaile your a brave lady and should get a rasie. Your job is very important but hard too. This what it is like to deal with the public. You are doing a fine job not your fult when the designers change their ideas.

[Princess eirika]

Gaile,

Ive bought GW last july and have been in love with it ever since. I truly believe that some people you have to deal with and be diffcult (What am I saying, They can get downright rude :cry:. )

I wanted you to know that everytime I see your name pop-up in my friends list, I always wonder what new news you have for us :smiley:

Everytime one of the many nice people who post the Gaile logs, I read them.

But, even though you and Anet have to hear some pretty harsh things, and it may be hurtful, it kinda hurts me to read and hear what some people have to say. I could go on about this, but my main reason of posting here was,

There are alot of people behind you, 100%!

[Ranger Nietzsche]

Galie,

I'm amazed at your responsiveness to player queries. I didn't start coming until Mal and the Boat Crew started logging, because I honestly didn't know you existed. Sad I know, considering I'm a BWE player from february of 2005. But the very first time I went to a chat I got answers from you to all 7 of my questions. Perhaps it's because most of mine tend to be less common questions and random stuff, or perhaps its just luck.

Since then I've gone to every one that I could, and gotten a response at least 98% of the time.

Keep it up Gaile. Your tolerance for rudeness is simply amazing. Now we just need you to once again respond to us asking you about your obsidian flesh with something quick and funny like "My automatic caps filter tends to keep them at bay." which you have done so many times (though not with those words).

Keep on truckin' Gaile, we need you as much as ANet needs us.

[optimussword]

Keep up the good work Gaile. There's a lot of people out there who really appreciate everything that you do.

[Longhorn Protection]

Ignore the whiners Gaile, I'm a network manager at a school, and get it all day every day! There is a lot of people who enjoy your visits, me included! I hope to see you again!

<3 <3 <3 <3

PS If not... any chance of getting your pink text? :grin:

[Flymag]

Hi everybody,

Sorry for my poor english but I'm French.

However I understand most of your threads and so I'm worry. I do traductions and substracts of all Gaile's interventions, report it on our France Guild Wars (elite fansite) forum since January. Many thanks to Malhavoc and the Boat Crew for screening all the logs.

At this time we have more than 4000 reads of this topic and major part of french communauty waiting the Gaile's logs. More, I'm the "Petit Guildwarzine Illustré (http://medias.france-guildwars.com/Guildwarzine/Numero01.PDF)" editor (a GW bimonthly e-zine) and I compile a column of "Gaile & The Frog" which have great success with many french readers.

So please, even if in all informations there is sometimes misunderstanding or delay we know that you do the max to satisfy gamers. First of all this is communication and we appreciate that.

I hope my sentences will be comprehensible to all of us,

Flymag

P.S.: If someone understand french here or simply wants to look at this e-zine, click on the image below :

http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/6504/numero010ox.jpg (http://medias.france-guildwars.com/Guildwarzine/Numero01.PDF)

Warning : it's a 5 Mo .pdf, so be patient :wink:

[Mularc Templare]

I know that there;s already nine pages of posts, but every voice counts. So I hope mine is heard too.

As a member of the now..."defunct" MTG: Battlegrounds community, I have seen first hand how a company can promise the world and never deliver. I have seen how communities can fall apart due to lack of any "official" role. Your link with us not only allows us to know how Anet is feeling about things, but as a poster on this page (page 9 if my post gets shunted) said, it help humanise the "artificial" world of Guild Wars.

I must also say, while im up on my soapbox, that Anet is doing a better job then any game studio that I have come across.

Thank you for accepting our mixed and sometimes chaotic community, and regularly gracing us with your presence in-game. I'm sure the whiners will calm down (well...I hope)

My last comment is that if your job is getting too frustrating, we as a community wont mind you taking time off :tongue: Myabe "encourage" some of the other residents of Anet on to talk to us once in a while, to give you a break :P

Mularc

[Aerys]

Never seen you in game in my short time in GW, but I look forward to reading the logs posted here. You are an asset that would be sorely missed.

Being a celebrity in a large gaming community can't be easy, and you have both my sympathy and my respect for your patience and class.

:flowers:

[SilentMoon]

P.S.: If someone understand french here or simply wants to look at this e-zine, click on the image below :

Off-topic, but I thought I would mention: Although I'm French, I've never played the game in French. Reading this stuff was a pretty funny experience. :) Those (official) translations... Oh, the humanity!
ezine looks very pretty though. :)

[Merlin Dragonclaw]

Gaile can't stop coming for her visits. Froggy will miss her too much as will the rest of us in the community!

[Yoshi The Dinosaur]

Go Gaile! hear hear! lets try and work together
instead of all this negativity between the devs
and the players! :angry:

Thank you for all your hard work and that you are
so patient Gaile! :grin: :sunny:

[Trojan]

I must admit, having a dev. team who listens to the fans and actually interacts with the community regularly is a rare thing these days. :)

Thank you Gaile! :grin: You rawk! :afro:

[xXxploit Me]

Its cool that you rock up and talk to players Gaile, ive dropped in on a few of your chats and generally i like the atmosphere :) Its good fun and some interesting topics are brought up.

Tbh i dont care if you dont get all the info right or what you may or may not have said doesnt come to pass (and no analogy can change that...), the game cost me $100Aust to buy and ive played it more than any other game I've ever brought, met some great friends, lowered by grammar by -2, and generally had a ball playing with other people online, this being my first online game. :afro:

So if you think its still viable, keep turning upto have some Q&A with the players - I bet youd be surprised at how many enjoy them, and youll probably never know just how many appreciate them...such is life.

[thazel]

Gaile please dont leave us, I personally feel that guild wars would become "empty" without you:cry:

Although I have never had the honor of being in one of your chat sessions, dont leave, I wanted to congratulate you in a chat session on the launch of Factions, although there are some minor bugs that need to be fixed in it, it is truly an awesome follow-up to Prophecies.

But please Gaile, I know no body is perfect, I have always believed every word you said in the Chat logs. Your visits to the community of Guild wars is what makes it unique, its one of the many reasons I chose prefer this game over World of Warcraft.

Dont leave us because some ******* thinks everything you have said is not true, there is always bound to be people like this, but just look at this whole thread, look at how many people appreciate your work.

I truly admire your patience with the GW community.

If you do show up again in game, and I am able to find you, Ill be sure to giveyou a stack of Red Iris flowers:flowers: :laugh:

[Valerya The Red]

The communication between the devs and the players must continue pls :sad: Gaile, you have been doing a wonderful job and I have always been grateful for all the devs' hard work and your dedication. I've been to some of your chats myself too, and I totally understand how frustrating it must be for you, who only have good intentions towards us, the players, to be met by some people who only have petty things to say or can't stop moaning.

Trust me when I say, they are a minority. I am one of those who truly enjoys the game and are very grateful to all your hard work guys. :flowers:

[nimloth]

well, under those pressure from those unhappy players, i think it is hard for anyone to withstand it..but yeah, gaile is an asset among us..we will sorely miss her if she left anet or stop being PR..do not let those 'rant'ers to upset you..cheers..:D

[Keill Delamara]

I'm not great at trying to push my point across, but I'll try. I've attended several Gaile chats in the past, and have enjoyed being there to see and listen to what you have to say. I've relayed to my friends over Guild chat any new information you have to pass along, and am thankful for the logs here that let me catch up on what I miss. Though I may not be able to make it to your chats as often as I'd like, I do appreciate everything you do for us. I, and many others, will miss you greatly if you do go

[DrD]

Where did you go Galie?

[Gaile]

Where did you go Galie?I'm here. :tongue:

I do appreciate the kind thoughts and the very generous words in this thread. You guys make me smile. Sometimes you make me get a little misty, but I'm not going to admit that to just anyone, eh? Just a secret between us few, right? :wink:

I've taken some time to think about the whole visit/don't visit thing. And you know, I think it's a matter of expectations more than anything else. There will always be folks who think that if I'm in the game, it's for a big deal, an official announcement, or the revelation of top level things. That's usually not the case. Often I come to listen, not talk. Or to share a tidbit and then just hang out and learn what's on your mind. Sometimes I want to ask the questions. Sometimes I want to gather ideas to relay to the devs, and really and truly don't have info to relay from them to you.

I see two choices, really: I can simply ignore/not answer the questions I cannot answer, or I can answer with an inconcrete answer, a "Don't know more" or "Timeline unknown" or "Sorry, I can't say" response. Neither is perfect, is it? But if I can only visit when I can give full disclosure, and if I should only visit when I have goods to give, I'm locked out of hearing you, and listening to your ideas, and gauging your concerns to take back to the team.

Your concerns lately, you know the ones, about Elite access and being able to play all missions in both worlds, were well shared with me in visits. Sure I learned about them first in forums. But I could ask questions, get a feel for the direction of the issues, and everybody (everybody!) benefited from that. We can't have the visits become such things, "I'm unhappy about..." or "Why don't you fix...?" or "There's a break in such-and-such mission." I'd rather read in the forums first and answer questions in chat later, if need be. But the ability to do that is one of the powerful reasons why I think visits are a good thing.

The best part of it is ideas, though. Not bugs. Not breaks. Not grouses or dislikes or feature disagreements. I like to be able to say "Ok, so what do you think about... " or "What did you like with..." and get an instant and very articulate response. I like to be able to share little bits and pieces, and hope that those who want *loud voice* major revelations!!! */loud voice* will get into the groove of a friendly exchange and look for the big stuff on official interviews and press releases.

And hey, I just like hanging out with you guys. I miss the visits. Froggie is pining away for me, they say, and his croaks just don't have the same verve, from all reports.

So, see you soon? :heart:

[FireballX]

I've taken some time to think about the whole visit/don't visit thing. And you know, I think it's a matter of expectations more than anything else. There will always be folks who think that if I'm in the game, it's for a big deal, an official announcement, or the revelation of top level things. That's usually not the case. Often I come to listen, not talk. Or to share a tidbit and then just hang out and learn what's on your mind. Sometimes I want to ask the questions. Sometimes I want to gather ideas to relay to the devs, and really and truly don't have info to relay from them to you.


If I were in your shoes I'd astroturf to do data mining. Less headaches from the oodles of people clamoring for X and X change.

But then again I'm not, and I'd make a crappy CM anyway.

Kudos and good work from one satisfied customer.

[DarkHellSpawn]

i miss ya!!

[tanhinh]

dont worry she will show up for sure before the chapter 3 release with all the hype up

[thazel]

Gaile!!!!!!!!! omg glad to have ya back, look forward to seeing you in game =D

[Cerulean Niteshadow]

Gaile,

It is nice to see that you are still around and knowing that I have not been the biggest supporter I still do not wish to see you leave. :cool:

I think your ideas about the way to answer is a good start. I believe that it would be better to just say that you have no idea when something will happen or if you know it wont then say so. I think under the circumstances of the in game meetings it would be better to answer questions in black & white whenever possible.

True this will not make everyone happy, but it will help avoid the false rumors and possibly flaming that does happen.

[Foxxy Hoax]

miss your visits something shocking Galia, even if they did anoy me when they happend :P

just want to say thankyou for being here, listning and in general, just... being Galia.

[ccrazool]

Haiku!!

Oh what will I do?
When Gaile visits us again?
I will say "Howdy!"

[mist waver]

Gaile, i'm glad you did not give up on us. Here's to the listening voice that we should all be greatful forCheers to you Gaile for being you.

[Melly]

Thank you for your time and patience, Gaile. It's so refreshing to see a dev team that values the community's ideas and input and considers them when adding new features. No change or addition can ever satisfy 100% of the crowd but I know the team is always making the best decision for the future of the game and its community. Thanks for all your hard work and for making such an enjoyable, innovative and addicting game!

[Ju Smurph]

Purhaps the frog can visit on occasion to Give a single line of a riddle each visit, which gives hints to the next chapters, and there on listen and hang out.

That way each visit holds something important. Without giving anything away...

[Zaxares]

Purhaps the frog can visit on occasion to Give a single line of a riddle each visit, which gives hints to the next chapters, and there on listen and hang out.

That way each visit holds something important. Without giving anything away...

YEAH! I kinda miss the old days of the Frog's cryptic riddles and pronouncements, to be honest...

[Djinn Effer]

I think what the problem is.. Is that people seem to think that ANet employee's don't read nor listen to forums simply because their problems are not fixed instantly so they try to get their question across to someone they know could address the issue rather than it being lost among thousands of other posts which they think are never read in the first place - which actually seemed to be reaffirmed by the OP quote stating that if there is no more communication in-game that there will be no listening at all. I think that's possibly what creates the spamming of questions and even rudeness when Gaile appears. Some people, if their question seems to be ignored they take it personally and hold a grudge - which is wrong but it seems to happen. I really think since this issue will probably not cease which leaves little good coming from it.. It may be more beneficial if Gaile would just address certain "hot topics" on these (not just these, the major fansites) forums perhaps maybe once a week? This way, people would know ANet is listening and their stance on things - perhaps that would actually cool people down so they don't think they're being ignored or what-not if Gaile does decide to make appearances in-game. Either way, ANet has already taken a huge step above any other game in sense of listening to people's opinions like this.

With my opinion stated... Gaile, I think you're doing a great job especially with your work conditions the way they are. (the above mentioned) Try not to let it get you down too much.

[Kakashi Chan]

I do believe Gaile and Frog do a tremendous service to ANet and the players. I do thank them for their patience. Bridging the large divide that separates the ones who serve from the ones who whine is not well done in many many games.

And now onto more important matters... did some mad Frenchman eat the frog? Did Shiro kidnap Gaile? I have not seen them in awahile. Vacation perhaps?

[Xunlai Agent]

Just coming back to this thread I'm really happy to see so many people came out and made our appreciation felt!

[nubnub]

While I've never spoken to Gaile, and never really read one of the chat logs, I understand how important it is that the dev team hears our ideas. The fact that we even *have* somebody like that is unprecedented in any games I've played.

[Bane of Worlds]

Well, I'm glad Gaile is doing spendid work and keeping us,the players, updated.

[Anark Chaosmiter]

Well I dont if she has decided to stay or not but i do hope she stay's. I have never had a chance to see any of her visit but it would be a shame if the "small minded give me, give me now" childern out there force you to stop. I can imagine the frustration you must get from all the crappy talk you get from some. You have way more patience then me id be killing some people.

Any Gaile i hope you do still come around. You have add a personel feel to the game. So i add my vote for you to stay and remember there those out here that do care for ya.

[chirthain]

Fully agreed with above posts. Can't say more.

~Nyuu

[Naluh]

I think what the problem is.. Is that people seem to think that ANet employee's don't read nor listen to forums simply because their problems are not fixed instantly
You can say that again, it's been 15 months since I started playing gw and ever since ppl have *****ed about trade and storage. A slight but not nearly adequate improvement was made to storage in 15 months time. You can sure as hell call that "not instantly".

[Skullholder]

We love you Gaile!

Just ignore the whiners, unfortunately there's always the immature and angst ridden looking for a scapegoat. That kind of unconstructive negativity has no place here or anywhere else. But i think the majority of the community really appreciate your visits. Certainly for me the level of commitment from you especially makes Guild Wars special. You don't get it in many games period.

[Misdemeanor]

Hi to the Mighty Gaile !!!

Even though i've never been able to thank you in game (blah the timezone and all) well, here's the moment. So yeah, there's whiners and all the stuff like them, and i'm afraid there will always be some people like that. But KNOW !! that we're all being you, don't lose the spirit !!! every players know (or should know) the great job you're doing and all you're going through. So yeah, We all love you for what you do, and we support you in your task !!!

With the greatest love and consideration, Thank you Gaile, we really owe you much !!

[Kojak]

. I'd like to say a personal thankyou to Gaile. For everything you've done, in and out of the game for the ever growing community of players. I hope you don't take the flames and comments from others too personally. For some obscure reason. They believe you personally, owe them somthing more when they paid the box fee for the game. I think this comes down to immaturity, and lack of respect.

When I purchased guildwars. I was owed the contents of the box. If they matched the descritpion on the back, and worked according to the system requirements. I got, just what I paid for. Anything else you personally, or anet do. Is above and beyond. And I for one, personally appreciate it, and see it as a gift. Not a requirement, or somthing to be "owed".

I appreciate that you, Gaile. Have one of the most difficult jobs one could have. I'm a digital artist by profession. The hardest part of the entire job, isn't creating smooth animations, rigging complex models, or watching my polygon count. It's dealing with clients.

I appreciate, and understand the difficulties of your job. And for the sake of those who truely appreciate it. Such as myself, and the others who have posted, and will continue to post. I hope you choose to stay around.

Thank you :)

[neoteo]

I LOVE YOU GAILE

i have this idea , im sure many people will not agree with me , but i think if gaile instead of apearing in shin jea , she would apear in elite mission towns , or some other end game zone , less anoying kids would be there to ruin the divine moment.
in factions is hard becose end game zones are divided in 2 ... so maybe in the last town before it splits. ( dont remember the name , but you get the idea )
this may seam a stupid idea , but im sure players get mature as the game advance. expecialy in profecies , where some people get stuck in missions like THK , some end up passing by luck geting in a good group , but even those learn what it takes to do it ( at least some ).
ok this was semi off topic , its my 2 cents to help make gaile meetings better.
i remember asking for a place where not everyone could get in , the other day i was in urgoz and i had that feeling , even knowing everyone can get a taxi and go there , not everyone goes. i want to thank anet for giving us that place. And if i could decide where gaile would show up , it would be for sure in Urgoz and Deep towns.

LOVE

[Arkhan The Black]

It would be a shame if you decided not to visit Tyria anymore. I have always enjoyed reading the logs and it is good to see Devs that takes an interest in the average Joe's opinion. :thumbsup:

I wish more Devs could be like you.

[Jahiri]

Gaile FTW!! you are like a prophet of the ANET God. and we bow down before you!

[Walks With Angels]

I have been a visitor on this site for some time - just finally signed up mere moments ago - and the reason I picked this site over all others is because of these great chat logs and the posts made here by Gaile Gray herself.

Thank you for sharing so much lovely information and ferrying ideas to Those Who Develop. :flowers:

[Pei Wei]

Like the many others who've added to this thread I too would like to extend a hearty "thank you" to Gaile and the rest of the Anet Team.

For Gaile, thank you very much for the weeding through of the seemingly ridiculous and passing on of player interests/concerns. It's cool to know we, the players, have a direct voice through you and greatly appreciated. I can appreciate standing on the front line and gettin' a lot of grief and, frankly, don't quite know how you manage - but you have. And, if I may say so, I feel the game environment is all the better for it. For both your bravery and continued player support - thank you very much.

Am very much looking forward to Nightfall - much of the content, from what I've seen/read, is wholly due to player input and that, I feel, is evidence of how you, Gaile, have relayed matters. :flowers: Grazie.

[Giggles]

Like the many others who've added to this thread I too would like to extend a hearty "thank you" to Gaile and the rest of the Anet Team.

For Gaile, thank you very much for the weeding through of the seemingly ridiculous and passing on of player interests/concerns. It's cool to know we, the players, have a direct voice through you and greatly appreciated. I can appreciate standing on the front line and gettin' a lot of grief and, frankly, don't quite know how you manage - but you have. And, if I may say so, I feel the game environment is all the better for it. For both your bravery and continued player support - thank you very much.

Am very much looking forward to Nightfall - much of the content, from what I've seen/read, is wholly due to player input and that, I feel, is evidence of how you, Gaile, have relayed matters. :flowers: Grazie.

I second that motion.

[Devosion]

Though I've never participated in a chat with Gaile, or any other member of staff from ANet, I know that they listen.

This to me means every so much. I've been playing Guild Wars since the E3 for Everyone Event way back in 2003 (I believe that's right). Soon after I started doing the BWE's with fervor. I'd set aside time just to get involved. After spending three years with Guild Wars I can say the only reason I'd have stayed were it not for the fact that the developers listen to the gamers.

One of the best things about GW is it isn't static at all. I love the fact that I can get onto GW and expect a download. It's one of the things I look forward too, because it shows me that the developers truly love their product as much as I do.

Now its understandable we all have our personal grievances with the game, but just as well its often best to take a look at the bigger picture. Simply what it comes down to is the developers are satisfying the individual by satisfying the group, and vice versa. Sure we cant all have exactly what we expect, but considering just how much the developers put out for us without a monthly fee I believe we should be ever moreso grateful.

And people like Gaile are amongst the most important, because they are willing to listen. Developers put alot of hours in and we have a medium to these hard workers.

So with this being said I offer a very heartful thank you to Gaile, and to everyone else in the ArenaNet staff that has made the state of Guild Wars possible. The state of true dynamicism and individual / mass to developer relations. You guys are simply the best, and thanks for years of great gaming and I plan on being a Guild Wars gamer for many more years to come.

[Tyrael Hellfire]

I personally had a detailed conversation with Gaile during the FPE when everyone was spamming her to death she actually took the time to talk to me and answer the questions I had about the release of Factions.

Two words: Much Respect.

Three words: Very Hard Job
(she has)

I wouldnt blame her for wanting to take a break from the community as it can be very stressful to be a 'superstar' of GW so to speak.. Although if she does I wish you luck Gaile and thank you for your support of the community.

[domer]

She has been doing a GREAT job. Take the past 24-48 hours for an example, as many have seen there has been a huge uproar/backlash caused by a rather "elite" (for lack of better terms for someone who has EVERY title maxed, invested like 3432hrs into the game etc) user account being hacked/deleted..

I challenge anyone to be able to do the job of a CRM like Gaile has without having a nervous breakdown / ragequitting your own job. Im sure it has been a VERY difficult time for her trying to keep the calm and clarify how things work, how the company deals with them, etc etc. and having people NOT listen, IGNORE, and just complain and freak out about things.

Its always tough when the REAL answer is something that the person having the issue doesnt want to hear, and even tougher to be the one who has to break that news and explain it to a large userbase, and then have people just REFUSE to accept it.

I, for one, would probably break under the stress of having to deal with such things constantly.

Gaile, keep up the good work, and i hope you get some time to rest and take a break especially after a whirlwind weekend of trying to keep up with a BWE as well as try to keep community in order!

Thank You Gaile

P.S. Nightfall weekend was a BLAST and I can't wait for it! I can tell you i am 1000% more excited about this release than factions after such a great experience on the weekend. I've even pre-ordered the CE in anticipation. CANT WAIT!!

[Stephanus Aurelius]

I agree whole heartedly with this thread. Because, I think that Gaile is doing a most excellent job at telling us what she knows. I know I get burned out by reading all the whining, I can only imagine what it must like from her perpective. Gaile if you read this I stand and applaud you for your efforts. And If I see you in game I'll treat you to an ale...:wink: ...or five...LOL!!!

*Personal sidenote: I'm so Jones-ing for the release of the final product of NightFall!!!!

[tevaryen]

i don't post or leave messages nearly as often as i probably should, but this is one thread i have to reply on. Gaile has been a friend of the "average" player for a long time. By complaining endlessly we are showing no appreciation for her efforts. So yes we should all say thank you Gaile. She has done more for us than any of us will ever know. As a "Non-Elite" player i feel like i should say...Thank you VERY VERY much Gaile.

Tev Trueshot-Ranger,and general all around nice guy

[Devilish Evangelist]

Gaile, I really appricate the work that you've done.
I honestly don't think you're a PR. A PR never comes out and talk to the public when there is problem. You're brave and clever and hardwork and honest to both the players and Anet.
I've no reason not to say thankyou.

But, don't work too hard. You can choose not to show up if it's too difficult for you. Relax, we'll be happy to see you anytime in the board.

[udx]

Please don't go, I still haven't ever managed to get into the same area as you for one of your chats, mind you i'm not sure what to say, I think I would just be speachless, and zoom in and look at your character, and then call the wife over and say "LOOK LOVE IT'S GAILE". (She would know who you are, we both play Guild Wars).

Your chat logs are just the best, Maybe you need bodyguards, who can "force a duel on everyone who abuses you?"

Thanks for everything Gaile, keep up the great work.

[Termil]

Another vote for Gaile ( is she President yet?). :flowers:

Thanks Gaile from an average player and forum lurker. ( gee I only have 2500 hours and a Steward title - must be a slacker cuz I don't have any title maxed. I would like to see that 10 million faction claim done in 3200 hours much less getting all the wisdom, exploration ......).

The silent majority appreciates you and ANet much more than you know because, well, we're usually silent.

I have been gaming for longer than many of the players have been alive ( first gaming system an Atari 2600, first computer an Apple IIe with TWO external 5 1/4" floppy drives :laughing: ) and the support and information provided by you and ANet is a rarity. Most companies put out a game and feel the players can love it or leave it. They got the $40.00, which is all they care about. This is my first on line experience and I'm loving it. Was convinced to try it because there is no monthly fee.

Again thanks, I'm starting to ramble so I'll leave now.

[Gaile]

Hey, guys,

I've been hesitating to post here because the thread was started a few months ago, and I didn't want to bump it. But since you bumped it... :grin:

Thanks a bunch for your kind words and votes of support and all that stuff. It's really kind of you to be so generous in what you say, and it means a lot to me.

I really enjoy the in-game chats -- it's about my favourite thing of all that I get to do. For the game, though, it's even more beneficial, I feel because it's a marvelous way to tap into the energy and the passion of all of us players. We can bounce ideas off of one another and come up with some completely new ones just by chatting. If there's an issue I can let you know and you can share that information with others. If there's something coming, I may get to share that, too. Guild Wars is a better game because player input is sought, delivered, and sometimes added to the game -- we wouldn't have it any other way!

I also think that Guild Wars is a very social game, and I think coming together (even if there are a few hundred of us) is a little bit like having a party. We might not all have dwarven ale, and goodness knows Froggie's mosquito-wing pizzas are something that a lot of us would pass on :wink: but it's a ton of fun just to chat, share thoughts, pass along a concern, give a bit of new info, and all that.

Anyway, for a period of time, there was a pretty negative tone added to the chats. A few people were using the occasion to become abusive, and personal, and a few do it still, from time to time. It's hard to avoid that when it's an "all are welcome" event. And I certainly don't want to see a dozen people banned for abusive behavior every time I step into town! On the other hand, after discussion, we realized that if someone is really intent on getting himself put into the corner with a mute or a brief time out, well... there should be someone there who just might fulfill that desire if misbehavior becomes really bad. But like they say, "One bad apple doesn't spoil the whole barrel." The majority--vast majority--of those who stop by are really great! People with concerns or even people who are upset about something really need to remember, "Don't shoot the messenger! :smiley: The point is that most of the time, there's no problem at all, and I feel that the chats are too valuable and too much a part of our culture to stop them.

So thanks again, and we'll see you in the game! I'm still trying to decide where to make a home in Elona. Might be Kamadan, but I'm still pondering on that. It has to be a place that is Frog friendly... :wink:

[domer]

No Prob Gaile, i've still yet to be online during one of your visits but hope to one day soon..

As for where to live in Elona, Kamadan seems like a good place!

If i recall i remember seeing a few frog-friendly places, and i think even some water/bridges on either side where Mahk and his family have their little dwelling/toy shop

[ShiningSquirrel]

Yes, I also have to agree with this thread, and as some of you may remember I was giving Gail a hard time awhile back.
I apologized to her for that, and I will apologize here again for all to see.
She must have the patiance of a saint to put up with some of us, the fans, and she is doing a remarkable job of it considering all the compliants and what not she has to deal with. Everyone is willing to speak up when there is something they do not like, but we sometimes fail to speak up when there is something good to say.

[windcaller]

Thank You Gaile for the awsome work!!

i always wondered why i play this game even now (i usually get bored very fast)

and now i found the answer: this game never stops to amaze me, always bringing new feats, changes, making the game more challenging and so on.

but the thing that amazed me was that people that work for the company talk with the customers. simply amazing how a game works on the idea "communication is the foundation of society". Keep up the great work everyone :)

[Lensor]

Just wanted to give a big :flowers: to Gaile for always trying to keep us up to date, relay our concerns to the Developers, and for keeping a level head when dealing with less-than-civilized disgruntled players! Hopefully it will stay that way forever (the level head that is, not the existance of less-than-civilized disgruntled players :wink:)

Your work is appreciated by many, and you are one of the main reason why GuildWars is such an enyoyable game: not many other games offers that level of interactivity with the developers, actually listen to the player's input and put updates in the game on a more or less weekly basis.

Keep up the good work, dont know how we would manage without you! :thumbsup:

[Lord Juan]

Well, i been playing online games since, almost always, and i usually dont stay so long in a game before migrate to the next one. But, now, i have 18 months in Guildwars, i have recomend and buy guildwars as presents, and i dont see the time to go again.

Whats makes Guildwars so special?, its not just the graphics, and not just the story, or the fact that i dont have to live leveling a character so maybe i can have fun some day, i think what really make me stay in guildwars its the contact betwen anet and the players. The fact that they visit us sometimes, that they listen us, that they post in the fansite forums, and its something i always say about guildwars.

But, i never was "they", is Gaile, has always been Gaile who i have seen in the interntional districts, is Gaile who comes to the forums and talk to us, and listen to us. And for that i thank you Gaile.

I had the chance of be a gamemaster in other game a pair of years ago, and its a very hard and a not very rewarding job. And it wasnt that big of a game... All i can say its, doesnt matter what you do, there will always be people who doesnt like it, but, there is much more people who appreciate it and dont say it than the ones that come and say something bad about it. Much more, you would be surprised. Its just, people doesnt come and do a reply just saying "thank you" or wouldnt msg you in game with just a "thank you" for the concern of be taken as spam, but, if people ever does it, you can be sure every time you log in you would have your chat filled with apreciation messages, betwen them one from myself.

[Barinthus]

I'm speechless - this is the first time I saw this thread.

One of things I liked about GW is the fact that the developers seem to try stay connected to players via Gaile and Froggy along with others.

The idiom "A bad apple ruins the bunch" comes to mind. I sincerely hope that Gaile will continue to visit us and ignore narrowminded whining individuals who doesn't understand that things are prone to change in real world.

I heart Gaile and GW developers - please don't let negative people ruin it for us all.

[ygraul]

/worship Gaile and Froggie. :flowers:

[Phantoma]

Gaile you rock! Rangers rock : )hehehehe
Anet is doing a great job! Nightfall is so much fun!
Guild Wars has captivated me since the beta. Thanks for answering my questions when I asked long ago.
Great job keeping us up to speed on things Gaile, keep up the awesome job!

[AthenaOfAngelica]

Hi there!
What a wonderful thread!

Thank you Gaile for all you have done for your company and for us. To be in the "field" with all of us is a monumental challenge that you have faced and conquered. Many people from many companies fail to consistently deliver the type of support and care that you have done. By overcoming this challenge, you have set higher standards for those in the industry and I hope they will all learn from your excellent work.

Thank you for spending your time with us and helping to make Guild Wars special for everyone!

Best Wishes,
Athena

[ShadowCreator]

Wow Is the first time I come across this thread. Gaile, I can tell you that having you around the forums to keep us informed and providing the developer with our feedback is awesome. As many people already havae said: thank you very much for such wonderful job (we know is not an easy one).

We love you Gaile!!!!

[Texas Ranger Tina]

Well, with it being thanksgiving and all, i would like to give thanks for Gaile Gray and the effort she puts into letting us know that the staff are paying attention to the forums. Please keep up the good work and just ignore the whiners and naysayers.

[Xerox]

Gaile FTW! Happy Thanksgiving xD. Although im not as active as many others, I do however realize the importance of dev/community communication. Ive seen many rude responces to very insightful posts by Gaile and some nices one too xD. Hopefully this connection isn't broken. Gj Gaile and keep it up at your own pace =).

[Chackan]

I've never played a game where the developers actually chat with the players (altough Gaile isnt a developer, she is the bridge between we and them).

All I can do is thank Anet and Gaile for listening to us.

Thank you very much!