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I guess I just don't get it. I've played Runescape for 7+ years, but I don't understand this purism. Yes, they said they wouldn't before. People have the right to change their minds. I once thought microtransactions were awful things -- and then I played some games with them and saw how little they really affect the gameplay (when done right. If you have to buy MT stuff to play, that sucks.) What makes microtransactions such an evil thing? I've played literally dozens -- going on nearly 100 now -- of mmorpgs with them. I've quit all but a handful for a variety of reasons, but microtransactions has only on extreme and rare occasions been a reason for quitting. I highly suspect that double xp will soon join either the SoF and/or Solomon's shop. I don't see in any way how that harms me or the game + community that I dearly love. The negative community response, in my opinion, has driven me further from it than the things being responded to. Why would I want to play a game with people who are so angry and upset and being drama queens and kings ("Runescape is dying! It's the end! Get out of the game now while you still can!") (NOT saying any of you here are being like that. Lots of love and support for you all being so reasonable.)

Young people don't know how to write any more..they use "text" words. I tutor students and it's frightening to see how far behind today's student are in writing!

I'm right there with you. I've made so many good friends in Runescape over the past six years. We've had real life meet ups; we chat all the time in Skype; then I log into the game to hang out and have fun with them.

Now so many are leaving. It's really distressing. It's not just pixels here, but real friendships.

On the bright side, I'm keeping in contact with the best of those friends through other means. A lot of road-testing of new games is going on.

It's quite shocking when you realise just how many J Mods are leaving. The reasons aren't hard to guess.

Absolutely and I agree entirely - just thought you lost your way - in the end it is all about headology - you need to meet people where they are - not where you like them to be - correct?/agreed? SY

Ah! I don't think I phrased what I meant very well. I've been out all day walking, and I've caught a bit of sun in between getting drenched. My brain isn't quite in gear. :p

I don't mean indulge yourself entirely; and you should always write with your readers in mind. You are quite right there.

What I meant was that if you choose subjects only because they're guaranteed to bring in readers, then you're on thin ice. But only if that subject personally bores you rigid. The reason being that your own boredom and lack of passion will show through. If you do it too much, then you'll lose all interest in writing. You'll burn out.

It's much better to choose a subject which interests you, then your passion will show in your writing. New readerships will be forged, because the writing will be of higher quality accordingly.

Am I making more sense now?

Rickie - I will join in you both that head bang and the facepalm. Whoever writes that crap really must think that we're stupid.

With an extremely heavy heart, I have to agree with what you said about the new generation of Runescape players. But there is hope. There are much better games out there for those with the money to play them. So why should such people come to Runescape?

Jagex always made their money from those with loyalty. We had the longevity. If we're all now leaving, and there are better games for the monied, what then for the future of Runescape?

Jo, I am sorry, but you are completely and utterly wrong! It is not about you, it is about your readers! Whilst I agree that you should only write about topics you know and care about, you need to keep your (potential) readers in mind, not your own ego! You absolutely need to write from a point of view that helps others, not from a point of view that indulges your own interests - sorry if that sounds harsh, SY

Cathy - As I also responded to Lucas (below), I utterly agree with your appraisal of recent up-dates. It's not what I've come to anticipate since 2007. The emphasis has truly left quality game-play and moved onto monetization.

As for SoF, I hope that you're wrong. Though I'm now completely cynical about any of Jagex's intentions. You're probably right.

The membership videos in F2P? I recall the apology after the last time they did that! Andrew Gower admitted it was the wrong direction and they were all removed. And with Andrew's departure went all pretense at morality.

Jagex can argue that they are a business and need to make money all that they want. But treating their players with such disdain surely cannot be the best business model in the world. Especially when it already failed once.

David - I've been AWOL today (18th), so haven't checked out the Runescape front page yet. Thanks for the warning. <3

*goes to see* Ah, yes. It's explaining to me (a Briton) that only US players may buy these game-cards, which come with an exclusive in-game item. Good fight completitionists.

I remember when I endeavoured to have every 'special' item in the game. All of those things which you could only get by putting in the hours at Temple Trekking, or finishing a holiday event. That is now impossible. I give up.

Lucas - I've been playing since 2007 and I can testify that up-dates have slowed to a crawl. It used to be that something was added to the game on a weekly basis. It was usually a Tuesday. First Tuesday of every month was quest day.

Since SoF, we've had some biggies, like Runespan, but on the whole it's been nothing but a sea of Yelps. Either that or ways to get lots of XP with the minimum of effort, plus loyalty rewards for not leaving. The sparseness has had a lot of spin on it though, just to pad it out. And, of course, SoF shoved down our throats ad nauseam.

May I suggest that you don't worry so much about subjects which readers hunger for? Go instead with those which interest you. If you have the passion and the fire, then you will forge a readership. Moreover, it will be less of a chore for yourself.

I'm glad that my tips for a positive attitude have been helpful to you. Good luck with your writing. <3

2uesday, very good food for thought.

When I realized I could read, I'd make a couple of trips to the bookmobile that stopped around the corner from where I lived. I'd check out a huge stack of books and hide some under my shirt, because I knew she would disapprove of me checking out so many. My mother's favorite comment, "You're going to ruin your eyes if you don't stop reading all the time."

These are some very good techniques for memorizing. I've been wanting to memorize the Amendments to the Constitution and the Periodic Table just for the heck of it.

Very interesting article. I will take a look at Young's Literal Translation.