> 1. This the second time in 2 weeks they changed the date on a major
> scheduled downtime. My bother scheduling downtime, if you;re not going
> to keep it? My cleric group plays once a week (and is the main reason I
> play EQ, I love my bard, but I think i would leave the game if I didn;t
> have my regular cleric group). We make sure our day does not coincide
> with their scheduled downtime since we face such time constraints
> (normally play from 5ish to 11ish). The rest of the group was able to
> get in around 7, so our time this week was cut by 1/3, despite our best
> efforts.

#1 Rule of Computer Upgrades & Software Installations: Things never go 100%
as planned.
#2 Rule of Computer Upgrades & Software Installations: Apply rule #1 to
every step in the process if there is a time constraint involved.

> 2. Why aren't these downtimes scheduled about 3-5 horus earlier, when
> there are many less paying customers trying to play? I feel bad for the
> people in Europe in Asia, but America represents the majority of their
> customer base. I would even be happier if they would rotate down times
> so different people were affected each time.

What, you expect the Verant folks to get up at 2am?? :)

> 3. How much time was wasted writing the True North spell. I'm sure we
> could all name about 20 things which everyone in the game would rather
> have seen that time spent fixing. Has anyone thought of a use for this?

I would have loved this at level 1. I can't remember how many times I got
lost in Toxxulia Forest because there is no path, no easily visible
landmarks, and fog you can't see past 30 feet in.

> 4. How do things which directly contradict the patch messages make it
> past their "extensive testing?"

You misunderstand... doing "extensive testing" doesn't necessarily mean they
fix what they test. :)

--Gaelaian Galaenor.. babbling bard.