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Revision as of 05:35, 24 July 2010
- Update: see #It begins!, below.
Good morning!
So, as you may have heard, the Cataclysm beta is gearing up, and could arrive as soon as late next week! Additionally, there will be no NDA - the NDA only applies during the alpha period, which has a very limited number of participants and isn't open to the public. If past experience is any guide, it shouldn't be too long until we start getting keys to hand out. At the moment I do not know how many, however.
If all goes well, I should be reporting from the beta as a representative of both WoWWiki and Wikia - I've been meaning to get back into WoWWiki properly for a while, and running around the Lost Isles taking hundreds of screenshots should be fun :P
As we get ready for the beta, are there requests of specific stuff we should be looking out for? Screenshotting world changes and recording the events of the new starting zones seems like a natural starting point, but what other areas are there to focus on?
Kirkburn talk contr 15:22, April 8, 2010 (UTC)
- Focus on Zalashji ... that dang naga better do something =P
(Sssss/Slithered) 17:00, April 8, 2010 (UTC)
Any screenshots we take should probably be flagged/stubbed, so that we can go back and verify that the screenshot remains accurate in the release version, no? There might well be landscaping going on during the beta period.
Most everything else (items, quests, mechanics changes) can be flagged Stub/PTR, can't they? But how do you distinguish Cataclysm changes ("version changes") from the next set of major or minor patch changes? --Eirik Ratcatcher (talk) 20:45, April 8, 2010 (UTC)
- Offhand, build # comes to mind as it changes with every major/minor patch. But that would require a change to Stub/PTR to accept a 2nd set of numbers as patch # would be 4.0 (4.0.x?), and the build number would be the thing that changes with every patch. Or, create Stub/Cata like Stub/PTR, and just have the template accept a build #. Resa1983 (talk) 20:52, April 8, 2010 (UTC)
- Aye, creating a "beta" stub I believe is something we've done before. What we could do is request images are tagged with the beta build number [edit: as Resa1983 says] [editedit: as Kd3 says!] ... but tbh I wouldn't expect major changes between beta builds to a single area - it will likely be an entire zone being rolled out, or specific cases of changes (like Vrykul getting a new model, Kaskala being trashed). Once we're live (or close to release), we could check the images haven't changed and remove the tags. If they have changed, we can archive them and get new ones.
- This, coming from someone who obsessively checks changes over time to all sorts of stuff. I find it fascinating. Kirkburn talk contr 20:55, April 8, 2010 (UTC)
- PS: Quick related note - I have no specific news on BlizzCon 2010 yet. Kirkburn talk contr 21:02, April 8, 2010 (UTC)
- Something like {{Cataclysm/Image}}? Just created it, but not sure how much detail you'd like in it.
(Sssss/Slithered) 23:32, April 8, 2010 (UTC)
- I threw {{Cataclysm/Image}} into the licensing options for easy access and allow beta testers to choose the correct one from the get go... as such I placed it at the very top. (Sssss/Slithered) 01:51, April 9, 2010 (UTC)
- I threw {{Cataclysm/Image}} into the licensing options for easy access and allow beta testers to choose the correct one from the get go... as such I placed it at the very top.
- Something like {{Cataclysm/Image}}? Just created it, but not sure how much detail you'd like in it.
Cataclysm alpha
Yes, everyone knows it's running, and some websites are now carrying (many!) screenshots of the alpha. Until Blizzard tells us otherwise, we shouldn't post them - as they are under NDA, and they risk our position as an official fansite.
We may want to add to MediaWiki:Sitenotice and MediaWiki:Anonnotice to help deal with problems? Kirkburn talk contr 17:35, May 6, 2010 (UTC)
- Something like this? --Eirik Ratcatcher (talk) 18:10, May 6, 2010 (UTC)
- I don't touch no blinkin' text. ... even if I might be tempted in this case. --Eirik Ratcatcher (talk) 19:00, May 6, 2010 (UTC)
- I would suggest a lock on all Cataclysm-related pages, all zones that will be changed, so forth, as most of the edits seem to be coming from people who registered because "ooh, MMO-Champ is posting screenies". Say, people who haven't been registered for longer than a month can't edit these pages, or something like that. --Joshmaul (talk) 21:55, May 6, 2010 (UTC)
- I preemptively put comments saying not to add alpha stuff on all those pages. I suppose it was a bit too optimistic of me to assume it would work. -- Dark T Zeratul (talk) 22:15, May 6, 2010 (UTC)
- Doesn't Wikipedia (and hopefully, by extension, most other wikis) have something where they can make certain pages semi-protected (unable to be edited by the newly-registered)? --Joshmaul (talk) 00:41, May 7, 2010 (UTC)
- We have one for new users younger than 4 days... I asked kd3 if we can get a longer period. (Sssss/Slithered) 00:49, May 7, 2010 (UTC)
- Certain pages like Deathwing and Cataclysm have already been thusly protected, but since the expansion is affecting everything we'd have to protect the entire wiki to really make sure and I don't think that's feasible. -- Dark T Zeratul (talk) 00:49, May 7, 2010 (UTC)
- We have one for new users younger than 4 days... I asked kd3 if we can get a longer period.
- Guess it's just a matter of being vigilant, then. Now if only I could delete NDA-violating images myself... -- Dark T Zeratul (talk) 00:53, May 7, 2010 (UTC)
- What exactly is the difference between a Beta testing and Alpha testing anyways?AhotahThunderhorn (talk) 03:34, May 7, 2010 (UTC)
- As far as internal usage goes, it signifies different stages of completion. As far as external testing, where Blizzard's concerned the difference is in A) scope (alpha is only for friends and family members of Blizzard employees and beta is for a larger pool of testers) and B) the alpha is under a Non-Disclosure Agreement and the beta isn't. -- Dark T Zeratul (talk) 03:44, May 7, 2010 (UTC)
- Alpha is for making sure most of the code works, and Beta is for stress testing out problems that only show up on a larger scale and over time, like a watch that is a fraction of a millisecond off will not start to tell time wrong until enough time has passed for those fractions of milliseconds to add up, if I remember right.Gizmonomicon 05:09, May 7, 2010 (UTC)
- For more information, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_release_life_cycle -- Dark T Zeratul (talk) 05:48, May 7, 2010 (UTC)
- I made something more bliking out of Erik's page: User:Eirik Ratcatcher/Sandbox
- Loremaster A'noob, Arch Druid of the Noobhoof Clan (talk/contribz) 06:58, May 7, 2010 (UTC)
- I got a message from Blizz late last night, thanking us for not posting alpha stuff: "we wanted to extend our thanks to everyone for sticking with us and being so supportive of not posting or leaking content. We know this isn’t easy and understand the frustrations some of you may be experiencing, but we have plans to help with this and will be getting back to you as soon as possible with more details on those plans." Kirkburn talk contr 11:56, May 7, 2010 (UTC)
- No thanks, I've already got a pony. --Eirik Ratcatcher (talk) 18:26, May 7, 2010 (UTC)
- I just want you to know that we all think that was terrible :) Kirkburn talk contr 21:58, May 8, 2010 (UTC)
Does it count as violating the NDA if I were to talk about on the changes between other users such as on the lore forums?AhotahThunderhorn (talk) 12:25, May 10, 2010 (UTC)
- If you're talking about Blizzard's forums, that's up to them; we're not affiliated with Blizzard in any way so we can't really give a solid answer on that. -- Dark T Zeratul (talk) 17:30, May 10, 2010 (UTC)
- Sounds like he's talking about the wowwiki lore forum. And... It makes me nervous. For instance, talking about what you found on mmochampion would probably be acceptable, but talking about what you found in the alpha would not. Proving the difference is almost certain to be more trouble than it is worth. And it's a very short step between talking about alpha stuff and actually posting alpha material. I'd be a lot more comfortable if such discussions waited until Beta started. --Eirik Ratcatcher (talk) 18:58, May 10, 2010 (UTC)
- I fear you will need to be more explicit. Google was unable to enlighten me. --Eirik Ratcatcher (talk) 19:25, May 10, 2010 (UTC)
- Fair enough, I'm a team player so I won't do or say anything that goes against anyone's wishes...especially if it's a deadly viper.
- P.S. - I have a major idea for WoWwiki I've been considering that I'll be posting on the forums soon, maybe even later tonight. ;]AhotahThunderhorn (talk) 20:37, May 10, 2010 (UTC)
Dealing with the changes
I think we all recognise this is going to be a major issue with Cataclysm, given the extent of the changes we've seen so far. I'm starting a topic on the policy forum about it - Forum:Cataclysm changes Kirkburn talk contr 19:56, May 13, 2010 (UTC)
It begins!
The beta has begun. I have not had any specific communication from Blizzard at this point, I will let you know as soon as I have. Kirkburn talk contr 23:00, June 30, 2010 (UTC)
- Okay now I've had communication. Invites "soon". Request to refrain from posting alpha content as it's not as 'current' and 'shiny' as beta. I would interpret that as avoiding obviously unfinished stuff, but I think general finished changes - expecially information, not photos - are fair game. Kirkburn talk contr 23:03, June 30, 2010 (UTC)
- Oh, also, I'm in Poland on a laptop until Sunday. Of all the times... Kirkburn talk contr 23:03, June 30, 2010 (UTC)
Note, Help:Updating for Cataclysm needs updating now the NDA is lifted. Great page though, thanks to those who wrote it! (Off to bed now). Kirkburn talk contr 23:25, June 30, 2010 (UTC)
- While Zarhym confirmed that the NDA is indeed lifted, he also added, "Bear in mind that the EULA still prevents reverse-engineering or otherwise data-mining of the Cataclysm beta client. Linking to or sharing data-mined information is a violation of the forum Code of Conduct. Essentially, anything that testers can't access via beta gameplay shouldn't be posted on the forums." How much of this applies here is likely a matter of debate. -- Dark T Zeratul (talk) 00:15, July 1, 2010 (UTC)
- My mass import of what I've had waiting is done. See User:Kaydeethree#Current projects for what got imported (mainly quests and quest-related items/rewards) --k_d3 00:18, July 1, 2010 (UTC)
- Incidentally, I think Zarhym's point is a good corollary to our own DNP policy. --Pcj (T•C) 03:07, July 1, 2010 (UTC)
- Indeed. What Zarhym's posted is basically my stance on datamining. --k_d3 03:11, July 1, 2010 (UTC)
- It's generally been my rule of thumb as well. Just reiterating it. -- Dark T Zeratul (talk) 03:25, July 1, 2010 (UTC)
- Indeed. What Zarhym's posted is basically my stance on datamining. --k_d3 03:11, July 1, 2010 (UTC)
- Nice work kd3! Kirkburn talk contr 11:34, July 1, 2010 (UTC)
*taps foot* Feels like being left out compared to last beta... Maybe they don't even feel like giving us beta keys this time. --g0urra[T҂C] 13:44, July 6, 2010 (UTC)
- Mmm, we got our beta keys about a week after WotLK beta started, we still have another day or two before we can really start moaning. --Pcj (T•C) 13:49, July 6, 2010 (UTC)
- I am not prepared for the shock of when I actually get my beta key :) On that note, I've got a status note on User:Kirkburn, so no need to prod me. Kirkburn talk contr 18:06, July 6, 2010 (UTC)
- I'm press too ... *cry* Kirkburn talk contr 20:57, July 6, 2010 (UTC)
- That's weird... --Pcj (T•C) 23:17, July 6, 2010 (UTC)
- The "soon" update was sent as a mass mail not long after the US was back at work today - so I'm betting I'm not the only one who had an email in her inbox :P Kirkburn talk contr 01:09, July 7, 2010 (UTC)
- You have a sex change while you were gone? (Sssss/Slithered) 02:55, July 7, 2010 (UTC)
- He is talking about Neth, his contact at Blizzard. Yay stray pronouns. --Pcj (T•C) 03:31, July 7, 2010 (UTC)
- Now I just get to sit and wait for them to pick me in one of their random invite waves. Meanwhile, my friends who've stopped playing got theirs first. -- Dark T Zeratul (talk) 03:43, July 7, 2010 (UTC)
- Yep... got to love the randomness of the system. (Sssss/Slithered) 03:44, July 7, 2010 (UTC)
- You'd expect us important people (read: admins) to get the beta keys first first... Hrmph. --g0urra[T҂C] 08:52, July 8, 2010 (UTC)
- I'm not admin here, only over at WoWRP. Hurts me that I'm not admin here too. BUT then again, at least I have a beta key! Oh, funny thing happened yesterday. HQ at work got a mail about adding employees to the VIP queue for the beta, so I added my staff to it. Elüna talk · contr 09:00, July 8, 2010 (UTC)
- You'd expect us important people (read: admins) to get the beta keys first first... Hrmph. --g0urra[T҂C] 08:52, July 8, 2010 (UTC)
- Yep... got to love the randomness of the system.
- Now I just get to sit and wait for them to pick me in one of their random invite waves. Meanwhile, my friends who've stopped playing got theirs first. -- Dark T Zeratul (talk) 03:43, July 7, 2010 (UTC)
- He is talking about Neth, his contact at Blizzard. Yay stray pronouns. --Pcj (T•C) 03:31, July 7, 2010 (UTC)
- You have a sex change while you were gone?
- The "soon" update was sent as a mass mail not long after the US was back at work today - so I'm betting I'm not the only one who had an email in her inbox :P Kirkburn talk contr 01:09, July 7, 2010 (UTC)
- That's weird... --Pcj (T•C) 23:17, July 6, 2010 (UTC)
- I'm press too ... *cry* Kirkburn talk contr 20:57, July 6, 2010 (UTC)
- I'm a lousy cook, and have only moderate impulse control. When I'm offered excellent Pot Roast, I generally fill up on that. I can always get Ice Cream later. Look me up after I've ground out another 60 or so Pristine Black Diamonds... --Eirik Ratcatcher (talk) 20:15, July 6, 2010 (UTC)
Uploading screenshots
Anyone got a suggestion for a good way for me to share masses of zone screenshots? I'm considering Picasa. Kirkburn talk contr 22:50, July 9, 2010 (UTC)
- Special:MultipleUpload - or Flickr since we can import easily from there. --Pcj (T•C) 22:55, July 9, 2010 (UTC)
Couldn't we create a list of images that need to be taken a screen shot of? Elüna talk · contr 08:53, July 10, 2010 (UTC)
I'm uploading them here - trying to anyway. List of new files here. Not adding them to articles personally atm, just want to get them online. No qualms about people editing or deleting them as necessary. Kirkburn talk contr 16:54, July 10, 2010 (UTC)
- Okay, first batch are up. Wide range of stuff, I've labelled most with subzones. I've more from the Gilneas and Lost Isles zones, which I'll sort through soon. Back to my human hunter first, methinks... Kirkburn talk contr 19:37, July 10, 2010 (UTC)
Beta keys incoming
Attention all active admins, get in contact with me if you need a beta key (if know you my email do that, or Special:EmailUser/Kirkburn me). Keys are limited within reason. Apologies this is a little late, seems we had a bit of miscommunication with Blizz. Kirkburn talk contr 15:26, July 20, 2010 (UTC)
- Does Blizzard - or wowwiki - have particular goals in mind for these beta keys? --Eirik Ratcatcher (talk) 21:59, July 20, 2010 (UTC)
- Step 1 - Give out Beta keys
- Step 2 - ???
- Step 3 - Profit
- Skip to step three: Profit. --Eirik Ratcatcher (talk) 22:43, July 20, 2010 (UTC)
Kd3, myself, Sky, pcj, Gourra and Coobra have or are in line for keys atm. Kirkburn talk contr 16:32, July 21, 2010 (UTC)
- What about loyal editors wondering why Blizzard's giving them the shaft? *grin* --Joshmaul (talk) 18:06, July 21, 2010 (UTC)
- With WotLK fansite giveaway keys came after the fansite "staff" keys so it will probably work the same way it did then. --Pcj (T•C) 18:19, July 21, 2010 (UTC)
- Aye, I'll enquire about a selection of other keys soon, cause 'admin' isn't really a strong delineation. Kirkburn talk contr 21:51, July 21, 2010 (UTC)
- True, I'm not an editor. OTOH, I tried the Special:Contact link and was told (paraphrased) "this is just the general mailbox; I have no idea what you're on about." --Eirik Ratcatcher (talk) 21:53, July 22, 2010 (UTC)
- Aye, I'll enquire about a selection of other keys soon, cause 'admin' isn't really a strong delineation. Kirkburn talk contr 21:51, July 21, 2010 (UTC)
- With WotLK fansite giveaway keys came after the fansite "staff" keys so it will probably work the same way it did then. --Pcj (T•C) 18:19, July 21, 2010 (UTC)
Woah, I put the wrong link, I meant Special:EmailUser/Kirkburn me! Eirik, A'noob, I'll get back to you in the morning :) Tim passed on your emails. Kirkburn talk contr 22:20, July 22, 2010 (UTC)
- Update for your questions: there's no specific limit on keys, just that it is 'reasonable' and that it is for 'staff'. For the moment I'm going with staff = admin. A'Noob, when the RFA is decided we can sort yours out :) Kirkburn talk contr 08:44, July 23, 2010 (UTC)
- /bang on the door
- LET ME IN!! I'LL GIVE A GOOD FEED BACK!!
- Loremaster A'noob, Arch Druid of the Noobhoof Clan (talk/contribz) 13:38, July 23, 2010 (UTC)
- Ah, good. We've been waiting for you.
- /hands over a bag of oats and points at Old Blanchy
- --Eirik Ratcatcher (talk) 21:36, July 23, 2010 (UTC)