tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53865304151089104522024-03-19T21:48:35.075+13:00Critical GoblinAdvance pro glyph strats. Not for the faint hearted. You have been warned.Critical Goblinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421877253647301675noreply@blogger.comBlogger122125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5386530415108910452.post-85256294685638129912012-07-30T00:30:00.000+12:002012-12-04T01:03:02.653+13:00Week 47 Blog StatsStats for the 7 days ending 28 July 2012:<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMAD-7jgOChAl8gJIvrIb4iq0CvIgakmJQyQInqVarjVeTOfGHAHJSTDV0sWgYVsk1jxEC5mjTPUVeA7e2MbT0tcyFMMDvTW_5LxwV22rZfZ8qK_jRdt4WAQsjvURYgqdyVYIAjCLwRAe/s1600/blogstats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMAD-7jgOChAl8gJIvrIb4iq0CvIgakmJQyQInqVarjVeTOfGHAHJSTDV0sWgYVsk1jxEC5mjTPUVeA7e2MbT0tcyFMMDvTW_5LxwV22rZfZ8qK_jRdt4WAQsjvURYgqdyVYIAjCLwRAe/s320/blogstats.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Critical has a confession to make. He forgot how to load walls! Luckily Critical has a blog all about glyph walls yay. I admit though, Sapu has made some nice changes with TSM, which obviously makes quite a few of my tutorial's slightly out-dated. But you guys are smart, dont think I need to spoon feed ya, right?<br />
<br />
So what is Critical actually doing back in wow? Just started a few days ago getting back into glyphing again in preparation for MOP. Still as tough and competitive as I remember but actually am having fun. I think mainly because my goal has changed from stomping the market as Glyph Market Leader to quietly standing at the back figuring out how to earn most profits with minimal work.<br />
<br />
One of the hardest things to figure out in wow used to be how to earn 1 million gold. We now know how. <span style="background-color: white;">Now the hard thing is, why. The next expansion will still be the same routine for us gold professionals, nothing new.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Step 1: convert hoarded gold into levelling mats</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Step 2: level up and max professions</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Step 3: buy mats, craft item, sell</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Step 4: repeat step 3 until your brain falls out</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">I'm getting more and more depressed thinking about MoP =/.</span>Critical Goblinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421877253647301675noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5386530415108910452.post-37779478996717597642012-07-27T00:30:00.000+12:002012-07-27T22:17:08.245+12:00Croda's Inscripion Guide - The Critical ReviewHola Critical Fans.<br />
<br />
As <a href="http://criticalgoblin.blogspot.co.nz/2012/07/week-46-blog-stats.html?showComment=1342986987153#c5386932864713579508">promised</a> here is the unbiased Critical review of <a href="http://marketsforgold.blogspot.co.nz/">Croda's Incription Guide Paid Version</a> herein lovingly referred to as CIGPV.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGVO_x5yge1df_nzA8smHJ-YZuQG0rYg6Hh7St8kuFzb2uNAnGCF22ytlxjaXrPAUqhlO7DBb3QrXN1UMhATU0QYZhm8ydhGIdC9eYmxLCzOzblAQ3V-TzzQQy8nUTDxNasTGkPoe89mo/s1600/croda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGVO_x5yge1df_nzA8smHJ-YZuQG0rYg6Hh7St8kuFzb2uNAnGCF22ytlxjaXrPAUqhlO7DBb3QrXN1UMhATU0QYZhm8ydhGIdC9eYmxLCzOzblAQ3V-TzzQQy8nUTDxNasTGkPoe89mo/s320/croda.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>The burning question first, would I the great Critical Goblin pay $5 for CIGPV? </b><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Thankfully the answer is yes. And the reason for this starts at <u>Section 6: How I operate in the Inscription Market</u>. <span style="background-color: white;">I believe there are very few, <strike>if not nil</strike>, places where you can see exactly how a pro scribe runs his business. Everyone teaches theory and show their gold piles as the "proof" their theory works while few will actually show you their real routine. Of course that is understandable as how you run a profitable gold printing machine should really be kept as secret as possible. </span><br />
<br />
Imagine asking Foo or Mox, please document exactly how you run your glyph business and all your phat secrets, I'll give u 5 dolla. I have a feeling they might tell you to get stuffed (well maybe Foo might since he's gone to Eve). <span style="background-color: white;"><br />
<br />
2 quick suggestions I would make if I could:<br />
- upgrade to Royal Satchels and Illusionary Bags which will free up Crafter from being in the Sales team<br />
- move 13h Podcasts closer to 16 Blog list (flows betta)<br />
<br />But thats nitpicking. All in all a very detailed guide covering all aspects of inscription. YOU GET CRITICALS SEAL OF APPROVAL! </span>Critical Goblinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421877253647301675noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5386530415108910452.post-73981860969994609922012-07-25T00:30:00.000+12:002012-07-25T00:30:04.199+12:00Z-Man's Baby Scribe<a href="http://stormspire.net/speculation/6631-%5Binscription%5D-scaling-your-glyph-operation-handle-over-400-distinct-glyphs-mop.html#post68938">Critical is Z-Man's blogger alt</a>! Who would've <a href="http://criticalgoblin.blogspot.co.nz/2012/07/super-glyph-shuffle.html">thunk</a>!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQqtbySqJhrfBYAzyYJ6tqhceTTV3lQh0GR_nClN_8k0UXJLcSeadXfntrkkNG-smlMjNcRlmXMs3P1CSJT4aUSCrSuGJohXIGmCS3ECJ0KM3eAlcocfZHBs69mOPzgKeNExdXmRgJJkz/s1600/scribe1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQqtbySqJhrfBYAzyYJ6tqhceTTV3lQh0GR_nClN_8k0UXJLcSeadXfntrkkNG-smlMjNcRlmXMs3P1CSJT4aUSCrSuGJohXIGmCS3ECJ0KM3eAlcocfZHBs69mOPzgKeNExdXmRgJJkz/s320/scribe1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">No, not really. But its nice to know Critical's setup is not far off how one of the oldest and bestest pros in gold-making does it (that's assuming Z-Man = Zamboni?). And yea o</span><span style="background-color: white;">k the term Baby Scribe he made up not Critical. But you gotta admit, its much more catchy than </span><a href="http://criticalgoblin.blogspot.co.nz/2011/11/criticals-war-day-4.html" style="background-color: white;">Secondary Maker</a>. So that's what we're going to go with today.<br />
<br />
Only 2 lessons today. Short simple and to the point, that's why you love Critical's blog right?<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><b style="background-color: white;">1) What is a Baby Scribe?</b><br />
A Baby Scribe is a level 65 with 425 Inscription (yes I know my post last year said lvl 60 my bad).<br />
<br />
<b>2) What does a Baby Scribe do?</b><br />
Sits at a quiet mailbox, empties out Ashen Pigments from mailbox into big Inscription bags and then AFK crafts Blackfallow Inks (see pic below for the visual). After that, you can hold the inks until needed or you can automail to another holding alt.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_DsgLOcdSYr6B7FcKXcTJqxq5oqC9MADQlrkjCc17Ut4bBVXcsQM7MQreFm26Fa8uEweJrIGXHsWXzp7QzNaiJfieDVK0VZzeN1OMRAdBnJmiyjkDGnKnm7KEOzKAWaEwn2G671uL1zt/s1600/scribe2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_DsgLOcdSYr6B7FcKXcTJqxq5oqC9MADQlrkjCc17Ut4bBVXcsQM7MQreFm26Fa8uEweJrIGXHsWXzp7QzNaiJfieDVK0VZzeN1OMRAdBnJmiyjkDGnKnm7KEOzKAWaEwn2G671uL1zt/s320/scribe2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And that's literally all there is to it. Let's get back to our discussion on Z-Man. How much gold do you think he has? I'm guessing he's one of the few goblins with 10mil. I admit Critical only focuses on glyphs and cards whereas I know Z-Man dabbles in everything.<br />
<br />
So what is it? What's your secret number? Spill the beans Z-Man! For the love of my blog! Tell us!Critical Goblinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421877253647301675noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5386530415108910452.post-41593538271974334832012-07-23T00:30:00.000+12:002012-07-23T00:30:00.520+12:00Week 46 Blog StatsFor the 7 day week ending 21 July 2012:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMP9fSVGsg9F6GVe0H8V_MCwEdXD4gcumKz6z56YBAZdcBFoz86VP9px2JV9h-AS9dx_86XFFJz8h5-pmCi-wpyEplb729IB9csZEFZ1PdEkHbshYPgIaNv2a7MquGexB4294PtoSQUni/s1600/blogstats1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMP9fSVGsg9F6GVe0H8V_MCwEdXD4gcumKz6z56YBAZdcBFoz86VP9px2JV9h-AS9dx_86XFFJz8h5-pmCi-wpyEplb729IB9csZEFZ1PdEkHbshYPgIaNv2a7MquGexB4294PtoSQUni/s320/blogstats1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I guess ya'll wondering why Critical's back. No special reason, just missed you smelly lot and reactivated wow to join my guild's weekly wed/thu DS raids. Have wasted many a lunch break trying to decide what direction to point this blog. The bad thing about being on TUJ's front page is you gotta perform. The good thing about not being there is if your writing sucks no one cares. But there is the nice free publicity though, that's always a bonus. I definitely commend those writers that have the courage to sign up. Critical is not that brave.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>I could give Eve another go. Never made it past the first week but that was quite a few years ago. <a href="http://foo-eve.blogspot.co.nz/">Foofy</a> and my big bro <a href="http://greedygoblin.blogspot.co.nz/">Greedy</a> make it sound so interesting.<br />
<br />
I could work backwards and create beginner tutorials for noob scribes like TSM for first timers, how to get started with glyphs etc but even without paying for and seeing <a href="http://marketsforgold.blogspot.co.nz/p/crodas-inscription-gold-guide.html">Croda's guide</a> I am already confident he would have this covered quite a lot of good stuff already.<br />
<br />
I could fill in the gaps in advance strats eg how to setup bags on a BF ink holder alt to maximise craft queue efficiency or even more details on the craft queues themselves.<br />
<br />
I could also put glyphs to one side, load up my dormant JC'ers and blog about the adventures to becoming the Gem Market Leader. Or try belt buckles for fun.<br />
<br />
At this point I cant really promise anything and I know thats going to be bad for readership. Stick around anyway, it's always a good read at Critical's (I hope!).Critical Goblinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421877253647301675noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5386530415108910452.post-52233192543407082112012-07-20T00:30:00.000+12:002012-07-20T08:54:47.910+12:00French Fries are Like GlyphsThe one thing you can be sure of in the wow blog world are <a href="http://criticalgoblin.blogspot.co.nz/2012/07/super-glyph-shuffle.html?showComment=1342592903660#c246469649613502818">great comments</a> on Critical's blog. Always well thought out and and nice to read (<a href="http://criticalgoblin.blogspot.co.nz/2011/09/faid-plans-to-own-her-glyph-market.html?showComment=1316150533334#c7122182851479482083">well most of the time</a>).<br />
<br />
So anyway, there I was asking myself why does Critical go to so much effort just for glyphs when everyone else thinks its crazy to have such a setup. Don't get me wrong, the <a href="http://criticalgoblin.blogspot.co.nz/2012/07/super-glyph-shuffle.html">Super Glyph Shuffle</a> is real not just a theoretical "if i had 6 spare chars what would i do". Its actually what Critical does.<br />
<br />
Let me introduce the humble MacDonalds French Fry:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6r4ZGINQpFv5rAzYMUBLEsdBwtknmKPFBOj3ssmOvMsdaqaUj8SeHjgZHcayloD9nyJksBSsRFiiK_0nlSh6ZtgbGOqEnzPG2Fmq_uUEUCKFbYIeDQecER2krjD8AhFTYCdz9VG1NHofD/s1600/fries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6r4ZGINQpFv5rAzYMUBLEsdBwtknmKPFBOj3ssmOvMsdaqaUj8SeHjgZHcayloD9nyJksBSsRFiiK_0nlSh6ZtgbGOqEnzPG2Fmq_uUEUCKFbYIeDQecER2krjD8AhFTYCdz9VG1NHofD/s320/fries.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>In Australia and NZ you can get a small packet of french fries for $1, piping hot, cooked and salted to perfection using (IMO) quality ingredients. YUM! The question is, how much would it cost you to make this little packet of fries yourself. Its rediculous!<br />
<br />
Firstly you gotta buy potatoes, salt and cooking oil (lets ignore the paper holder). Secondly you need to gain access to a deep fryer. And lastly your time to peel the potato, carve them up into perfect little fries, cook and salt. This in countries where our minimum wages are around $16.00 (Australia) and $13.50 (NZ). Also keeping in mind this is the price of unskilled labor. Not average, not median. Unskilled labor! So for you the average smart Critical Reader you're talking $25-50/hr.<br />
<br />
My point is MacDonalds can make a profit with french fries and other similar small cost items. They sell Apple Pies for $1 too! There's probably even more work involved to make your own equivalent Apple Pie than French Fries! You gotta skin the apples, dice them into chunks, cut out the pastries, press em, cook em. Mmmmmm I'm getting hungry.<br />
<br />
Hmmm ok where was I. Oh yea! Three points:<br />
<br />
1. Somehow they make a profit at $1.00<br />
2. It is profitable because they somehow pushed the cost to make this product below $1.00<br />
3. <a href="http://criticalgoblin.blogspot.co.nz/2011/09/independent-buyermakersellers.html?showComment=1316131892423#c3360905674900558825">High volume manufacturing</a> wins the glyph game.<br />
<br />
The End.<br />
<br />
Oh and hi Jim =).Critical Goblinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421877253647301675noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5386530415108910452.post-73235373090497683252012-07-18T00:30:00.000+12:002012-07-18T13:27:50.059+12:00Super Glyph ShuffleThe <a href="http://marketsforgold.blogspot.co.nz/2012/07/scribe-scrolls-i-am-selling-more-of.html">sudden</a> <a href="http://foo-wow.blogspot.co.nz/2012/07/update-and-some-shoutouts.html">spate</a> <a href="http://ahaddict.blogspot.co.nz/2012/07/nevs-glyph-strategy-lazy-girls-guide-to.html">of</a> <a href="http://huntermastery.com/auctionhouse/return-inscriptionist.html">glyphing</a> <a href="http://www.clockworkriot.com/2012/07/glyph-competition-primer.html">posts</a> on TUJ is making Critical itchy. <a href="http://twitchieenterprises.blogspot.co.nz/2012/07/two-character-glyph-operation.html">Twitchie's 2 character</a> post makes Critical super itchy. <span style="background-color: white;">While a 2 character operation is nice, Critical says to go balls out, triple that and then plus one. Who can do this? Anyone who has a scribe, therefore basically everyone! Read on to see how Critical pwns his server with a stupidly ridiculously specialized glyph manufacturing team.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvco0Iqx3Kg5jsNSVZhkhyphenhyphend0mqkSZDFr18OuJb_1EyEo-EbpSkz5VetuGsWdDypWM9ji09Xck5rPfKE8VltHAAX_ZcZN_J29eZpYlN8tLxGhJo8ytQeR08nd5JgiEtDd6UdOBO-ACnBkRW/s1600/WoWScrnShot_093011_020549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvco0Iqx3Kg5jsNSVZhkhyphenhyphend0mqkSZDFr18OuJb_1EyEo-EbpSkz5VetuGsWdDypWM9ji09Xck5rPfKE8VltHAAX_ZcZN_J29eZpYlN8tLxGhJo8ytQeR08nd5JgiEtDd6UdOBO-ACnBkRW/s320/WoWScrnShot_093011_020549.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioyXrTmBjsQn-ZALgQa1ih_eADnz0e9sWISd5K6ihZT-_Qp63ccvarN3-j76ZmgofVf0EAydAJFGjbQREQAzu0c2F-_e4afupURlbBFK0F4n4gxtDCNogQTmwCety64fWgfZNxADIpQnyI/s1600/WoWScrnShot_093011_234421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioyXrTmBjsQn-ZALgQa1ih_eADnz0e9sWISd5K6ihZT-_Qp63ccvarN3-j76ZmgofVf0EAydAJFGjbQREQAzu0c2F-_e4afupURlbBFK0F4n4gxtDCNogQTmwCety64fWgfZNxADIpQnyI/s320/WoWScrnShot_093011_234421.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="background-color: white;">The below is the bare minimum, cheapest team you can work with: 6 level 1's and a high level scribe. Yes I know 7x 85s with 310% flying speed for fast movement between AH and mailbox is moar gooder but we dont all got full sets of 85s.</span><br />
<br />
<b>1) Buyer:</b><br />
- can be a level 1<br />
- 4x Hyjal Expedition Bags (36 slot herb bags)<br />
- sits at an AH<br />
- buys herbs only<br />
- when ready to mass mill, <a href="http://criticalgoblin.blogspot.co.nz/2011/10/how-to-tsm-auto-mail.html">automail</a> herbs out to Scribe<br />
<br />
<b>2) Scribe:</b><br />
- your high level, main scribe who has (or should be learning religiously) all glyph recipes<br />
- maybe as low level at 75? (to be confirmed)<br />
- used for 4 jobs, mass milling, mass BF inks, and mass glyph restock and mass infernos as described below:<br />
<br />
a) <a href="http://criticalgoblin.blogspot.co.nz/2011/10/how-to-mass-mill.html">Mass mill</a>:<br />
- 4x Illusionary Bags (26 slot normal bags)<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">- mass mill</span><span style="background-color: white;"> <a href="http://criticalgoblin.blogspot.co.nz/2011/10/buy-cata-herbs-only.html">high level herbs only</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">- push/automail ashen pigments to Holder 1 </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">- push/automail burning embers to Holder 3 </span><br />
<br />
<br />
b) <a href="http://criticalgoblin.blogspot.co.nz/2011/10/production-ueue.html">Mass afk BF inks</a>:<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">- 4x </span>Royal Scribe's Satchels (36 slot inscription bags)<br />
- log into Holder 1, push/automail ashen pigments to Scribe<span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">- log into Scribe, unload ashen pigments from mailbox, </span><span style="background-color: white;">mass afk ink craft</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">- push/automail BF inks to Holder 2</span><br />
<br />
c) <a href="http://criticalgoblin.blogspot.co.nz/2011/11/criticals-war-day-5.html">Mass restock</a> (see half way down how Restock is done):<br />
- 4x Royal Scribe's Satchels<br />
- log into Holder 2, push/automail BF inks to Scribe<br />
- log into Scribe, unload BF inks from mailbox and mass restock<br />
- automail glyphs to Seller 1 and 2<br />
<br />
d) <a href="http://criticalgoblin.blogspot.co.nz/2011/10/production-ueue.html">Mass inferno inks</a>:<br />
- 4x Royal Scribe's Satchels <br />
- log into Holder 3 and in the mailbox click Return to Sender all the burning embers<br />
- log into Scribe, unload burning embers and <a href="http://criticalgoblin.blogspot.co.nz/2011/10/production-ueue.html">mass afk craft</a> into inferno inks<br />
- dump in a guild bank for DM card creation later<br />
<br />
<b>3) Holder 1 (ashen pigments):</b><br />
- can be a level 1<br />
- zero bags<br />
- holds all ashen pigments in mailbox until you are ready to mass afk BF ink craft on Scribe<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">- open mailbox, click Return to Sender for all the ashen pigments which will push them back to Scribe</span><br />
<br />
<b style="background-color: white;">4) Holder 2 (BF inks):</b><br />
- can be a level 1<br />
- 4x Royal Scribe's Satchels <br />
- holds all BF inks in mailbox until you are ready to craft glyphs<br />
- click Unload All, this will fill up your Satchel's with BF inks<br />
- stop unloading<br />
- push/automail out the BF inks in your bags to Scribe<br />
- if too many inks go to Scribe, replace one of the Satchels with a smaller bag so that a smaller quantity of BF inks gets pulled down from the mailbox<br />
<br />
<b>5) Holder 3 (burning embers):</b><br />
- can be a level 1<br />
- zero bags<br />
- holds all burning embers in mailbox until you are ready to mass afk inferno ink craft on Scribe<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">- open mailbox, click Return to Sender for all the burning embers which will push them back to Scribe</span><br />
<br />
<b style="background-color: white;">6 and 7) Sellers 1 and 2:</b><br />
- can be level 1's<br />
- 4x Royal Scribe's Satchels<br />
- unload glyphs sent from Scribe<br />
- sells all glyphs for <a href="http://criticalgoblin.blogspot.co.nz/2011/11/criticals-war-beginning.html">5 classes each</a> (excluding the <a href="http://criticalgoblin.blogspot.co.nz/2011/11/bad-28-glyphs-of-all-time.html">bad 28</a>)<br />
- sends all gold to Buyer<br />
<br />
Too hard? See Critical's patent pending fugly cheat sheet below!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikuiQbXn-KdBb0DRXRZniJdncLZRG5MakFdiK7uBqDLgAE-g6uCUPa-KmHLhI7XVaGe66Mm3JDno63eX1qMIxzCnVCkJnKK3jZEKJsvbKKqPrQYkAbY4dGPGRTLIFjJMpmNS1M0rxXaemN/s1600/shuffle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikuiQbXn-KdBb0DRXRZniJdncLZRG5MakFdiK7uBqDLgAE-g6uCUPa-KmHLhI7XVaGe66Mm3JDno63eX1qMIxzCnVCkJnKK3jZEKJsvbKKqPrQYkAbY4dGPGRTLIFjJMpmNS1M0rxXaemN/s320/shuffle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
PS: here is where Critical would normally ask you to subscribe. Instead check out my blog list below and subscribe to the regular guys (and gals). The more you read, the more content we'll get back!Critical Goblinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421877253647301675noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5386530415108910452.post-44669029641891672602012-07-05T05:01:00.000+12:002012-07-05T18:03:04.621+12:00Week 43 Blog StatsNo this is not a resurrection and yes Critical does suck at writing about other topics other than pro glyphing. Just popped in to see how dead things are. Very very quiet, but as you can see from the blog stats below pageviews have gone up nicely.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHVOpt5nGGtLypDZAjB9v94Wu8iIhjw-ClD4eTumSD_1jEnD-2CSIy3M_0ZY9DZBsvfg6KDHDBeu-frqsyk8PnMPFuNElZIpYsCGFVW1bddBQfrLwultQfbJykLfoxGcFEMpdIMcLN50A/s1600/w43blogstats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHVOpt5nGGtLypDZAjB9v94Wu8iIhjw-ClD4eTumSD_1jEnD-2CSIy3M_0ZY9DZBsvfg6KDHDBeu-frqsyk8PnMPFuNElZIpYsCGFVW1bddBQfrLwultQfbJykLfoxGcFEMpdIMcLN50A/s320/w43blogstats.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Have tidied up the front page a little and have highlighted Popular Posts. Mainly because it looks like this blog has become more of a historical reference site for pro glyphers rather than a daily newspaper with continuous new content.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Anyway quick blog stat snapshots for posterity, 7 days ending 30 June 2012:</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8wcejrUvcnSy9WA5-Ruq1xwuwUfbfYeNVJqurxgkB26a3olkt3DJGVZa2xAtfIe7TIaUoblGZZjydvd5TBzvtT4mgPilFJcgediLhC__XEdYUr156qtLJ_-gvKTfgtdVyCDbFEzS9wXD/s1600/w43blogstatsb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8wcejrUvcnSy9WA5-Ruq1xwuwUfbfYeNVJqurxgkB26a3olkt3DJGVZa2xAtfIe7TIaUoblGZZjydvd5TBzvtT4mgPilFJcgediLhC__XEdYUr156qtLJ_-gvKTfgtdVyCDbFEzS9wXD/s320/w43blogstatsb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
If you do read this and you do pop in now and again to refer to the inner workings of Critical, please consider a donation. No Critical has not created a Paypal account. Just say hi in the comments below!Critical Goblinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421877253647301675noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5386530415108910452.post-65603339185318497002012-02-22T00:30:00.000+13:002012-02-22T00:30:02.033+13:00Quality, Cost and Time<i>PS: how do you guys like the weekly Wednesday (or Tuesday for most readers) posts so far? Yea i know, a big change from the daily posts in the past. Anyway thanks for stickin' around. </i><br />
<br />
So as you can guess, today we're going to talk about the magical relationship between quality, cost and time, in relation to business. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfb0_qloU_6XkYL5ZqOv4FteOdiETJRDInLalwH93sqY-fZ4y4yt3-ZCUwxinv6vlJFMLZ3UsWLGwcsCZxEcbc5RX1XOmx3U6dD3rrqXmU3ggXA4tH41Pia_amSmFsb0awCIfx7P6AaDQ/s1600/cycle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfb0_qloU_6XkYL5ZqOv4FteOdiETJRDInLalwH93sqY-fZ4y4yt3-ZCUwxinv6vlJFMLZ3UsWLGwcsCZxEcbc5RX1XOmx3U6dD3rrqXmU3ggXA4tH41Pia_amSmFsb0awCIfx7P6AaDQ/s320/cycle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a>In the most simplest form these are the 3 quantifiers (or is it qualifiers? my grammer and spelling sux) that you consciously, or sometimes unconsciously, compare when making a purchasing decision. Quality refers to the quality level of a product or service. Time refers to how long or short it takes to access (buy) said product/service. And lastly cost is obviously how much gold/dollars/pesos its going to set you back.<br />
<br />
The golden rule normally is, in most situations, <b>pick any two</b>. Since this is a wow gold blog lets have a look at some quick AH examples from the eyes of a buyer:<br />
<br />
- Want a cut epic gem (high quality) and want it now (short access time)? Dont be surprised at the high cost.<br />
<br />
- Want the latest purple BOE (high quality) but want it as cheap as possible (low cost)? It takes time to keep checking the AH and finally snatching one when the price is low enough (long access time).<br />
<br />
- Lastly, need an enchant for a new chestpiece now (short access time) but can only afford something cheap (low cost)? +8 stats (low quality) is all you're going to be able to buy.<br />
<br />
There are of course exceptions to these rules. Sometimes you can get epic gems cheap right now on the AH because the seller is not a pro goblin and needs the cash to splurge on the new weapon he's been drooling over for the last few days.<br />
<br />
So what does this have to do with you the budding business goblin of the wow world? Simple.<br />
<br />
The first rule of business club is: <a href="http://criticalgoblin.blogspot.co.nz/2011/09/goals-and-planning.html">set a goal</a>.<br />
<br />
The second rule is: <a href="http://criticalgoblin.blogspot.co.nz/2011/09/competition-assessment.html">know yourself and your competition</a>.<br />
<br />
The third rule of business club is: <a href="http://criticalgoblin.blogspot.co.nz/2012/02/quality-cost-and-time.html">know your target audience</a> ie your customers.<br />
<br />
The goblin that has 5 million gold on your server understands exactly how much to fine tune the above 3 variables for each of his products and services, to maximize his operating profit. Be that goblin! Win the AH for Critical!Critical Goblinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421877253647301675noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5386530415108910452.post-50158617123073131852012-02-15T00:15:00.000+13:002012-02-15T00:15:00.216+13:0080 / 20 Rule for InscriptionAlbertus asks an <a href="http://marketsforgold.blogspot.co.nz/2012/02/all-counter-strategies-lower-profits.html?showComment=1328535474659#c5108632384517791373">excellent question</a> on Croda's blog:<br />
<b>"<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; text-align: justify;">Why will you spend a ton of time and money to max a profession and in the end only use a Small part of it."</span></b><br />
<br />
I know I promised to move away from wow/glyph/gold topics but this worm was too juicy to not take the bait. Why was this an interesting question you ask? Because Critical's whole blog previously was focused on only part of the inscription profession: glyphs and DM trinkets. I never sold books, inks, pigments, raw materials and the only times I sold MFCs was to cheese off a particular competitor until they buggered off and then I stopped. I am the guy the question is exactly aimed at and it was thought provoking to say the least, thanks Albertus.<br />
<br />
So I'm guessing most of my Critical Readers will know or have heard of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pareto_principle">80/20 rule</a> yea? By having it in the title its pretty obvious that's what we're going to talk about today.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>So there I was asking myself: Hmmmmm if I'm so smart why did I focus on part of the inscription profession instead of everything which is profitable. I never really thought about it back then but looking back I believe I focused on the 20% of the inscription game which gave me 80% available profit. Obviously I just made these percentages up and I have no proof but hear me out.<br />
<br />
Firstly, lets look at all inscription items able to be sold for a profit and then chuck em into a pie chart that I just happened to have in my back pocket. You will notice glyphs and DM items make up a nice portion of the pie (and by pure coincidence happen to add up to 80%):<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRaP5lg0zJJ4eV6yNq4nhPR9dZvWP1vGcAsILXwjIW0ZwHfi_IuFX-Q93CD1_5K834zvw0OwcCMkgonwrl3OBD-NQOFHxsS7cVh8V17narZsQARMp84UbbfAf-TAHUUpVl3ez_zQ4kLPpO/s1600/ruleapie1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRaP5lg0zJJ4eV6yNq4nhPR9dZvWP1vGcAsILXwjIW0ZwHfi_IuFX-Q93CD1_5K834zvw0OwcCMkgonwrl3OBD-NQOFHxsS7cVh8V17narZsQARMp84UbbfAf-TAHUUpVl3ez_zQ4kLPpO/s320/ruleapie1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Secondly, lets talk about the time required to run a business focused on glyphs and DM trinkets only. Once you set up your manufacturing process efficiently, it can become 20% of your time spent on inscription. See my <a href="http://criticalgoblin.blogspot.co.nz/search/label/Critical%27s%20War">Critical War series</a> and you'll notice the same smooth repeat every "work" day taking very minimal time. DM trinket manufacturing isn't shown but that's super easy as pie: collect a crapload of embers and AFK mill into embers then pull out the cheap lifes you've been snatching off the AH and then again AFK craft cards.<br />
<br />
Why spend (possibly up to 80%) more time inscriptioning making the other stuffs which give you small (aka the 20%) profit? You shouldn't! Think big business, big total profits, big big big! Don't run a small 7-Eleven selling 100 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stock-keeping_unit">SKUs</a> at high profit margins slowly. Grow your business into a Walmart or a Target, something big! Be an Apple! I dont know! I dont care! As long as its something Big! Lame goals = lame results. Winners fuck the prom queen!<br />
<br />
!!!!!! Set your goal today with big exclamation marks !!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Oh and dont focus on the 80% that results in 20% return !!! Phew, almost forgot the moral of today's post.Critical Goblinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421877253647301675noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5386530415108910452.post-78258077564068407922012-02-08T00:30:00.000+13:002012-02-08T00:30:01.902+13:00The Measure of a "Good" BlogSome people are competitive, others are not. Some people are winners in life. Some are losers. Some people care deeply about anything and everything whilst others dont care at all. Whichever category you belong to, I am pretty you have asked yourself at one point in time, I wonder how my blog is doing?<br />
<br />
If you're a noob like me, you'll be stumbling around having a good ol time trying to figure out this blog game because there is no "Become a Pro Wow Blogger in 30 Days!" program. So how do you know how well your blog is doing?<br />
<br />
Here are a few of Critical's favorite measurements:<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><b>1. Monthly Pageviews</b> - this gives a great picture of whether your blog is "improving". Blogger tracks, plots and even resets it monthly automatically! The only thing it doesn't do is iron my socks =(.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvsym9yjwtcfPOC0BweFIgXyi-dvD5ONccjbb7ClYcaIGe0SWtEeXjHBvFAF_kbxPjMyLrSh8VN7iQ1YcuZSGrcXtgdhhBJ41A6vijQlBzn71ssh1SZx_P9K7Bm9lZlpvJO_CAuphTd_p/s1600/measure1pageviews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvsym9yjwtcfPOC0BweFIgXyi-dvD5ONccjbb7ClYcaIGe0SWtEeXjHBvFAF_kbxPjMyLrSh8VN7iQ1YcuZSGrcXtgdhhBJ41A6vijQlBzn71ssh1SZx_P9K7Bm9lZlpvJO_CAuphTd_p/s320/measure1pageviews.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click the red circles, especially the DO NOT TRACK MYSELF button.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
---------------------------<br />
<b>2. Comments</b> - what this indicates is whether your Posts are engaging enough to convince your readers to start or continue a discussion. If you dont get comments you either treat commentors badly (by deleting comments) or the content was only boringly interesting enough to perform a quick 3 second skim before shutting down the window.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCv3kall5FULcWUEkJJi_CYoiZjjpXZLYTM4RynNhFLEuMn_BqW13UtNsYQ_LKfKuc3y6JItJEJ6-W3NgYywJ30DOAgeT9VB6Y1EC8Xku6xba5JTPrtzoK2wUbkNnucFOBYZAxckhIOvTS/s1600/measure2comments.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCv3kall5FULcWUEkJJi_CYoiZjjpXZLYTM4RynNhFLEuMn_BqW13UtNsYQ_LKfKuc3y6JItJEJ6-W3NgYywJ30DOAgeT9VB6Y1EC8Xku6xba5JTPrtzoK2wUbkNnucFOBYZAxckhIOvTS/s320/measure2comments.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
---------------------------<br />
<b>3. Unique Visitors</b> - this one is available in Analytics. This basically tracks how many theoretical unique visitors visited your blog in a chosen period (I like to choose 7 days). If your unique visitors count goes up it means more and more readers are reading your blog.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LFZgAWk2O3tTyq0_A-eYSy-VHCfQGOI_W8Wvx5BApJsiuAv3vHRxwtOaZ1ditRX1heJEk-ToG55zFoWcPvX7NzIKzWyjhP-c7ulaBI8n1a8dyWCaLPz_i5WnIMsycQ-DA8fuMdwiNZ8J/s1600/measure2unique.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LFZgAWk2O3tTyq0_A-eYSy-VHCfQGOI_W8Wvx5BApJsiuAv3vHRxwtOaZ1ditRX1heJEk-ToG55zFoWcPvX7NzIKzWyjhP-c7ulaBI8n1a8dyWCaLPz_i5WnIMsycQ-DA8fuMdwiNZ8J/s320/measure2unique.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
---------------------------<br />
<b>4. Feedburner reader count</b> - not the most simplest to set up but this is probably the most consistent measure to use to compare against other blogs as well as self assessment. Basically it shows how many readers have subscribed to your "feed". The more the better.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ImtD4ZS6mcmENdBENjOsIXYQlmw84ivWpaW4ttvf2Wqx6FD0Oo96zHoly-dZO1sR6omt5FuP9R6Wjzd1gSnv7fGAgODgkcAmSdImgmuW9Jt3f5WkNzZs8-Dn2S3mPmP0jpD24hWSvKAO/s1600/measure4feedcount.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ImtD4ZS6mcmENdBENjOsIXYQlmw84ivWpaW4ttvf2Wqx6FD0Oo96zHoly-dZO1sR6omt5FuP9R6Wjzd1gSnv7fGAgODgkcAmSdImgmuW9Jt3f5WkNzZs8-Dn2S3mPmP0jpD24hWSvKAO/s320/measure4feedcount.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So there you have it. Yes yes nothing new for the pros. But hopefully for the average non-blogging Reader the above is an interesting insight into the wonderful world of wow blogging.Critical Goblinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421877253647301675noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5386530415108910452.post-22981484508113938372012-02-01T00:30:00.000+13:002012-02-01T00:30:01.616+13:00Blog PartnerA blog partner is another blog that your blog interacts with regularly, preferably mutually in both directions. A prime example is <a href="http://tobolds.blogspot.com/">Tobold</a> and <a href="http://greedygoblin.blogspot.com/">Greedy</a>. Another older and no longer active pair was <a href="http://foo-wow.blogspot.com/">Foo</a> and <a href="http://csahf.blogspot.com/">Breevok</a> way before Critical was conceived.<br />
<br />
<b>Why is it important to have a blog partner(s)?</b><br />
Good question. Having a good blog partner increases readership because your readers can become his/hers and vice versa.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><b>How do you choose a good blog partner?</b><br />
Pretty straight forward, basically a blog that focuses on similar topics to your own. Its preferable to choose a "stronger" partner with more readership rather than a weaker partner, eg if you are learning to play tennis and Nadal happened to like you and spent time playing tennis with you, your game will improve much more quickly than if you played with beginners.<br />
<br />
<b>So who asks who out? Does the guy make the first move or what's the rules?</b><br />
One of the easiest ways is as follows, which I learnt from my big bro Greedy. Firstly keep up to date with the partner blog's posts. When you see one that you disagree with, have an opinion BUT DONT comment on their blog. Instead create a post on your own blog sharing your negative/opposing opinion whilst linking to your blog partner. Here's a <a href="http://greedygoblin.blogspot.com/2012/01/cheating-in-non-endgame-games.html">recent example</a>. As you can see you dont need to have the complete opposite opinion, just disagreeing slightly is sufficient. Sooner or later the blog partner will somehow find you are blogging about them and hopefully return the favor starting a weird and wonderful internet/blog/crazy relationship.<br />
<br />
You can do positive posts but to be honest that's a bit lame and gets boring and I think you'll lose readers.<br />
<br />
<b>Should I limit myself to one partner only?</b><br />
No, some of the biggest bloggers have a massive network. But if you're starting off, start small. Choose one max two blogs that are very, very similar to your own and start interacting. Those of you that have been with Critical from the beginning know that my partners are <a href="http://foo-wow.blogspot.com/">Foo</a> and <a href="http://thegoldmint.blogspot.com/">Mox</a>, chosen because they have a similar passion and competency of pro glyphing as myself. <a href="http://nerffaids.blogspot.com/">Faid</a> and <a href="http://www.powerwordgold.net/">Jim/Flux</a> pair up well because they both are skilled at media presentations (youtubes/podcasts).<br />
<br />
<b>I'm a small blog, what should I do?</b><br />
Choose a stronger partner.<br />
<br />
<b>Ok what about if I'm a medium blog?</b><br />
Help the little guys and partner downwards. Each one that partners back helps you a little bit. But every bit counts.<br />
<br />
<b>I'm a big blog, what's your advice?</b><br />
How the feck should I know, you should be advising me!<br />
<br />
<br />
So there you have it. Find your life partner now and make the link today. You'll thank me when your readership quadruples instantly!Critical Goblinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421877253647301675noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5386530415108910452.post-82780646968529795072012-01-27T00:10:00.000+13:002012-01-27T00:10:00.978+13:00Daily Blog PostsToday's topic: <b>Daily blog posts</b>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg837l_YZ7EeK97YuJxrlahAAlDmavU3rUHhgU2nfgV20rV0dzEuq-gdZWGaZn8tMxabJduPiefQUAf1H925pTOd-NbZ7nfUBtipBv6jhmBE-UOiUfE_yAJ-yk9rLw-fPmvlfvucqofnvfK/s1600/daily1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg837l_YZ7EeK97YuJxrlahAAlDmavU3rUHhgU2nfgV20rV0dzEuq-gdZWGaZn8tMxabJduPiefQUAf1H925pTOd-NbZ7nfUBtipBv6jhmBE-UOiUfE_yAJ-yk9rLw-fPmvlfvucqofnvfK/s1600/daily1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Below are some quick fire bullet points what Critical learnt while sticking to a daily posting schedule for 3 months and its advantages:<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><u>1. Less pressure on quality</u> - if you do a bad post who cares, it gets pushed down in 24hrs. Your focus is on the next post rather than worrying whether readers loved your last post.<br />
<br />
<u>2. Smaller topics</u> - easier to write, from an author point of view. Easy to read, from a reader's point of view.<br />
<br />
<u>3. Forces interblog interaction</u> - no one has enough stuff to write without interacting with other blogs/authors. This results in increase viewership as readers from other blogs also read your blog, and vice versa returning the favor.<br />
<br />
<u>4. Increased subscriptions</u> - if you post daily, even if your post quality is average, readers will read. All they want is new content to consume. Why? Think about when do you yourself read blogs. You dont do it as when you're working, as part of your job. You do it when you have free time and need to fill and kill time. Only if you get really lazy and really drop your quality do you lose readers.<br />
<br />
<u>5. Forces planning</u> - in the same way we goblins in wow make lots of gold by having a good routine and sticking to it, so does posting daily. Create drafts early, finalise and schedule them to auto-post at the same time every day. Choosing a set time means you know how long you have to finish tonight's/tomorrow's post.<br />
<br />
Think it sounds easy? Give it a go for a week, stick to a simple <a href="http://criticalgoblin.blogspot.com/2011/10/how-to-blog.html">intro/body/conclusion</a> format and I promise your readership will go up and up and up!<br />
<br />
<br />
PS: See <a href="http://marketsforgold.blogspot.com/">Croda</a>'s as a great example, he gets it. Well he did ... boooo Croda's girlfriend =).Critical Goblinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421877253647301675noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5386530415108910452.post-35000464605369393322012-01-25T00:30:00.000+13:002012-01-25T00:30:00.544+13:00Blogging a Passion??Welcome to Critical's first post completely not related to his usual glyph ramblings!<br />
<br />
<br />
So there I was, asking myself, what are the best topics to blog about, to achieve "success" in terms of blogging? What should be my new topic(s)? The obvious choices are either: what you are personally passionate about, or what you excel at. If you can hit the sweet spot that nails these two ... booya! Instant win!<br />
<br />
Why do I say this? Look at the blogs that go from strength to strength to strength. Greedy, his <a href="http://greedygoblin.blogspot.com/">blog</a> does well because he is passionate about his topics. Same thing with <a href="http://www.powerwordgold.net/">Flux/Jim</a>, <a href="http://coldsgoldfactory.blogspot.com/">Cold</a> and Markco, they know (knew in Markco's case) exactly what they want their baby to become.<br />
<br />
In reverse what about the blogs that die or slowly phase out, such as Critical's <a href="http://criticalgoblin.blogspot.com/2011/12/week-13-blog-stats.html">own blog</a> or if you're an oldie you may remember <a href="http://www.bbwog.org/">Bangkok Bill</a>. I dont think its because he/we lost the passion of blogging, more likely because we lost what we were passionately blogging about: the gold universe in wow.<br />
<br />
So anyway, back to this blog. Hmmmm what is Critical super pro at and also loves, thats not glyphing and is still semi related my 89 subscribers? Blogging of course! Yes yes I'm a blog noob but 0 to 95 subs in <a href="http://criticalgoblin.blogspot.com/2011/12/week-13-blog-stats.html">91 days</a>, I believe is a decent achievement (actually I have no idea, there's no standards to compare against).<br />
<br />
Its a huge tangent but hopefully not too many Critical Readers abandon ship during this change in direction. Hope you stick around for an interesting adventure!Critical Goblinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421877253647301675noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5386530415108910452.post-347380017976035772012-01-23T01:15:00.000+13:002012-01-23T01:15:00.979+13:00Week 20 Blog StatsHola loyal Critical Fans still subscribed to my feed! And u other guys who keep coming back and boosting my page views even though there's been no new posts!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDDgrp88J5FXRMXi_g4axoA4LwpKYXoJWwNJSDhTr5hberV-fYboziXp9j3SloExpZG-7wYbCJO2uSeuRF5Ow-sULmQTk2rxzii_YX8Vy0Y1fCvMkjOVw7kWN9rzrJ_KnmISve_L9qMZ6g/s1600/w20count.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDDgrp88J5FXRMXi_g4axoA4LwpKYXoJWwNJSDhTr5hberV-fYboziXp9j3SloExpZG-7wYbCJO2uSeuRF5Ow-sULmQTk2rxzii_YX8Vy0Y1fCvMkjOVw7kWN9rzrJ_KnmISve_L9qMZ6g/s320/w20count.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a>So anyway I hope everyone had a good Christmas and New Years! Quick stats for the 7 days ending 21 January 2012. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXAHUKqIDbrB7VGf0V0DLcmvRq40O_8drSegnLgO6SsULvLdyvVSiBYmMKPOA2Rgmzb7JQQUbe2_UcEFes3AIV7nB9gSG6h_vTdcbNK2C92Fx1JUf_5MysM0mR1LtQg2LO1KP0euEJWByD/s1600/w20blogstats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXAHUKqIDbrB7VGf0V0DLcmvRq40O_8drSegnLgO6SsULvLdyvVSiBYmMKPOA2Rgmzb7JQQUbe2_UcEFes3AIV7nB9gSG6h_vTdcbNK2C92Fx1JUf_5MysM0mR1LtQg2LO1KP0euEJWByD/s320/w20blogstats.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I can see ya'll thinking, whats with the post all of a sudden Critical? Hmmm I guess reading some of the recent articles in TUJ (<a href="http://vilesauctions.blogspot.com/2012/01/gold-makers-who-are-we.html">Vile's</a> and <a href="http://altosgoldishadvise.blogspot.com/2012/01/confessions-of-ah-sniper.html">Alto's</a> to be exact) made me miss blogging. Plus I never really achieved a personal side goal of disassociating my blog with wow so that its not reliant on the monthly subscription, which my big bro Greedy managed to do ages ago.<br />
<br />
So what does this mean? To be honest I'm not quite sure. But as I've preached many times over I know the first step has to be setting a goal. Detractors may disagree, but I felt I achieved my <a href="http://criticalgoblin.blogspot.com/2011/09/blog-goal.html">previous goal</a>. Going forward there must be a new destination set for this blog's journey, no matter how absurd or ridiculous. Just fine tune as you go along when you start to understand strengths, weaknesses, possible high value goals to achieve, low value goals to avoid being distracted by etc.<br />
<br />
How about:<br />
<b>"To be the most popular gold blog who's author </b><b>blogs about other stuff not always related to gold making, </b><b>does not play wow, and does not blog daily".</b><br />
<br />
Hmmmm. No one said winning the internet would be easy! Give me a few days and we'll see what sort of non-wow related rubbish Critical can come up with.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
PS: remember its compulsory for Critical Fans to post a hi in blog stat posts if you're new! Click subscribe then post a hi below! Come on, it only takes 5 seconds, feed the Critical goblin today!Critical Goblinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421877253647301675noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5386530415108910452.post-91322877639880938162011-12-05T00:00:00.000+13:002012-01-22T11:40:48.544+13:00Week 13 Blog Stats<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbQNjcKkS5rmcwamFpOTH-dOX4Jy2-K8gAQtH24rJBYoEkgq9OtaKT4uEYQ-zqPENZmbVzElxMRWt6dtz9kwyn0EOGIr57TkfgiZ0QFdwVdoT6epuqSxS1YW8xuUGObOU2U3DJCTC4sCv/s1600/w13stats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbQNjcKkS5rmcwamFpOTH-dOX4Jy2-K8gAQtH24rJBYoEkgq9OtaKT4uEYQ-zqPENZmbVzElxMRWt6dtz9kwyn0EOGIr57TkfgiZ0QFdwVdoT6epuqSxS1YW8xuUGObOU2U3DJCTC4sCv/s320/w13stats.jpg" width="310" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffTNQukQrzxRJAon1UpjpNSsTM207rEDJOqbKaOxLe20tM559p-EGcL0qrVtAcFCG-wNXdW4CSu68UHEms-_GyEUinEs6TR0Q0w_WEwsbpjGV0l897Ko4hiMZ_k1kGmwCZinm1ZExliwV/s1600/w13statsb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffTNQukQrzxRJAon1UpjpNSsTM207rEDJOqbKaOxLe20tM559p-EGcL0qrVtAcFCG-wNXdW4CSu68UHEms-_GyEUinEs6TR0Q0w_WEwsbpjGV0l897Ko4hiMZ_k1kGmwCZinm1ZExliwV/s320/w13statsb.jpg" width="161" /></a></div><br />
As I have mentioned a few times previously, I am no longer active inside of Wow. The release of 4.3 has made me realize that I am now a dinosaur. This patch is not a major patch but at some stage there will be a game changing update that will completely nullify the knowledge I blog about.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>I have always felt that my <a href="http://criticalgoblin.blogspot.com/2011/12/calculator-v12-with-dm-trinket-costing.html">costing sheet</a> was my most secret weapon as it showed exactly what my real floor is, and was always planned to be one of my final releases.<br />
<br />
It has been a fantastic journey developing this writing character from originally a rude crude critical dude obsessed with pointing out writings he did not like, to a more cultured individual very interested in sharing all he knows about glyphing. Long term Critical Readers will know the massive ups and downs this blog has been through.<br />
<br />
The original intent of this blog was to become the best knowledge bank on advance glyphing. I believe we (yes I am talking about you Critical Reader) have achieved this. I have also noticed multiple blogs focusing intently on glyph discussions and it gives me great pleasure to see other like minded individuals love glyphing as much as myself. I have the utmost confidence in these capable authors to lead new glyphers through future patches.<br />
<br />
As such I hereby tender my resignation from my promised daily posts, and move from a pro-active schedule to a silent role. Yes you could say this is the second (real) end of Critical. Dont worry all the old stuff will stay available for reference purposes.<br />
<br />
I would like to say a big thanks to the support crew who have been with me all the way through the ups and downs. This blog would not have become what it is without your support.<br />
<br />
I will still monitor comments and try my best to answer any questions anyone might have but there will not be any more new posts. Thanks for sticking around this long Critical Reader, I really appreciate your support during this journey.<br />
<br />
Whilst this post answers <a href="http://criticalgoblin.blogspot.com/2011/12/what-is-glyph-market-leader.html?showComment=1322960634209#c5191970855682135318">Grue's question</a> somewhat, his comment was not the trigger. This post was already finalized and scheduled before his comment.<br />
<br />
Take care,<br />
CriticalCritical Goblinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421877253647301675noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5386530415108910452.post-14854170479334288282011-12-04T12:00:00.000+13:002011-12-04T12:00:04.397+13:00What is a Glyph Market LeaderAnd why would anyone want to become the Glyph Market Leader? <a href="http://marketsforgold.blogspot.com/2011/12/who-is-glyph-market-leader.html">Croda asks the hard questions.</a><br />
<br />
Hmmmm going backwards and looking at my <a href="http://criticalgoblin.blogspot.com/2011/09/glyph-market-leader.html">original Glyph Market Leader</a> post I realize I never really defined the term Glyph Market Leader.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>This is one <a href="http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/market-leader.html">definition</a> of a market leader:<br />
"The brand, product, or firm that has the largest percentage of total sales revenue (the market share) of a market."<br />
<br />
So to be the Glyph Market Leader you must have the highest share of actual glyph sales as illustrated in my pie chart.<br />
<br />
I dont advise being the Glyph Market Leader because it has magical advantages. My methods/strats/tactics aim to maximize the user's share of sales, which if the user takes a step further and say they want to have the lion's share of total sales, is by definition becoming the Glyph Market Leader. <br />
<br />
My Selling posts/instructions focus on sales, not profit or ROI or GPH. They are meant to show advance techniques on how to aggressively attain and retain dominant market share. Improving your profit or efficiency requires improving your Buying and Making skills.<br />
<br />
So why did I choose this goal?<br />
Collecting a billion gold is easy, ask Mox and Brent. Driving out serious competition is not. Setting a goal of 1 or 2 or 5mil is not a hard goal, it just takes time and a good routine, ask any pro goblin. I chose a hard goal that I had no idea whether I could achieve it, which was: is it possible to obtain majority market share and still be profitable? Any tom, dick or harry can come in and sell at cost price and gain majority market share because no one else will (rightly) bother selling. The fun part is making the market appear bad to other competitors whilst having good buying and making systems in place that provide good return.<br />
<br />
Imagine if 8 out of 10 gems sold on the AH were your gems? That's exactly what Critical dreams of. Except with glyphs of course.Critical Goblinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421877253647301675noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5386530415108910452.post-77305661024725460552011-12-04T00:00:00.000+13:002011-12-04T00:03:21.919+13:00Calculator v1.2 (with DM Trinket Costing)Ok ok I admit, I only released half of my costing sheet because I felt the full thing would be too bit confusing. Here's the full shabang. I'll try to explain how I use it, just ask if you have any questions.<br />
<br />
[Side note: I've also added a full stack version for those glyphers that like to work with full herb stack prices because I'm kinda getting the feeling I'm the only one who works with single herb pricing (choose the tab at the bottom: Single or Full Stack).]<br />
<br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Alg858nXQ4jwdHVteUtGdnZIWEpUS29vSWtjZ0dUSUE">Calculator v1.2 (DM trinket costing added)</a><br />
<br />
To show you how to use this I am going to use the figures in <a href="http://criticalgoblin.blogspot.com/2011/12/how-to-use-cgs-herb-calculator.html?showComment=1322895301019#c2867696853554327880">Big Al's example</a>. PS: I'm really scared this is going to be too confusing for many readers, but lets give it a go!<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Al's numbers:<br />
- 9 bf to 1 inferno ratio<br />
- 46g whiptail stack cap (ie buy all below this cap)<br />
- 10g volatile lifes<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4HADtWiJl4XlUgt6HRZCPhipnfDVE5_2UVkCbATQjCJJpyL_81ADjummUVfmy7k3P8uoKZRnW2Y_MDaIATosm5o14yMR_SMowDP6QlQBbFHZxp92rZrggf2qPdsdXEPoUGdaTrG0VuHQ-/s1600/calcv12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4HADtWiJl4XlUgt6HRZCPhipnfDVE5_2UVkCbATQjCJJpyL_81ADjummUVfmy7k3P8uoKZRnW2Y_MDaIATosm5o14yMR_SMowDP6QlQBbFHZxp92rZrggf2qPdsdXEPoUGdaTrG0VuHQ-/s320/calcv12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The intersecting point attempts to answer the question: if I buy whiptails at 46g and lifes at 10g, what is the raw material cost for a DM trinket? Answer: 4,700g. Remember 1 inferno can be bought with 10 BFs at the ink vendor, so the ratio does not affect the DM trinket costing part of the form. It also assumes you make a tonne of glyphs and end up with a tonne of infernos and therefore make a tonne of cards and therefore easily make DM decks/trinkets.<br />
<br />
Beginners cross their fingers and hope they get a Two of Waves (or whatever they are missing). Professionals do the maths and normalize costings eg in wrath we knew transmute procs over mass transmutes equal extra 20% or 1.2 and we reverse calculate and discount our costing appropriately, where as noobs go ZOMG i got 5 red gems instead of 1!Critical Goblinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421877253647301675noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5386530415108910452.post-29359475650585163662011-12-03T00:00:00.000+13:002011-12-03T00:00:07.527+13:00Darkmoon Trinkets Still Win for 4.3/shrug Critical stopped selling DM trinkets a while ago but <a href="http://consortium.stormspire.net/professions/4289-dmcs-remain-viable-4-3-a.html">3 purples confirming</a> viability in 4.3 cant be wrong.<br />
<br />
I know I know, I'm the only one with no cool 4.3 news. Check out Flux's new <a href="http://chronicle.powerwordgold.net/">Chronicle newspaper</a>. A nice starting point for quickly skimming through all our gold crazy blogs.Critical Goblinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421877253647301675noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5386530415108910452.post-74182298292379079682011-12-02T00:00:00.000+13:002011-12-02T00:00:05.811+13:00How-To Use CG's Herb CalculatorYesterday's post was the release of my special special herb/glyph <a href="http://criticalgoblin.blogspot.com/2011/12/criticals-secret-costing-calculator.html">costing calculator</a>. Nothing complex, just a whole bunch of equations mushed together. Critical eats his own dogfood, this is exactly what he uses.<br />
<br />
Lets get started!<br />
<br />
<b>Step 1</b> - Work out your <a href="http://criticalgoblin.blogspot.com/2011/10/why-1-inferno-10-blackfallows.html">Blackfallows to Inferno ratio</a>. This figure is basically, how many blackfallows is one inferno worth to you? Personally I set this as 10 because infernos convert into DM trinkets which sell highly well but everyone is different. For example Foo, at time of <a href="http://criticalgoblin.blogspot.com/2011/10/why-1-inferno-10-blackfallows.html?showComment=1318553951790#c2865576654466636269">his comment</a>, would use 4.5.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6if0GQL3h_AVLTA-IGeMhuyQSaZiFmhyGM0JFp4YRmioaWN9-nm-0QUARm4_RHaXxgMHyNjNMSU6kBBFtx713UQq1sPkHpuUvz89LB2E82FQOulYXyNY8Aq_nL3Qk5G7ys3Y6NhFkiLUA/s1600/as1ratio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="51" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6if0GQL3h_AVLTA-IGeMhuyQSaZiFmhyGM0JFp4YRmioaWN9-nm-0QUARm4_RHaXxgMHyNjNMSU6kBBFtx713UQq1sPkHpuUvz89LB2E82FQOulYXyNY8Aq_nL3Qk5G7ys3Y6NhFkiLUA/s320/as1ratio.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step 1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><b>Step 2</b> - Use Auctionator and search for Whiptails. Focus only on auctions that are full stacks (20) or at least multiples of 5. Ignore all other stacks with funny sizes including singles. Look at the single item price (circled in red). For this example lets use 1.6g.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZuaVBcbvClZmkHxg5ppMJYSAerBlZ8voVwpt32NuBOgnVMpPZyuMFnzQP3kkTZrgEc5GvWlQM6mcOnMWjYrCkuxcBQHutESA9oSgwB9MQg7r9PnX-nlFe-NCeoAcvBR8TYly7Ea0tcGY1/s1600/s2buytab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZuaVBcbvClZmkHxg5ppMJYSAerBlZ8voVwpt32NuBOgnVMpPZyuMFnzQP3kkTZrgEc5GvWlQM6mcOnMWjYrCkuxcBQHutESA9oSgwB9MQg7r9PnX-nlFe-NCeoAcvBR8TYly7Ea0tcGY1/s320/s2buytab.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step 2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Step 3</b> - Look at the Whiptail pricing row and find 1.6g. Raw material cost is 6.5g (labor not factored in).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_CcxCFIAf0u7wG16XAIxd2MpCHPcsdW6IPzF5l_e-hvkohtb2Q-hChqcvcvBRVPcT9G3kK1c5n3NUskaCQvdm-gURDs6teQMV9hwm2pRlaw6LhZMM8rkZkfxrNw4PgTI4HMocJGunE3EU/s1600/bs1whiptail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="51" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_CcxCFIAf0u7wG16XAIxd2MpCHPcsdW6IPzF5l_e-hvkohtb2Q-hChqcvcvBRVPcT9G3kK1c5n3NUskaCQvdm-gURDs6teQMV9hwm2pRlaw6LhZMM8rkZkfxrNw4PgTI4HMocJGunE3EU/s320/bs1whiptail.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step 3</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Step 4</b> - Decide the max Glyph Cost price you want to work with. Lets say for example you are ok with 8g per glyph. Go back to Auctionator and snatch (buy all quickly) all the full stacks of herb below that price.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFFMLmBHn6rbQd2D0djOASTGgV2YEHt8_4tlPXtlvL5hUZ5W34flxriwo_Fl5I6oLCB-Iz4oFXO2x7mb7_bP0fQK7LdK-Iv1M9qDAh7_1bIOxGE1sp2PEJhbj1NbE9VXs94DsDPPoELQVw/s1600/cs1snatch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="82" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFFMLmBHn6rbQd2D0djOASTGgV2YEHt8_4tlPXtlvL5hUZ5W34flxriwo_Fl5I6oLCB-Iz4oFXO2x7mb7_bP0fQK7LdK-Iv1M9qDAh7_1bIOxGE1sp2PEJhbj1NbE9VXs94DsDPPoELQVw/s320/cs1snatch.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step 4</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And there you have it, that's how you use Critical's secret secret costing calculator! Sorry if you were expecting something super fantastically amazing. Critical doesnt do amazing =/.Critical Goblinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421877253647301675noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5386530415108910452.post-66367927250357625442011-12-01T00:00:00.000+13:002011-12-01T00:00:05.456+13:00Critical's Secret Costing CalculatorYou asked for it (actually only <a href="http://criticalgoblin.blogspot.com/2011/11/why-do-co-ops-suck.html?showComment=1322358092577#c2907707808500656802">Brent and Robot did</a>, but I've been wanting to talk about Buying for a while now). So ... here is one of the most important tools you need to help you improve your Buying:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Alg858nXQ4jwdGVsUGlXRzViODdETzd6UXNKZTlIUkE">Critical's herb and glyph costing calculator</a><br />
<br />
To be honest this is Critical's <u><b>MOST</b></u> important secret. I release these dataz because I love you Critical Readers. This is 10x more important than posting/selling strats because the cheaper/lower you pay for herbs, the more aggressive your posting strats can be.<br />
<br />
To keep this post clean and short I will do the How-To guide to use this calculator tomorrow, rather than mass pics here.Critical Goblinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421877253647301675noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5386530415108910452.post-47616128932746178332011-11-30T00:00:00.001+13:002011-11-30T00:00:03.718+13:00GrayzBDF's Goal PostLike many other readers and authors, Critical loves scouring the internet for interesting blogs. When you find a good one its a special feeling. You are part a small group who have stumbled upon a treasure trove that you and few others know about.<br />
<br />
GrayzBDF seems to have discontinued his blog but skimming through some of his older posts, <a href="http://woworgold.blogspot.com/2011/05/goals-connecting-wow-to-real-life-part.html">this is what made</a> Critical get a strange tingly feeling and go, ZOMG SOMEONE ELSE EXACTLY GETS IT!<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">People can say what they want with whichever arguments they have, but it's simple; I choose a goal, learn what I need to get there and do it. <b>Every single time that I choose a goal and shoot for it, I reach it, without fail</b>. It's all just a matter of how long it takes to reach the goal, if you do the same things that other succesful people do. You can't fail if you're on a successful path. And success is simply "the realization of a worthy ideal" -Earl Nightingale. </span><a href="http://www.briantracy.com/?cmpid=2158&proid=377&kw=Brian%20Tracy&gclid=COKw28m6xqgCFQWFDgodzVzuqg" style="background-color: white; color: #5588aa; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span lang="EN-US">Brian Tracy</span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"> would argue that you can reach any goal, "within reason", which may hold true, but most of the time human beings hold themselves back more than they push forward, so I simplify it and say if you can imagine it, you can do it.</span></blockquote>
<br />
<a name='more'></a>PS: Grayz I like your writing style. I myself have 98% quit wow, no raiding, no pvp not even playing the AH (only maintain a sub to run experiments and take screenshots). If you have been playing since Vanilla and hit both caps I am sure you have a stupidly, ridiculous wealth of gold making knowledge. Have you considered blogging about how you AH and the theory behind your processes (or used to if you have quit).<br />
<br />
I think if you did shorter, more succinct posts, that as a side benefit take less time than big ones, you would have great success. This is because it is rare to find an author that has years of experience/success, good writing skills and no real reason to withhold good/quality information (because you are not worried about tough competition).<br />
<br />
For example <a href="http://woworgold.blogspot.com/2011/06/10-useful-guidelines-for-gold-making.html">this post</a> could have been broken up into 10 smaller posts released 1 by 1. Its not about trying to stretch content and increase blog life. Its about making it easier for yourself because you're not spending heaps of time doing big posts, and its also easier for readers because shorter posts can be skimmed when readers have a spare minute and then mentally digested during routine tasks/work that dont require brainpower.<br />
<br />
PPS: I like how you refer to yourself in the 3rd person. I thought I was the pioneer! I guess I was not.Critical Goblinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421877253647301675noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5386530415108910452.post-27320803767186626222011-11-29T00:00:00.000+13:002011-11-29T00:00:05.625+13:00Top 5 Reasons You NEED to Subscribe TODAY! (NSFW)After intensive surveying and sending out thousands of questionnaires and collating answers (no not really), here are (in quick fire format) the Top 5 Reason You Should Subscribe to Critical's Blog Today!<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx22Qh1KC50PxBNGWmI33nydeAmFOy9I6e28B04C_j2iRnBXsohB5jIN6j2KLN0za54hQS6drzTi99uZfJyz3c4EFvx3BH7EPALONE2fqJNyM8PndXPp-r6KsNMISEfMXbW6yYCBS0UEYS/s1600/hotgirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx22Qh1KC50PxBNGWmI33nydeAmFOy9I6e28B04C_j2iRnBXsohB5jIN6j2KLN0za54hQS6drzTi99uZfJyz3c4EFvx3BH7EPALONE2fqJNyM8PndXPp-r6KsNMISEfMXbW6yYCBS0UEYS/s320/hotgirl.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
5) Updated daily (unless I get reamed and need a couple of days quiet time to reflect)<br />
<br />
4) Ad free<br />
<br />
3) Pro topics/discussions, no "guess what I bought for 1g and some noobie bought for 1,000g!" posts<br />
<br />
2) Critical has an opinion and loves to share it.<br />
<br />
And lastly:<br />
<br />
1) Hot girl pics!!!! (ok not really only just this one time)<br />
<br />
Where else can you get a <b>daily dose</b> of <b>Critical's opinion</b> on <b>pro discussion topics</b>, <b>ad free</b> with a side of <b>hot girls</b> thrown in every once in a while. ONLY ON CRITICALS THATS WHERE! CLICK THE SUBSCRIBE BUTTON UP TOP TODAY!Critical Goblinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421877253647301675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5386530415108910452.post-13060996628451515912011-11-28T00:00:00.000+13:002011-11-28T15:31:31.451+13:00Week 12 Blog StatsAnother week another blog stat post. Happy to see things returning to normal and not regressing due to bad publicity. Week 12 ending 26 November 2011:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPPFzIgvUqVouxTaGFLDpM5P9Ani57cs-JovJM9NMk83_oQwreEBZvYhHuYraD8z_l9m6NVmKKYZWSdV9LNFqo2IlhftQBHhtBv-Cp_yxy2hDtZGq6c0-u6WVTiQuzzkmkZeBHtjvKxgo/s1600/w12stats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPPFzIgvUqVouxTaGFLDpM5P9Ani57cs-JovJM9NMk83_oQwreEBZvYhHuYraD8z_l9m6NVmKKYZWSdV9LNFqo2IlhftQBHhtBv-Cp_yxy2hDtZGq6c0-u6WVTiQuzzkmkZeBHtjvKxgo/s320/w12stats.jpg" width="314" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzfNwrWWGjwkPY1LDumJctjvUIWq0y5pnxrMpKMGIM9_S3dSEEnhnvlUdXAPujsEgT3eObKdhI1ScgaQZ3kRZ-MhTX2T2fh_mH-VEjlCus_gq0qdG3HnVNi3ZCj2AKX8Sw4tgrupu-3hX/s1600/w12statsb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzfNwrWWGjwkPY1LDumJctjvUIWq0y5pnxrMpKMGIM9_S3dSEEnhnvlUdXAPujsEgT3eObKdhI1ScgaQZ3kRZ-MhTX2T2fh_mH-VEjlCus_gq0qdG3HnVNi3ZCj2AKX8Sw4tgrupu-3hX/s320/w12statsb.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>
<br />
In general most of my new posts start off with around 50 to 100 page views each, which is cool for a new blog. I dont know what happens on other blogs but the interesting thing is they continue to climb as time passes, I believe as new readers go backwards and read old posts:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhpozS8bUDyxJJuMfKDoyO2cYZKmJ1KK__dOcFi1aOWMNYoKYiSc_4nPw7ggKVSWt0XgqYj9taarYgR2XniZck6qQeIhBWNAIMMKIfy-wrjeZhfOJFdRbpFWTcPKzyH0oad072WCc2mkb/s1600/w12statsc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhpozS8bUDyxJJuMfKDoyO2cYZKmJ1KK__dOcFi1aOWMNYoKYiSc_4nPw7ggKVSWt0XgqYj9taarYgR2XniZck6qQeIhBWNAIMMKIfy-wrjeZhfOJFdRbpFWTcPKzyH0oad072WCc2mkb/s320/w12statsc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
What it highlights is that post quality is very important. If the post you release today is of poor quality and it only garners semi interest now, it will definitely not be interesting (and therefore read again) later by any reader (new and old).<br />
<br />
Interesting.<br />
<br />
PS: If you're new and wondering what these blog stats posts are about, its primarily a post about the blog itself rather than on topic glyphs/gold/competition. The things I talk about here may be confusing if you are not a blog author. Dont worry if your eyes are glazed just stick around for tomorrow's post. Oh and of course dont forget to say hihi if you're new!Critical Goblinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421877253647301675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5386530415108910452.post-68584756716701875132011-11-27T00:00:00.000+13:002011-11-27T05:35:35.851+13:00Why Co-ops SuckBecause you have to follow rules.<br />
<br />
What happens when you break even one rule? Any and all agreements previously agreed upon, including informal non-ah related ones, are nullified instantly as we can see with Brent <a href="http://foo-wow.blogspot.com/2011/11/glyphs-with-no-effort.html?showComment=1322216841039#c6065860408972381743">not wanting to tank</a> for Foo.<br />
<br />
Now I wont argue that co-ops dont work. Critical has never tried, how can you say caviar tastes yuck if you have never tried it.<br />
<br />
But I mean really, how can you have fun with different posting strats if you have to follow set rules? All you can do are lame, tame, non-Critical-like stuffs. That dont sound like fun.<br />
<br />
PS: had no idea u guys were on the same server.Critical Goblinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421877253647301675noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5386530415108910452.post-15456641981275547302011-11-26T00:01:00.000+13:002011-11-26T00:01:00.341+13:00Dear Foo, Mox and Brent ...After <a href="http://foo-wow.blogspot.com/2011/11/glyphs-with-no-effort.html">another dumb argument</a> Critical finally realizes: <b>No one method is best</b>. Yes yes it sounds strange for Critical to admit his methods are not best. Ya'll finally got it out of me.<br />
<br />
Our arguments are almost as lame as arguing that Rook to e4 is a bad move (or good). We shouldn't be saying, this strat wouldnt work against me so thumbs down. It is true most straight forward strats wont work against us because we're very experienced pro glyphers who have done glyphs for years over multiple patches and expansions. We are very good at implementing very complex strats and fine tuning on the fly very fast.<br />
<br />
We should instead be assessing why the strat topic at hand, is a good strat (or bad) and what might its strengths and weaknesses be, and/or what are possible counters.<br />
<br />
I believe (well I hope anyway) our readers are more interested in this sort of discussion than the argy bargy I'm right your wrong arguments we always get caught up in.Critical Goblinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12421877253647301675noreply@blogger.com7