Why do we bother

Q u o t e:
why do i bother? Thats what i want to know.

Because your reports help. It's that's simple. :)

To touch upon the non-simple parts of this equation, though:

http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=7475682914&pageNo=1&sid=1#6

Q u o t e:
"Run wild" is a bit harsh, Vex. There's method to our perceived madness, I assure you. ;)

Think of it this way: A band of cops are attempting to bust a drug distribution ring. They don't just want to catch one or two low level dealers, but effectively cripple the ring as thoroughly as possible by arresting and convicting all members involved in the production, trafficking, and use of this one particular drug. What's the best way to do this? Through investigation and planning, mate. Door-busting, hat-waving, shoot-from-the-hip vigilante tactics would probably yield more immediate results in this situation, but the efforts wouldn't be as lucrative in the long term. Know what I mean?

So these cops send in two or three of their own undercover. They spends months observing and watching the ring's habits, learning about who's in charge, who's buying, who's selling, and how the product gets trafficked. Now, even though these cops could probably bust a plethora of lower echelon dealers and buyers, they know that bringing a few of these guys downtown won't do anything—it'll get them off the street, sure, but unless the entire network is nailed, they'll just be replaced shortly after their arrest.

And so the cops wait. They wait until they've got enough evidence to bring the whole thing down in one fel swoop. Why? Because not only will it hopefully catch everyone involved, but, by forgoing more timely arrests, it'll also prevent the bosses and ring leaders from learning about our plans prematurely and then using that information to cover their tracks.

This is exactly how we behave and respond, and you'll notice that when we mete out punishment, that it comes in big waves (http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=6441123672&sid=1). By tracking and observing these guys for months—instead of pouncing immediately—we can see just how deep the rabbit hole goes. And, what's more? We can do it without these guys knowing. The developers of the software in question are wily, and will adapt their programming immediately should there be any hint that we're onto them. So, in the end, proceeding with caution will yield more results. Slow and steady wins the race, eh?

I know it's probably frustrating on your end, having to witness these guys day in and day out—and for that I do apologize. I know it's rough. Even so, I encourage you to just report them, ignore them, and then let us do our thing. Know that our Hacks Team is working ever so diligently behind the scenes and that one day? One day they'll swoop in again and smite the exploitative as mightily as we've done in the past. Just takes time. :)

You've my sincere apologies that your game play has been so impacted, Weak; I understand witnessing apathy in the form of botting or AFK flag manipulation must be incredibly frustrating. Please know that your reports do make an impact, though, and that we greatly appreciate the assistance you've lent our resistance thus far.

We're going to keep fighting the good fight and you've always a standing invitation to join us. :)

Q u o t e:
ANyway regardless of spinning everyone off topic, answer the questions.

I'm curious which questions you feel remain unanswered.

We've an entire team dedicated to the location, removal, and prevention of such practices, Ohnoesignore. And, as one of our basic tasks, we Game Masters forward on those reports you file to our Hacks team for further review and action.

The issue is that the battle against exploitation—of which botting is a part—is more or less a game of cat and mouse. And a delicate one at that. The moment we issue a strike against responsible software programs and those employing their use, the programs' authors will adapt their coding to evade detection and previous account holders simply rejoin the ranks anew. It's a cyclical process and we have to remain both incredibly vigilant and patient to gain any sort of edge. That edge is rarely seen at the player level; for this, you've my apologies. The result is that which I've detailed above.


While this is all going on, another sort of arms race continues in the background. Those who wish to exploit our game consistently push the envelope, searching for new and unique ways of manipulating game mechanics and overcoming the walls we've erected to thwart their impact on our community. In turn, our Hacks Team must not only keep up with each manipulation and wall jump, but also work to predict possible trends and improve our service in response. If you think this is an easy task, you're wrong.


We dedicate this time and this effort—and openly ask for your assistance along the way—not as a form of lip service, but because we hate exploitation just as much as you do. This is not something we can just "fix" and forget, though; it's a process that we will continually have to work at, something which we are absolutely prepared and committed to do.

Of course, if you've any ideas you think may help us in this endeavor, please let us know via the Suggestions Forum. :)

Q u o t e:
What if Blizzard does find the programmers and macro makers? What are they going to do? Ban their accounts?

We work to disable the actual program, Sharki. In many cases, for us to determine how this program works within the World of Warcraft, we need to monitor those who use it.

With that said, I would like to quote the following statement written by a colleague of mine:

Q u o t e:
[W]e have a multifaceted approach when it comes to removing these players from the game. While it is largely believed that we will only take action in large waves, this is not entirely true. Several malicious players are removed from the game individually following player reports, but there are others that may be monitored and addressed in large fell swoops to ensure they are unable to identify how they were identified.

While I am unable to speak volumes about the actions that are being taken behind the scenes, I can tell you that it is our utmost desire to remove these players from the game as quickly as possible using multiple resources. Our Development and Support Departments dedicate much time to removing these players from the game and addressing the overarching issues which allow players to take advantage of these systems. I realize that this may be a frustrating time for our players, and I humbly request that you bear with us. We will do everything in our power to address this issue and improve your quality of gameplay.

Locking this thread up now, as it's a bit ancient. :)