Authentication free time

Greetings, all—

We are currently experiencing intermittent authentication issues which may prevent you from logging into the game at this time. We are aware of the issue and have notified the appropriate parties of your difficulties. Unfortunately, we do not have an ETA to provide at this time; however, I can assure you that we will take every step necessary to address this issue as quickly as possible. Please keep all related discussion of this issue contained within the following thread:

http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=18696993531&sid=1

Please be aware that we have received several reports that players using Battle.net accounts are not experiencing authentication issues and that signing up for a Battle.net account may get you into the game immediately. That said, signing up for a Battle.net account is entirely optional; we encourage you use your own discretion to determine whether or not creating a Battle.net account is right for you. Should you have any additional questions regarding the Battle.net service, please review the following thread:

http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=15864847501&sid=1

To be clear, our teams are working as hard as possible to address remaining authentication issues affecting non-Battle.net users; this issue remains our highest priority. Again, signing up for a Battle.net account is not required.

Should you wish to request reimbursement for time lost as a result of this issue, please feel free to post in the Suggestions Forum. The suggestions posted therein will be reviewed and discussed by the appropriate departments following the conclusion of this issue. Unfortunately, the Game Master and Billing Representatives of the Customer Service Forum will be unable to comment on the availability of game time reimbursement at this time.

Thank you for your patience.