Welcome to the New WowProfitz.com!

[LAST OF OLD CONTENT BELOW]

Welcome adventurers!
I'm very pleased to announce that after a couple weeks of working through the WordPress installation (the actual installation only took a couple minutes and that's with getting a couple cups of coffee, smiling at myself through the built-in iSight camera on my Mac, and blowing up balloons), checking out all the of features (seems endless on what you can do compared to my older blogger site), installing some plug-ins and getting some AMAZING assistance from Kazy in the IRC channel, it's finally arrived. Ladies and gentlemen, the new very clean looking WowProfitz.com!

Why did I change from Blogger?
I changed for a few reasons. First, Blogger was an excellent starting point for my journey. It provided an easy avenue to post thoughts quickly and provide some general informational details. Second, I have quite a few more projects in store and I wanted a more powerful content management solution. WordPress is by far exceeding my expectations and I'm amazed at what you can do with it. I've only scratched the surface on a new exciting site of activity folks so put on your seat belts and enjoy the ride!

Additionally, I was getting tired of the old-look and wanted to be more than just a 'blog' site. I wanted a super-clean looking site (professional to some extent) that could feature my projects, be robust enough to add additional widgets/plugins, easier to integrate with podcasting, content, etc. After speaking with several folks in the community (thanks to Accomp, Cold, GoblinRaset, Kazy and a slew more) I decided to make the change and started doing some side work on it with my hosting service. All the while not affecting the existing Blogger site.

Until finally, after fixing it all up, going through some technical issues and back-end db changes, file changes on the way my hosting service had it setup, and redirecting, it's done. *wipes sweat* Again, thank you Kazy...you're definitely an amazing person and I'm glad to have you in our IRC channel. I would still be messing around with it. You provided me with some great insight and a huge walk through on WP in general. *salutes*  

What have I been up to?
Folks, the warm weather is here and I can't help but be outdoors. I really enjoy the warm days and mix in a nice cold beverage and hell, I'm calling it heaven! (wait, did I just say heaven and hell in the same line? Oh snap, I've made someone's list for sure...*looks around*). Anyways, I've been spending a lot of time on the site, enjoying the weather with the family, and also working through my psychology course (first time I've been back in school for over 20+ years and I'm loving it). Also, I've been finalizing some settings in WireCast (which I bought because I love streaming. Yes with my own $$$. I just didn't like Adobe Encoder and CamTwist).

Also, I just installed a new ISP connection which has increased my connection speeds! I'm not running (2) ISPs until my contract runs out on my older line....or I might just keep it for my XBox's, wireless devices, etc. My son is also a huge gamer (FPSer with XBox360 so might leave it solely for him and my daughter. Look for his site too which I'll be helping him setup and doing his own live-streaming of XBox360 style gaming). My connection speed went from 10Mbps/1Mbps (downstream/upstream) to 36Mbps/3Mbps!! Yes, I'm loving the speed.

Guilds/Alts and More
 I've also been creating a couple new toons on different realms from some good friends of mine on Twitter. I was pleased to have been invited into the Murderous Gummy Bears (Jaedenar-Alliance) with @ShammyRen and Wicked (Malorne-Horde) with @LowPopWow. It's fun to sometimes get away from your main realms, increase your social-network in-game and enjoy a new fresh experience with friends of like minds. Those who simply enjoy the game in a friendly environment. *hats off to you two*. Thanks for allowing me to be a part of your world.

Where am I at Gold Wise?
I'm very happy with my progress as I've reached over the 800,000 gold marker and the gold-cap goal is in sight!! I'm estimating I should be there within 3-4 more weeks and then, I'm going to check this gold-cap mission off the list and continue on to bigger and better projects within the community. *smiles* It's another reason for changing over the theme of the site...it's more than just a gold-making site. I'm turning it into a resource site for my projects, community efforts, podcasting, live-streaming, and everything wow.

In conclusion, I want to thank all for your continued support. The #FF shoutouts, the continued tweets, emails, PMs in-game and more. First, I'm doing this for myself as an outlet for creativity but I'm also doing this for those who enjoy World of Warcraft and a different perspective on things. A 'fresh-look' if you will at a great game.

I wish you all the best, 

~Profitz (Ray)  

The Cross-Realm Podcast #9 with Jules Burt!

"Be stilled by the rain, the fog rolled over the hills like a blanket being pulled up over a child.  It seemed as if it was providing warmth and at the same time, coverage from what was coming from the valley.  The sounds of drums and the stampeding of hundreds of horses.  The sound of steel, clanging armor, and soon war tapestries emerging from the haze.  Was this an invasion or an escort of a nobleman?" ~Profitz

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my distinguished pleasure on podcast #9 of The Cross-Realm, to bring you my VERY FIRST gold-maker from the EU realms, Mr. Jules Burt!  Hailing from the UK, he shares some of his fascinating hobbies (check out his personal website here) and discusses his own personal journey to gold-cap!  You don't want to miss this one!

The Cross-Realm Podcast 9 with Jules Burt (MP3) (Play directly with Yahoo's Player)

As always, I hope you are enjoying The Cross-Realm Podcast series.  I love doing interviews with people and I have a lot more planned out!  Stay tuned!

If you have any questions, suggestions, or feedback, I always enjoy reading them.  Send them in via email! Do not forget to follow me on Twitter!  Join us in IRC Chat!

Best regards and happy gaming!

~Profitz

"I value the friend who for me finds time on his calendar, but I cherish the friend who for me does not consult his calendar." ~Robert Brault

The Psychology of Price - Increase Your Sales

"While wandering the cobblestone streets of Hil'thra, my eyes were wandering here and there but suddenly came to an abrupt halt.  Affixed on a beautiful sword of northern hand.  I have never seen such craftsmanship before.  The blade glistened from the morning sun almost with a holy glow.  The handle finely wrapped with dark scribed leather.  The hilt inlaid with gems that tickled my insides upon sight.  I motioned to the merchant and started inquiring.  The price was just right." ~Profitz

When is the last time you have been shopping at the local store, mall, or outlet and came across some merchandise you said, "Wow! That's a great price!" ?  We all do it from time to time, even when shopping online.  Those bargains seem to catch our eyes and almost make us buy it on impulse.  I wonder why...  Well, there is an entire science behind this my friends.  One that even if you know about, you will still buy.  Welcome to the world of Numbers and the Psychology of Price.

Psychology of Numbers = Profits

In The LightHouse Project introduction back in March, I was helping Cynful price items and talked a little about numbers.  I was explaining that if you mark items right on the Auction House, they will sell faster simple by changing the last-digits of the price to a "9", "5" or a lower number than 5.  Our minds perceive numbers and cause impulse.  Have you ever noticed the 'type' of music that is played when you are shopping at the mall or certain stores?  It's not there just to tickle your ears my friends.  It moves you to action.  Relaxes you.  When you are comfortable, you are a 'happy' buyer. *chuckles*  What about the color of the paint on the walls or the floor layout?  Folks, this all plays into marketing analysis and making the shopper (AH buyer) see what you want them to see, walk the path you want them to walk in the store, leading them to sales items they previously bought based upon their own shopping habits, and be comfortable by seeing and hearing (some of our most important senses for emotion) throughout the entire experience.  (I wish I could paint the walls of the auction house right now!!)

Buy Price

Sell Price

What does this all mean to me and how can I increase my sales?
I conducted an experiment with my own sales, using historical data pulled from TradeSkillMaster's Accounting module.  Take note to the last digit in the sale prices in the image to the left.  Notice anything?

On the same note, look to the right image.  I pulled records of my own purchases and sure enough, I was doing this without knowing even though I knew about numbers. *blinks*  (Wait, how did....who...what....wait a minute...even ME?  Yes, even I was pulled into buying because of price.)

Without making this article too technical, think about some of these common questions/statements when pricing your next items on the auction house.

1. People do not like to think too hard - if you can keep the price flat, keep it flat!
   (example: Pricing an item with a zero:  130gold, 12,500g, flat pricing works!)
   We read left-to-right so in our mind it automatically takes into consideration the most-important numbers left-to-right and even rounds the ending numbers.
2. Think about the last-digit of your priced item(s)
   Think about sales prices always being 14.95 or 14.99.  Our mind processes it automatically and even dismisses the last digits even though it could be priced HIGHER or just 1 copper difference.  So if someone has the item you want to sell already listed, use the numbers game to sell yours faster.  Change a single digit and win!
3. Pricing is reality
   It does not mean you have to sell things cheap!  By creating a notion the price is valuable and 'rare', you can set prices accordingly.  By listing 10 of the same items, it reduces the 'perspective' of that item being of 'rare value' and that affects pricing.
   Also - don't always rely upon an addon to place your price simply to undercut by 1 copper.  If you want sales, think a little further and name your price!

 Wait...am I using a list of numbers to show some things to think about too?  HOW SICK!  Numbers own our lives...run!!  *winks*

These are only a few of the things to keep in mind in this huge science of numbers.  I hope this article helps increase your sales or at least gives you some insight into the psychology of numbers.

Best regards and happy sales!

~Profitz

"An inch of time is an inch of gold" ~Chinese Proverb

The LightHouse Project #2 with Cynful (A Beginner's Gold Making Tutorial)

The LightHouse Project Episode 2 (MP3) (Play directly with Yahoo's Player)

The LightHouse Project

The LightHouse Project RETURNS with Cynful!  It has been thirty days (30) since our initial kick off of this project.  Our introduction post was back on March 19, 2013.

• Where does she stand?
• How much has she made?
• What did she struggle with or learned in this time frame since our last show?
• Is she excited or ready to give up?
• What new markets will she learn?

ALL this and more is discussed in episode #2!  I hope you enjoy this podcast series geared for beginners and walking them step-by-step through entering markets, flipping items, and making gold with ease.


The LightHouse Project Episode 2 (MP3) (Play directly with Yahoo's Player)


Have feedback?  Comment below, email me, or follow me on Twitter!

Happy listening!

~Profitz

The Cross-Realm Podcast #8 with Fellow Gold Maker: Phatlewts!

"The clock struck the top of the hour and two cloaked figures entered the bustling tavern and claimed a table in one of the dark corners.  Something was different about them.  Silence was only broken by the squeal of bar wenches getting their tushes pinched and the general buzz of drunkards musing themselves over their tall tales to impress the ears of any who would give a listen.  The cloaked figures though were serious.  They did not give any attention to the commoners.  One slid across the table to the other some parchment and in return, a bag which sang of coins, was given in return.  The deal was done finally."  ~Profitz

The Cross-Realm Podcast #8 brings you another exciting behind-the-scenes exclusive interview (this is his first appearance on a podcast and I'm honored to be doing it) with fellow gold making contributor and pioneer, author of Phat Lewt's Gold Blog, Phatlewts!  This is a man who has helped me greatly with not only understanding key aspects of gold making like the transmog markets but also some philosophy on gaining suppliers, manipulating markets, and leading with great posts within the community.  It is examples like this gentleman provides, that keeps me doing what I'm doing and I'm pleased to have had the time to sit down, get to know him a little better, and provide this podcast for you to appreciate.  I hope you enjoy!

Without further ado, Mr. Phatlewts ladies and gentlemen!


The Cross-Realm Podcast 8 with PhatLewts (MP3) (Play directly with Yahoo's Player)

I hope you enjoy this podcast!  If you have any comments, please send them in and provide some onsite feedback through the comments section of this blog.

Best wishes and happy gold making!

Profitz

"Making money is art and working is art and good business is the best art." ~Andy Warhol

The Cross-Realm Podcast # 7 with The Drunken Mogul, GoblinRaset!

"The bottle became empty and the last drop landed on my craving tongue with delight.  I wasn't satisfied and sought out more.  The warmth of my insides blended with my blurred vision carried my stumbling body across the floor boards freely floating to the left and then to the right.  They creaked in a way that almost sung to me a memory that brought me back to my childhood.  Unsure of my whereabouts I dismissed and mumbled out with a wrinkled nose, "bll oooddy...gahh....blin....".  ~Profitz

The Cross-Realm Podcast #7 strikes with the introduction of The Drunken Mogul himself, GoblinRaset!  He's a gentleman and a scholar in the gold-making community and is really providing some good content on his newly founded blog.  Additionally, he just started live-streaming too which was great to see and is placing his drunken mark with a smile across the community.  I look forward to great things coming from him and wanted to share this up-close and personal behind-the-scenes interview...without further ado, The Drunken Mogul ladies and gentlemen!!

The Cross-Realm Podcast 7 with The Drunken Mogul, GoblinRaset (MP3)
(Play directly with Yahoo's Player)

Thank you fellow gold makers and adventurers.  I hope you found this podcast an entertaining one!
I also love hearing from the community.  Send in your feedback and comment below.

Happy profits!

Best regards,

~Profitz

“Business is all about solving people's problems - at a profit.” ~Paul Marsden

The Art of Patience

“Injustice’, the crowd roared.  A cloaked figure emerged from a golden archway high above the crowds and threw up his arms with force yelling, “Behold!  Your impatience will become settled!”  The crowd suddenly hushed and stared up in awe.  From the man’s hand he flung into the air several pieces of shining objects that, with disbelief from the crowd below, transformed into birds of prey with an appetite for the weak.”  ~Profitz

THE ART OF PATIENCE

In the end, it's not about which markets you are in or how much gold you have invested in items, mounts, rares, or those precious and funny little grays (I recently sold a Dead Mole from Blingtron for 25gold and it scares me what someone wanted this for…back in the Ultima Online days you could actually use items found in-game and lock them down around your house…maybe a sea of dead moles to welcome incoming visitors?), it comes down to patience.

Think Smart - Sell Smarter

You can have all the above but if you're not patient enough to sell items in various markets, including highly competitive ones, then you'll lose out on maximizing profit and will settle for mediocre sales or even be swayed by the influx of market snipes.  (Snipes are folks who inject themselves into markets for short periods of time simply to make quick coin or to defoil the strategies of existing marketers.  Peskly little fellows like elves…oh wait..did I say that??) I’m first to admit that every copper counts but I’m also an advocate for working smarter not harder and being in the know.  Knowing when to post items is JUST as important as how much to sell for and in what quantities.

Patience is an essential part of gold making.   Here are a few questions that I ask myself when posting items and maybe they can be of use to you as well.

·      How many of the same item is already listed?

o   LISTED?

§  Is the value of that item accurate?

§  If the value of that item is NOT accurate and undercut, should I buy that item and flip?  This is where you have to evaluate cost and look to other resources available to come to that conclusion.  I personally like using Wowuction.com and TheUnderMineJournal.com.

§  Is there a TON of the same item?  If there is, then you might want to consider holding off and stockpiling or banking the item(s) until value rises or you’re in a position to reset the market if the values drop down to your buying threshold.  Remember patience.  Everything sells in time believe it or not.

o   NOT LISTED:

§  ALWAYS do your research and know the estimated value of the item before listing.

§  OVERCUT market price and sell higher
(Yes I said OVERCUT.  This means when you find the value of the item through the resources you use, there is nothing wrong with taking control of that item’s price and increasing.  Basic supply & demand model)

§  UNDERCUT market price and sell cheaper
(I’m sure some serious AH pioneers might not agree here but there are times when you want to UNDERcut item market values.  A quick example that I posted previously is to simple drive down prices of an item that’s currently flooded on the market to your buying threshold then buying to reset.)

TIP:  NEVER go by what’s currently listed as actual value.  The value of items sways every day and ride up and down a lot and most of the times aren’t accurate or as high as they should be. Don’t be so anxious so sell the item, do some research and it’ll benefit you in the end….trust this clown!

·      What level item am I trying to sell and whom am I catering to?
Always take into consideration your buyers and the ability to actually sell the item to them.  Many people have alts (I for one have so many I’m at the point now where I’m deleting one to create one sad but I know there are quite a few reading this article shaking their head in agreement) so think about the economy of the server you’re on and the value of gold in circulation.  Most people have no issues buying items from their mains and sending to their alts for that extra boost.

Everything Sells - patience!

For example, if you’re trying to sell a low level green, it doesn’t mean you have to sell it cheap even though the AH might have it listed that low.  Buy the inventory and relist.  Low-level greens are important simply for the fact that people like that extra boost while leveling if they’re not in full bind-on-account (BoA) gear!  Also, some of these items might cater to the transmog market, which is higher in price naturally.

·      How long should I post the item for?

This is a VERY important question to always keep in mind and you shouldn’t be posting all your auctions at the same listing time.  I started out this way and based upon markets, it changed my mind pretty quickly.  After I changed, I didn’t have to relist items as much and sales started to flow in.  Let me explain.

If you’re in an aggressive market, like glyphs or gems, then listing your auctions for 48 hours will most likely not produce any sales.  In volatile markets like these, you would want to list at 12 hours to maximize your potential in sales and profit.  The market flips so often and items are relisted so fast, having longer auctions will just collect dust on the shelves while others are moving product fast and furious. 

TIP:  It’s always a good idea to do a general search prior to posting.  Where does the market stand now?

On items that you know are truly unique and the only one in that market, a 48-hour listing period makes sense.  You don’t have to worry about undercuts and you also don’t have to worry about relisting and spending more coin.  So stop and think about the item you are trying to sell and the current state of that item on the market.  Use the Auction House to your advantage.

·      How many of the item should I list?

There is nothing that amazes me more than someone who lists items in eaches 100 times.  Understanding proper stack sizes can make you a fortune!  Don’t follow the trends folks.  If you see someone listing, for example a single piece of ghost iron ore 50 times instead of selling (2) stacks and the rest after, is only making a fool of themself never mind wasting coin on sales that won’t sell.  There are times when you would want to list eaches, don’t get me wrong, but not that amount of the same item.

Having enough patience to flow through pages is also important when looking for market value and seeing stacks and identifying weak spots in the market that you can take advantage of.

In the end fellow gold-makers and adventurers, I hope you continue to demonstrate patience and gain your wealth with a smile.

Best regards,

Profitz

“Genius is nothing but a great capacity for patience.” ~Georges-Louis LeClerc Buffon

Meticulously Managed

"I was white as a sheet and stood there like a zombie numb to the world around me. I couldn't move. My eyes couldn't focus and were crusted over with a hideous pink hue. I tried to speak but nothing came out and my insides ached with muscle pain. Signals were sent to my brain to simply give up.  I twitched. Flies began to make their home on my flesh. Perhaps even laying eggs inside of me. Would I become one of them? Motionless..." ~Profitz

NEXT TIER ACHIEVED:  700,000
I'm very please to announce that I've reached the next tier in my gold making progress by passing the 700,000 gold marker placing me within viewing distance of ~300k gold away from cap! (of course give a few coppers here and there for my balloons and party favorites can get costly. I'll be glad when I can check this goal off as done!  What an adventure is has been so far...and to think, I wouldn't have met most of you if I didn't jump in this world.  Very honored)

I've been tracking my progress along the way and wanted to provide some quick updates. (Rule #2 in Gold Anonymous, you must have a spreadsheet and it must be pretty. Rule #1 is we don't talk about Gold Anonymous *queues Fight Club theme song here* but I already failed on that now didn't I?  damn!!)

Daily Total Gold Earned 8 Weeks

WEEKLY GOLD TOTALS FOR 8 WEEKS:
In our first diagram, you can see a running 8 week spread of total gold earned per week.  As you can tell (and I said this from the beginning) I'm showing it like it is and sharing my successes and failures.  I'm not sure if it's been all the helium I've been inhaling at these clown parties or what, but my sales have dipped quite a bit.

Eying the chart, sales went down week to week almost 40-50%. *gasps*  Hell, maybe people are catching on and taking some profitZ (see what I did there?) for themselves....either way, I'm cool with it.  I always say, as long as the day passes with > 1 copper in sales, I'm good.  It's a step forward.  And in this business, there are a hell of a lot of steps and if they're all forward, that's even better.  I do want to note here though, that all these steps are repeatable and proven for the most part.  If I can do it, that means anyone can make this coin by following proven repeatable processes day-to-day.  (Now if that doesn't sound like a 2AM info-commercial, I don't know what does! LOL *BEEP* *BEEP*  We all float down here Georgie!)

DAILY TOTAL GOLD SINCE 500K MARKER:
The good thing about tracking your progression, is you can always look back and learn so much from your journey.  I mean I'll be carrying this information with me for awhile and can always go back and appreciate where I've been and what I had to go through to get here.  The trip by no means is over (some have even commented that it never truly ends either) it's just another stepping stone in-the-right-direction to reach my goal.  Honestly, I can't wait until I can put a check mark next to it as *completed* and move on to more projects.  I've been really enjoying live-streaming as of late and podcasting.  More details on this below.

Running Daily Gold Total Since 1/2 million marker

DARKMOON FAIRE - SIMPLY DASHING!

Selling every 10-20 seconds!

As you all know, we've entered the first day of the DMF again!  It's pretty funny when you start planning your real-life around in-game events (I know...it's a sickness) but for this week's DMF, I've been preparing for about 3 weeks since the last faire rolled out of town.  My last sales back then spiked considerably by just selling DMF quest items.

So, why not. I decided to try it again this month and so far, it's proven to be a great success raking in close to 30,000 gold in sales for just today alone!  Remember guys, repeatable-processes work.  This is nothing new, you just have to tune in, become familiar with it and trust it'll work over time.  Honestly, it's SO DAMN EXCITING to hear the *cha-ching* sound from all the sales as they tickle my ears in delightful play.  I hope you're all enjoying the faire as well as Noble Gardens.

I'M KEEPING IT SIMPLE
I'm all about simple.  If it's simple and repeatable, then I want to get in on that.  I've recently been dabbling in the simple-gem market with only Tin Ore.  Prospecting like crazy and buying at a certain threshold to ensure when it sells, I'm maximizing profit.  This continues to work and always surprises me on how much gold you can make on this.  I mean I'm just prospecting and selling raw simple-gems...stuff that anyone could be doing even at a lower level.

If you haven't tried this out yet...get in on it folks and prove to yourselves that it works.  This is something important to remember.  If you're new to gold making or simply wanting to enter a new market, take it SLOW and prove to yourself that it works first before investing too much or spending a lot of time on something.

MINI-PROJECTS AND LIVE-STREAMING
I recently started live-streaming only a month or so back.  I started with Adobe Flash Encoder and CamTwist (I'm on a Mac) and now moved into using Wirecast.  Yes, I spent the coin to buy Wirecast out of my own pocket and I truly love this product.  I have no issues in investing in something that I love doing.  If I think about it, I spent a ton with my art supplies, my photography stuff, and even the Mac I'm using now.  It's only money and if it brings in some happiness in real-life, it's worth it.  At least to me it is.  I also contribute to quite a few causes in the community and I'm proud that I'm able to help people when times are tough.  I'm not going to list here what I've contributed to, because it's not about me at all, it's about helping people.

So here are a few projects I've been live-streaming if you haven't heard of them yet.  I enjoyed creating the banners too.  It's like combining the many hobbies I have into one dumping ground of creativity.  I'll post a link next to each one if you wanted some details about them.

http://wowprofitz.blogspot.com/2013/04/rags-2-riches-clowncar.html
NOTE: if you're interested in getting in on this FREE-GIFT contest, read this post and see details at the bottom.  TOMORROW is the LAST DAY for entry.  Good luck everyone and thanks for sending in your guesses to those who already have.

Gold Making on a Low Pop Realm

a Father & Son PVP mini-series

Please send in your comments/feedback.  I love hearing from you all.

Thanks to all of you who continue to support me and watch my live-streams, comment on my podcasts or simply send emails in.  I read all of them and appreciate it.  I've also reached a milestone with my WowProfitz.com site of 18,000 visitors!!

If you wish to follow me, check out these sites:
Twitter
Twitch.tv
YouTube
 iTunes
Stitcher


In closing guys, I wish you all the best.  Spring truly is here and never forget to step away from the keyboard and enjoy some fresh air every now and then.  It's healthy and will only keep you gaming longer!

Best regards to you and your families.

~Profitz

“If you spend too much time thinking about a thing, you’ll never get it done. Make at least one definite move daily toward your goal.” ~Bruce Lee

The Cross-Realm Podcast #6 - Clowning Around!

"We embraced for the last time as she slipped out of my arms and fell to the ground, lifeless.  The arrow of faith she took stood still within me for an eternity.  Almost timeless I stood, arms still out as her warmth slowly slipped away. Tears traced my face and fell to the ground like cold rains. Lost." ~Profitz

Fellow gold makers and community members abroad, behold, The Cross-Realm Podcast # 6 is here!  I've been busy over the past couple weeks and finally sat down and recorded the next podcast. I'm happy to be where I'm at and enjoying the trip - thanks for coming along with me.

I hope you enjoy it and as always, I'd love to hear from you. (Email | Twitter | Live-Stream)

The Cross-Realm Podcast 6 - Clowning Around (MP3) (Play directly with Yahoo's Player)

In this episode I cover the following Topics:

• Gold Status (Mine and Community Feedback)
• What Has The Clown Been Up To?
• Recent Projects
• #WowP5 Challenge
• Shout-Outs

Best of luck in your gold-making endeavors and remember, every copper counts!


Make gold with a smile!


~Profitz
 
"Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy." ~Norman Vincent Peale

Rags 2 Riches: Clowncar!

"I awoke to the clashing of steel and the chanting of sadistic mages cursing the fallen and laughing maniacally.  Their mouths still dripped from tearing into the flesh of the fallen like a pack of savage wolves who haven't eaten since the first winter's fall.  Their fingers still wet with the soft and fertile flesh of those sacrificed.  Their eyes were dark, sunken, and affixed on what laid before them in the twisted rivers of unfathomably darkness" ~Profitz


RAGS 2 RICHES PROJECT - GOLD MAKING ON THE RUN FROM LEVEL ONE!
I'm proud to announce a cool and very exciting new side project I'm working on called Rags 2 Riches! (damn Clown, another freak'n project? You're trying to do it all!!  - YOU KNOW IT!!! Seat belts on cuz this clown is having a blast!! *BEEP* *BEEP*)

Let me explain what this is all about.

I want to stream more often and talk about gold making just the same but I also don't want to just ramble on with the same routines.  Today I only stream if I have something to share or something I learned new.  So to stream more and be dynamic, I came up with this idea about starting a low level toon on the second lowest population realm in the United States.  Interestingly, it was the same task I was given while being on an episode with Low Pop Wow and I actually announced this on that show.  Here's a quick shout-out...

Low Pop Wow - Economy Episode!

Shout-Out: I wanted to take a moment here and also thank Hathorr from LowPopWow (Twitter, Website) who had me on her recent show about Low Pop Economies (Raw version here)!  I was joined by some prestigious panelists (Elvine, Jules, Saristin) and truly enjoyed the entertainment and 61+ live viewers!  If you haven't heard this yet, skip on over and listen to the show!  It was a blast and I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

What will I be doing?

I'll be starting a brand new level 1 toon and focusing on picking professions that will maximize my gold making while leveling.  EACH mini-episode will ONLY be around 1 hour long give or take a couple minutes.  I'll only be leveling while streaming during episodes only.  When I reach the final episode (currently set at 30 episodes (30 hours of game play)), I'll be giving away all my amassed gold and deleting the toon LIVE on the stream!  It should be a blast!


EPISODE 1 - SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH with VIEWERS!

Episode 1: Clowncar (Level 1 Resto Druid)

I'm very excited about this and did the FIRST of the streams tonight with Episode #1.
You can view it here on my Twitch channel.  In Episode one viewers got to see me select the realm, and do the character creation as well as reach Level 8!  I was also able to hit up Thunderbluff and place about 20 items on the auction house.  If these all sell, I should have some nice starting capital to do a couple investments while continuing to level to that magic Level # 15 for dungeons!  The hour flew by fast and I had seven total viewers!  Thank you all for joining me!!

INTERACTIVE LOW LEVEL FUN

Additionally, I'm making this very interactive with those who view the stream in the twitch channel and/or my IRC chat channel.  For instance, someone in the channel named the toon!  (Thanks Goblinraset!) As I'm questing along, healing through dungeons looking for xmogs, or simply working on professions, I'll ask the live viewers questions and act upon those.  (Remember those which-way books and endless adventure?  Consider this like that where based upon your choices....things HAPPEN!)

FREE GIFT TO ONE VIEWER? YES!

As a FREE GIFT to one of the viewers, (yes, it'll be free) I'll be giving away a special prize in the last episode (prize to be determined and will be worthwhile - maybe like a free game card, a t-shirt, or some neat trinket that I'll be paying for with my old money).

What's the requirements and how do I enter?  The only requirements to qualify are:
1.  Catch all the episodes
2.  Join in on the conversations and questions/answers
3.  Take a guess at how much gold you think I'll have at the end of the last show!
(The person closest without-going-over WINS!  *plays Price is Right theme here*)
NOTE:  You must submit this BEFORE the close of Episode # 6 to me via email: WowProfitz@Gmail.com with the subject: Estimated Gold for Rags 2 Riches


Let's face it, its a hell of a lot more fun when you're doing something while streaming and the channel is active and people are getting into it.  So join me!!



EPISODE 2 - WILL YOU BE A VIEWER?
Will you be there for Episode 2??  Follow me on Twitter and Sub to my channel for the announcement.  This will be going LIVE tomorrow (Tuesday April 2nd @ 10PM EST).


I hope to see you all during the upcoming episodes!

Stay strong and happy gold making.

p.s.  I'm currently sitting at 661K gold....only ~339K left.  In February I made 212k and this past March 292k.  So looking at about 2 more months?  Stay tuned for a post on stats and all the numbers. WoooHooo!

~Profitz

Clown in Town

"The filth before my eyes drained my soul to the core.  The foul smell of the rotten and the consistent sight of birds of prey feasting, turned my stomach but at the same time, brought a sort of mischievous grimace that even I was afraid of.  Something inside of me kept tugging me toward the dark...calling me even by name." ~Profitz

THE CLOWN IS ON TOUR

The Clown is in Town and on Tour!  Balloons for everyone!  Recently, I've been invited to several podcasts and shows this week and I have to say, I'm very honored.  I never would've thought that I would be having this much fun and be embraced by such an awesome community.  It's amazing and I'm very excited to be a part of it all as well as simply sharing in some of my own passions along the way, art, writing, online gaming, and of course gold-making.

I'll be guest spotting on the following shows - please join me and help make this a great experience for everyone.  Let's RAISE THE ROOF and bring in the crowds to these shows!!!

PowerWordGold:  I thank Jim Younkin from PowerWordGold.net for bringing me on his show and recording Podcast # 57. This was the FIRST ever show I've guest spotted on and it was a blast.  Thank you sir!  The recorded version can be listened to here.  Send me your comments.

Chaos Portal:  *TODAY*  Saturday March 30th @ 4PM EST

Low Pop Wow:  *TOMORROW* Sunday March 31st @ 5PM EST


A couple nights ago, I created a new banner for myself and used of course, my favorite clown avatar (I know you all love it deep down in side *grins*) from Stephen King's IT (Pennywise).  I made this for several reasons.  One, to help spice up my own site a bit and two, to provide the community with a shareable image if they wish to help promote The Clown.

If you do decide to use this banner, please let me know and I'd be more than happy to provide a mutual link as well from my Blog.  I already have several on there so please check those out too!  (Left side of the page below the Testimonials)

New Banner I made - feel free to use for your own sites to help promote The Clown. ;)

AFTER DARK WITH PROFITZ (LIVE-STREAMING)
Wait, what?  Is this some B-movie?  No, just having fun in Twitch.  I have to admit, I'm addicted to live-streaming now.  I think I finally have my iMac setup properly to enjoy the game, the conversations in chat, as well stream with fairly decent quality.  If I can't do something with decent quality and standards, I'd rather not do it at all.  That's just me.  Anyways, I really got sick and tired of all the ads on Twitch so ended up dropping some coin to go Turbo.  Good bye SimCity ads every 20 seconds...*GRRRRRRRRR*

Last night, I went live and reached my highest ever viewers which was seven (7).  Is this a sign for whats to come?  (Yup, to me that's high being new to streaming.  Honestly, If it's more than me, I'm very satisfied.  Having a live audience while streaming makes it a lot more interactive and fun.  I can take questions directly from the chat channel and show in real-time the How To's.  So thanks for those who came out and joined me last night).

If you couldn't join in the live fun, here is the recorded version.  It's 2 hours of auction house fun and live interaction with the viewers.

GOLD MAKING JOURNEY
I'm currently sitting at 644,783 gold.  It seemed like forever sitting in the 630k range.  Almost like grinding through Pandaria on the 5th level 90 but with a little persistence you make it out. I'm above that and cruising toward my next tier of 700,000.  I'm so excited and this never gets old folks.  The opportunities to make gold are such in abundance, I can't get to them all.  I'm taking it slow and enjoying the trip.  More updates to come as I'm closing my books this week and will post about some totals and new gold making tips I've been made aware of.  Fun Fun Fun!!

BOOKS, IDEAS, AND WRITING
As many of you know, I like writing and love art.  I'm in the process of writing my own dark fantasy book, which will be available online when completed.  I'm having fun with it and writing it all on my iMac through iBook.  When completed you'll be able to snag this

A dark fantasy book from Profitz...stay tuned

hopefully treasure up and enjoy it for yourself.  If you recall, most of my posts have a quick paragraph blurb at the top of each of them?  Remember those little messages?  Yes, most of those are snippets of the book chapters...see, there's a method to my madness.  You've been reading my book already...  In all seriousness, I hope to complete this by end of Summer and share it with you all.  More details to come.

THE LIGHTHOUSE PROJECT
Never fret folks, this project hasn't stalled.  I received an update the other day from Cynful and she's already made 4x the amount of gold she started with.  She works professionally, like I do, so it's good to know that someone with limited time and out-of-game responsibilities can still make their share too.  Look for the next episodes in a couple weeks.  Additionally, I'll be making supplemental video recordings to go along with the podcasts.  Yes more instruction for all of us who are interested in making gold.

I love hearing from you all.  There is nothing better than receiving an email or twitter message from folks.  Please reach out and send in your thoughts/comments.

Email: WowProfitz@gmail.com
Twitter: @WowProfitz

For those who celebrate Easter, Happy Easter.  For those who don't, I wish you and your family well.  There is nothing better than family and friends especially when Spring is here and the weather is finally getting better (well at least for me being on the East Coast...the white stuff is gone until Winter).


I wish you all the best and happy gaming.

~Profitz


"If you can dream it, you can do it."  ~Walt Disney

Conquering Conniving Cutters

Pen/ink drawing I did back in 2008

"T'was several moons ago when my eyes fell upon the abomination for the first time. It scrawled across the grassy fields tearing up the fog and illuminating the dark with a baneful glow.  It had no name and blankly stared forward with its many eyes. Unbiased to that which it tormented, nothing was safe and anything crossing its path ended up just a mere dream in a nightmare of lost descendents" ~Profitz

So my fellow gold-making lad, you tell me you've been undercut aye?  Does it not seem as if you've been betrayed?  Sometimes, sadly this is the case.  It seems as if you've been betrayed by a close friend when you list all your items and do a quick validation search and low and behold, just moments after listing, a dirty conniving undercutter has tromped all over your listings (probably laughing at you right now in a little dark corner of the AH watching your reaction).  I know...first reaction is to unsheath your sword and gut the varmint like a fish watching their insides spill out and adorn the floorboards...hell maybe people's boots coming in will make that squeaky new shoes sound while splashing and spattering the freshly spewed insides here and there...but hold off on that for now... *chuckles*

Then again, the thought probably doesn't leave your mind for minutes after it's been done...you're still  mumbling under your breath, "...that dirty little, no good for nothing, pond scum licking, murloc kissing, galleon sleeping, filth talking, loin cloth wearing, trash smelling, slithering, conniving, inbred, AHer!!"  ok..maybe not that bad...but here's how you can deal with those peeps.

Rest assured, this is a part of the overall process of working the AH and having gone through this,will make you even better.  There will also be those types of people who need a quick return and will get it at anyone's expense.  But don't fret...here are a few ways I manage to Conquer these Conniving Cutters.

Knowing is half the battle...

1:  GO-ZONE:  If you have their name, that's half the battle.  Skip on over to The Undermine Journal and pull them up.  This little tactic will help you identify their posting patterns and give you a few options:

     A:  Post outside their posting times.  Look for the gaps in their existing schedule and take advantage of those.  This works pretty nice especially if they're direct competitors of yours in the same market(s).

     B:  Post when they're on and these people are typically the ones watching the AH like a hawk.  In   fact, I like to even stand right next to them in line and watch them frantically run back and forth between mailbox and AH from seeing their own auctions get undercut.  If there was only a /trip command... *tee hee hee*

     C:  Hold your auctions.  This is by no doubt the least profitable path in the short term but in the long term, by holding auctions and knowing when to buy, sell, and relist, you can make some nice coin.  (Plays Kenny Rogers' - Gambler song here....'you gotta know when to hold them...know when to fold them...*snaps out of it* ok ok..I don't like country but this is a cool song *skips into the shadows*)

2:  LIPSTICK ON THE PIG: Can you bring me my chapstick? (plays Napoleon Dynamite clip here).  Sometimes, you have to understand and befriend your competition..yes, even these folks.  Even though you'll never understand why they do things the way they do, you can still make bank by learning and talking with them and possibly even persuading them to change a little to increase their profits.  Yes, increase their profits and by doing so, you'll increase your own.  Think about that last statement...gold-making isn't a race.  There is plenty of gold in circulation.  Everyone wants to make gold when they sell items.  That's why they're listing them to begin with.  Put some lipstick on the pig and show it a new oink here and oink there...  wait, what?  Never mind.

Conniver Albert Gallatin - bogus compensation

3:  CONNIVE THE CONNIVER:  Carrots anyone?  In a recent blog post I made about Gold PvP'n and staying competitive, I received a question from one of my readers Bostfrolt.  (thanks for asking this by the way).  The question revolved completely about how to handle undercutters and if he should keep canceling and listing cheaper.  My response was this:

"In regards to your question, there is nothing wrong with playing a little cat-n-mouse game with them. Let me explain. What I like to do when someone keeps drastically undercutting is to bring them down to the level where I typically buy from and then buy their item(s) out. Most of the time you can't really get them that low unless they completely don't know what they're doing (which is possible in many markets). You can do this by simply 'baiting' them with a lower uncut of their item drastically in return.

Example: You list a piece of armor for like 300g. Your competitor comes in and lists the same item for 150g. (I still don't understand why they just don't undercut by 1 copper but hey, maybe they're in dire need of gold quickly to support the new cow on their farm LOL). If you have the exact same item in back stock (in your bank, stockpile, etc), then you can under list that person with the same piece down to 75g. (keep in mind, you've bought this item for sub-40g so you're still almost doubling your profit if someone comes in during all of this and buys your item). If they in turn drop their item even further, then it's time to buy that item and post another one. I NEVER post more than 2-3 of the same item at any giving time, especially with gear/armor or rares. 9 times out of 10, for those people who are doing this, they're also camping the AH and canceling their auctions often (yes, they're losing gold hand over fist). So bait them to drop their prices into your buying range and happy buying/flipping. The key is NEVER lose profit...you should hold that item rather than relisting.

Another example that happened to me recently was with a rare blue item that was of course common because there were 7 of that item listed. Eventually after going back and forth everyone dropped their pricing (this was over a period of 3-4 days) to around 100g when the item should be selling for 1500g. I bought them all up, relisted my item and started selling them all back at full pricing laughing at each sale."

The point to this response is if they're constantly doing it, most of the time they won't change and they're not paying attention to real costs for maximum profit.  So play their game and win.


4:  CAUTIOUSLY CANCEL:  Remember, every time you cancel an auction, it'll cost gold to relist the item(s) which is digging into your overall profit.  I typically cancel at least once a day across all my auctions.  I do this mostly in the morning through TSM (TradeSkillMaster).  By doing this, you're refreshing your item list on the AH and making your items show up first in the listings (of course based upon your settings for you would never want to sell something so low just to make that sale or have it appear first  Know your price ranges and sell back values for everything you buy).

Decoy alts - toon watchers from above. :>

5:  DUCK, DUCK, DECOY:  This one also came in from the same blog post but from Tandyn about dealing with constant undercutting not by a large margin but by that beautiful one copper.  I talked about setting up some decoy alts and also adding the undercutter(s) to your friend's list.  This will allow you to instantly know when they're on and most likely posting.

Know the suppliers - buy before competition does

Also, if they're farmers, it will show you where they are and how you can take advantage of getting to some prime resources before they do.  Cut off their supplies or talk directly to their suppliers and buy before they do.  People are motivated by gold and very few have values to remain loyal.  Yes, truly sad but it can work to your advantage.  All of this would be done on alts by the way.  Don't do investigative reporting (plays channel 3 news theme here) on your main toons, especially ones that are in guilds.  Some people take this the wrong way and can get aggressive and start slamming your guild or causing issues.  Play smart.  Play with honor.  Mostly importantly, play with a smile.

I hope this helps you all some and gives you more ideas to stay on top of your game and continue to enjoy this golden world.

“When dealing with people, let us remember we are not dealing with creatures of logic. We are dealing with creatures of emotion, creatures bristling with prejudices and motivated by pride and vanity.” ~Dale Carnegie - How to Win Friends and Influence People

Be well.

~Profitz 

The Cross-Realm Podcast #5 - The Lighthouse Project!

"Standing in wonder, the scholars and the magi gathered around and laid a grand summoning before the masses.  There they stood, peasants and nobility as one, in awe of the spectacular sight before them.  A manifestation of wonderment...behold...the teachings..."  ~Profitz

Friends and fellow members of Azeroth, I wanted to take a moment to welcome you to the first of The Lighthouse Project segments (a segment that will be on my podcast leading people through the basics of gold making from the beginning to more advanced topics in a progressive format) on The Cross-Realm with podcast # 5!

The Lighthouse Project - Segment 1

This segment covers the fundamental basics of starting in ONE market (83-84 MOP greens), setting up Auctioneer group(s) to buy in that market, configuration of TSM for category/group(s) to support posting in that market, and general information/tips along the way.

In this first segment, I brought on a life-long friend named Cynful.  Her starting gold will be tracked along the way.  She's starting with 1,561 gold.  It should be noted that she has zero knowledge of gold making and is walked through the first steps.  I'll leave the rest to your listening ears.

I'm honored and pleased to already be on my 5th podcast.  Time flies by so fast and even though it's still in its infancy, the best thing is, I'm having fun and I'm sharing what I know.

I hope you enjoy this segment.


The Cross-Realm Podcast 5 - The Lighthouse Project (MP3) (Play directly with Yahoo's Player)


I'd love to hear from you as well on how you think it came out.  Please reach out and contact via email WowProfitz@gmail.com, Twitter @WowProfitz, or step into our IRC web chat.

Best regards,

~Profitz