Pre-Loading Cataclysm (and Cinematics) Without Purchase

You still have to buy the Cataclysm expansion to play but you can download 700 mg early by following this procedure. http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/want-to-preload-cataclysm-without-pre-ordering-heres-how/

UPDATE:  Blizzard says the Cataclysm and other expansion pack cinematics will be downloaded to current customers with patches.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/blizzard-clarifies-cinematic-download-for-digital-customers/

UPDATE # 2:  When Cataclysm comes out, it will launch at midnight Pacific time for everyone.
http://kotaku.com/5679434/world-of-warcraft-cataclysm-goes-live-the-same-time-for-everybody

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Blizzard About to Sue Korean TV Companies

Blizzard and Korean cable companies are fighting over control of Starcraft match broadcasts and how much is to be paid to show them.
http://kotaku.com/5676092/starcraft-legal-tussle-over-tv-rights-brewing

UPDATE: The PR war starts as Blizzard prepares to sue the Korean e-sports league as well as its former television partners. (Dec. 2010)  Thanks for the tip, Kotaku.
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/tech/2010/12/133_77381.html

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Rumors of a Bungie MMO

With Activision now publishing future Bungie titles, it should be no surprise that rumors of a Bungie Halo MMO should start circulating.  I did find Kotick's quote surprising, however, since I was unaware that Blizzard had any customer service.
http://www.massively.com/2010/10/25/blizzards-pardo-talks-bungie-mmo/

Bungie has announced that Halo Reach is their last Halo game and they want to go in other directions.
http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/100/1007095p1.html

I doubt that a Halo MMO is in the cards, although I imagine Activision would love to have one. I believe that Battle.net has been set up as the first step in a plan to capture the console game crowd.
http://kotaku.com/5676270/consider-the-possibility-of-activision-games-running-on-battlenet

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Login Server and BlizzCon Shipping Issues

There were login server issues last night, with many people unable to log in.  Battle.net was taken down for maintenance to fix the problem.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/10/28/login-server-issues-this-evening/

In an unrelated issue, there's been a blue posting on the forums that pre-sale items from BlizzCon have run into a two week shipping delay.   Everything that was ordered before the Oct. 22-23 convention should ship by November 3.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/10/28/bashiok-announces-blizzcon-pre-sale-shipping-delays/

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Details On the Cataclysm Digital Pre-sale

How it works, where it is available and what you can buy early.
http://www.wowhead.com/blog=172570

The link to the sale.
http://us.battle.net/en/int?r=bnet

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

An Open Letter to Developers

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/columns/writersroom/8252-Open-Letter-to-People-Who-Make-Games

Amen.  Thanks, Karthias.

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

List of Pet and Raid Buffs

Now that pet buffs will help the entire raiding party, it is important to know what all the pet buffs are.  Frostheim has come up with a list.  Make sure you check the Comments for more information.  I've put this link in the Hunter tab but the information is important enough I wanted to post it here, too.
http://www.warcrafthuntersunion.com/2010/10/cataclysm-hunter-pet-and-raid-buffs/

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Tips for the Bored Hunter in Patch 4.0.1

Eidotrope has suggestions for things hunters might want to do now that the Lich King expansion is almost over.
http://outdps.com/2010/10/27/things-to-do-at-the-end-of-wrath/

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Pet News from Cataclysm UPDATED

In the latest Cataclysm build, pets can become crit immune by using the Grace of Mantis talent.  The article also has info on the new worm Burrow and pet bugs.
http://www.warcrafthuntersunion.com/2010/10/pets-can-become-crit-immune-in-lastest-beta-build/

Mania's Arcania has a way of taming the Oily Coat Wolf so that it doesn't lose its color open taming.  Looks like this works for Alliance only, or at least only for Horde with plenty of Alliance friends to help.  It also may be removed by Blizzard at any time and you can't take the wolf to Arena without losing the coloring.
http://www.maniasarcania.com/2010/10/27/taming-the-oily-coat-wolf/

Looks like eight of the nine parrots available in Cataclysm will be tamable.
http://www.maniasarcania.com/2010/11/05/parrots-ahoy/

Turtles
http://www.maniasarcania.com/2010/11/08/ancient-turtle-volcano-turtle/

Tigers that Phase Away During Quest
http://thebrewhall.com/2010/11/08/crouching-tiger-hidden-tiger/

The Razzashi Hatchling will remain in the game despite its current home being destroyed.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/11/11/razzashi-hatchling-to-remain-as-an-in-game-drop-in-cataclysm/

Tamed Worms will Change Appearance
http://www.maniasarcania.com/2010/11/16/appearance-changes-worms/

Ravagers Change Appearance
http://www.maniasarcania.com/2010/11/17/appearance-changes-ravagers/

Many More Appearance Changes
http://www.maniasarcania.com/2010/11/20/appearance-changes-the-rest/

Blizzard has nerfed the ways players were able to keep pre-taming effects on pets.

http://www.maniasarcania.com/2010/12/14/effect-taming-or-i-should-have-posted-sooner-eh/

Taming Ants
http://www.maniasarcania.com/2010/12/04/tame-your-own-ant/

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Watch Out for the Dragon Flyover

A blue posting has explained that Deathwing the dragon will be showing up in the pre-Cataclysm events to kill everyone in a random zone.  You get a repair bill, a corpse run, and a Feat of Strength achievement.  More details, including a video, here.
http://www.wowhead.com/blog=172434

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

New Gaming Peripherals from SteelSeries and Razer

SteelSeries showed off their latest gaming mice and keyboard at Blizzcon.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/10/26/blizzcon-2010-steelseries-shows-off-cataclysm-mmo-mouse-pro-ga/

http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/10/27/razer-announces-specialized-mmo-gaming-keyboard/

SteelSeries has just announced that they will have a MMO key set for their new SHIFT keyboard.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/steelseries-introduces-new-shift-key-set-for-mmos/

UPDATE:  Kotaku has a review, complete with video, on their website of the SteelSeries Shift.
http://kotaku.com/5709650/review-steelseries-shift-is-a-mighty-morphin-power-keyboard

Razer has a headset, keyboard and mouse set geared for Starcraft 2 fans.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/10/28/blizzcon-2010-razer-demos-the-naga-epic-starcraft-2-gear/

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Four Minutes of the New Cataclysm Dungeons

WOW Head has posted videos of some of the new Cataclysm dungeons. "Dungeons featured include Halls of Origination, The Stonecore, Vortex Pinnacle, Throne of the Tides, Grim Batol and Blackrock Caverns! There's even some bonus footage of the new outdoor PVP zone, Tol Barad!"
http://www.youtube.com/ZAMOfficial#p/u/0/GltfMPlEPe0

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Blizzard To Shut Down Current Forums

Blizzard is going to make the current forums read only and then eventually take them down, which makes sense as most of the information is now outdated.  A new forum system will be set up.
http://www.wowhead.com/blog=172441

More information.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/10/27/new-blizzard-community-website-forums-begin-testing-in-november/

*************************** 
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Tank AoE Threat Woes (and a Solution?)

The second link is the article with the solution that the Pot describes.

http://www.mmomeltingpot.com/2010/10/achtung-panzercow-solution-to-tanks-aoe-threat-woes/

http://panzercow.wordpress.com/2010/10/25/the-department-of-no-more-defense/

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

The Ability Queue System

Button mashers, beware!  Many thanks to Currents Turn Awry for this link.
http://thegrumpyelf.blogspot.com/2010/10/problem-with-aimed-shot-new-ability.html

Tobold lays out the problem in simpler fashion.
http://tobolds.blogspot.com/2010/10/wow-patch-punishes-button-mashing.html

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

What the Fashionable WOW Player Is Wearing This Fall

I am crushed I didn't know about this before I bought the Solo MMO Player a new hoodie last week.
http://kotaku.com/5671641/what-the-discerning-murloc-is-wearing-this-year

If the hoodie just doesn't do it for you, here's the manufacturer's website and the latest WOW line.
http://www.jinx.com/collections/warcraft_fall_2010.aspx

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

What to Expect When Cataclysm is Patched

Blizzard employees, in more evidence that Cataclysm is shipping unfinished, are touting the things that Patch 4.1 (the patch after Cataclysm) will bring:  Enhanced Dungeon Maps 
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/blizzcon-2010-patch-4-1-0-brings-enhanced-dungeon-maps/

Changes to Classic Dungeons
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/blizzcon-2010-classic-dungeon-changes-in-patch-4-1/

Two New Raids
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/blizzcon-2010-patch-4-1-firelands-raid-and-abyssal-maw-dungeon/

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

BlizzCon: The Obvious Question UPDATED

Let's ask the obvious question based on what is being released about Cataclysm at BlizzCon--Why is there not more info about the game being released in less than 8 weeks? The only thing the Blizzard developers have talked about there are patches that will hit after Cataclysm releases.  The raid they showed was staged, not in-game.  Is anyone there able to play Cataclysm except for selected raids?

I think the reason there is no real Cataclysm info is folks are working on the game trying to get Patch 4.0.1 bugs fixed and make Cataclysm playable. They dare not show off what only a few folks on the Cataclysm beta have seen.

The lack of info is a very disturbing sign.  This game is going to be released before it is ready.   That's why players now are esseentially doing beta testing during Patch 4.0.1 which they have to pay for.

Anyone else seeing bugs, screen freezes, missing or excess honor and justice points, or being killed for no reason?

UPDATE:  BBB talks Patch 4.0.1 and asks questions of his own.
http://thebigbearbutt.com/2010/10/23/inverted-expectations/

Ditto Coldbear
http://coldbear.wordpress.com/2010/10/23/cataclysm-the-death-of-immersion/

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Class-Specific Quests Removed from Cataclysm

Class-specific quests have been removed from the game.  This saves programming costs and allows Blizzard to homogenize the classes further.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/10/21/cataclysm-class-specific-quests-removed/

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Bugs and Other Problems in Patch 4.0.1

First, a description of the name plates bug and a workaround.
http://clearcasting.wordpress.com/2010/10/21/nameplates/

The most articulate writing about how leveling in Patch 4.0.1 is difficult because "mobs die so fast that you cannot actually play your char" is below. cannot actually play your char.”
http://nilsmmoblog.blogspot.com/2010/10/blizzard-overstrained.html

Cywise says Battlegrounds is broken and lists the bugs he has seen there.
http://cynwise.wordpress.com/2010/10/21/the-broken-battlegrounds/

Samuel is having all sorts of buggy mount problems.
http://samueltempus.wordpress.com/2010/10/21/double-u-tee-eff/

Big Bear Butt has found a workaround that makes X Perl useable again.
http://thebigbearbutt.com/2010/10/20/bug-hotfix-x-perl-unitframes-right-click-dispell-buff-workaround/

An interesting discussion of balancing realms and ways to make it better.
http://blacksen.com/archives/211

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Fall Fashion for the Well Dressed Player UPDATED

Kirinia's fall outfits, plus links to her knitting and other WOW crafting.
http://wowrpc.waddellconsulting.com/?p=2969

UPDATE:  The winners of Kirinia's Hallow's End Costume Contest.
http://wowrpc.waddellconsulting.com/?p=3049

UPDATE AGAIN:  Kirina's zone outfits.
http://wowrpc.waddellconsulting.com/?p=3174

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Maximizing Your Hunter's DPS

Hunter DPS sucks in Patch 4.0.1 but this article has ways to improve it.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/10/21/scattered-shots-maximizing-hunter-dps-in-4-0-1-heroics/

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Addons that Work in Patch 4.0.1

This article talks about addons that are working in the pre-Cataclysm world of Patch 4.0.1.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/10/21/addon-spotlight-my-guilds-favorite-4-0-1-compatible-addons/

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

How to Tell the Good Green Goo from the Bad UPDATED

With visual aids.  Seriously!
http://dreambound-druid.blogspot.com/2010/10/effloresence-know-your-green-goo.html

UPDATE:  WOW Insider has posted photos of various healing spells such as Holy Word, Power Word, Healing Rain, Efflorescence with some information about how they are used.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/raid-rx-tell-your-raid-to-stand-in-glowing-circles/#continued

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Buffs and Debuffs by Class

This is a list of all the buffs and debuffs currently (Patch 4.0.1) available at the Jaded Alt's website.  If you know of others, please let Windsoar know.
http://www.jadedalt.com/2010/10/19/buffs-debuffs-by-class/

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

WOW Head's Talent Calculator Live

You can now use WOW Head's talent calculator to apply talents you are testing to the game.  Details here.
http://www.wowhead.com/blog=171707

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

A Raiding Priest's UI

Since your pre-Patch 4.0.1 UI is trashed, you might want to look at this one for ideas to rebuild yours.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/10/19/reader-ui-of-the-week-rages-ui/#continued

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Cataclysm and Patch 4.0.1 Explained

Exactly what happens when for the confused.  (Hopefully that "access to all quests up to Level 60" stuff is a typo.)
http://www.gldchick.com/?p=232

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Patch 4.0.1 Honor and Justice Points

Want to know where all your honor points went?  Here's how PvP honor points are converted in Patch 4.0.1.
http://www.wow-pro.com/general_guides/pvp_points_conversion_401

How the badges convert to justice points.
http://wow-pro.com/instance_guides/dungeon401

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

A Guide to Hallow's End 2010 and Bugs

The holiday runs from October 18 through October 31.   The WOW Head guide is first, and WOW Insider's the second link.
http://www.wowhead.com/guide=hallows-end

http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/10/17/wow-insiders-guide-to-hallows-end-2010/

UPDATE:  A serious bug in the Headless Horseman quest.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/10/18/headless-horseman-pumpkin-shrine-crashes-game/

UPDATE #2:  A workaround for the Healless Horseman pumpkin bug and the cogwheel bug.  At last!  (Hint, disable your tooltips.)
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/headless-horseman-and-cogwheel-crash-workaround/

Here is a list of known issues and workarounds.
http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=27291816177&sid=1

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Rent-a-Troll (Or Playing Patch 4.0.1 as a Noob)

No description does this justice although I will say each troll comes in its own "special cardboard box."  Just go read it.
http://raging-monkeys.blogspot.com/2010/10/rent-troll-services-coming-to-you.html

UPDATE:  Playing Patch 4.0.1 as a noob.
http://thenoisyrogue.wordpress.com/2010/10/18/patch-4-01-as-a-n00b/

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Gold Resources for the Patch 4.0.1 Goblin

Things are changing all over with Patch 4.0.1 and that's as true for Auction House followers as everyone else.

The Pot has a list of good gold Blogs.
http://www.mmomeltingpot.com/2010/10/patch-4-0-1-–-best-of-wow-gold-blogs/

And they have a link to a useful spreadsheet (Excel).
http://www.mmomeltingpot.com/2010/10/just-my-two-copper-how-to-spreadsheet-to-profit/

The Bank Alt site has launched.  The first link describes it and the second is the URL.  The thing is new features that were just added.
http://wowalone.blogspot.com/2010/10/bankaltcom-launches.html

http://www.bankalt.com/

http://wowalone.blogspot.com/2010/10/bankaltcom-adds-filtering-paging.html

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Guide to Dispels in Patch 4.0.1

Useful information on how dispel works now.
http://www.mmomeltingpot.com/2010/10/guide-to-dispels-in-4-0-1/

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Extreme Soloing for Hunters in Patch 4.0.1

You'll be happy to hear that Eidotrope thinks hunters can solo still now that Patch 4.0.1 is here.  He's planning to farm Anzu to get the rare Raven Lord mount and outlines how he'll go about it here.
http://outdps.com/2010/10/16/farming-anzu-and-some-news-on-extreme-soloing/

Here is a bit more about Anzu the Raven God.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/10/15/patch-4-0-1-is-all-anzu-all-the-time/

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Patch 4.0.1 Bugs and Problems

There are some real problems with Patch 4.0.1.  The alchemy gem transmute recipes have disappeared so that leveling Alchemists can't get them, and Blizzard is pretending this isn't happening.  BBB, Blizzard has more important things to worry about right now--they just blew up their game in a Bet-the-Company move.
http://thebigbearbutt.com/2010/10/16/alchemy-gem-transmute-recipes-gone-in-4-0-1/

The Major League Gaming Pro Circuit is having their tournament this weekend.  It may be the last as their client won't work with Patch 4.0.1 so this PvP is under the old system.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/10/16/mlg-dc-starts-tonight-for-wow/

Blizzard has deployed a hot fix to the Violet Proto Drake/Master Riding problem.
http://www.wowhead.com/blog=171256

Arcane mage Prime glyphs has been mislabeled as major glyphs and cannot be placed in Prime slots. This may be the case for fire and frost configs also, but the Solo MMO Player has not checked this.   No word on when this will be fixed.

http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=27187853045&sid=1

The Addon Developer Kit no longer automatically extracts code with Patch 4.0.1.  You have to go to a new developer's site to download this.

http://www.wowhead.com/blog=170877

Warlocks have missing minions and demons, and the ones they have are renamed for them.  This is supposed to be fixed next maintenance day if it hasn't been already.

http://cynwise.wordpress.com/2010/10/13/blizzard-killed-my-dog/

There is mixed reaction to Patch 4.0.1's nerfing of Auction House addons.  Blacksen thinks this will keep the amateur sellers away and consolidate power in the hands of professional goblins.

http://blacksen.com/archives/687

WOW Insider has a list of "current" bugs but it does not look updated to me.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/10/13/status-update-on-current-patch-4-0-1-issues/

So I looked at Blizzard Customer Service's Twitter feed and found a link to what they say is the current bug list.
http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=27188062708&sid=1

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Flying in Patch 4.0.1 (and Cataclysm)

There seems to be a lot of confusion about flying in Patch 4.0.1 and in Cataclysm.  Here's an article about the Master Riding skill and how it works.  This hit with Patch 4.0.1. It costs 5000 gold but there are slight reputation discounts. Basicly this allows your mount to move faster.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/10/16/patch-4-0-1-its-still-a-long-strange-trip/

Looks like when Cataclysm hits, cold weather flying will cost 250 gold.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/09/09/cataclysm-beta-old-weather-flying-will-cost-250g/

Once Cataclysm hits, if you want to be able to fly mounts in Azaroth, you will have to buy a Flight Master's License for 250 gold from a riding trainer, but you don't have to have the Master Riding Skill mentioned above. You will probably have to be Level 60 and have bought the Cataclysm expansion.
http://www.wowhead.com/guide=cataclysm&faq

I've heard complaints about opposing forces being able to attack from above and there are rumors Blizzard will do things to modify this but not word on that yet.

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

All the 4.0.1 Glyphs? With Bugs

Here's a list of all the new glyphs for Patch 4.0.1.  Maybe.
http://www.jadedalt.com/2010/10/08/4-0-glyphs/

Arcane mage Prime glyphs have been mislabeled as major glyphs and cannot be placed in Prime slots.  This may be the case for fire and frost configs but the Solo MMO Player has not checked this.  Details here.
http://forums.worldofwarcraft.com/thread.html?topicId=27187853045&sid=1


***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Welcome to Chaos

By now Patch 4.0.1 is in full swing.  Everyone's talents are trashed and they are scrambling to fix their glyphs and gems.  The Auction House and normal functions of one's UI are broken or missing.  There are problems accessing one's bank account.  Many addons don't work.  There are bugs in the raids.  (The Solo MMO Player was stuck in Halls of Reflection for hours last night, unable to exit or switch to another character.)  Most of the body of information that has been accumulated online to help players is outdated, including most of what is on this site.  I've also heard that a great many guilds are telling certain classes not to raid because they've been nerfed.  There was so much chaos earlier in the week that the trolls weren't even on the chat line.  Currently there is a constant background clicking going on in-game as players switch this and that.

The worst part is that this mess is just Blizzard's way of having a world-wide beta paid for by the players.  I expect they are watching all the problems and bugs and making a list of those they want to fix before Cataclysm arrives.  Cynical?  No, this is just how Blizzard treats their customers.  All this is for their convenience, not yours.

It's not a happy time.  When you think that you are going to be playing in a Patch 3.3.5 world with Patch 4.0.1 characters until after December 7--if you buy Cataclysm--and forever if you don't, well, this is a Bet the Company move on Blizzard's part.

Do you really want to continue to play this game?

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

A Guide to the Pre-Cataclysm Events

A very useful guide to what to expect when the pre-Cataclysm events start happening.
http://www.wowhead.com/forums&topic=169504

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

How to Dress Like a Mage

Traditional mage garb and where to find it, courtesy of WOW Threads.  This is part one.
http://wowthreads.blogspot.com/2010/11/mage-outfits-1.html

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

MUST READ Summaries of General and Class Changes UPDATED

The Pot has been working hard to provide general and class changes we will see in Patch 4.0.1 once the durn thing works.  Here are the general overall changes, including a link to a gem conversion chart.
http://www.mmomeltingpot.com/2010/10/one-stop-shop-for-your-general-knowledge-in-patch-4-0-1/

And here are class specific changes.
http://www.mmomeltingpot.com/2010/10/one-stop-shop-for-your-classrace-in-wow-patch-4-0-1/

Here's a list of 4.0.1 class survival guides compiled by Jaded Alt.
http://www.jadedalt.com/2010/10/10/4-0-1-survival-class-guides/

UPDATE: I am putting class specific information into the Class Tabs above.  Look for listings in blue.  Blue equals Patch 4.0.1 or Cataclysm info.  I'll try to spell out what is in each link and eventually will remove all pre-Patch 4.0.1 information.  But that has to wait.  I'm concentrating on adding new information as I find it right now, not removing outdated info.

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Patch 4.0.1 Healer Resources

Matticus' resources for healers in Patch 4.0.1 --

First, how glyphs will work.
http://www.worldofmatticus.com/2010/10/11/priest-glyphs-for-4-0-1-and-cataclysm/

A resource list by class.
http://www.worldofmatticus.com/2010/10/12/healing-roundups-and-we-got-our-drakes/

Updated Healing Addons for Patch 4.0.1
http://www.nostockui.com/2010/10/updated-healing-addons-for-patch-4-0-1/

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Patch 4.0.1 Hits Oct. 12, BUG LIST

Blizzard has announced that yes, Patch 4.0.1 will be launched tomorrow during the extended down time.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/blizzard-announce-patch-4-0-1-releases-tomorrow/

They have made the new streaming launcher available also.  Here's how it works and answers to common questions.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/new-streaming-launcher-available-soon/

Here is WOW Insider's roundup of the main changes.  There are links to the class changes, although if you are dual spec'd, you are screwed.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/patch-4-0-1-information-roundup/

WOW Insider has also written an article about the first things to do once the game is running again.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/breakfast-topic-the-first-thing-you-do-in-patch-4-0-1/

UPDATE:  A list of known bugs and their current status.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/10/13/status-update-on-current-patch-4-0-1-issues/

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Blizzard Lists Class Mechanic Changes

Here is a short summary of the class mechanics changes that hit with Patch 4.0.1 tomorrow.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/upcoming-class-mechanic-changes-in-patch-4-0-1/

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Patch 4.0.1 Introduces Reforging

After tomorrow, you'll be able to reforge gear more to your liking.  Details (including step by step screen shots) here.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/patch-4-0-1-introduces-reforging-into-the-game/

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Where to Go When Patch 4.0.1 Hits

Since tomorrow we are having extended maintenance, it looks like the pre-Cataclysm changes of Patch 4.0.1 are about to be shoved down our throats.  What to do?!!

There are three places to look for helpful information.  I always go to WOW Head first.
http://www.wowhead.com/guide=cataclysm

MMO Champion has a good page with class and glyph information.
http://www.mmo-champion.com/content/2008-Patch-4.0.1-Classes-pages-WoWTal-Glyph-Preview

WOW Insider has pages and pages of information.  Start here and follow the links to read up about a topic of interest.
http://wow.joystiq.com/cataclysm/

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Patch 4.0.1 and Cataclysm Information

Postings about how the game is about to change drastically are starting to show up all over.  I'm putting the class information in the tabs right under the header photo and highlighting the postings in Blue.  More general articles (glyphs and gems in Patch 4.0.1 or how flying works in Cataclysm) are listed as blog entries.

I'm going  check the class information from WOW Insider as I have time and try and fix all the links they broke when they moved to another URL, but there are too many for me to fix other places.  You can try searching the http://wow.joystiq.com/ website for the title of the article you are interested in.  That's part of the old URL.

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Glyphs and Gems (and Professions) in Patch 4.0.1

WOW Insider summarizes how glyphs and gems (and professions) will change when Patch 4.0.1 hits. I've discovered the rumor that this major pre-Cataclysm patch will hit tomorrow originated with MMO Champion.  They'll usually pretty accurate so get ready for chaos.  By the way, there's going to be extended maintenance on October 12.  It'll start at 12 A.M. and last until 12 P.M. PDT.  Sounds like MMO Champion is right.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/10/11/insider-trader-preparing-for-patch-4-0-1/

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Patch 4.0.1 for Role Players

How Patch 4.0.1 will impact role play.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/10/10/all-the-worlds-a-stage-roleplaying-patch-4-0-1-changes/

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Patch 4.0.1 Breaks Crucial Auction House Addons

Here's the problem and a workaround using macros and another addon.  This is based on the public test realm version of Patch 4.0.1.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/10/08/gold-capped-news-critical-ah-addons-broken-by-patch-4-0-1/

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Global Cooldowns Change in Cataclysm

Here's how.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/10/08/global-cooldown-rework-in-cataclysm/

*************************** 
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

The Blizzard Pre-Sale Broken

If you were interested in buying Blizzon merchandise (and bought Blizzcon tickets or the DirecTv package), you can't.  The site is down.  It is supposed to be up again October 10 at 10 a.m., probably California time.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/10/09/blizzcon-48-hour-presale-delayed/

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

A Patch Day Warning

Common sense on what will happen when Patch 4.0.1 hits and creates chaos.  Thanks to Pot for pointing this out.
http://youyankityoutankit.wordpress.com/2010/10/07/preparing-for-the-patch/

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

The Decline of 25 Man Raids: Cause or Effect

Is Cataclysm the death of 25 man raids?  Why is this happening?
http://blacksen.com/archives/680

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

The Fashionable Pet Collector

Kirina pointed out this interview with a pet collector who has matching outfits for each pet.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/15-minutes-of-fame-a-rare-and-beautiful-collection/

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

PvP Tricks from Discipline Priests

How to break crowd control, how to become immune to Fear, healing above your head, etc.  Many thanks to the Pot for pointing this out.
http://www.warsongpriest.com/?p=39

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Advice on Melee DPS from A Healer

What does a healer know about melee DPS?  Lots, actually.
http://www.worldofmatticus.com/2010/10/08/how-to-melee-dps-without-making-healers-cry/

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Phishing Scams Increase

Gordon is seeing an alarming increase in phishing scams that look very real in his email In Box.  He is quite surprised that phishers have his email address since he is so security conscious, not realizing that Blizzard's internal security has been breached.
http://blog.weflyspitfires.com/2010/10/08/wow-phishing-scams-play-on-the-insecurities-they-caused/

The Solo MMO Player's email login, never used for anything except a login address to Battle.net, was breached long ago.

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

WOW has Twelve Million Subscribers? UPDATED

Based on an Activsion press release.
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20101007005648/en

Since the Solo MMO Player's server population is half what it was last winter, I think the numbers are bogus.

UPDATE:  Tobold may explain the discrepancy between Activision's figures and the reality of what we see on our server.
http://tobolds.blogspot.com/2010/10/translating-12-million.html

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Tame Solo Now Or Forever Hold Your Peace (pre-Patch 4.0.1)

Everyone on the Internet seems to think that Patch 4.0.1 will hit next Tuesday, without any reason for the rumor that I can find.  If they are right, solo hunters need to get a move on because they will not be able to tame two beasts (King Krush or The Beast) without help after the pre-Cataclysm patch changes everything.  Garwulf pointed this out in a new blog entry.
http://huntsmanslodge.com/8091/last-call.htm

But fortunately, he's written solo hunter guides to taming these two critters.  Here they are.  Once again, after Patch 4.0.1, these strategies won't work.

King Krush Solo Taming Guide
http://huntsmanslodge.com/841/gather-round-children.htm

The Beast Solo Taming Guide
http://huntsmanslodge.com/8014/taming-the-beast.htm

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Authenticators Limited to One Battle.net Account

This change isn't retroactive, so if you have multiple Battle.net accounts and one authenticator, you can still use it for all of them.  It's just you can't use one authenticator for them all from here on out.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/battle-net-authenticators-limited-to-one-account/

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Petopia Surveys Pets in Cataclysm and Patch 4.0.1

The page isn't completely updated but they are getting there.
http://www.wow-petopia.com/cataclysm/cataclysm.html

UPDATE:  The site has a Patch 4.0.1 page now.
http://www.maniasarcania.com/2010/10/12/petopia-updated-for-patch-4-0/

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

BlizzCon Schedule (October 22-23, 2010)

Here's the schedule of events at this year's BlizzCon (Oct. 22-23).
http://us.blizzard.com/blizzcon/events/schedule.xml

Many thanks to WOW Insider for pointing this out.

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

A History of the Big Patches (With What to Expect in Patch 4.0.1)

Aurdon of I Sheep Things believes Patch 4.0.1, the patch that brings all the Cataclysm talents and other changes that will happen with Cataclysm, will hit next Tuesday, so he's doing a retrospective about the other big patches that hit before expansions.  It's interesting to read about changes to the game that these patches introduced but of greater interest is the list of major changes that this patch will bring.
http://www.isheepthings.com/blog/a-look-back-on-the-x-0-patches/

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Cataclysm's Guild Advancement System Explained

Matticus covers how the guild advancement system will work.  It covers perks, guild reputation and experience, achievements and rewards, and the guild UI changes.
http://www.worldofmatticus.com/2010/10/05/guild-advancement-101/

Here is a bit about the changes to guild achievements Blizzard made after Cataclysm hit and why.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/officers-quarters-the-guild-achievement-controversy/

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Cataclysm Caps Guild Memberships UPDATED

The cap is 600 members.  Guilds with over 600 members now will be allowed to be guilds under Cataclysm but can't add new members until their memberships numbers fall under 600.  The reason why here.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/10/05/cataclysm-new-600-member-hard-cap-imposed-on-guilds/

UPDATE:  Blizzard has changed the guild cap to 1000.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/10/08/cataclysm-guild-cap-revised-now-1-000-members/

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Eat Sleep Breathe WOW

A new video site about WOW has just started.  Stay tuned to see whether this is worth a bookmark and occasional visits.
http://www.eatsleepbreathewow.com/

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Beast Mastery Not for Solo Players in Cataclysm

WOW Insider claims that beast mastery won't be the best solo spec once Cataclysm hits.  Why not in the link below.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/10/04/scattered-shots-bm-not-the-premier-spec-for-cataclysm-extreme-s/

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Cataclysm Mastery System

A summery.  It's old but is one of the clearest explanations I've found.
http://www.brighthub.com/video-games/mmo/articles/47462.aspx?p=4

WOW Head has the next best explanation here.
http://www.wowhead.com/guide=cataclysm&mastery

Here is WOW Insider's summary of Cataclysm as a whole.
http://wow.joystiq.com/cataclysm

The mastery system link is here.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2009/08/22/blizzcon-2009-mastery-system-and-talent-trees/

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Healer Placement in Battlegrounds

A five part article.
http://www.p-vee-p.com/index.php/battlegrounds/healing-in-battlegrounds.html

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Help for the Brand New WOW Player

Basic advice for the brand new player.
http://www.mmomeltingpot.com/2010/10/help-a-noob-day-wow-new-player-starting-pack/

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Advice for the New Rogue

There is also a link to help lower level rogues level buried in this article for new Level 80 rogues.  I've posted that separately below.
http://samueltempus.wordpress.com/2010/10/01/deckswabber-to-swashbuckler/

http://samueltempus.wordpress.com/2009/03/05/leveling-a-rogue-rogue-101-basic-mechanics/

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Patch 4.0.1's Raid Lock Out System Explained

WOW Head covers the raid lock out system in detail.
http://www.wowhead.com/blog=169667

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Addons, Macros and the Public Test Realm

Addons and macros may not work in the public test realm version of Patch 4.0.1 or in Cataclysm.  Some folks have already started planning ahead.  Here's how to copy your addons and their settings to the PTR.
http://outdps.com/2010/10/03/copying-your-addons-and-addon-settings-to-the-ptr/

Here's how Dreambound's druid macros perform and what changes he plans to make.
http://dreambound-druid.blogspot.com/2010/10/40-and-macros.html

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Kirinia's Outfit of the Month

http://birdfall.blogspot.com/2010/10/outfit-of-month-or-dont-toss-your.html

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Warning: WOW Insider Bookmarks Will Die

WOW Insider is about to stop redirecting any of the old links to their new Joystiq website.  That means most of the WOW Insider links here will probably not work on October 4.  Sorry, but there is nothing I can do except suggest you try to search their site for information.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/remember-to-update-your-wow-insider-bookmarks/

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

A Summary of Cataclysm Changes

Sadly, there isn't much hard information on how this all will be implemented.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/wow-rookie-what-is-cataclysm/

Apparently Patch 4.0.1 (which will happen before Cataclysm) will have raid lock outs in Icecrown Citadel and Ruby Sacntum.  Here's how the system will work.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/flexible-raid-locks-in-patch-4-0-1/

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Cataclysm Launch Date Will be Dec. 7 2010

With the Arena's latest season set to start Dec. 14, does that mean Cataclysm will launch Dec. 7?
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/arena-season-9-to-begin-on-december-14-cataclysm-launch-dec-7th/

Yes.


***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Cataclysm: The Healer's UI

Matticus takes a critical look at how the Cataclysm UI will effect healers.
http://wow.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/raid-rx-the-evolving-healing-ui/#continued

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

2nd Annual Hallow's End Costume Contest Announced

Contest details here.
http://wowrpc.waddellconsulting.com/?p=2893

***************************
Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com