Mark Sherman

I teach high school English in Littleton, CO. I am 42 years, happily married with four cats and one parrot, whom I have had for 31 years. I have been playing World of Warcraft for some five years now. You can find me running around on Ysondre on the Horde side of life.

World of Warcraft Wisdom: Adventures in Pandaria – Part 1

‘World of Warcraft’: Mists of Pandaria is here and, in this edition of ‘WoW Wisdom’, we discuss the new leveling system as well as the primal joy of exploration.

by Mark Sherman | Oct 7, 2012 | 4 Comments
World of Warcraft Wisdom: What is Bad is Good

It may be contrary to popular opinion but gaming is good for you. In this edition of ‘World of Warcraft Wisdom,’ I explore the benefits of Azeroth and gaming.

by Mark Sherman | Aug 12, 2012 | 1 Comment
World of Warcraft Wisdom: Chicks Do Play WoW

The numbers are in: more women are playing video games. In this edition of World of Warcraft Wisdom, I explore why so many in Azeroth still think that women don’t play World of Warcraft.

by Mark Sherman | Jul 8, 2012 | 3 Comments
World of Warcraft Wisdom: A Look Back

In this edition of ‘World of Warcraft Wisdom,’ we take a look back at past installments in our cultural criticism series (through an Azeroth lens) and discuss why games are a strong reflection of society.

by Mark Sherman | Jun 10, 2012 | 3 Comments
World of Warcraft Wisdom: Companions Found, Companions Lost

In this edition of ‘World of Warcraft Wisdom,’ I bid farewell to a companion of over 33 years and reflect on the importance of friendship in ‘World of Warcraft’ and online gaming in general.

by Mark Sherman | May 20, 2012 | 1 Comment
World of Warcraft Wisdom: The Importance of Story

One element so important to games (and reality) is the story. In this edition of ‘World of Warcraft Wisdom,’ I look at the importance of story telling both in reality and in Azeroth.

by Mark Sherman | May 6, 2012 | 1 Comment
‘World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria’ Beta Preview, Part 2: Talent Trees & Enemies

In the second part of our ‘World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria’ beta preview we look at some changes to the game’s mechanics as well as discuss the lack of a central antagonist in Blizzard’s upcoming expansion.

by Mark Sherman | Apr 15, 2012 | 4 Comments
‘World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria’ Beta Preview [UPDATED]

We go hands-on with the ‘World of Warcraft’ expansion, ‘Mists of Pandaria.’ Read our preview for details on the opening zones of Pandaria as well as which new additions are enjoyable and which ones still need some work.

by Mark Sherman | Apr 7, 2012 | 5 Comments
World of Warcraft Wisdom: What Are You Listening To?

Let’s face it, music just makes things better. In this edition of ‘World of Warcraft Wisdom,’ I present a playlist of ten songs which can help time in Azeroth go a bit more effectively – and noisily.

by Mark Sherman | Apr 1, 2012 | 1 Comment
World of Warcraft Wisdom: Community Building

In this edition of ‘World of Warcraft Wisdom,’ I celebrate the birth of my god-son by looking at the types of community structures in Azeroth and the larger ‘real’ world.

by Mark Sherman | Mar 11, 2012 | 6 Comments
World of Warcraft Wisdom: Be Good

In this edition of ‘World of Warcraft Wisdom,’ we take a look at the state of civil (and not-so-civil) discourse – both in and out of Azeroth. In it, a simple plea: Be good to one another.

by Mark Sherman | Feb 19, 2012 | 2 Comments
World of Warcraft Wisdom: Great Battles and Epic Rivalries

Fanatics abound in reality. In this edition of ‘World of Warcraft Wisdom’, we look at the difference between spectating and doing, and how PVP can make us better people in reality. Bonus: strategy tips for battle grounds.

by Mark Sherman | Feb 5, 2012 | 1 Comment
World of Warcraft Wisdom: Born on Third, Thought He Hit a Triple

In this edition of ‘World of Warcraft Wisdom’ we take a look at the downside of DPS as well as compare Azeroth’s ‘hunters’ to American politicians.

by Mark Sherman | Jan 22, 2012 | 5 Comments
World of Warcraft Wisdom: The Exponent Effect

As Blizzard sets out to work on ‘Mists of Pandaria,’ I explore the role of increasing stats as it relates to player advancement in ‘World of Warcraft.’

by Mark Sherman | Jan 8, 2012 | No Comments
World of Warcraft Wisdom: Converging Conceptions

As we venture in Azeroth, we sometimes bring both perceptions and conceptions or reality into the game. In this edition of ‘World of Warcraft Wisdom,’ we assert that, for a better gaming experience, we should leave these at the log in screen.

by Mark Sherman | Dec 23, 2011 | 5 Comments
World of Warcraft Wisdom: The Politics of Azeroth

With the political season underway, ‘World of Warcraft: Wisdom’ explores the political views of the Azeroth factions. Are there distinct parallels between ‘World of Warcraft,’ and the ideas present in reality?

by Mark Sherman | Dec 11, 2011 | 2 Comments
World of Warcraft Wisdom: Gen X, Star Wars, & MTV – The Birth of Azeroth

In this edition of ‘World of Warcraft Wisdom,’ I look at the far distant roots of Azeroth as a game and a way for one generation to deal with the realities of the past – as well as the birth of the digital revolution.

by Mark Sherman | Nov 27, 2011 | 1 Comment
World of Warcraft Wisdom: Deflation and the Waning of Azeroth

In this edition of ‘World of Warcraft Wisdom,’ I explore the role that deflating the economy in Azeroth may have played in the recent loss of WoW subscribers.

by Mark Sherman | Nov 13, 2011 | 7 Comments
World of Warcraft Wisdom: Hallow’s End

Halloween is here – both in Azeroth and reality. In this edition of ‘World of Warcraft Wisdom,’ I discuss why so few participate in the season’s festivities in reality but are active in the virtual ‘World of Warcraft.’

by Mark Sherman | Oct 30, 2011 | 1 Comment
World of Warcraft Wisdom: Community – Stand Up and Be Counted

In reality, community is a rare thing to find; however, in Azeroth, the idea of community is abounding. In this edition of ‘World of Warcraft Wisdom,’ we explore the role community plays in our gaming.

by Mark Sherman | Oct 16, 2011 | No Comments
World of Warcraft Wisdom: The Adventure Sought

We have a desire for adventure – but what does it mean to adventure when pour culture is rooted in ‘the familiar’? In this edition of ‘World of Warcraft Wisdom,’ we explore how our travels in Azeroth provide an avenue for exploration.

by Mark Sherman | Oct 9, 2011 | 4 Comments
World of Warcraft Wisdom: The Power of Anonymity

There are many critics of anonymity in cyber space. In this edition of ‘World of Warcraft Wisdom,’ I examine the power of anonymity in Azeroth and the benefits of a merit based structure.

by Mark Sherman | Sep 25, 2011 | No Comments
World of Warcraft Wisdom: Games vs. Television

In this edition of World of Warcraft Wisdom, I explore the difference between playing ‘WoW’ and watching television. While both serve the same purpose – television pacifies the mind where as the game stimulates it.

by Mark Sherman | Sep 18, 2011 | 2 Comments
World of Warcraft Wisdom: PvP and a Shift in Priorities

Sometimes, the realities of life demand more of our time, and we have to make changes to our time in Azeroth – specifically, finding less time-consuming ways to get our ‘World of Warcraft’ fix.

by Mark Sherman | Sep 11, 2011 | 4 Comments
World of Warcraft Wisdom: Ethical Dilemmas

In reality our ethical choices have consequences. In this edition of ‘World of Warcraft Wisdom,’ I explore the role of choice and ethics in Azeroth.

by Mark Sherman | Sep 4, 2011 | 7 Comments
World of Warcraft Wisdom: Collector’s Paradise

In this edition of ‘World of Warcraft Wisdom,’ I look at our desire to hold on to the past and collect items in both reality and virtual reality – just as Blizzard introduces transmogrification with its next ‘Cataclysm’ expansion.

by Mark Sherman | Aug 28, 2011 | 4 Comments
World of Warcraft Wisdom: Add-Ons and More Add-Ons

In ‘World of Warcraft,’ we try to find ways to make the game easier and more enjoyable – such as finding the right ‘add-on.’ But what does our need for more control mean in our actual lives?

by Mark Sherman | Aug 22, 2011 | No Comments
World of Warcraft Wisdom: Any Heroes Out There?

‘World of Warcraft’ has made heroes of us all. In doing so, as we travel through Azeroth, we follow the archetype of the heroic journey. In this edition of ‘World of Warcraft Wisdom,’ I look at the journey and the role it plays in our reason for gaming.

by Mark Sherman | Aug 14, 2011 | 3 Comments
World of Warcraft Wisdom: Gender Bending

Gender bending is nothing new in ‘WoW’, but it seems that men are more likely than women to bend. In this edition of ‘World of Warcraft Wisdom,’ I explore the perception, and treatment, of female characters in Azeroth.

by Mark Sherman | Aug 7, 2011 | 35 Comments
Blizzard Trademarks ‘Mists of Pandaria’; Possible ‘World of Warcraft’ Expansion

As Blizzard trademarks the name ‘Mists of Pandaria,’ gamers are wondering if they are laying the framework for the fourth ‘World of Warcraft’ expansion.

by Mark Sherman | Aug 3, 2011 | 4 Comments
World of Warcraft Wisdom: Bounty Hunter Edition

In this installment of ‘World of Warcraft Wisdom,’ I present an idea that would change the game and add a fun element to PvP as well as ganking in Azeroth – bounty hunters.

by Mark Sherman | Jul 31, 2011 | 6 Comments
World of Warcraft Wisdom: Real ID and The Social Realm

As Blizzard makes updates to the Real ID system, in this edition of ‘World of Warcraft Wisdom,’ I look at the importance of socializing in WoW.

by Mark Sherman | Jul 24, 2011 | 5 Comments
World of Warcraft Wisdom: Family Time

In this edition of ‘World of Warcraft Wisdom,’ I explore the role that gaming can play in ‘family time,’ as families gather around their laptops and and go on ‘WoW’ adventures in Azeroth.

by Mark Sherman | Jul 17, 2011 | 7 Comments
World of Warcraft Wisdom: Economics & Adam Smith in Azeroth

Without realizing it, ‘World of Warcraft’ immerses players in a full, self-sustaining free market – one which would make Adam Smith and other students of capitalist economics proud.

by Mark Sherman | Jul 10, 2011 | No Comments
World of Warcraft Wisdom: The Essence of the Tank

Tanking in Azeroth in ‘WoW’ presents the player with four classes from which to choose. In this edition of ‘World of Warcraft Wisdom,’ we look at what each tanking class has to offer.

by Mark Sherman | Jul 3, 2011 | 2 Comments
World of Warcraft Wisdom: Existence and Essence

I return to one of my favorite questions: In what manner do we exist in ‘World of Warcraft’ and virtual reality? How closely do we create characters that resemble who we are in the real world? Let’s take a moment and dig deeper in to the issues of identity.

by Mark Sherman | Jun 26, 2011 | 2 Comments
World of Warcraft Wisdom: Dear Blizzard

In this edition of our weekly ‘World of Warcraft Wisdom’ column, we ask Blizzard: Why did you nerf the dungeons in ‘World of Warcraft: Cataclysm?’

by Mark Sherman | Jun 19, 2011 | 6 Comments
World of Warcraft Wisdom: Let’s Talk Expansions, Part 4 – Cataclysm

I close out my recent look at the various ‘WoW’ expansions and focus on ‘World of Warcraft: Cataclysm.’ Here we look at the expansion and the manner in which it helps casual and experienced gamers alike.

by Mark Sherman | Jun 12, 2011 | No Comments
World of Warcraft Wisdom: Let’s Talk Expansions, Part 3 – Wrath of the Lich King

We return to our series on the ‘WoW’ expansions – this time revisiting Northrend and looking at the good and the bad in ‘World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King.’

by Mark Sherman | Jun 5, 2011 | 1 Comment
World of Warcraft Wisdom: Rituals and Remembrance

Our lives are given some sense of meaning from our daily and annual rituals – ‘World of Warcraft’ is no exception. Both in game and out, we participate in a variety of these identity defining rituals.

by Mark Sherman | May 29, 2011 | No Comments
World of Warcraft Wisdom: Let’s Talk Expansions, Part 2 – Burning Crusade

In this week’s World of Warcraft Wisdom, we present Part 2 of our series looking back at the various WoW expansions and visit Outland – remembering what made it such a fun place to play.

by Mark Sherman | May 22, 2011 | 1 Comment
World of Warcraft Wisdom: Let’s Talk Expansions, Part 1

With the release of ‘The Rise of the Zandalari,’ we begin a new three part series exploring the best and worst of the Expansions and the major patches. Part one: ‘World of Warcraft.’

by Mark Sherman | May 15, 2011 | 4 Comments
World of Warcraft Wisdom: Virtual Reality vs. Reality

The question often arises from non-gamers to gamers: why do you spend so much time playing ‘World of Warcraft’? The answer is rather simple, we can pretend to fix reality – because actually fixing reality is not so easy.

by Mark Sherman | May 8, 2011 | 3 Comments
World of Warcraft Wisdom: Got Boredom Yet?

We love WoW but in this installment of ‘World of Warcraft Wisdom,’ let’s take a stroll down Boredom Road and figure out what we can do when boredom strikes us in the game.

by Mark Sherman | May 1, 2011 | 6 Comments
World of Warcraft Wisdom: What Do You Roll?

Rolling a healer in ‘World of Warcraft’ presents a variety of challenges. Regardless, these challenges are what make the game fun in the first place.

by Mark Sherman | Apr 24, 2011 | 5 Comments
World of Warcraft Wisdom: Gank or Be Ganked

There comes a time in every player’s experience in ‘World of Warcraft’ whether or not to gank. What it boils down to on a PVP server: gank or be ganked, the choice is yours.

by Mark Sherman | Apr 17, 2011 | 1 Comment
World of Warcraft Wisdom: It’s Just a Game

In this week’s installment of ‘World of Warcraft Wisdom’ we remind you that World of Warcraft, like any game, is just that: a game.

by Mark Sherman | Apr 10, 2011 | 9 Comments
World of Warcraft Wisdom: Azeroth and Us

I have been invited to write a weekly World of Warcraft feature. Check out the first installment of ‘World of Warcraft Wisdom’ where I discuss ganking the alliance – and letting loose our subdued human impulses.

by Mark Sherman | Apr 3, 2011 | 5 Comments

Mark Sherman

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