The Starting Zone: Archive

Episode# 026: The Real story about Real ID!

Episode# 26 is now live and available for download. In this episode, we cover all you need to know about Real ID, how it affects you the player and how to control it to suit your security and privacy needs. Enjoy! The iTunes Link The MP3 File The RSS Feed

Jul 23rd

Episode# 025: Cataclysmic Changes and Account...

Episode# 25 is now live and available for download. In this episode, we cover the lastest round of earth-shattering announcements regarding Cataclysm and cover account security tips for the NEW player! Enjoy! The iTunes Link The MP3 File The RSS Feed

Jun 18th

Icecrown Chili Cheese Burger Lives!

Grats to all those who participated in the ICECROWN CHILI CHEESE BURGER challenge. As promised, the winner (or in this case winners) will take part in a random roll for a TCG Loot Card Code for ONE Landro’s Gift Box.

May 29th

Episode# 024: Guilds and the Icecrown Chili...

Episode# 24 is now live and available for download. In this episode, we cover all of the things you need to know about starting your own guild and include an Icecrown Chili Cheeseburger challenge! SHOW NOTES: THE BREAKING WIND In our new NEWS FOR NOOBS segment, we cover Blizzard’s most recent announcements about the Cataclysm Alpha and Beta clients. We touch on the...

May 21st

Episode# 023: Live One Year Anniversary Show is...

Episode# 23 is now live and available for download. We celebrate one year of podcasting with our live anniversary show. We start off with a blooper reel and answer more than a dozen questions on air! Enjoy! The iTunes Link The MP3 File The RSS Feed

Apr 20th

Live recording less than one week away!

That’s right folks…next Monday night (April 12th), we’ll be embarking on our one-year anniversary show LIVE on ustream! Remember to send in your .mp3s and/or questions and comments to thestartingzone@gmail.com so you can be heard LIVE on the show! As promised, here’s the link for the Ustream Page: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/the-starting-zone

Apr 8th

Upcoming LIVE Show on April 12th at 8pm PST!

Set your calendars, take a vacation-day, call in sick…because on April 12th, 2010, we’re doing our LIVE SHOW! To celebrate our ONE-ANNIVERSARY of podcasting, we are proud to announce a LIVE SHOW on April 12th, at 8pm (PST) / 11pm (EST). In addition to a recap of the past year including some good ‘ole laughs, we’re asking for YOU to get involved. Here’s how: Join us...

Mar 17th

Episode# 022: Shaman Class Series Show is live!

Episode# 22 is now live and available for download. We pick up on our class series with the ever exciting Shaman class. Our guest this week is a Ministry of Truth staple who has taken not one, but TWO Shamans to level 80! Great information for any and all Shaman players out there! Enjoy! The iTunes Link The MP3 File The RSS Feed

Mar 17th

Episode# 021 - Don't Be A Party Pooper (the...

Episode# 21 is now live and available for download. We conclude our series on party dynamics covering the Tank, Healer and DPS responsibilities DURING a pull and throughout a dungeon Enjoy! The iTunes Link The MP3 File The RSS Feed

Feb 20th

Episode# 21 is ALMOST ready...

Recording wrapped up last night on the epic conclusion of our party series. Oh…and two minutes of bloopers as well. Look for it on Friday!

Feb 18th

The Starting Zone - Episode# 20

Episode# 20 is now live and available for download. We continue our series on parties by covering everything that happens BEFORE the first pull including the all important buff stage. This may not be the exciting stuff, but it’s important nonetheless so give it a listen! SHOW NOTES: THE BREAKING WIND In our new NEWS FOR NOOBS segment, we cover Blizzard’s hints regarding changes in...

Feb 1st

Episode# 19: Don't be a Party Pooper (Part...

Episode# 19 is now live and available for download. We continue our series on parties by changing EVERYTHING we said last episode…thanks Blizz on the timing on that GAME-CHANGING function we now call the Dungeon Finder. Despite being a bit late, you can still find some helpful information on this great new toy for finding other parties in the game. Enjoy! The iTunes Link The MP3 File ...

Jan 15th

Back in the saddle again!

That’s right…AT&T came through on their fourth attempt. I’ve rejoined the land of the internet at my new place which means that we’ll finally get back to recording the podcast. Expect an episode by the end of the week!!!

Jan 12th

Say it with me: AT&T stinks!

Alright, I know some of you may be employed by or support AT&T in some way, so I don’t want to offend you. However, AT&T messed up my internet installation three straight times…their fourth time is this upcoming Monday. Unfortunately, without internet access, podcast recording is difficult, if not impossible…so our next recording had to be pushed to early next week. ...

Jan 8th

A word about our "advertisers"

Hey folks, just a quick heads up. To help offset the costs of hosting and recording costs, we decided (long ago) to use Google’s Adsense. Until the time that someone sees fit to support us financially, we have to use the internet’s tried and true method of ad marketing. Unfortunately, Google’s adsense takes keywords from our website and links in advertisers automatically,...

Jan 1st

The Snarl Chronicles: Issue 4

Okay, I posted this in our Guild Forums, and I thought you fans of THE STARTING ZONE might get a kick out of it. We’ve all been there. The Event / RAID / Dungeon was scheduled a week in advance. You’re all signed up. You’ve watched videos, tweaked your gear, re-specced, posted on forums, bought stuff off AH. The day of the Event / Raid / Dungeon arrives, everyone is summoned,...

Jan 1st

Snarl Chronicles: Issue #4

Well, for old times sake, I lead a RAID through NAXX last night, and it was great to see some NEW PLAYERS tackle a 10 Man Raid for the first time. We forget that not many new players get a shot at a RAID leveling 1 - 60 and surprisingly it doesn’t happen very often either 60 - 80 despite the BC content available. So, some of us more experienced RAIDERS ventured in and did the Safety Dance...

Jan 1st

You Haz Forum Postings?

Do you post on forum? We all know the wonderful reputation that the official World of Warcraft forums have for demonstrating the ideals of collaborative discussion and personal etiquette. **Former Sentence Coated in Sacrasm**. Forum posts are a big part of the extended WOW community. Unfortunately, they tend to resemble trade chat more often than not. The intention of course is that you post a...

Jan 1st

Contribute to a Segment: How do you Like 3.3?

Okay, it’s been out a whole week, we’ve seen some issues with the start up… that whole authenticator problem. We’ve seen some hotfix patches already. We’ve also seen the awesome new LFG tool. So, what do you think?

Jan 1st

Happy New Year!

To all of our listeners, we just wanted to say Happy New Year and thanks for making this past year a wonderful experience for us. In our first year of existence, our listeners showed us that there is still a need for helpful advice out there in the World of Warcraft and we look forward to continuing along those lines in 2010 and beyond. Thanks for your patience this Holiday season as family...

Jan 1st

Episode# 18: Don't be a Party Pooper (Part 1)

Episode# 18 is now live and available for download. We FINALLY begin our long-awaited breakdown of parties! In this first of three parts, we break down the basics of parties including what they are and how to find one as well as general breakdown of party roles. Enjoy! The iTunes Link The MP3 File The RSS Feed

Dec 1st

Where are we?

Just wanted to give everyone a heads up that we have NOT disappeared into podcast fade. The fact is, I’m moving at the moment and we’ve got that Turkey holiday right around the corner, so schedule are filling up fast. However, we’ve slated some time the week of the 23rd, so stay tuned!! And thanks for your patience.

Nov 10th

Blizzard announces WoW In-Game Pet-Store!

In a move that surprised many, Blizzard announced the sale of in-game pets for real, cold-hard cash today. Thus far, they’re selling a Pandaren Monk and Lil’ KT (a miniture version of the bigger and badder Kel’Thuzad). Both are going for $10 a piece and for a limited time, 50% of the proceeds from Pandaren Monk sales go to the Make-A-Wish foundation. Thus far, reviews have...

Nov 5th

The Snarl Chronicles: Issue 3

Now that SnarlStorm (my Paladin) has basically become my End Game Raider, I have been attempting to determine what will be my next class to level. I think this is a question a lot of players have, especially new players, once they get that illustrious first 80 up to Raiding. The process for me has been a little daunting. I’ve tried every class (except a priest), I have a rogue, warlock...

Nov 5th

The Snarl Chronicles: Issue 2

So, today is a bit of a slap in the face. I came into work today to find the power out. Once it was restored (around lunch), I got an IM from TAK that said, ‘Let the Whining Begin!’ and it included a link. The link was to this post on WoW.com: http://www.wow.com/2009/10/28/patch-3-3-ptr-ghostcrawler-explains-paladin-changes/ Basically, it was an article recounting the possible nerfs...

Oct 30th

Race change is NOW Available!

WoW.com’s Mike Schramm just posted breaking news that Blizzard has now made the Race Change available for players. Now you can take that Blood Elf Hunter you’ve been secretly hating and change him/her into a badass Orc without having to re-level! Read more about it here!

Oct 27th

The Snarl Chronicles: Issue 1

Hey there, this is Snarl. I was going to do a whole blog separate from TSZ about my little personal journey through WOW, and then thought… eh… this should go on TSZ.com, not somewhere else. So, I will post these little updates and asking some questions, I think everyone has asked a number of time. Recently, I’ve been raiding a bit more with my Paladin Main. Our little guild...

Oct 21st

Episode# 17: Welcome to the END GAME!

Episode# 17 is now live and available for download. We introduce a NEW segment: Welcome to the End Game! In the episode, we break down some basic things, every NEW level 80 players needs to know! SHOW NOTES: THE BREAKING WIND In our new NEWS FOR NOOBS segment, we cover Blizzard’s announcement that ALL World of Warcraft accounts must be converted to a battle.net account by November 11th....

Oct 19th

Contribute to a Segment: When is Cataclysm?

This CTAS will reek of speculatoin, but we have been discussing off air when the timeline for Patch 3.3. will be released, which now seems sooner than later. So, if 3.3 does end up being the final patch for this expansion, when would we see the next MEGA Expansion, Cataclysm? Amazon downgraded the released date from September 2010 to July 2010, but some are thinking we may see it even sooner. What...

Oct 14th

Blizzard to require battle.net accounts by...

Just read this on wow.com. Evidentially, Blizzard has announced that they will be requiring ALL World of Warcraft accounts to migrate to battle.net by November 11th. Thankfully, they’re going to reward everyone with a free IN-GAME pet. Read more about it here (and follow the links to find a video-guide on how to migrate your account).

Oct 12th

1 tag

Welcome to the NEW Starting Zone website!

Alright, after fighting our old site and a multitude of hackers, we’ve decided to move the podcast site to tumblr! The site will be more simplified (no forums or “about us” links). However, you can expect the same quality of podcasts and blogging you’ve come to expect in addition to some of the new features that tumblr offers! Make sure and sign up and start...

Oct 10th

1 tag

Episode# 16: Priests and all their shadowy...

Episode# 16 is now live and available for download. It’s our return to the class series and this week we tackle another archetypical class: Priests! Very special guest Matt Low (from World of Matticus and NoStockUI) joins us to share his infinite wisdom into the class. Enjoy! The iTunes Link The MP3 File The RSS Feed

Oct 2nd

1 tag

News: Ice Crown Citadel!

So, we covered this in the recording of our latest episode of THE STARTING ZONE last night, but in case you are one of those players looking forward to the LAST and final big patch of the Wrath of the Lich King Era, then head on over to this link and check out some news WoW.com is reporting on in regards to ICE CROWN CITADEL! The big question everyone will probably want to chat about is the...

Oct 1st

1 tag

Priest Episode coming up!!

We’ll be recording our Priest Class series episode this week with a VERY special guest. Send your questions in now! Oh, and don’t forget to send your level 80 ding emails!

Sep 28th

4 tags

Episode# 15: Warriors - Prot, Arms and Badass is...

Episode# 15 is now live and available for download. It’s our return to the class series and this week we tackle the archetypical class: Warriors! Special guest Chris (no…a different Chris this time) joins us. Enjoy! SHOW NOTES: THE BREAKING WIND In our new NEWS FOR NOOBS segment, we discuss the fallout of Blizzcon 2009 and the Cataclysm news. Outdoing themselves, Blizzard pushes...

Sep 19th

1 tag

Conversations Out Of Game: Vol. 2

The following is an edited conversation held between the two hosts of the starting zone over Instant Message. Only the names of Toons have been replaced with the word Donut to protect the innocent, but they know who they are! TAK: Flame Leviathan was silly how easy it was TAK:: No wonder folks have been 3-manning it SNARL: I know the video looked much harder. TAK:: Razorscale wasn’t...

Sep 3rd

1 tag

Faction Changes are Live!

We talked about it on the show, and we were not in favor of this. However, Blizzard has let loose the dogs of… well… change! So, now your pigtailed pink haired gnome warrior can become a beefy green Orc Warrior for the cost of a mere $30.00 bucks. The cost seems high to us. What do you think?

Sep 3rd

1 tag

Episode# 14: Blizzcon 2009 Spectacular is Live!

Episode# 14 is now live and available for download. It’s our Blizzcon 2009 Special Event podcast, albeit a bit late. However, we do our best Starting Zone spin on the news to focus on the new player! Enjoy! The iTunes Link The MP3 File The RSS Feed

Aug 31st

4 tags

Blizzcon 2009 Live Updates Today!

For all those who are not able to attend Blizzcon in person OR watch the live stream, we will be twittering updates throughout the morning covering the latest and greatest news regarding World of Warcraft! So stay tuned to our twitter account for more updates!

Aug 21st

1 tag

Onyxia Returns: Bigger and Harder than Ever?

Folks who played back in the day, often tell me how awesome the Onyxia run was for its difficulty. I of course never was never able to fully understand this, because when my WoW career started, she became a simple foot note. In fact, the other night, we went in and beat the tar out of her with 3 toons. However, she’s coming back bigger and badder than ever according to a recent release from...

Aug 13th

3 tags

Episode# 13: Patch 3.2 is live AND breaking our...

Episode# 13 is now live and available for download. We’re taking another small break from the class series to breakdown the latest and greatest (and not so great) related to the release of Patch 3.2! Learn everything YOU need to know to get the most out of Blizzard’s latest installment in breaking our beautiful UIs! Enjoy. SHOW NOTES: THE BREAKING WIND In our new NEWS FOR NOOBS...

Aug 9th

1 tag

Patch 3.2 Goes Live!

Patch 3.2 is now live and in living color (as soon as the servers reboot back up). So, you can all revel in the fact you get your mounts earlier and cheaper. New Players or low level alt rollers should love this change. I would have loved this change. Druid are indeed the big winner with their new CAT and BEAR forms (as we reported earlier). New players now also have a reason to go into PvP...

Aug 4th

1 tag

Win a TCG Loot Card Code Contest!

As promised in our most recent podcast, we are embarking on our first podcast contest! Here are the details: Leave a review on iTunes for THE STARTING ZONE — not just a five-star ranking, but a written comment! That’s it! That’s all you have to do to be entered in this contest…just leave a written review on iTunes. We will be noting every individual who leaves a...

Jul 24th

1 tag

Episode# 12: Druids: Jack of all trades, Masters...

Episode# 12 is now live and available for download. After a slight technical problem derailed our first attempt, we’ve returned to our Druid class breakdown with TWO specials guests: Chris and Scott (from the Rogue episode). Hilarity ensues as we break down this complex and entertaining class! Enjoy. SHOW NOTES: THE BREAKING WIND In our new NEWS FOR NOOBS segment, we discuss the breaking...

Jul 24th

1 tag

Contribute to a Segment: The Next Race!

Blizzcon is on the horizon, you can hear the crackle of static anticipation throughout the internet community. We’re still almost three weeks away and folks are definitely falling all over themselves hoping to see what Blizzard has in store for the World of Warcraft as the much anticipated Expansion will be announced. Blizzard has created two ‘expansions’ that increased the...

Jul 23rd

3 tags

Episode# 11 is live! It's a Multi-boxing...

Episode# 11 (our first minicast show) is now live and available for download. We finally tackle the wonderful subject of multi-boxing and Mr. Jesse shares his first hand experience multi-boxing his way from level 1 all the way to level 80! Enjoy! SHOW NOTES: THE BREAKING WIND In our new NEWS FOR NOOBS segment, we discuss the latest (and slightly shocking announcement) that Blizzard will be...

Jul 17th

1 tag

Knock, knock...anyone there?!

Yeah, it’s been a week (or so) and I’m sure you’re all wondering: “Where’s my minicast, darn it?!” Well, to keep a long story short…it’s almost done. For those who were present during the live recording, it was a hoot…however, it also wrought with technical issues that I have to fix (no one wants to hear Mick’s echoing voice every time...

Jul 15th

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Contribute to a Segment: Faction Changes!

Okay, folks, Hopefully you see this in time to post a comment for tomorrow’s recording of “The Starting Zone: Mini-cast”. We pose this question. Blizzard recently announced that a service is in the works to change the actual Faction and Race of your Toon. Yes, you can switch from a Human Paladin to a Blood Elf Paladin, Alliance to Horde, or vice versus. We want to know what you...

Jul 7th

1 tag

Episode# 10: More DOTs, More DOTs and other...

Episode# 10 is now live and available for download. After a technical problem stalled our Druid release, we’ve returned with a SUPER special guest this week: Michelle Madison of Videogame Outsiders and Warcraft Outsiders who shares her first hand knowledge of Warlocks in the fourth part of our class series. Enjoy! SHOW NOTES: THE BREAKING WIND In our new NEWS FOR NOOBS segment, we...

Jun 30th

1 tag

Conversation Out Of Game

The following conversation between co-hosts Mick Montgomery and Jesse Kobayashi took place away from the podcast in the wonderful world of intsant message. We have brought the conversation to you, for your enjoyment. snarlstorm Do you know what a Lake Wintergrasp Commendation does? snarlstorm It says, “Grants 2000 Honor Points” but to what? snarlstorm Your rep bars? tak : It...

Jun 30th