December 2011
1 post
Episode# 041: It's Dragon Soul Time!
Episode# 41 is now live and available for download. We cover everything that you need to know about the newly released Patch 4.3, including a primer on Transmogrifying and Void Storage and a discussion on the future of WoW and that Star Wars MMO.
These aren’t the Show Notes you’re looking for.
** WARNING: A little coarse language at the very end of the show **
Enjoy!
The iTunes...
October 2011
5 posts
Choose my 85!
As you heard if you listened to the latest episode I (Snarl) am showcasing a little exercise for you listeners. I just finished my third 85 level capped toon. A death knight to go with my Druid and my Paladin.
So which class should be my next level 85? Well, you will decide. Tweet, email, call or respond to this post with what you feel my next class to level cap should be. The class with the...
Episode# 040: Kung Fu Panda WoW Style!
Episode# 40 is now live and available for download. We cover ALL of the blockbuster news coming out of Blizzcon 2011, including the latest expansion: Mists of Panderia, new race: Pandaren and a new class: Monk. So much WoW goodness!
The Show Notes are for players who can decipher the Copiale Cipher.
Enjoy!
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Mists of Pandaria: First Impressions
I have been fortunate to be able to listen and watch the Live Stream of Blizzcon for most of the day, between naps with my son, and chores. I have watched the Developer Panel, Dungeon and Raid encounter Panel, and of course the Talent Panel. A lot of news and information. I have been scanning the web and I have noticed that the responses to Mists of Pandaria are very polarizing. Some love this...
Why I Love the Pandaran!
For years Blizzard has delivered fantasy character avatars. I mean look at how gorgeous the Blood Elf Princess is, or how Muscle Bound the Orc Male is. But now, Blizzard has finally delivered a race I can truly identify with. An Overweight, Hairy Toon with a penchant for cooking and eating and drinking beer. It’s like they actually put me in the game.
Sincerely,
Snarl :)
Episode# 039: Patch 4.3 and PTR Primer!
Episode# 39 is now live and available for download. We cover patch 4.3 news, a PTR primer for you adventurous players out there and introduce a new series in our GRIND segment dedicated to breaking down dungeon and Raid Boss encounters!
The Show Notes are for players who can read an ancient alien language.
Enjoy!
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August 2011
6 posts
Episode# 038: Cataclysm Class Series - Mages!
Episode# 38 is now live and available for download. We kick off our Cataclysm class series with the never-before discussed Mages with special guest Nananea from the 1% Wipe Podcast! For any and all players interested in those crazy dealers of damage goodness, you gotta check this episode out!
The Show Notes are for warlocks.
Enjoy!
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Episode# 037: Transmogrification and a special...
Episode# 37 is now live and available for download. This week, The Starting Zone looks at Patch 4.3 possible changes, a Blizzard leak and what the heck does Transmogrification mean? Oh, and a special guest who has eleven level 85 characters who ALL have professions at 525. Oh my!
The Show Notes are not necessary.
Enjoy!
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Ask Grit #2
Check out the latest question that we asked Grit by clicking here!
Ask Grit #1 →
Hey, we often get a lot of questions from you. But I bet you are wondering, who we go to, when we have questions. Well, lately, we’ve been going to GRIT your friendly neighborhood DK Tank @ http://grittank.tumblr.com/ This was our latest question we asked him. We’ll post more in the future.
Finally! A Donation Button!
That’s right! After several requests, we’ve finally added a DONATION button to the website. So if you want to SPONSOR an episode, simply click on the DONATE button on the right hand side of the website to send THE STARTING ZONE at least $5 for your own personalized shoutout or advertisement for your guild, raid team, well wishes, etc! Just please, keep the shoutout SFW (Safe For Work...
Episode# 036: Mists of Pandaria and our guide to...
Episode# 36 is now live and available for download. We’ve got potential breaking news with a brief discussion on Blizzard’s latest trademark: Mists of Panderia! Also, the Starting Zone does an in-depth guide on the new Firelands Dailies. Enjoy!
The Show Notes are not necessary.
Enjoy!
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July 2011
6 posts
Snarl's Got a Manifesto!
Mick Montgomery, co-host of THE STARTING ZONE, has a brand spanking new Podcast about content creation and all that jazz! In fact he just put up Episode #2. So, we invite you to head on over to the website and check out THE MONTGOMERY MANIFESTO!
Snarl's Rant: The 10 Toon Server Limit?
Recently, we announced another one of our Guild Races. One of our Guardians was good enough to take the bull by the horns. In our Guild Races we all roll a level 1 toon of a particular race. We gather in the starting zone of that race and run to go find an officer hiding out in some city somewhere. It is pretty cool.
Then I saw someone ask if we could maybe do the race on an alternative server...
Episode# 035: Our Two-Year Anniversary Show!
Episode# 35 is now live and available for download. In our two-year anniversary show, Mick and Jesse welcome two special guests to discuss everything related to the release of Patch 4.2, new Refer-A-Friend bonuses and a retrospective on the first six months of Cataclysm!
The Show Notes were eaten by the dog…again.
Enjoy!
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Two Year Anniversary Show TONIGHT at 5PM PST / 8PM...
That’s right folks…the TWO-YEAR ANNIVERSARY show is TONIGHT at 5PM Pacific / 8PM Eastern. Here is the link to listen live:
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/the-starting-zone
Remember, if you tune in live, you’ll be automatically entered into our random LIVE TCG Loot Card code giveaways!
We want your voicemails!
That’s it. No more waiting. No more procrastinating. It’s time for YOU to pick up your cell phone, skype headset or :gasp: landline and call our Voicemail line at (323) 389-5123.
Voicemail operators are standing by to take your voicemail. Leave a voicemail by Saturday (7/9) 11:59PM and you’ll be entered into our contest for a random TCG loot card code to be selected during OUR...
Want to win some TCG Loot?!
To celebrate our TWO-YEAR ANNIVERSARY show, we’ll be giving away some TCG LOOT CARD codes during the live show. All you have to do is tune in THIS Sunday (7/5) at 5pm PST/8pm EST for your chance to win a Landro’s Lil’ XT, PVP Paint Bomb and more!
Livestream links coming soon!
June 2011
5 posts
Two Year Anniversary LIVE Broadcast on Sunday,...
That’s right folks…it’s time to celebrate the two-year anniversary of THE STARTING ZONE with another live show!
So mark your calendars! Sunday, July 10th at 5pm PST / 8pm EST. More details to come!
Looking for guild hosting website?
As you heard on episode# 34, Mr. Matticus enlightened both Mick and I to an awesome new guild hosting company called ENJIN. As a bonus, we’ve now become an OFFICIAL Enjin affiliate, so if you or anyone you know is looking for a guild hosting website, please CLICK on the banner above or on the sidebar!
You’ll not only be signing up for an amazing guild hosting website, but also...
Episode# 034: Cataclysmic Healing!
Episode# 34 is now live and available for download. In this episode, Mick and Jesse welcome special guest Matt Low (from worldofmatticus.com) to discuss everything healing for both the new player and the end-game raider! Also, more patch 4.2 PTR changes for discussion!
Show Notes are viewable by flipping this page over.
Enjoy!
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Hey TSZ Fans, if you Like This...
Hey Starting Zone Fans!
Snarl here. I just wanted to q you up to some information regarding some new PODCASTS that I am doing that are quite a departure from World of Warcraft, but you might find them entertaining. These are brand new podcasts and I am hoping to get them off to the same glorious start that our little WoW podcast has enjoyed.
Cheat Day Podcast is a fitness and health podcast...
And The Episode #34 Guest Host Will Be.....
Hey Starting Zone fans, we’re pleased as Hawaiian Fruit Punch to announce to you that our Guest Host for Episode #34 will be the legendary MATT from THE WORLD OF MATTICUS and THE MATTICAST PODCAST. We are stoked to do some healer talk with Matt as well as talk about some of the 4.2 changes coming up. We’re recording tonight, new episode to hit by week’s end!
May 2011
6 posts
Episode# 033: WoW is DYING and other overly...
Episode# 33 is now live and available for download. In this episode, Mick and Jesse discuss the latest WoW news, Patch 4.2 PTR changes and answer some awesome questions from our listeners including a deep discussion of raid team synergy.
Show Notes are viewable by following this link.
Enjoy!
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Snarl's Rants: I'm Cheating on My Main!
It’s true. My Paladin main has taken a back seat as of late to my Druid. I have been blowing this guy up through the LFG as a healer, and now I am close to crossing the 80 thresh hold. This means of course that I’m somewhat debating whether or not I should continue through Hyjal or just start doing LFG through the Cataclysm Dungeons. When I leveled my main, I never did any dungeons due...
YOU MAKE THE SHOW!
Dear Awesome of Most Awesome Listeners,
I am going to give you a little insight into the behind the scenes conversations about our show. When Jesse (Tak) and I (Snarl) set out to do this we never realized how intense writing this show would be. Sure, we brought that on ourselves, I mean we could just talk about posts from MMO Champion like other shows, but we wanted this to be informative at the...
Re-Rolling the Podcast!
Okay folks, you may be wondering about what has happened to the podcast ever since the end of the Kick Starter fund raiser. Well, first off, it takes a little time to get the funds from Kickstarter.com. So, now that we have them we have ordered the equipment and Jesse has started receiving the gear and he is starting get it all set.
However, he’s a talented guy, and because of that I am...
YOU DID IT!
With two weeks left, YOU did it! Your generosity and support has got us to our goal of $500 and with a few weeks to spare.
Thanks to everyone who’s participated thus far and if you’re just arriving to the kickstarter.com party, feel free to jump in with a $5 pledge for your own epic shoutout on the podcast!
Thanks again everyone! We look forward to bringing you higher quality...
Episode# 032: Da' Voodoo Shuffle and other...
Episode# 32 is now live and available for download. In this episode, Mick and Jesse discuss Patch 4.1’s official release and do a full breakdown on WoW’s racial abilities and some of our suggestion for killer race/class combinations!
Show Notes are viewable on the backside of a waterfall.
Enjoy!
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April 2011
8 posts
Snarl vs Taco Bell
Hey, y’all, I directed this cool little response video to all the Taco Bell Beef issues. It’s part of a series of videos like this that will be coming out shortly. Take a look at it, we’d love your support.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HI01wG-oyIo
Almost there!
We’re almost there everyone! Just $105 more to go before we hit our goal of $500. Remember to spread the word to other listeners. We’ve got some VERY exciting things planned!
The Starting Zone is doing a fundraiser!
As mentioned on the most recent podcast, The Starting Zone has joined up with Kickstarter.com to raise funding to expand the podcast and a network of shows.
As many of you know, we’ve had our fair share of technical issues since the very beginning. Using alot of free software and low-quality gear is finally catching up to us and we’ve decided to take the plunge (not make the plunge...
Episode# 031: Mastering Mastery!
Episode# 31 is now live and available for download. In this episode, Mick and Jesse discuss the latest Blizzard April Fool’s gags, more Patch 4.1 notes and a detailed breakdown of Mastery and which classes truly value the stat.
Show Notes are provided below in invisible text.
Enjoy!
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Snarl's Rants: My Retraction on Goblins
Recently on our podcast I discussed my less than positive reviews of the Goblin starting zone. I believe I referred to it as being somewhat of a GTA rip off, and that it did not feel much like WoW. However, like all crow eaters, I spoke too soon.
A recent bought with a head cold put me in bed and on my laptop, and I was too doped up on Mucinex and NyQuil to run a heroic, so I decided to do a...
Snarl Shrinks?
I have been playing World of Warcraft for about two years, and despite my awesome experience, tons of fun and new friends, I gained about 30 lbs in the two and a half years. It wasn’t WoW’s fault. It was mine, but none the less… I was huge already, now I’m even more huge. However, I recently have started the road to fixing this. I have a new project up on the web. I call it...
Apple is against us...again.
FYI, Mick’s computer bit the dust last week, which pushed our recording to next week. Don’t worry, Episode# 31 is right around the corner.
Good news, though…you have another week to get your phone-calls/voicemails in for a chance at a TCG LOOT CARD CODE!
Do it!
Call.
Now.
Bye.
March 2011
4 posts
Episode# 030: Interrupting Archaeology!
Episode# 30 is now live and available for download. In this episode, Mick and Jesse uncover the secrets behind Cataclysm’s newest secondary profession: Archaeology. In our Grind segment, we tackle the newfound importance of interrupts.
Show Notes are pending like Blizzard’s new MMO: Titan.
Enjoy!
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Snarl's Rants: Is Mastery Worth it?
For the life of me I still don’t know what the difference between having Mastery in an area versus having Expertise in an area, but apparently with Blizzard there is a difference. When I first heard about stat changes for Cataclysm, I cheered for things like the end of Defensive Cap. To Be honest, I think they could have timmed out more, like Spell Penetration for example, but then they...
Snarl's Rants: Changing Your Character
I am one of the few players who bought the game and basically rolled a toon and stayed with that toon. “Snarlstorm” on Winterhoof, a paladin, was my first toon that I rolled, and I have stayed loyal to him all through Wrath. He has downed every RAID Boss in the Wrath Content, killed thousands in PvP battlegrounds, and scored big achievements.
He originally was created as a RET Paladin...
How you can get ready for Cataclysm content
I’m going to try and post something on a regular basis to see if I can help out with the podcast and others on the starting zone website.
Last time, I gave my impressions on the lower level questing experience. This time, I wanted to give some feedback on how starting players can get ready for running the dungeons later on in Cataclysm. If you’ve been paying attention to the...
February 2011
12 posts
New TSZ Contest!
We want voice mails to play on the show…so pickup your mobile phone, landline or skype tool and call (323) 389-5123 and leave us a comment, question or good ‘ole rant.
Try to keep it under 30 seconds as anything longer causes issues with Google Voice…if you can, write out your thoughts ahead of time.
Oh…and the contest….ANYONE who submits a voice mail question by...
Episode# 028: Crowd Control This!
Episode# 28 is now live and available for download. In this episode, we introduce the NEW TSZ 2.0 format, discuss the difficulty of dungeons and give a primer on Crowd Control!
Show Notes are drifting around in the netherworld and may or may not be caught.
Enjoy!
The iTunes Link The MP3 File The RSS Feed
Apple is against us...
Evidentially, in the past week, Apple dropped the ability to PING the itunes store to alert an update to podcast feeds. Now, Apple will do it automatically on a semi-regular basis.
What does this mean? Well, you may have to wait up to 48 hours before the NEW podcast shows up as available on iTunes.
Stupid apple.
Snarl's Rants: Chaotic Orbgate
I miss Frozen Orbs. I miss them a lot. The Frozen Orb was one of the most interesting item drops for the dungeon runner in WoW and an essential part of the economy game for high level crafters. Blizzard made them even more interesting with the introduction of Frozo the Renowned. Frozo allowed you to trade orbs for other high end Mats like Eternal Fire or Shadow. This made the game of crafting and...
The podcast gods are against us...
Either that, or the gremlins. Either way, we lost two whole chunks of the podcast…so much for my newfangled live recording setup. Something tells me we’ll be going back to the “old style” soon.
In either case, the new podcast is compressing now and should be live by Friday.
Comments are now available...again.
For all those that we’re itching to leave us comments, you are now able to. So comment away!
Also, feel free to use the /ask ability “Ask the podcast” for more immediate, on the website responses.
Snarl's Rants: Fishing Sucks!
Jesse and I are on the same page here. And that page is one of many in an essay entitled, “Fishing Sucks.” I don’t know about you guys, but I find this to be the absolute worst part of the game. Now, Originally I found the ‘idea’ of fishing in WoW to be really kind of cool. But in practice it’s just… well… it’s boring. It’s not only...
Rebooting a podcast...
Surprisingly, we’ve received several questions from folks wondering about the reasoning behind the podcast reboot.
Initially, it was the cool way to revive a podcast that was nearing podfade (or in the midst of it). The term reboot has a very modern vibe for taking creative endeavors that have started to show their age and giving them an updated spin while giving the creators a chance to...
Impressions of Cataclysm Leveling
EDITOR’S NOTE: Every week (or as often as we receive quality posts), we’ll be posting guest posts from fellow players, guildmates and even listeners. This week’s guest post includes a long-standing guild mate: Manick!
Manick here, intrepid level 85 tauren warrior from the Ministry of Truth guild on Winterhoof (insert guild plug here). I just wanted to post my impressions of...