A Matter of Timing

The pros and cons of raid locks out- dare to mention this word on a guild forum and watch opinions fly! Lock outs…this was something folks did not have to contemplate when running a guild in Burning Crusade. It's a tool for guilds short on time to be able to implement; it can give a casual guild more face time on the boss. It's a tough decision to make as far as any guild management goes- but in a progression based guild, sometimes it is necessary.

The Cons of Lock Outs

There go the easy emblems, the fast pace, and the loot (even though you may be disenchanting most of it). Currently, clearing two wings in a night is very doable, and I imagine as some of the raiders get more experienced, three wings will be a solid possibility. Most of the speed has to do with efficiency and familiarity; it also never fails that most resets signups abound.

The Pros of Lock Outs

The issue comes to looking ahead- some folks need time to get a boss down. Composition can be a real pain in the ass – especially if you end up with a few folks out on vacation/real life at the same time. Not only does a lock out give you time to focus on a specific boss, it can also afford you time to go back and achieve some things in prior content that you haven't done. In some ways, it gives more time.

The argument of upgrades are available is pretty valid – but it's completely random if it drops or not. I think the decision is never made lightly, but I also believe that it brings up a solid question of why do YOU raid? It's a simple question – do you raid just for purples? Do you raid because you are a boss kill junkie? Do you like to see new content?

Yes, wiping can be horrible. It can demoralize a guild quickly- but the big picture – "are you making progress?"- has to be assessed as the encounter continues. Killing the boss the first time, or succeeding, after putting forth effort to learn, adjust, compensate, and achievement – well, much like Vin Diesel's XXX, " I live for this shit".

For me, it isn't about the epics, or the loot, but the experience. Knowing that I was a part of a larger picture and together we accomplished something- this is why I raid. Sure, badges are nice, loot is phat, and gear scores (if you look at trade) are requirements for the simplest things- but it's the thrill of the kill for me. So, in my own opinion, if it means a lock out to accomplish it – so be it.