Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[SOE Live registrations open, offer early bird specials]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/soe-live-registrations-open-offer-early-bird-specials/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/soe-live-registrations-open-offer-early-bird-specials/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/soe-live-registrations-open-offer-early-bird-specials/#commentsFiled under: , ,

SOE Live registrations are a go, flight!
Thinking about heading to SOE Live this August? Then it's time to get your pass to the event! SOE has opened up registrations to the convention today and has a few special deals for folks who book in the next couple of weeks.

Event attendees can purchase single-day passes, evening passes, or all-access passes. Through May 22nd, the single-day passes are $10 off and the all-access pass is $20 off the normal price. The day and all-access passes include special goodies such as a t-shirt, in-game items, future expansions to both EverQuest titles, and access to the showroom.

Children 12 and under can attend for free, and players may elect to spring for a brunch with the developer team for an extra $59. SOE Live will take place from August 1st through August 4th at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

MassivelySOE Live registrations open, offer early bird specials originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brassedc-universe-onlinedcuoeqeq-nexteqneverquesteverquest-iieverquest-nextfan-fairefantasyfree-realmslinda-carlsonplanetsideplanetside-2soesoe-livesoe-live-2013sony-online-entertainmentvanguardwhiz-owizardry-onlineThu, 25 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX East 2013: SOE's Linda Carlson on the state of the community]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/pax-east-2013-soes-linda-carlson-on-the-state-of-the-community/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/pax-east-2013-soes-linda-carlson-on-the-state-of-the-community/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/pax-east-2013-soes-linda-carlson-on-the-state-of-the-community/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Guild Counsel SOE's Linda Carlson on the state of the community
How many times have you found yourself asking, "Why won't the devs just listen?!" For any loyal MMO fan, it can be extremely frustrating to see feedback seemingly get ignored, and sometimes it feels as if there's a huge wall separating the fans from the developers.

Linda Carlson, SOE's Director of Global Community Relations, spoke with Massively at this year's PAX East to talk about SOE's efforts to break down that wall and improve the relationship between players and developers into something that's more collaborative, rather than contentious. Whether you're the most loyal SOE fan or someone who's vowed never to play another SOE game, you might be surprised at what she has to say.

Continue reading PAX East 2013: SOE's Linda Carlson on the state of the community

MassivelyPAX East 2013: SOE's Linda Carlson on the state of the community originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advicecommunityconconferenceconventiondave-georgesoneqeqiieventevent-coverageeventsexpofeaturedfree-realmsgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2013gdcgdc-2013guildguild-adviceguild-counselguild-leadershipguild-managementguildsinterviewinterviewsjohn-smedleyleadershiplinda-carlsonmassively-event-coverageopinionpaxpax-2013pax-eastpax-east-2013penny-arcade-exposoethe-guild-counselThu, 28 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony officially announces SOE Live 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/sony-officially-announces-soe-live-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/sony-officially-announces-soe-live-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/sony-officially-announces-soe-live-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Sony officially announces SOE Live 2013
While we've known that SOE Live was moving location and dates this year to Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas from August 1st through the 4th, we now have official confirmation from the studio itself.

SOE Head of Global Relations Linda Carlson drafted up an accompanying post about the upcoming convention that includes several pictures from previous years. "We're all gamers too," she writes, "and can hardly wait to hang out with you again! Everyone at the company LOVES going to SOE Live, the one event each that focuses solely on our players. We have everything in common!"

Carlson explained that the change in venue was made for several reasons, primarily to keep costs down, have more flexible meeting space, and experience better air quality. She confirmed that, as in previous years, kids will get in free to the event.

MassivelySony officially announces SOE Live 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brassedc-universe-onlinedcuoeqeq-nexteqneverquesteverquest-iieverquest-nextfan-fairefantasyfree-realmslinda-carlsonplanetsideplanetside-2soesoe-livesoe-live-2013sony-online-entertainmentvanguardwhiz-owizardry-onlineWed, 06 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Guild Counsel: Proof that it's more than just a game]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/the-guild-counsel-proof-that-its-more-than-just-a-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/the-guild-counsel-proof-that-its-more-than-just-a-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/the-guild-counsel-proof-that-its-more-than-just-a-game/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The Guild Counsel Proof that it's more than just a game
I'll admit, last week's poll was a surprise for me. For those of you who missed it, I asked which philosophy describes each reader's playstyle: "the brotherhood" or "the game." The former won with a fairly large margin of victory, which I didn't expect given that our community here is one that tends to focus on games as the main topic of conversation. As it turns out, almost 60% of the Massively community loves MMOs but also loves the bonds that come from them.

Looking back over the past year, I think there were actually many stories that highlighted the player behind the pixel and reaffirmed our belief that we are indeed part of a brotherhood even if we don't always see it in our MMOs. This week's Guild Counsel is a recap of some of those gaming stories, and I believe even the most die-hard "game-focused" player will agree that there are moments when it really is more than just a game.

Continue reading The Guild Counsel: Proof that it's more than just a game

MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: Proof that it's more than just a game originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Jan 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceeqIIevefeaturedgdc-online-2012guildguild-adviceguild-counselguild-leadershipguild-managementguildsleadershiplinda-carlsonofficers-quartersofficers-quarters-fifth-anniversaryopinionribbitribbittscott-andrewssean-smithseven-samuraisoe-live-2012soe-live-player-panelsthe-guild-counselvile-ratwowwow-speed-dating-videoThu, 03 Jan 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Guild Counsel: What I learned at the SOE Live player panels]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/25/the-guild-counsel-what-i-learned-at-the-soe-player-panels/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/25/the-guild-counsel-what-i-learned-at-the-soe-player-panels/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/25/the-guild-counsel-what-i-learned-at-the-soe-player-panels/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Guild Counsel What I learned at the SOE Player Panels
It was easy to overlook, but hidden among the mountains of new announcements and game panels at this year's SOE Live were several panels that were organized and run by the players themselves. Players were asked to submit ideas for panels across a wide spectrum of game topics. They came up with some terrific ideas, and Linda "The Brasse" Carlson, SOE's Global Director of Community Relations, used every tool at her disposal to fit in as many as possible in the lineup.

Thanks to my time-turner necklace, I was able to catch several of these player panels in addition to the regular game panels, and I've summed them up below. There were some great moments from each of these panels, and if you missed them, you'll want to check out the highlights below!

Continue reading The Guild Counsel: What I learned at the SOE Live player panels

MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: What I learned at the SOE Live player panels originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advicebrasseconconventiondcuoeq2wireeventeverquestEverQuest-2everquest-iifan-fairefeaturedguildguild-adviceguild-counselguild-leadershipguild-managementguildslas-vegasleadershiplinda-carlsonopinionsoesoe-fan-fairesoe-livesoe-live-2012soe-live-eq2u-panelsoe-live-guild-panelsoe-live-military-gamerssoe-live-player-panelssonysony-online-entertainmentthe-guild-counselThu, 25 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: Linda Carlson on goat herding and community management]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/13/the-tattered-notebook-linda-carlson-on-goat-herding-and-communi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/13/the-tattered-notebook-linda-carlson-on-goat-herding-and-communi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/13/the-tattered-notebook-linda-carlson-on-goat-herding-and-communi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The Tattered Notebook Linda Carlson reveals how goat herding teaches community management lessons
What do goat herding and community management have to do with one another? On the surface, you'd probably think not much, but at GDC Online this week, SOE Head of Global Relations Linda "Brasse" Carlson explained the parallels between her job as Community Manager and her job as a goat herder.

In the talk, though, she not only gave advice on how to run a community management team but also shared some interesting observations about some of SOE's online communities in general. In this week's Tattered Notebook, we'll look at some of the highlights.

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: Linda Carlson on goat herding and community management

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: Linda Carlson on goat herding and community management originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 13 Oct 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austinbrassecommunitycommunity-managementconconferenceconventioneqeq-2eq-iieq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gdcgdc-2012gdc-onlinegdc-online-2012gdcogdco-2012goatgoat-herdinggoatslinda-carlsonopinionsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookSat, 13 Oct 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE community webcast focuses on Player Studio]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/soe-community-webcast-focuses-on-player-studio/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/soe-community-webcast-focuses-on-player-studio/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/soe-community-webcast-focuses-on-player-studio/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

SOE livecast focuses on Player Studio
User-generated content is an awesome way to breathe life into games (and cash into your wallet, if you don't mind stretching that metaphor to the breaking point). Sony Online Entertainment's Player Studio has been generating interest since its introduction as a way for EverQuest, EverQuest II, Free Realms, and (eventually) Vanguard players to create and sell their own in-game items.

In response to that interest, SOE's most recent community webcast focuses the spotlight on the Player Studio, with input from Director of Artistic Development Joe Shoopack, Sr. Manager of E-Commerce Rick Reynolds, and Global Community Relations Director Linda Carlson. Together, they talk players through the idea of the Player Studio and its origins in the wealth of fanart and persistent excitement about the games involved, what sort of effort will go into making items, and the magical journey that a submission undertakes before it emerges as a full-fledged, purchasable asset.

While some of the initial item possibilities are still being nailed down, players can expect to be able to submit housing items, weapons, and shields for EQ, cloaks and housing items for EQII, and similar items for the other games.

Skip below the cut to let the pros speak for themselves.

Continue reading SOE community webcast focuses on Player Studio

MassivelySOE community webcast focuses on Player Studio originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Oct 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-basedcommunity-webcastconsoleconsoleseqeq-2eq-iieq1eq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfrfree-realmsfree-to-playjoe-shoopackkid-friendlykidskids-mmolinda-carlsonplayer-studioplaystation-3playstation3ps3rick-reynoldssandboxsoesoe-player-studiosonysony-online-entertainmenttelonvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgThu, 04 Oct 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2012: The Tattered Notebook attends Brasse's community panel]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/10/the-tattered-notebook-soes-brasse-talks-community-at-gdc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/10/the-tattered-notebook-soes-brasse-talks-community-at-gdc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/10/the-tattered-notebook-soes-brasse-talks-community-at-gdc/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

holy grail
What do dwarves and Monty Python have in common? They both feature prominently in Linda "The Brasse" Carlson's GDC 2012 talk about the front lines of the SOE community relations team. Given the recent roller coaster ride of the ProSiebenSat.1 deal and the turmoil on the forums that followed, I found it interesting to hear what it's like to be a member of the community management folks as they try to handle being in the middle of it all. While her talk was mainly aimed at community managers in other games, there were a few tidbits that players would probably find interesting and maybe even surprising. Read on for the highlights!

Continue reading GDC 2012: The Tattered Notebook attends Brasse's community panel

MassivelyGDC 2012: The Tattered Notebook attends Brasse's community panel originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 10 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brassecarlsoncommunity-managementconconferenceconventiondominoemily-domino-tayloremily-tayloreqeq-2eq-iieq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gdcgdc-2012karen-bryanlinda-brasse-carlsonlinda-carlsonmonty-pythonopinionprosiebensat.1smedleaksmedleakssoesonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookSat, 10 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PlanetSide 2 hosting a webcast on Thursday]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/13/planetside-2-hosting-a-webcast-on-thursday/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/13/planetside-2-hosting-a-webcast-on-thursday/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/13/planetside-2-hosting-a-webcast-on-thursday/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

When did powered armor and guns in backwoods Colorado become an entire genre unto itself?
PlanetSide 2 is certainly in the minds of several longtime fans of the original, but thus far we know very little about how the game will actually play. Luckily, Sony Online Entertainment is going to start breaking the metaphorical radio silence, and things are kicking off on the right note via a webcast on Thursday. It's the first time that a live webcast is being held for the game, and it should help get players in on the ground floor for information about the multiplayer shooter.

Hosted by Linda Carlson (better known as Brasse), this inaugural webcast will introduce the team behind PlanetSide 2. Eager players and fans should set some time aside on their calendars for 7 p.m. EDT (4 p.m. PDT), as that's the designated start time. No word on what might be revealed aside from the minds of the development team, but if you're looking forward to the game, it's probably not a bad idea to check it out anyway.

MassivelyPlanetSide 2 hosting a webcast on Thursday originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brassecommunity-interactionlinda-carlsonplanestside-2planetsidepreviewssoesony-online-entertainmentupcoming-titleswebcastTue, 13 Sep 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE's Fan Faire 2012 moving to the Fall]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/soes-fan-faire-2012-moving-to-the-fall/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/soes-fan-faire-2012-moving-to-the-fall/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/soes-fan-faire-2012-moving-to-the-fall/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Fan Faire participants
It's never too early to start planning for next year's convention season, and Sony Online Entertainment has announced that its annual Fan Faire get-together is vacating its traditional summer slot starting in 2012. SOE's Las Vegas shindig will move to the Fall, and the company is currently offering up a public vote to determine the exact dates.

Participants can select between the weekends of September 13th through September 16th, September 27th through September 30th, or October 18th through October 21st.

In a post on SOE's official boards, Linda "Brasse" Carlson explains that the bump is mostly due to the availability of the venue, which in turn keeps costs down and enables SOE to continue hosting the fan-friendly event.

MassivelySOE's Fan Faire 2012 moving to the Fall originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brassecontestconventionseventsfan-eventsfan-fairefan-faire-las-vegasfandomlinda-carlsonpollpollingreal-world-eventssoesoe-fan-faireSony-Online-EntertainmentWed, 10 Aug 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Guild Counsel: A chat with Linda "The Brasse" Carlson]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/the-guild-counsel-a-chat-with-linda-the-brasse-carlson/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/the-guild-counsel-a-chat-with-linda-the-brasse-carlson/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/the-guild-counsel-a-chat-with-linda-the-brasse-carlson/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

By night, she's the impeccably-dressed, bearded dwarf that MCs Fan Faires and never turns down a good pint of ale. But by day, she's the Community Relations Director for SOE, and she dons several different caps as part of her job with the company.

At Fan Faire, she took the time to speak with Massively about a variety of topics, including forum wars, social media, the future of SOE's Facebook games, and even a revamp of the popular Guide program in EQ and EQII.

Read below the cut for highlights from the interview.

Continue reading The Guild Counsel: A chat with Linda "The Brasse" Carlson

MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: A chat with Linda "The Brasse" Carlson originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Jul 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>community-managerdungeon-overlordEverquestEverQuest-2everquest-iifacebookfan-fairefan-faire-2011fortune-leagueguide-programguidesguild-counsellinda-carlsonsocial-mediasoesoe-fan-faire-11soe-fan-faire-2011the-agency-covert-opsthe-brassetwitterThu, 14 Jul 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE Fan Faire 2011: Community address highlights]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/08/soe-fan-faire-2011-community-address-highlights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/08/soe-fan-faire-2011-community-address-highlights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/08/soe-fan-faire-2011-community-address-highlights/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

As the lights dimmed and a certain familiar bearded dwarf took the stage, SOE's Fan Faire officially got underway. After a hearty welcome from SOE Community Manager Linda "The Brasse" Carlson, fans were treated to some highlights of what to expect from the panels and events of the coming weekend through a keynote address by SOE President John Smedley.

But before all the fancy trailers and big announcements, Smedley made a personal apology to fans for the security breach this past spring. In addition, he unveiled a new tool to protect player accounts -- the Vasco Data Security key fob. He said it's an extra layer of security that will protect against hacking, and it will go live in all SOE games as of tomorrow. All Fan Faire participants get a free key fob, and there will be iPhone and Android versions on the way as well.

Read on for a look at all of the highlights from the community address!

Continue reading SOE Fan Faire 2011: Community address highlights

MassivelySOE Fan Faire 2011: Community address highlights originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brasseclone-wars-adventureseverquesteverquest-2fan-faire-11fan-faire-2011free-realmsjohn-smedleylinda-carlsonplanetside-2soesony-online-entertainmentFri, 08 Jul 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Online Entertainment issues an official response to Star Wars Galaxies petitions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/sony-online-entertainment-issues-an-official-response-to-star-wa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/sony-online-entertainment-issues-an-official-response-to-star-wa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/sony-online-entertainment-issues-an-official-response-to-star-wa/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The news that Star Wars Galaxies will soon be shutting down has been met with quite a bit of sadness from the players, for understandable reason: The game has just recently hit its eight-year anniversary and remains a large and unique game in many respects. Players had banded together to start a petition to save the game, one large enough to merit an official response from Sony Online Entertainment. But we're sorry to say that this isn't something to get excited about; the official response is, essentially, that the decision is made.

Posted by Linda "Brasse" Carlson, the short response thanks players for their dedication and commitment to the game but notes that the agreement between SOE and LucasArts has been made after a great deal of discussion, and it's not going to be reversed. The letter closes by urging Star Wars Galaxies players to enjoy the game's twilight months by playing the game while it's still around, which is good advice but certainly sad news for those who had held out hopes for an 11th-hour reprieve.

MassivelySony Online Entertainment issues an official response to Star Wars Galaxies petitions originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Jun 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brassefan-petitiongalaxieslinda-carlsonLucasArtspetitionsoeSony-Online-Entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-galaxiesswgWed, 29 Jun 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE working on a "make good plan" for its customers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/soe-working-on-make-good-plan-for-its-customers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/soe-working-on-make-good-plan-for-its-customers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/soe-working-on-make-good-plan-for-its-customers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In the wake of the uproar following Sony's announcement regarding customer data theft, the company has continued working to repair the damage and communicate with its customers.

The latest information includes an FAQ on the incident as well as another announcement from Linda "Brasse" Carlson:
We apologize for any inconvenience players may have experienced as a result of the recent service interruption. As a global leader in online gaming, SOE is committed to delivering stable and entertaining games for players of all ages.

To thank players for their patience, we will be hosting special events this weekend across our game portfolio, including a Double Station Cash day on Saturday, April 30th. We are also working on a "make good" plan for players of the PS3 versions of DC Universe Online and Free Realms. Details will be available soon on the individual game websites and forums.
In addition to the general FAQ and announcement, senior director of corporate communications and social media Patrick Seybold updated the Playstation blog to clarify the reasons behind the delay in communicating information on this incident to customers. Keep an eye on Massively for more details on the make good plan as they become available.

MassivelySOE working on a "make good plan" for its customers originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brassedc-universe-onlinedcuofree-realmslinda-carlsonpatrick-seyboldplaystation-networkplaystation-network-outageplaystation-network-shutdownps3psnsoesonySony-Online-EntertainmentWed, 27 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE acknowledges "external intrusion" responsible for website downtime]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/23/soe-acknowledges-external-intrusion-responsible-for-website-do/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/23/soe-acknowledges-external-intrusion-responsible-for-website-do/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/23/soe-acknowledges-external-intrusion-responsible-for-website-do/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Sony Online Entertainment has acknowledged an issue that has caused its MMORPGs and game-related websites to be sporadically unavailable since Thursday, April 21st. SOE's Linda "Brasse" Carlson posted on the EverQuest II forums late last night, attributing the trouble to "an external intrusion."

Users have experienced connection issues in everything from Vanguard, to EQII, to Free Realms, and EQII's main website remains inaccessible as of press time. Station Cash and account services appear to be working normally.

"As a result of an external intrusion on its system, SOE interrupted its services on April 21. Promptly upon learning of the intrusion, SOE initiated an investigation and took corrective steps to bring its games and other services back up," Carlson explained. "We are working hard on bringing all of our player sites back online, but have no ETA at this time. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for bearing with us."

MassivelySOE acknowledges "external intrusion" responsible for website downtime originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 23 Apr 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>account-servicesbrassedowntimeeq2eqiiEverQuest-2everquest-iiexternal-intrusionf2pfree-realmsfree-to-playhackinglinda-carlsonsoeSony-Online-Entertainmentstation-cashvanguardSat, 23 Apr 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest becomes ever after: A talk with Linda Carlson of SOE]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/everquest-becomes-ever-after-a-talk-with-linda-carlson-of-soe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/everquest-becomes-ever-after-a-talk-with-linda-carlson-of-soe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/everquest-becomes-ever-after-a-talk-with-linda-carlson-of-soe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

When it comes to getting involved with community, Sony Online Entertainment's Director of Global Community Relations Linda Carlson knows it well. Most often seen tromping around conventions dressed as her beer-craving Dwarven alter-ego Brasse, Carlson was a fixture at SOE's Fan Faire events and author of her own gaming comic long before she ever started working for the studio. As we had the chance to find out recently, this was due at least in part to EverQuest changing her life many, many years prior.

While these days meeting up with someone you've met online is considered fairly commonplace, when you look back to the earliest days of MMO gaming, it generally was not something many people did. Even if you did meet someone from "on the computer," they tended to be folks from one or another BBS -- local connections that were easily made and just as easily dismissed. The idea of not only meeting someone online in a romantic fashion but leaving the country you live in to see him/her was considered completely insane. "What if you don't get along? Or what if he/she is a murderer?" your friends might ask, since this was all really new territory and nobody quite knew what would happen. Still, some early MMO gamers like Carlson gathered up their courage and took that gamble.

In honor of Valentine's Day, we interviewed Carlson about how her EverQuest connection became an "ever after" -- join us after the break!

Continue reading EverQuest becomes ever after: A talk with Linda Carlson of SOE

MassivelyEverQuest becomes ever after: A talk with Linda Carlson of SOE originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acasherons-callbrassecommunity-managementdirector-of-global-community-relationseqeq2eq2xeqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-2-extendedeverquest-iieverquest-ii-extendedf2pfeaturedfrfree-realmsfree-to-playguild-meetingsinterviewirllinda-carlsonmarriageonline-relationshiponline-relationshipsplanetsidepsreal-liferelationshipsoesony-online-entertainmentstar-wars-galaxiesswgvalentines-dayMon, 14 Feb 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX East 2010: Community manager panel]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/pax-east-2010-community-manager-panel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/pax-east-2010-community-manager-panel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/pax-east-2010-community-manager-panel/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Community managers are the very definition of a paradox. They're some of the most public faces of the game, yet their role is often least understood. They serve many masters -- developers, players, marketing, press -- and are beholden to all of them at once. They're often on the blunt end of unrestrained love and unfathomable anger. No matter what they are, one thing is for sure: their job rocks.

At least, according to a CM panel at PAX East entitled "Community Managers: More than Forum Monkeys." In it, five CMs from various studios shared just what goes on with their job, what limits they deal with, and what are the highs and lows of working in the public limelight 24/7. Meghan Rodberg (Turbine), Aaron Trites (Harmonix), Morgan Romine (Frag Dolls), Jess Folsom (Bioware Austin) and Linda Carlson (Sony Online Entertainment) spent a candid hour with an audience pulling back some of the mystique and misconceptions of their positions as supposed monkey tamers.

Hit the jump to read about the inner workings of these fabulous five community managers.

Continue reading PAX East 2010: Community manager panel

MassivelyPAX East 2010: Community manager panel originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaron-tritesbiowarebioware-austincmscommunity-managerfacebookfeaturedfrag-dollsharmonixjess-folsomlinda-carlsonmeghan-rodbergmorgan-rominepax-eastpax-east-2010shadowbanesoesony-online-entertainmentturbinetwitterMon, 29 Mar 2010 17:00:00 EST