Buying gold for virtual worlds

This opinion piece discusses paying real-life currency for in-game gold. From the article:

Other critics claim that buying from companies like IGE supports "gold farming" sweatshop operations run primarily in China. IGE executives have denied such connections. Along those lines, popular game blog Joystiq (www.joystiq.com) reported recently that South Korean fans of the popular online role-playing game Lineage have engaged in a border war of sorts with Chinese players who they suspect are working for gold farmers. Roving vigilante groups of Korean players have been attacking characters who cannot respond to their online questions in the Korean language.

Really? Wow. (That's a feat of... well... cross-faction communication. Aside from that logistical problem? YIKES!)

I have to admit I've been tempted to buy gold before. Whooee, some of that 600-gold gear looks spicy! But no virtual possession is really worth my money... especially if it supports a sweatshop, or a gang.

Here's one of the sweet/fascinating things about the online world. Everyone starts out equal. There are no disadvantages to be born with, no class, no real social structure. As soon as players can pay real money for virtual wealth, all that inherant equality is taken away. Instantly, your rich players sit at the top in PVP ranks, and look cooler than the rest of us.

I understand not having the time nor desire to farm up gold. I'm totally there. I'm also a bit of a hardcore roleplayer. If your character wouldn't be down with spending the time... then she's not going to be rich!

There is definately a work aspect to gameplay in WoW. You do have to grind away at the levels and at your professions. That is crappy. It takes time which equals money. And for those of us who don't have the time, but have the money, it seems like a viable solution.

I'd totally go for it, if the money went to a player who was having fun. But sweatshops and farmers really do get on my nerves. That's not just. Especially for something as trivial as online goods! Outside of that ONE program, you realize, those possessions won't do me any good!

Human decency and respect FTW.