Interview (I mean Expose!)

An interesting character I have met on this new server is named Azrean. Many know him due to his high-profile auction presence. Initially, I did some recon and tried to track his habits... when he logged on, where he went while online. It was meant to understand him and possibly plan a strategy to counter his AH control. He was an enemy, and I believed I could combat him.

After some observation, I realized his operation was not something I could lightly compete with. His coverage was vast, his prices were low (but reachable). And his activity was consistent. He rarely farmed his own materials. He either had contracts with farmers or alts to manage his supplies. He was quick on restocking and refreshing undercuts.

If I was smart, I would have switched Trades as this niche was spoken for. Since I'm not very smart, I decided to speak with him, with admiration, and learn if there was room for two.


BS: Hi Azrean, would you mind if I ran an Expose of you for my blog?
AZ: Expose is fine.. Interviews feel more like an Investigation :)

BS: Any encouraging words for my readers?
AZ: Ahh not at the moment.. Just got off work though so my brain is fried. Where do you post your blog?
BS: No problemo! (Site link) I don't mind if my business does worse because my competition knows my strategy. It's all very experimental.
AZ: hehe

BS: Do you think there needs to be inscription bags larger than 32 slots?
AZ: Oh yes, some 50 slot bags would be nice.
BS: Also, what is your opinion of buy orders on the AH? As there are sell orders now, people could place buy orders, and items being taken off the ah instantly rather than being scannable by auctioneer mods?
AZ: I think that would be too in depth for blizzard to actually implement in the game.

BS: Do you believe that inscription as a tradeskill is overpowered?
AZ: I don't think so.. To make decent money as an inscriptionist it takes a bit of work.. Other professions to turn an easy profit, is pretty easy. Especially with the few new recipies they have added to the other profession's in the game. Such as the epic gems Alchemists make.
BS: Do you think transmute alchemists CD profit is going to be perennial?
AZ: No. I think 20 hour CD is kinda crazy.

BS: Historically, the market always has a downward trend in prices. This relationship with gold existing on the server translated to deflated prices over time. Do you think anything might change that?
AZ: It seems that every time there is a 'Recession', Blizzard comes out with a new Profession or new recipes for the current professions to 'inflate' prices.
BS: Well of course, they have a responsibility to their investors to keep wow accessible to the mases. So the level 14 can afford whatever he wants.
AZ: Recipes require items that deteriorated in prices, now those items are required again, which boosts demand.
BS: Thank you for your time, I know time is money.
AZ: not a problem bud.

So with that, the question still remains if I will be able to make a profit with such an experienced trader here. Here goes nothing.