Porting Etiquette

[Knots]

So I just got told by a druid today that I am on his "Do not port" list. He couldn't remember why he put me on his list, but as a new player I really don't want to be "that guy". I can only imagine that I broke some kind of porting etiquette that I have no idea about. Are there any general rules on how to deal with druids who are doing ports for you?

[mostbitter]

tip

[Knots]

I'm a new player so I don't have much money, but as far as I can remember I tip 10-15p unless I'm on a CR and literally have 0p until I get my corpse. Should I not bother asking for ports unless I can tip 50p or more?

[Hobie819]

I've put annoying people in EC on ignore before, thus placing them on my do not port list.

Outside of that the only other way to get on my list is if I do a port and don't get at least a thank you from it. I can understand not having money - that's cool and I give free ports to folks all the time, sometimes spending hours to help folks. But if you can't even say thank you to me - that leaves a sour taste in my mouth. I don't expect one if I randomly SoW someone, but porting - you're in the group with me - you cant even pretend you don't know I am porting you.

Outside of that I am pretty easy going. It's rare someone gets placed on my do not port list.

As far as payment goes, in my opinion donations are just that, donations. I have never put a price on a port. Whatever you want to pay me, that's what you pay me. If that's nothing then that's fine - just say thank you!

[bubur]

no there are no rules

some druids are just pricks

tip 10p is fine. if you're on CR, specifically tell them that

[citizen1080]

Tip what you can, thats why its a tip and not a charge. A very few druids are just pricks..it happens...also remember that some of those woodelf druids are actual girls IRL. So there are monthly factors that may have come into play.

[Auvdar]

I've put annoying people in EC on ignore before, thus placing them on my do not port list.

Outside of that the only other way to get on my list is if I do a port and don't get at least a thank you from it. I can understand not having money - that's cool and I give free ports to folks all the time, sometimes spending hours to help folks. But if you can't even say thank you to me - that leaves a sour taste in my mouth. I don't expect one if I randomly SoW someone, but porting - you're in the group with me - you cant even pretend you don't know I am porting you.

Outside of that I am pretty easy going. It's rare someone gets placed on my do not port list.

As far as payment goes, in my opinion donations are just that, donations. I have never put a price on a port. Whatever you want to pay me, that's what you pay me. If that's nothing then that's fine - just say thank you!


This.

Usually when people offer a tip I just decline anyway since when I am porting people it's because I have free time and I don't mind taxing random people around. Even when people offer up 100+ I usually don't take it. My druid is my main, and I do other things with him when I do play. And I have far better ways of making money than porting. However if I see someone trolling chat, acting like a complete tard, or with the "Knights who say Ni" guild tag, I simply don't port them.

Not saying you are any of those things, sometimes people just get people mixed up or they had a bad night. Porting druids are like grains of sand on a beach, it's not hard to find another if one won't port you.

As to ettiquette, just remember some druids bank on this as a source of revenue. Most of the time, if you really can't tip, a simply thank you is fine. But always remember it's common place to tip for a port. 5-10p if you are a true newbie, 20-40 if you are a twink is what I tend to see for tips.

[Shocore]

It's a very inexact science. You stand around and say, "Porting to (list), donations appreciated but not mandatory." So you port someone and they stiff you. Hypothetically, you say, "where's the tip?"

Them: You said it wasn't mandatory.
You: True, but I don't sit around here waiting for you to come along so I can serve you. I do it to get some extra cash.
Them: Then why didn't you say that cash was necessary?
You: Because some people in a tight spot need a port and can't pay.
Them: Then why didn't you say, "Porting to (list), donations mandatory unless you can prove that you aren't able to pay"?
You: Because it takes too much effort to scrutinize someone to that degree. And I won't refuse anyone on the chance that I'm wrong, maybe they just made a big purchase and are strapped for cash. Any number of reasons.
Them: Then why didn't you say, "Porting to (list), donations not necessary but not doing so will be frowned upon if you do not present yourself in such a way that implies you are unable to pay and would gladly offer a tip were it viable given your current situation"?
You: Because... fuck you. I hate this game. I hate my life. I hate everything.

"By and large, language is a tool for concealing the truth" - George Carlin

[Grahm]

This.

Usually when people offer a tip I just decline anyway since when I am porting people it's because I have free time and I don't mind taxing random people around. Even when people offer up 100+ I usually don't take it. My druid is my main, and I do other things with him when I do play. And I have far better ways of making money than porting. However if I see someone trolling chat, acting like a complete tard, or with the "Knights who say Ni" guild tag, I simply don't port them.

Not saying you are any of those things, sometimes people just get people mixed up or they had a bad night. Porting druids are like grains of sand on a beach, it's not hard to find another if one won't port you.

As to ettiquette, just remember some druids bank on this as a source of revenue. Most of the time, if you really can't tip, a simply thank you is fine. But always remember it's common place to tip for a port. 5-10p if you are a true newbie, 20-40 if you are a twink is what I tend to see for tips.

Do not listen to this confirmed Two-boxer.

But, new player, joined in 2010??

[Kagatob]

Donations mean donations, if they don't set an amount that can be as little as a thanks.

There are asshat players out there in all shapes and sizes, druids are no exception. Don't let it get to you. :)

[Knots]

But, new player, joined in 2010??

As you can see, I have only a few posts all within the last couple of weeks. I made an account in 2010 and got a Bard to level 12. I had a couple of instruments and a few worthless pieces of armor. Quit and just came back recently with a friend to play for real. We started fresh and don't really have much yet.

Thanks to everyone else for the advice. I won't take it too personally since I don't know exactly what I did. I'll just try to be nice to my druids in the future!

[citizen1080]

As you can see, I have only a few posts all within the last couple of weeks. I made an account in 2010 and got a Bard to level 12. I had a couple of instruments and a few worthless pieces of armor. Quit and just came back recently with a friend to play for real. We started fresh and don't really have much yet.

Look up Bob in the tunnel if you can catch me online (No easy feat these days) And ill get you some starter items/cash to help you guys out. Welcome to the server =)

[DOPE]

I was that druid. As I told you, I have a running list of people that for whatever reason I won't port. I spend at least a couple hours a day porting (at least) and don't specifically remember why I wrote your name down, but it wouldn't have been from a small tip. People that are clearly new (low level, not geared) who tip small, I have no problem with (and generally won't even accept money from). What gets me are the epic'd 60s who ask for a pickup and tip 15 plat. The people who charge upwards of 5k per level of PLing and tip 20p. The people who say "Paying 100pp for a port" then flat out stiff me by going afk once we arrive. The people that refuse to give donation beforehand then give 150g and their silver & copper. Monks who ask for a port then say "sorry don't carry any cash on me.. monk weight lol~" then hand me a peridot or something. It gets irritating. I always port free for CRs, spend a lot of time buffing newbies in EC, etc.. Treat me good and I'll treat you better, but if you take advantage of my willingness to help out- don't expect me to go out of my way to do you any favors, because I won't.

[Kagatob]

^
A reactionary post from someone who wasn't even directly named in the thread. huh.

[Auvdar]

Do not listen to this confirmed Two-boxer.

But, new player, joined in 2010??

Confirmed by you and you alone... I don't even have a IP exemption to two-box. GM's can confirm that one.

Your random troll hate for me is amazing. I should almost feel proud... :rolleyes:

[DOPE]

^
A reactionary post from someone who wasn't even directly named in the thread. huh.

Wasn't fully directed at OP, but more a general response to "porting etiquette".

[t0lkien]

Yesterday I accidentally tipped all my Plat for a bind (I thought I had typed in the correct amount but obviously it didn't take). I couldn't hit the "Change" button or whatever it is fast enough, and the Chanter kept it all without a word. That won't happen again, I can tell you. Then I've had Druids who refuse any money when offered because I'm still pretty low, and I've had people pay for my port for a CR from EC.

This tipping business is a very inexact science.

[Swish]

A well known (but not too well known) way to pay for a port is to carry a stack of peridots around with you, no weight involved - just throw the porter 5-10 of those and he's happy :)

[Kagatob]

A well known (but not too well known) way to pay for a port is to carry a stack of peridots around with you, no weight involved - just throw the porter 5-10 of those and he's happy :)

Monk money! :D
I remember on my server on live there was practically a secondary economy because monks would value anything under a 10K ballpark in peridots.

[boudicca]

If one can't pay at least 10pp, there's no shame in taking the boats or running. You get to know the zones better. Ports are a luxury, IMHO.

[JurisDictum]

If you can't pay 10-20p at least for a port, then you shouldn't be asking for one. The exception is CRs, or some other dire circumstance. Furthermore, if you are 50+...20p is still being a cheap ass imo. I'd say at least 50 at this point. As for a 60 with epic/raid gear, 100-200 is pretty common.
I'm not a druid myself, but my friend (who I leveled with) is. And when your saving up 10k + for upgrades, you really don't want to waste the time porting someone from a self-interest standpoint, unless you get compensated for the time.

[quido]

Why don't you just tell the porter how much you intend to pay them before they agree the port you? Full disclosure and all - makes it pretty easy.

[Toodles]

All you did was click a button and then another button. Thirty seconds of your precious life wasted.

I've said it before, will always say it. I never tip. If you want more money, go loot something and sell it, or get a second job.


Porting is a great way to get your name out on a server as a helpful, efficient and available player. If you are memorable, then I will keep you in mind for groups - something Wizards and Druids aren't often considered for.
When it comes down to it, that 58 Druid whom was tired of solo grinding his 50s, is more than happy to join a group for what is good and easy experience.

Which do you want from me, the group invite, or 50p?

[Kagatob]

All you did was click a button and then another button. Thirty seconds of your precious life wasted.

I've said it before, will always say it. I never tip. If you want more money, go loot something and sell it, or get a second job.

30 seconds to port zone and meditate? WTF server do you play on?

[Clark]

It was probably Petros. That guy is a tool.

[Asap]

Screw druid ports, all about dem wizard ports

[xCry0x]

Monks who ask for a port then say "sorry don't carry any cash on me.. monk weight lol~" then hand me a peridot or something.


I had that happen when i was ~lvl 30 with a rez.

"Omg I died in lake of ill omen and I am bound in Qeynos plz plz plz come rez me ill donate 300pp"

Me being a broke ass new player in the middle of camping to go to sleep but needing money says sure.

Run 15 mins

Wait another 10 mins for guys friend to drag his corpse to where it was supposed to be.

Rez guy

"Oh lol, i don't have any money on me but I will put you on my IOU list!"

F' off.

[ripwind]

Got a port from BB yesterday to WC and forgot to ask for a camo right away (I'm an Iksar Shaman, only been here a few weeks). I donated ahead, but only had 5pp at the time. Literally as I typed "Thanks!" I died at the rings, and a few seconds later the druid disbanded.

Thankfully I was bound in GFay, ran back to BB, and someone was kind enough to camo and port me so I could get my corpse.

[Arislyn]

Once I didn't tip this druid because I was on a CR. About a week later I asked a random druid for a port (later I realized it was the same druid), he starts to cast and the next thing I know I have treants and Druids attacking at a druid ring where I did not ask to be ported to. I die and then the druid says to me "next time learn to tip" then leaves the group. To add insult to I injury I see him back at the tunnel (my bind point) advertising ports.

[diplo]

I'm a new player so I don't have much money, but as far as I can remember I tip 10-15p unless I'm on a CR and literally have 0p until I get my corpse. Should I not bother asking for ports unless I can tip 50p or more?

that druid sure sounds like a d-bag if you're a new player decked out in cloth.

[Lyra]

It's really lucky there are boats for those of you having druid problems. When I didn't have plat to donate, I took the boats.

Not sure why it's assumed you should be ported around the game....

[Droog007]

A bunch of effin' nonsense

This guy ... omg.

[Lyra]

This guy ... omg.

Know his in game name?

[Vellaen]

I've added a few folks in EC to ignore (really bad spamming or someone who spends more than an hour /shouting for handouts), but the only folks I've put on my written do-not-port list were a group that advertised "WTB port to X for Ypp" and then didn't bother to pay or even thank me on arrival. A pair of 60s with their epics and their twink friend who obviously felt their time was more valuable than mine.

A newbie who can't tip much, or even anything, doesn't bother me at all, and anyone who says they're on a CR rides free. I don't think it makes me a saint, but it is a practical attitude.

As for a reasonable amount to tip, what it comes down to is what your time is worth to you. Regardless of how "easy" it is for the druid to click a couple spell gems, how valuable is the time you save not having to run from A to B? Being added to someone's personal "nice guy" list is all well and good, but unless you plan to explain to the other four members of your group why you're inviting the druid instead of that enchanter who just advertised LFG, I think I'll take the donation. Nevermind the fact that a good number of druids are alts used as a source of income, and not interested in accumulating brownie points for potential pity invite in Seb.

[George_Smith]

IMO, you should tip some amount that is not a burden to you. I've done a lot of porting, both on druid and on wizard, and I would say that the avg tip is around 20pp, despite what some porters would have you believe. If you have no money to tip, or think your tip might be too low, just say so when you send the porter a /tell. I've probably done more free ports than paid, it's only a problem if you offered money and then didn't pay.

I have no list of people I wont port, except those toons that are on my /ignore list, since I cannot receive their tells. However, I will port them if they are part of a group and another member is still able to send me a /tell.

I have plenty of experience being ported. I used to tip 30pp and recently upped it to 50pp (this amount is not a burden to me), I occasionally tip more if the porter has gone out of their way. If a porter asks me how much I'm going to tip and wants more I'll find another porter and consider putting that porter on my /ignore list (haven't actually done this yet, but if someone tries to get more than 50pp I probably will).

I've also taken plenty of boats.

Which do you want from me, the group invite, or 50p?
I'll take the 50pp.

AzzudnXX

[Cecily]

I get most of my ports out of OT. It's pretty much the center of nowhere and any porters there are busy exping. So like Jeremy said, I offer 100p up front for a port in ooc and see who bites. It gets me a port in a few mins most of the time.

Just remember that people who aren't actively advertising are probably busy doing something. Try to tip enough to give them incentive to want to port you and to show that you appreciate their time.

[xCry0x]

I get tipped (or offered) anywhere from 50-200pp usually to rez people who are multiple zones away , sometimes requiring a port to get where they need me then another port to get back to where I was before.

That rez requires level 50 and an epic or level 56 and all my mana.

Why on earth would a level 34 druid spell that they can cast then cast gate be worth more than that?

I willingly donate 30-50pp on every port, when i was lower level it was usually 10pp because i was broke. People saying that someone in epics should donate 100PP plus for a port are delusional. In live the standard was 10pp. If you want to make more money go level up to 40s and kill giants or bind in kc and evac to ej.

[lecompte]

Why don't you just tell the porter how much you intend to pay them before they agree the port you? Full disclosure and all - makes it pretty easy.

Agreed. I pay upfront if they are in zone advertising ports, and if I send a tell, I send a $ figure in the tell. If they don't like what I put in the window, they can hit cancel and not port me; never had it happen though.

[Sadre Spinegnawer]

Tip what you can, thats why its a tip and not a charge. A very few druids are just pricks..it happens...also remember that some of those woodelf druids are actual girls IRL. So there are monthly factors that may have come into play.

i lulled