While perusing my usual circuit of MMO oriented sites, I came across a thread called, “Paying For Tanks — A New Fad?” Here, players discuss their excitement or disgust of how tanks within World of Warcraft are beginning to charge players for their services. There are two arguments within this thread:

• Paying a tank allows for a group to be formed quickly and usually go smoothly, saving everyone time. It is fine to pay a tank.
• Paying a tank is a slippery slope, because soon all classes in need for a certain role or encounter will begin charging rather than just playing the game like everyone else. People should not pay for a tank.

Not surprisingly, this same issue in one form or another has appeared in almost every MMO I have played where some entrepreneurial players try and take advantage of a class imbalance.

Some love it, some hate it.

Do you think paying a tank (or any in-demand class) is OK? Have you ever charged for your services as a player? Is charging people to use you a new market within MMOs or are people just being selfish jerks?

Let’s hear your thoughts!