WRUP: We band of bloggers

Sometimes, words fail. And so as we wrap up this WRUP, and ask your intrepid WoW Insider staff what they're playing this weekend, we turn to the bard for some paraphrased inspiration:

And with that, let's just get straight into it.

Adam Holisky (@adamholisky) I'm turning to the depths of postmodern philosophy this weekend in an attempt to reconnect with what made me want to be a writer in the first place: to further the understanding of the world around us. Writing about WoW, humanity's largest and most populated virtual world, has been an exercise in the hyperreal, and I'm struck with how unreal things are at the moment for me. The outpouring of support from this community has been the most humbling experience of my life so far; to know that we've helped so many appreciate this virtual reality and bring joy to their lives. To hear real offers of support from people I've never met in person, potentially never will, yet still have real impact in my, in our staff's, lives, is amazing.

While I'll continue to write for the site, I'll be making it a point to support our departed staff in whatever way I can. This site, its staff, its community, has been my extended family for the last seven years. When family moves out, they're still family no matter where they go.

In WoW I will be playing a game of elves and knights, embracing the hyperreal, and killing internet dragons to get some purple pixels. So it goes.

Adam Koebel (@bendakwow) This week I'll be playing a combination of Elder Scrolls Online and Diablo 3, along with some SoO raiding late at night. Yep, it's going to be a busy gaming weekend. What little I've seen of Diablo's loot 2.0 has been great so far. I'm really liking the game again after a very long hiatus. As for ESO, I want to try out some more builds so I can decide what I'm going to play at launch.

It's been a pleasure writing for WoW Insider over the last 5-6 months. It was a bit surreal getting the chance to write for a site I've been reading almost daily since 2006 (and will continue to read). I'm going to miss writing the weekly hunter column, but I'll still be talking about hunters on my personal blog because I can't give it up at this point. I'm having too much fun. To my fellow writers, you guys have been awesome and I look forward to keeping in touch. To the readers who supported me and read my columns, thank you.

Anne Stickney (@Shadesogrey) This weekend will be spent on house projects, I think - I have a new shelf my dad built me that needs staining, and spending some time in the garage making things pretty sounds like a soothing and nice idea. I can't really express enough how much of a joy it's been working with every single columnist here at WoW Insider, or how much I've learned from all of them. (Hint: A LOT!) It's going to be really weird not having everyone in the newsroom for weird conversations and idle chit-chat, but people better keep in touch. This is what Twitter is for!

Allison Robert (@AllisonRobert) With any luck, I'm going to be getting a new challenge mode group off the ground and, outside of the game, looking into starting a personal blog. It's been a long time since I've kept one, and I'm feeling the itch these days.

I was a fan of WI long before I was ever a writer, and I have stayed a fan, with that same sense of delight while popping the site open and seeing new articles. Every word that you folks wrote was read, appreciated, and enjoyed, and the only cause you've given me for regret was wondering how I'd ever condense it for the yearly wrap-ups. It has been an honor and a privilege to work with everyone here.

Chase Hasbrouck (@alarondruid, @alaronmonk) Even though I haven't written recently due to family troubles, I'll miss the fantastic discussions and comments. WoW Insider readers are some of the best readers, and I invite any ferals who haven't found it yet to check out my druid forums (http://fluiddruid.net/forum). I'm not very active anymore, but there's plenty of heroic raiders there who can help out.

As for me, I'm playing through my Humble Bundle backlog. Lots of good stuff in there.

Daniel Whitcomb (@danielwhitcomb) I'm gonna be playing Diablo. I'm loving Loot 2.0 And Paragon 2.0, so I'll be playing my Witch Doctor to get those sweet Paragon Points for my Crusader once RoS drops.

Otherwise, well. It's going to feel really damn weird not to sit down on Sunday and start typing out Lichborne. I've been with this site for over 6 years, and in that time, I created and named Lichborne, and published the vast majority of the columns for it, aside from a few guest columns when I was sick or on vacation. Before that and between, I've written for just about everything on this site, from beta content to fun little fluff about houses in Ashenvale, to BlizzCon coverage. I even took a few stints on other class columns, including Scattered Shots. My body of work here will always be something I'm proud of.

But even more than that, I am proud of my co-workers, the writers and editors of this site. WoW Insider's been the best job I've ever had. I've learned so much here about writing as a craft. Alex, Dan, and Liz have all been great bosses. Lisa's editing and expertise have made me step up my writing game in a big way, and she gave me the best nickname ever. It's always been amazing to go to BlizzCon and sit in the war room with everyone writing articles and walking the con floor drinking in the pure camraderie (and mooch free drinks off Matticus at the WoW Insider party). Late night Campfire conversations, be they lore debates or discussions of Turian sexuality, have been a highlight I will sorely miss. Rossi, Anne, Olivia... There's so many people who's writing I love, and I'll continue to be a fan of, whatever happens. I'm still going to cheer from the sidelines. And if I can scrape the money together to get to BlizzCon on my own, I'll be there. It's been an honor and a privilege, everyone.

I don't plan to stop writing either. I may have a day job, but writing's still my calling. If I don't find a new gig, I'll start a new blog myself for sure. Follow my twitter, and I'll let you know what shakes out.

Dawn Moore (@dawnwow) On Sunday I'm somehow going to be raiding, watching LCS, and watching the Academy Awards all at once. Rooting for Cloud 9 in the TSM vs. C9 game and Chiwetel Ejiofor for Best Actor (would love to see DiCaprio win but probably not with this role). Also I suppose I should root for my guild, since we've been on the same heroic boss for a month.

Before I started writing for WoW Insider I loved the site and all its content. I read it everyday, sometimes spamming refresh on the hour in anticipation of something new. It wasn't until I started writing here, however, that I realized how special this site is. The people here are some of the most brilliant, thoughtful, talented, funny, and charming people I've ever known. They're also incredibly supportive and have been there for me over the years as life dealt its hand... The WoW Insider staff have been the source of many happy tears for me. I've seen people come and go in my years here but it's heartbreaking to see us lose so many for reasons beyond their choosing. I know WoW Insider will go on as great as it ever was, but this week has been sombering. To everyone, staying or going, it's been an honor.

Elizabeth Harper (@Faience) Mostly weeping. All the weeping. Maybe I'll play some WoW, too. That helps, right?!

Elizabeth Wachowski (@leeatwaterlives) I'll be leveling my hunter through Outland and bitterly complaining about it. I might also do some more work on ACIV so I don't keep getting destroyed by other ships.

I'll dearly miss all the people who are leaving, and I hope that you, the readers, stick with us through this time of changes. You can still find me at Around Azeroth, Monday through Friday, and hopefully in a few more news articles as well.

Fox Van Allen (@foxvanallen) Deciding to apply to and work for WoW Insider was one of the coolest, smartest and best things I've ever done in my life. It's set up such amazing success for me and the people I worked closely with - many of whom I'm now able to call real-life, real-world friends.

This weekend I'll be replaying the original Legend of Zelda on my NES.

Joe Perez (@lodurzj) holding my head up high and attempting to keep gearing up my newly minted 90 paladin and my hunter. Also going to be playing a lot of Beat Buddy. That game is seriously addicting and the soundtrack is cool as hell. Beat Swing is definitely something that I enjoy.

I would like to thank every single one of my co-contributors, editors, bosses, and most of all the readers. Over the last four years of working for this site, I've learned a lot. I've made a lot of friends, and even someone who started out reading my pieces and hated me has become one of the best friends I've had pretty much ever. I appreciate every comment you've ever given me, ever opinion you've agreed with or disagreed with. For every discussion we've had, and most of all for playing wow with me! Stick around for those that are still going to be posting on this site, you would do yourself a disservice not to. If you're interested in more of my stuff in the future, I may convince Matticus to let me hope back on WoM (where it all started for me!) as well as my own outlets. Check out my twitter feed for regular updates and sites, as my sites are under construction and i have a few things in the works. :) Thank every single one of you for four wonderful years. Please don't be strangers.

Kristin Marshall (@kristin) As far as WoW, I may be running a few Challenge Modes this weekend! But I'm really hoping to work on personal projects, too. It'll be nice to unwind after such a crazy week, that's for sure! What I'm not sure about is if I can express how I feel about my fellow writers without getting teary-eyed. Because that keeps happening. But, I'll say this: It has been an honor to write alongside everyone here. Although I won't be around WI much, feel free to keep in touch with me on Twitter. I have some things in the works.

Lisa Poisso (@lisapoisso) Elder Scrolls Online is top of my list right now now that WoW is downshifting for me. Honestly, I may just lie around basking in the afterglow of my last 15 Minutes of Fame with Jake Stormoen (and a cameo from Kristian Nairn) - I think it's a great representation of the bonds that develop in a game like World of Warcraft, and it speaks volumes about why I spent so long here with you, readers. Keep your feet on the ground!

Matt "Matticus" Low (@matticus) Oh man, the last WRUP for a while. In honor of Oscar week, I'd like to thank the academy. I'd like to thank Blizzard, for making an awesome game that spawned a whole news blog. The editors here for dealing with my mistakes and actually making me sound ten times better than what I actually wrote down. Liz for being the crazy one to give me the initial chance and bringing me on board. Anne and Matt Rossi for their late night lore debates that made my head spin and go "Really?". Honorable mention to Sacco's hair. And finally, the rest of the crew here who I've had the pleasure to meet at the BlizzCons over the year (and trust will see again in the future). Oh, and can't forget the readers! With you reading, we wouldnt've had the pleasure of writing these in the first place! Even though my blogging has scaled back immensely, you can find me in my own little world.

Matthew Rossi (@MatthewWRossi) I'm working on the last warrior column. Seven years. Never missed a week. Never had a fill-in writer. Never got replaced. Only column on the site that started with one person and ended with the same person. I'm proud of it, and I'll miss it.

I'll probably play some Diablo III this weekend. Check out the new systems. I have a powerful need to smash some things.

Matt Walsh (@Rhidach) Nothing exciting happening this weekend in terms of gaming. I'm going to be buying a new desk though, so I'll be reorganizing my little gaming corner. I guess any time I spend online will be on WoW.

I think I've about made my peace with the change at WI. Thursday's goodbye fest really helped for closure. I'm going to miss writing the column regardless. For my readers, please don't be a stranger: hit me up on Twitter (@Rhidach) or at my personal tankadin blog, Righteous Defense (http://rhida.ch).

Megan O'Neill (@slowpoker) Probably trying some heroic Thok 25 with my guild, if I'm not slaughtering the demonic undead in D3 with the new patch.

It was an honor being the last Defense With the Dark Arts columnist here. I learned a lot from reading & working with everyone above & below. If you want to continue to read my thoughts on warlocks, I'll be over at my old blog ( http://felconcentration.wordpress.com/ ). I'll definitely be around on Twitter, and I'll probably lurk in the comments section here at WI. /salute

Michael Gray (@writegray) I'm finishing up some touches on the first book of Throgg and Lole: Worlds Police, which might be an independent extension of a certain column.

Robin Torres (@cosmiclaurel) I'll be playing some Star Wars: The Old Republic this weekend.

I am happy to have had the privilege of writing for WoW Insider so many years. I will dearly miss the people -- both my fellow writers and the readers. Leading It came from the Blog was a blast and I loved working with my partner in drama, Lisa. If you'd like to keep up with what I'm doing, my personal blog is http://cosmicgeek.com/. Thank you so much for reading.

Scott Helfand (@sveltekumquat) I've made my farewells, both in Alex's announcement post earlier this week and over on my blog (http://redhattedrogue.wordpress.com why no that's not a plug at all why do you ask), so I'll just use this bit of space to note that every person above and below me in this article is worth reading and supporting, wherever they may end up next. It's been such a thrill and an honor, guys.

This weekend, I'm actually headed away for a weeklong work trip. Thank goodness, too, because there sure as heck isn't anything happening in WoW that'll be worth talking about, hahahaha, ha, ha! Ha?

Sarah Pine (@ilaniel) Still rubbing that speck of dust out of my eye. It's just dust, I swear. This weekend I'll be playing WoW and Secret of Mana, attending a 75th birthday party for the sweetest lady in my dance class, and trying to stave off some serious blues. No, not the Blizzard kind, the R&B kind.

I've been here at WoW Insider just over a year and I've had a complete blast. I've become a better writer, gotten to know some folks I've long admired from afar, learned a lot, and had a really great time. I don't want to say "I'll miss you all" because I refuse to believe that you're going to be completely gone. Tweet at me, send me links to your stuff, and as Joe said above, please don't be strangers. <3

Stacey Landry (@_vidyala) This week I talked about mage fashion and I've said heartwrenching goodbyes to an amazing team of colleagues and a fantastic community of people. From now on I'll only be in the comments at WoW Insider and also writing at my mage blog, Manalicious, (http://manalicious.wordpress.com) but I won't forget my short time here. Thank you for the opportunity, I've loved writing here.

As for what I'm playing, I'll probably bury myself in WoW and keep chasing achievements I've been doing. I FINALLY, finally got exalted with the Anglers and also discovered that I could conjure a raft of ice for myself with Bipsi's Bobbing Berg. That's been pretty much the highlight of this week. I've been trying to gather some more mounts - I'm only ten away from the 200 achievement! Plus, really, I could use a new transmog...

The weekend is the perfect time to kick back, relax and enjoy some game time. Are you an achievement junkie? Can't get enough raiding? Rolling a new alt? Considering taking the leap into roleplaying? Whatever your favorite way to play World of Warcraft, let us know in the comments what you're playing this weekend!