A research paper was done by U of C San Diego student Ge Jin, it was titled Chinese Gold Farmers in the Game World. What this study found was quite interesting and exposed to some degree the amount of exploitation in the exploding virtual commodities market. Ge went to the Si Chuan Province, Fu Jian Province, and the Dong Bei area to do his hands on research. He found hundreds of gold farms. The farms were found all over the places he visited. Ge found small ones and large ones.

The gold farming industry is large and growing, he found its genesis in about 2001. Due to this worldwide demand the farms have grown exponentially. It is an interconnected web, geographical boundaries are no long an obstacle, this kind of environment has fed the virtual gold farming industry.

The average gold farm provided meals and dorms, the workers live there, work 12 hour shifts and have quick breaks. Typical farms have about two farmers for every one PC, this allows them to farm for 24 hours straight. The farmers are usually paid from between 40 U.S.D. to 200 U.S.D. monthly. Ge also found farmers that are willing to work for free as long as food and shelter are provided. That was quite a disturbing find.

China is the world's primary source of cheap labor, knowing this it was not surprising how poorly the farmers are treated. Though I am hopeful that in the long run this will change and farmers are paid a wage equal to their labor, it is unlikely until China opens up its market.

I hope this article enlightens you a little and give you pause next time you consider buying some pixels to enhance your gaming experience. As always, it is just best to take the high road and get yourself a guide or walkthrough that will help you get what you want honestly. There are a ton of resources online as well that will greatly enhance your WoW gaming experience, including well reputed gold guides, go that route instead. Happy gaming!