Wouldn't it be nice if we could link items to chat so the stats could viewed by other players if they clicked on the linked item?
You know that info that pops up when you mouse over an item? Thats the info that would be revealed when you clicked the linked item in your chat window. The actual bona fide item stats would be revealed.
Whether it's for setting up trades or showing off phat lewts, this could be the solution we need for easing up some of the current pain we face.
This link ability would be disabled in general/local chat, of course...only in Trade and/or guild/party/alliance, etc.
Some Key benefits:
-Encourages Trade channels use, why use any other channel if you can't use the link ability? People that are in the market to BUY and SELL will be more likely to migrate to the Trade Channel to conduct business.
-Reduces spam because the linked item name is only in the chat window and the rest of the information can be delved by clicking on the link for those interested.
-A clear way of seeing an item's stats without relying on the typed out shorthand descriptions.
-No more searching for the person to open trade in order to view an item.
-The link could be colored the same as item quality color, so gold, green and purple, blue are seen at a glance.
-Easy to use: shift+clicking the item you wish to link when cursor is in chat mode would insert link to chat window.
-No more risky dropping of items on the ground or hassling with single target trade just to show stuff.
This isn't an original idea, of course -I played WoW for 2 years, lol /cry and it is also implemented in Anarchy Online. This function would fit into Guild Wars world very well.
Additionally, it may be easier/quicker to implement than an Auction/Trade/Barter House and would complement any future Trade enhancements.
Example:
WTS [Radioactive Sword of Hurtful Doom] 500k OBO PST
Overall, I feel that Guild Wars presents some social interaction problems for it players. Inter-player Trade and looking for groups are the two of the big areas that need improvement.
Anything that can improve the level of communication between players in the game world is generally a good thing and equally good for the game. None of this is unknown territory, other games have tackled the issues and I am sure it's only a matter of time before Anet addresses the issues in their own way.
