channeling

channeling is said to be one of the best energymanagement skills, but i dont seem to see why (or i have no idea how to use it properly).
in pve, i can see reasons for it's effectiveness (many monsters around you), but in pvp i cant understand it:
you need to be near enemies (warriors), thus endangering yourself.
you wont be near more than 2 enemies most of the time, meaning it is only effective when using 5 energy spells.
you need inspire hex or other skills in addition, so you have *good* energy management.

i'm sure i'm missing stuff, so please let me know why this skill is worth taking...

When I want energy managemnt, I just use Necro secondary, and grab Offering of Blood; having tried Mesmer energy management, I feel like its been severely handicapped, and is not that useful.

Seeing as IWAY is the onlyWAY at the moment, channeling has become ultra-ubre. Because if those dastardly W/R decide to focus on you, channeling steals energy from every creature surrounding you, mindless war's and pets alike.

[I'm only considering 8v8 here, I doubt I would take it to ta/ca]

I don't find it useful in PvE either as I as a caster do not want to be in the midst of all the critters, generally speaking. If the range-circle were larger it would be of more use.

I gave up on channeling.

Do u know it actual range. Maybe a 6 foot radius. Go try it out in a weak pve area. You will be appalled at how limited the range of this skill actual is.

This skill might work in gvg, but u have to be in the middle of fight, not in the back line where am with my monk.

In pvp this skill is horrible. It absolutely does not work.

Maybe in pve surronded by a bunch of weak creatures.

Switch to OOB. much better energy management.

It's more useful in Tombs than anywhere else, in my experience. Granted, I still prefer Offering of Blood, but Channeling at least frees up my elite slot, and can be quite potent once you learn the fine art of positioning.

Channeling can be good free energy if you're not carrying another energy gain skill. Another skill that works well at times is Spirit of Failure. It can earn you energy while simultaneously hindering your opponent.

Kakumei is spot on about the positioning.

What good is OoB if you can't Spellbreaker the ghostly hero during an alter cap? And niether is OoB the thing you want to be doing when surrounded by 3 Wolves and 3 evicerating robots.