World of Warcraft Official Strategy Guide Excerpt #5

RPG Vault is offering up a fifth excerpt from BradyGames' official World of Warcraft strategy guide, this time detailing crafting and professions in the MMORPG. Here's a bit to start you off:
All items necessary to excel in your chosen line of work can be purchased from others in the game if necessary. It's very possible to be an Engineer and a Blacksmith if you have the gold to buy the ore and stone that you need. Guilds and friends are often key (exploited) in providing materials for such pursuits. Teamwork can be a huge advantage. One person producing ore to barter for armor and weapons is the foundation of a budding economy.

Of course, there's no rule saying that you must "make" something. Some players focus on gathering resources in exchange for gold and nothing more. There's plenty of room for herbalists, miners, skinners and fishers who wish to sell their wares and be done. The truth is, those with an abundance of gold are often willing to pay a premium in lieu of gathering the materials for themselves. Gathering raw resources is free, so anything you make is a profit. There will inevitably be continued debate on get rich quick schemes, but there's no doubting that gathering resources, in exchange for hard currency, is a viable option.