08/14/2012 12:14 PMPosted by Quirk

can't you just say 12 hours now instead of 5-7, so as not to mislead people?

The last one was not typical, usually they take 5-7 from the point that they start. Things change, issues arise, and I do my best to give you the most recent information I have.

You guys need to learn how to do maintenance with servers up. Having them down for eight hours a week is quite irritating.

It's mostly because it's only technically maintenance. We're pushing a new build so that beta testers like you have the most recent stable build to test in, also so we can see the build in closer-to-live conditions.

As we get closer to the release of 5.0.4 (August 28th! http://us.battle.net/wow/en/forum/topic/6308782635 ) these are going to be happening with increased frequency. I understand that can be irritating but ultimately it's all to make sure the patch release and the following expansion are as awesome as possible.

This may be a slightly slower push, shouldn't be overnight like the last one. Still, I wouldn't recommend planning on anything earlier than 8pm PST.

08/14/2012 03:20 PMPosted by Quirk

The remark that our last downtime was not typical was also a bit of a farce, as... yes, beta maintenance has been generally consistent and concise... maintenance across the whole of WoW has most generally been longer than expected. Not... a gross number of hours longer... but the general estimate is always based on a smooth day at the office. There is generally (likely) always a hiccup to slow the process down.

I don't disagree, gladly admit that my first estimate is usually perfect world. 7 hours, give or take 30 minutes, tends to be the overall average.

Things are looking a little more positive than my last update. I'd say about 2-3 hours from now. I would still put it around 8pm PST but I'm less worried that it will go later than that.

Realms should be up in the next few minutes if not already.

6 Hours 40 Minutes for those of you keeping score :)