Ok, technically this is not a real response, but is derived from reading a quite well-written “rant” by Graylo over at Gray Matter.

In his post Graylo quotes something everyone has heard in some form or fashion, and goes on to describe how he has taken steps to improve his own survivability even though the original thought is “BS.” What is that original thought I keep referencing? Quite simply, it’s the same mantra that I’ve heard some players use in an effort to place blame on someone else:

If the tank dies, it’s the healer’s fault. If the healer dies, it’s the tank’s fault. If the DPS dies, it’s their own damn fault.

I alluded to my feelings on that particular quote already, but let’s break it down further:

• The tank’s “job” is to control the situation.
• The healer’s “job” is to keep everyone alive.
• The DPS’ “job” is to get the group through the encounter.

That is the simplest breakdown, but we all know things are not always as simple as we would like them to be. Obviously everyone has to be responsible for their own contributions to an encounter, which includes doing what they can to aid in supporting the fulfillment of each “job.” Typically the DPS gets blamed for a lot simply because there are more DPSers than the other roles, therefore making them an easier target for blame. (Not to mention the proliferation of “bad” DPSers, just like “bad” healers and tanks, the former simply being more visible).

Over the course of my time in WoW I have fulfilled all roles, and while that does not mean I’m an expert on each it does mean I have dealt with that statement above across all three. Too often I hear that statement come from someone, when saying it with an “air of authority,” who simply is not good at what they are doing.

In defense of that statement, though, it was originally made clear to me during a time when DPSers were known for failing to be aware of their surroundings, and has grown to be used in an effort to remind everyone that there are ways they should help the other classes fulfill their respective “jobs” in any group setting.

This brings me to three simple things that everyone should remember:

• A group cannot succeed when someone cannot perform their “job.”
• A group cannot succeed when undue burdens are placed upon any portion of the group (i.e. DPS always pulling aggro, standing in damaging things, or placing undue stress on the healer because of a refusal to use abilities to help the healer, just like tanks who cannot control a situation or healers who refuse to heal anything other than the tank).
• A group cannot succeed without paying attention and responding to the situation.

Remember, while the tank has to be the healer’s first priority, it is up to every member of a group to help as they can. DPS may not always be at fault, but a lot of the issues tanks and healers face do stem from overanxious or inattentive DPSers. Please, though, don’t use the statement above as a cop-out because you cannot fulfill the responsibilities of your role (and on the flip side, don’t forget that sometimes you simply cannot keep everyone alive).