UselessLuke

I can't stop playing Tinker right now. So many people underestimate him early game. Early harass and suddenly laser/missing combo and first blood. The prime one I've had this happen with is Ursa, they think they're invincible and get owned. It's awesome fun once you get boots of travel too, dancing all over the map, pushing and nuking. I'm getting used to the active items too using him. Sheepstick + rearm is just too good. Getting close to the point of being able to perm disable 1 on 1. Still getting used to it though

To be honest, I don't find the abuse anywhere as near as bad as I was expecting. I had heard stories of how bad people were in Dota but it's not different from any other intense online game. I played nearly 30 days of MW2 on 360, so well used to dealing with idiots. Most of what you get on Dota is called a noob. Usually the same guy moaning about his noob team mates, over and over again for the entire match while not actually contributing anything himself. Sometimes I'll reply and say "Yes, I am a noob. Helping me out would benefit you more than whining though", other times I'll just ignore it.

I actually find myself getting way more angry against bots in Dota. The team mate bot AI is horrific. At least online, if someone makes a mistake or leaves me stranded, I can say something and it generally doesn't happen next time. I use bot matches solely to try out new characters to make sure I'm not going in blind online.

@mbr2: All I said was that I personally didn't find him that interesting. I am gushing over every other single thing about TI3. It's not like I came and moaned about him and left. The entire event was superb

Also, I think the in game commentators (can't remember their names) were absolutely brilliant. Incredibly knowledgeable, giving great up to the second insight, huge enthusiasm and get you even more excited about the game. On par with any traditional sports commentators I've heard

It truly was a fascinating event. I only started playing a month or so ago, so only have a basic level of the intricacies of the player skills, but it was so enjoyable to watch and really made me want to play more and more and improve. I love all of the mind games, the strategy. Captains mode is awesome. I even got really excited watching the picks. Even though I found James "2GD" Harding's voice pretty annoying and dull, the presentation on the whole was great

I voted "I don't have a mic" though that's not entirely true. I play on my laptop though and I can't be bothered to set up my Astros every time I want to play Dota. When I'm going to be on for an extended period (doesn't happen too often) then I'd be more tempted. Need to have a permanent base with them setup really. I'd definitely have them on if I could. I'd probably leave it open mic, always chatting. Would rather not have another key to be pressing! Already got enough in Dota

And match 3 of Na'Vi vs Orange

This. I can't imagine playing without it now. So worth the money. I will definitely buy Glados and give it a go though. Switch between them depending on my mood :)

Thanks for the answers people. I shall be catching up on yesterdays activities :) Turns out the videos are all youtube, so you can just sub http://www.youtube.com/user/dota2

Does anyone know if the games will be available to download within the client at a later date? I have watched a good amount but still lots I want to catch up on, namely the all star match! Only managed to catch half of it

Having a tutor sounds great to me. Trying to watch loads of videos, watch TI3, read up etc but can't beat playing in game with someone who can help you out