I say yes they should mainly because other forums end up having to take up their game's tech problems.

Since the question was 'Should they' the answer is yes, preferably tied in to UO accounts so you are made responsible for what you say there, and they can see who actually might know what they are talking about rather than the 'drive-by idiots' and one-topic ranters that fill too many other forums.

Sadly, the real problem is a slightly different one - is there any enthusiasm, resource or capability at EA/Mythic to do it right?

I went with Yes. But the bloody bean counters will want the ROI and COI to balance. I'm sure they have the hardware & bandwidth, but don't have the manpower.

So now they hire "tele-workers" who end up being "outsourced" and have no clue.

I STRONGLY believe, they need to "SUPPORT" via funds a single organization, then, it's "official". Then it would be up to that site to maintain it's own staff. Okay, it's sort of how "Stratics" was supposed to be, but their mentality and staffers got out of control. Stratic's lost its focus, it went mainstream, so did the forums. That being said, any such single organization would sign disclaimer that it would ONLY support UO.

Blah!

well it appears I am in the minority here as I voted "No". I don't think EA should open their own boards as they wont have the same amount of passion as one that was created and supported by the players. Look at all the usefull and fantastic information players have done on this board. The players took it into their own hands for a good user guide with the Wilki. I don't think EA could ever hire a company or man a department that cares more about the game then its player base.

Well I vote no... they should make this the main one and pay adam and others for the work... then reward others here for the help we do.

I wouldn't/don't want these to be the official boards, heh
Can you imagine having to deal with the ...annoying people from UHall?
No thanks

Haha I still think you do that and do a great job adam heh

Thinking About It But It Would Probley Be Outdated In 6 Months Can You Say Stratics

I totally agree with the above statement.

I voted "other" simply because I can't see EA doing it properly though. I'd rather have no official forum than a shoddy one. But if they were serious about it, then yes I would like to see an official forum.

Mind you I would still spend most of my time here.

I think that EA should have there own UO forums. But the way it is now I really don't think they would run it very well. It is very hard to get any help in the game from them. So I think they would do a poor job running the forum.