Switching to a channel should automatically enable it. (For example, you can think to the guild channel and not hear responses if you die and forget to enable the other channels.)
New and returning players don't realize this, resulting in the exchange below.
Of course, it would be best if all channels defaulted to being on: http://forums.play.net/forums/DragonRealms/Surviving%20in%20DragonRealms%20-%20Elanthia/Gwethdesuans/view/1670
[09:11] [Paladin][Praxiuz] "Does anyone have any suggestions on good tools or weapons for skinning?"
[09:12] [Paladin][Samsaren] "I suggest a belt worn knife from Knife Clan. Lets you skin without holding a knife, big time saver"
[09:12] [Paladin][Isharon] "For skinning, pick up one of the worn skinning knives from Knife Clan."
[09:14] [General][Praxiuz] "Does anyone have any suggestions on good tools or weapons for skinning?"
[09:14] [General][Nuvalli] "a wearable skinning knife"
[09:14] [General][Praxiuz] "Do you know where I can buy one?"
[09:15] [General][Cazzerkon] "knive clan"
[09:15] [General][Praxiuz] "Thank you both very much."
[09:15] [Paladin][Isharon] "Praxiuz, are you not hearing us on the Paladin channel?"
[09:17] [Paladin][Samsaren] "Guess not"
[09:19] [General][Vykanthiss] "Praxiuz, do you have maps and know where Knife Clan is? "
[09:19] [General][Praxiuz] "I'm not sure where Knife Clan is. Is it out the west gate?"
> esp listen guild
With a moment of focus you close your mind to the Guild channel.
> ESP send guild
You prepare to project your thoughts into the Guild channel.
[09:20] [Paladin][Isharon] "Good evening, Samsaren."
[09:20] [General][Vykanthiss] "Yes it is. Good luck."
[09:20] [Paladin][Samsaren] "Hey there. Long time"
[09:20] [General][Praxiuz] "Thanks, I'll probably need it."
[09:21] [General][Isharon] "Praxiuz I think your mind might be closed to thoughts from other Paladins despite thinking to us earlier. Were you able to hear Samsaren and I?"
[09:21] [Personal][Praxiuz] "<to you>" "No I was not"
[09:22] [Personal][Praxiuz] "<to you>" "One moment, I'm just in combat, I'll try to fix it"
[09:22] [General][Isharon] "Your mind is also closed to personal thoughts, Praxiuz."
[09:23] [Personal][Praxiuz] "<to you>" "My apologies"
[09:23] You "<to Praxiuz>" "OOC: Type ESP LISTEN GUILD to turn it on. Any time you die and reactivate your gweths, you will have to enable the other channels."
[09:23] [Personal][Praxiuz] "<to you>" "It should work now, I died earlier today in the invasion and things havent been the same since"
Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall rank!
Paladin new player guide: https://elanthipedia.play.net/mediawiki/index.php/Paladin_new_player_guide
armor and shields: https://elanthipedia.play.net/mediawiki/index.php/Armor_and_shield_player_guide
