D & D Wizards Website Survey

[El Mahdi]

Originally Posted by Halivar

Well, the follow-up questions would have been silly to ask, given they were all about your usage of DDI.

I don't know about that. Some of them, I think, could have been answered by anyone. Such as the aforementioned question about trusting WoTC to deliver quality digital products in a timely manner. I think anyone could have an useful answer to that question for them, unless they only care about the opinions of those who do use DDI, which would seem foolishly limiting to me.

However, I was amused by that question also. "Do you trust WoTC to deliver quality digital products in a timely manner?" What answer could there possibly be to this question, when said "quality digital products" were advertised to be available upon the release of 4E, over 9 months ago. Isn't that kind of like turning in a critical, highly self-touted assignment, to your boss, 9 months late, and then asking your boss if he trusts you to turn in assignments in a timely manner?

Since it already has not been delivered in a timely manner, I selected the most accurate answer (IMO): 1. Not Likely.

[Lanefan]

Originally Posted by Woas

Perhaps it is not within the scope of this particular online survey but I'd like to play D&D and cast my 'vote'. Just because I am not playing it now doesn't mean I haven't in the past or will never again...
Whether or not I have plans to subscribe to the DDI or am currently playing D&D at the moment doesn't mean I'm dog meat. I subscribe to other online programs very similar to the DDI and might have something nice to suggest.
Just thought it was kind of a quick 'thanks, but no thanks.' answer for past and future D&D players.

Self-limiting survey - To hear this is beyond annoying; that WotC is once again self-limiting their surveys and excluding what might otherwise be perfectly valid answers, based on arbitrary criteria. They did the same thing in the run-up to 3e, by excluding all surveys submitted by anyone over a certain age (35 at the time, I think). They're not excluding players of older editions, though; I answered that I only play/DM 1e and it gave me all the rest of the questions...at least, all that have been mentioned here.

Edition dates - yep, I caught that too...at least the 1e = 1974 one. Missed the 4e = 2007 one. But, from reading another thread here today, it would seem their historical knowledge is...well...a bit lacking...

Print vs. PDF - The question about why you wouldn't subscribe to DDI gives a great opportunity to ask for Dungeon and Dragon magazines in print form; I'd rather buy only the ones containing something of interest to me. (the rest of DDI is nigh useless to me unless they start supporting 1e)

Lanefan

[Mustrum_Ridcully]

Originally Posted by Lanefan

Self-limiting survey - To hear this is beyond annoying; that WotC is once again self-limiting their surveys and excluding what might otherwise be perfectly valid answers, based on arbitrary criteria. They did the same thing in the run-up to 3e, by excluding all surveys submitted by anyone over a certain age (35 at the time, I think). They're not excluding players of older editions, though; I answered that I only play/DM 1e and it gave me all the rest of the questions...at least, all that have been mentioned here.

I think there is a point to value answers of people that don't play D&D or do not use DDI differently then of those that play or use DDI. Still, not asking any question seems suboptimal...

But I think they will get answers that should prove useful anyway. Just because I subscribed to DDI and am a f4nboi doesn't mean I wouldn't express my likes and dis-likes. Of course, maybe that will only allow them to make a customer they already have happier.

Edition dates - yep, I caught that too...at least the 1e = 1974 one. Missed the 4e = 2007 one. But, from reading another thread here today, it would seem their historical knowledge is...well...a bit lacking...

So did they order an outside agency to create the poll or how can the times be so off?

Since it already has not been delivered in a timely manner, I selected the most accurate answer (IMO): 1. Not Likely.

I suspect that they will see this very often, because that's what I picked, too.

Maybe that's unfair - Dragon & Dungeon are on time these days. But not the applications, and I think that will be a sore sticking point. I think the only way to re-establish trust is to put out a release date for the next app (or even just beta versions, updates and so on) and keep to it.

[Kzach]

I have a few questions that I feel they should add to the survey:

1) Is the WotC website a complete mess?

2) Would you like the WotC website to be redesigned by anyone else but a retarded monkey?

[Grydan]

Originally Posted by Philotomy Jurament

Was I the only one who found the version list a bit off?

First Edition (1974)
Second Edition (1989)
Third Edition (2000)
Fourth Edition (2007)

I guess WotC is categorizing everything prior to 2e AD&D as "First Edition."

I've got the survey open right now, and the version list they're offering me is as follows:

First Edition (first released in 1974)
Second Edition (first released in 1990)
Third Edition (first released in 2000, includes v.3.5)
Fourth Edition (first released in 2008)
Other, please specify [text field provided]

When I filled out the survey Friday afternoon, those were the options (I was just double checking now because the list in this thread didn't match my memory). So the 4E date is right.

Edit: My favourite part of the survey is the question "Do you subscribe to D&D Insider?" with the options being Yes, No, and Don't Know. How many people aren't sure whether they subscribe?

[Mustrum_Ridcully]

Originally Posted by Kzach

I have a few questions that I feel they should add to the survey:

1) Is the WotC website a complete mess?

2) Would you like the WotC website to be redesigned by anyone else but a retarded monkey?

The problem is not a retarded monkey, but "Design by Committee". I remember a few months or a year ago where someone posted in his blog how bad the design was and (after some critique at his style), he created a mock-up of how the website could work. In that time, some WotC Webmaster or something like that came around and explained that the design was a result of several elements of WotC coming together and balancing their department requirements.

In short, it's a compromise that probably doesn't satisfy anyone, but no one at WotC has the pull to change it. A shame. (And even more so that WotC is certainly not the only corporation with these problems...)

At least I can usually find my way to the articles I want to read these days, but it could be a manifold better. And they definitely should make a survey regarding their web site layout, too.

[TessarrianDM]

Took the survey, and now wish I could change one answer: under "How to improve DDI" I should have put "Include full support for all 3.5 products." That would get me to subscribe in a heartbeat.

[delericho]

I'm not going to speculate as to why they want that information. As far as I can see, market research is a good thing - at least they want to know what we want, which gives them a better chance of actually giving it.

What disappointed me about the survey was the missed opportunity: unfortunately, there is basically no chance of me subscribing for a very long time, if ever (my group having decided not to switch to 4e... though there is a chance that might change).

Which meant, of course, I had to tick "not applicable/don't know" for all of the "do you agree with this statement" questions. (Except for the one about value for money. As far as I can see, DDI is at the moment phenomenal value.)

Also, I was somewhat amused by the "trust" questions. Though I suspect the guys at WotC may be less amused by the answers they get.

(I think I would also have liked some "why did you not switch" questions. I'm sure at least some of the holdouts could still be convinced to switch, either with the release of new materials (to add back the 'missing' elements), through suitable articles on the website (to address the 'tone' issues), or perhaps in the form of a 4.5e (should they ever do such a thing). At the very least, asking the question would have given them some indication of what might be required... and also whether it is frankly worth their while trying.)

[Maggan]

Originally Posted by delericho

Also, I was somewhat amused by the "trust" questions. Though I suspect the guys at WotC may be less amused by the answers they get.

I'm sure they won't be amused. I'm also sure they won't be surprised. The way that question was phrased, I got the impression this survey is partly to use internally, to prove to some group or the other that there is a real problem out there, and that something should be done.

I've done a few of surveys for large corporation that were later used as ammunition in inter-department warfare.

/M

[Irda Ranger]

Originally Posted by Kzach

I have a few questions that I feel they should add to the survey:

1) Is the WotC website a complete mess?

2) Would you like the WotC website to be redesigned by anyone else but a retarded monkey?

Ha! Those questions aren't related to DDI, but it would sure be nice if someone within WotC could actually show various Hasbro decision-makers that M.C. Esher drawings are more easily navigated than their website. I understand the "committee" problem, but the current kludge has to be hurting everyone.

But there was another (actually DDI related) question I thought they missed. They asked me if I was a DDI subscriber (I am not) and they didn't immediately (or at any later time) follow up with "Why not?"

Just in case anyone at WotC is reading this: Because I don't rent software. Subscribing to a magazine makes sense; subscribing to the character generator does not. I don't want every last feat, power and skill that WotC dreams up between now and 2021. I just want to make characters using the rules I own. I'd happily buy that (and buy expansions for PHB2), but I am not going to subscribe when I have no idea whether or not I even want any of those expansions yet.

As for the magazines, "Not until I have a color e-book reader that's actually pleasant to read long articles on." Or an at-home color laser printer.

[Korgoth]

I might be interested if they had some OD&D content.

Imagine if DDI was not just "All 4th Edition All the Time", but supported every edition of D&D. That would be rather neat.

[Man in the Funny Hat]

Originally Posted by TessarrianDM

Took the survey, and now wish I could change one answer: under "How to improve DDI" I should have put "Include full support for all 3.5 products." That would get me to subscribe in a heartbeat.

All my answers were oriented around a desire for support of past editions. Not just 3rd either.

I really can't get a solid handle on just what the split is for people playing older editions. Polls on ENworld, WotC's site or anywhere else just don't provide accurate data. I suspect, however, given that WOTC is asking what edition you're playing in the survey that they want better numbers on this as well. I suspect, just suspect, that they realize that 4E has put a significant split in the customer base with far more people than they like to think about going back to 3E or older versions, or even jumping ship to different games entirely and thus NOT being able to sell as much 4E product as they want to.

Recent economic times also factors in I'm sure.

Also, don't forget that a comprehensive online-game package was what they thought they were creating c. 2000 after the release of 3E. What resulted was Etools after they dropped their pie-in-the-sky hopes. WotC doesn't have a good track record with software. Not at all.

[garyh]

Originally Posted by Irda Ranger

But there was another (actually DDI related) question I thought they missed. They asked me if I was a DDI subscriber (I am not) and they didn't immediately (or at any later time) follow up with "Why not?"

Just in case anyone at WotC is reading this: Because I don't rent software. Subscribing to a magazine makes sense; subscribing to the character generator does not. I don't want every last feat, power and skill that WotC dreams up between now and 2021. I just want to make characters using the rules I own. I'd happily buy that (and buy expansions for PHB2), but I am not going to subscribe when I have no idea whether or not I even want any of those expansions yet.

But here's the thing - you can subscribe for a month, get the Character Builder as it exists now, then if you don't buy any books until PHB3, subscribe for the month PHB3 comes out, and you now have the PHB3 data (and ALL data from EVERYTHING to that point). Given that the monthly rate, even if you only subscribe for a month, isn't that much, this seems way better for us as consumers to me than them selling the base unit, then individual data sets for each book. I can't see the "base program plus expansion pack" model costing any less than the "sub occasionally when a book comes out you want to have in the program" model.

And in case you aren't aware, the Character Builder is not a web app that you lose access to when your sub expires. It's a downloadable program that then exists forever on your PC. You only need an active sub to update with the new books, and if you want to just sign up one month a year and get the data that way, that works.

Oh, and there are options you can check that remove rules you aren't using from the selectable options, so if you don't want to use the data from Martial Power because you don't own the book, you can chose to remove those as options (although the rules in the Character Builder are complete, so you could totally use powers from MP that you only have access to via the Character Builder and not be missing anything. Which is also cool).

[darjr]

Originally Posted by garyh

...you can subscribe for a month, get the Character Builder as it exists now...

and continue to use it.

This is a feature that I very much like, even if I'm not taking advantage of it. The bit that is interesting, in my mind, is that it is a feature added largely by accident, I think.

I really hope they do not 'fix' it. I imagine I'll have players that can't afford or are not willing to buy an ongoing subscription, but will buy a month to get a 'frozen feature set' character builder. In fact, I highly suspect I have one or two of them already.

[Kzach]

Originally Posted by Mustrum_Ridcully

The problem is not a retarded monkey, but "Design by Committee".

Yah, I remember the thread. In fact... I think I may have even started it.

The retarded monkey I'm referring to is the committee

[Dire Bare]

Originally Posted by Grydan

My favourite part of the survey is the question "Do you subscribe to D&D Insider?" with the options being Yes, No, and Don't Know. How many people aren't sure whether they subscribe?

Well, if you paid money to subscribe, you probably know about it. But if you didn't, you might not understand the difference from simply having a (free) WotC website account and a paid D&D Insider account.

[Aeolius]

I added my bit for cross-platform support, 3.5e/OGL support, and support for z-axis movement in the VTT. I am not holding my breath.

[Mark]

Is this the survey that others were given?

Spoiler:

Tell us what you think! Your answers will help us improve Dungeons & Dragons products.


1 Below are several statements that you might use to describe your experience with the Dungeons & Dragons table-top role-playing game.Please indicate which one statement best describes you.

I currently play the Dungeons & Dragons game

I used to play the Dungeons & Dragons game, but I do not play it any more

I have never played the Dungeons & Dragons game, but I am interested in playing it

I have never played the Dungeons & Dragons game, and I have no interest in playing it



2 When you play the Dungeons & Dragons game, do you...? (Please choose all that apply.)

Play by yourself on a computer

Play by yourself on a console game system (PlayStation 3, X-Box 360, Wii, etc.)

Use a laptop computer during table-top game sessions

Play on a computer with others who are also on computers (through LAN or Internet connections)

Use miniature figures within role playing sessions to keep track of characters' and monsters' physical positions

Use pen/pencil and paper to play (keeping track of your characters, campaigns, etc.)

Play face to face with other people who are physically in the same room with you

Use books to play

Use miniature figures to play in competitive, head-to-head battles

Use a computer to keep track of your characters, campaigns, etc.

Play with others on a console game system (PlayStation 3, X-Box 360, Wii, etc.)

Use dice to play

None of these


3 About how often do you currently play the Dungeons & Dragons table-top role-playing game?

More than once a week

Once a week

Every other week

Once a month

Less often than once a month


4 When you play Dungeons & Dragons, how often do you act as the Dungeon Master?

Never

Sometimes

Often

Always


5 Which edition or editions of the Dungeons & Dragons game have you played within the last 3 months? (Please choose all that apply.)

First Edition (first released in 1974)

Second Edition (first released in 1990)

Third Edition (first released in 2000, includes v.3.5)

Fourth Edition (first released in 2008)

Other, please specify


6 Which of the following 4th Edition Dungeons & Dragons products do you personally own? We're looking for products you own yourself here, rather than ones you might borrow sometimes or share among your friends during a game session.

4th Edition Player's Handbook

4th Edition Dungeon Master's Guide

4th Edition Monster Manual

D&D Premium Dice

Deluxe Player's Handbook

Deluxe Dungeon Master's Guide

Deluxe Monster Manual

None of these


7 About how many of each of the following 4th Edition D&D products do you personally own?

Adventures (like Keep on the Shadowfell or Thunderspire Labyrinth)

Accessories (like Dungeon Tiles, Character Record Sheets or Dungeon Master's Screen)

Rules Supplements (like Adventurer's Vault or Martial Power)

Setting books (like Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide)


8 About how much time per day would you say you spend online?

Less than 30 minutes

30 minutes or more, but less than 1 hour

1 hour or more, but less than 3 hours

3 hours or more

Not sure


9 Have you heard of Dungeons & Dragons Insider?

Yes

No

Don't know


10 How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements?

5 - Agree completely 4 3 2 1 - Disagree completely Not applicable/Don't know

It is easy to get help with technical issues related to D&D Insider

D&D Insider makes it easier for me to prepare for an adventure as a DM

It is easy to manage my subscription to D&D Insider

D&D Insider provides tools that help me feel more confident as a player

D&D Insider is a great value

D&D Insider helps me create the best characters I can

It is easy to get help with billing issues related to D&D Insider

D&D Insider provides tools that help me feel more confident as a DM


11 Do you currently subscribe to D&D Insider?

Yes

No

Don't know


12 How interested are you in subscribing to D&D Insider?

Very interested

Interested

Not really interested

Not interested at all

Don't know


13 What are the top reasons you haven't subscribed to D&D Insider? (Please provide up to 3 top reasons why you haven't subscribed.)

1.
Characters remaining for your response: 250
2.
Characters remaining for your response: 250
3.
Characters remaining for your response: 250



14 What features or tools could D&D Insider provide that would make you want to subscribe? (Please list up to 3 features or tools. If you can't think of any, type "none" in the first box below.)

1.
Characters remaining for your response: 250
2.
Characters remaining for your response: 250
3.
Characters remaining for your response: 250


15 Please look at the list below of features or tools that could be added to D&D Insider. For each one, would adding this tool or feature make you more interested in subscribing to D&D Insider, less interested in subscribing, or would your interest in subscribing stay the same?

More interested in subscribing Interest would stay the same Less interested in subscribing

Exclusive, Insider-only conversations with D&D game designers

A tool allowing you to create character portraits

A tool allowing you to create and manage your campaign information

A way to customize and print pre-made adventures to play

A way to see what other DMs and players are doing with their campaigns and characters

A discount on purchasing physical books

A tool allowing you to customize and print monsters

A way to create physical miniatures of your characters

A tool allowing you to play table-top D&D over the Internet

A tool allowing you to share your creations with other D&D Insiders

A way to find and socialize with other D&D Insiders both locally and through the Internet


16 How much do you trust Wizards of the Coast to deliver quality digital tools to enhance your Dungeons & Dragons game?

5 - Trust completely

4

3

2

1 - Don't trust at all


17 How much do you trust Wizards of the Coast to deliver digital tools for use with Dungeons & Dragons in a timely manner?

5 - Trust completely

4

3

2

1 - Don't trust at all


18 What website were you on when you accessed this survey?

Wizards of the Coast D&D Forums

D&D Insider

Official D&D website

EN World

Other, please specify


And just for classification purposes...


19 Which of the following includes your age?

Under 8

8-12

13-17

18-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55+


20 Are you...?

Male

Female


21 Where do you live?

U.S.A.

North America (outside U.S., including Canada and Mexico)

South America

Caribbean Islands

Europe

Asia

Australia, New Zealand or Pacific Islands

Africa

Other, please specify

[Greg K]

Well, I took the survey. In the section regarding what effect certain features would have on my subscribing, there are a few that would make me more interested. The catch is that DDI would have to support 3e.

[Harlekin]

Originally Posted by Umbran

Let us note - any competent product manager would want this kind of data - not to know what to cancel, but to help prioritize.

I hope they are getting some useful data out of this. There is so much nerdrage on the web right now, that i am not sure how many people will give intentionally false answers only to send a message.