transcript july 21, 2008 hsbro earnings conference call and business overview

Amphimir Míriel · Aug 2, 2008

phloog said:
I don't think delivering content equal to the magazines, in a form that you must have on a computer or print with your own paper, is equal in value to the printed magazines, but even if it was I'm not aware of anyone who bought a 'subscription' to either magazine for $60 / year.

Think about it this way: You trade some toner and paper (both cheap nowadays) for an ad-free magazine, how's that?

CharlesRyan · Aug 2, 2008

Add to that this benefit: While the magazines have always been "official," in the past they've been produced out-of-house, or (before the Paizo spinoff), in a different department. Now the content is being produced in WotC R&D, by the same folk who produce the content of all other D&D products. It's developed to the same standards as regular print products, and, perhaps more importantly, it's developed side-by-side and in integration (strategically as well as design-wise) with the regular products.

So I think the product, and what it contributes to the D&D experience, may be greatly improved as well!

mhensley · Aug 2, 2008

CharlesRyan said:
Add to that this benefit: While the magazines have always been "official," in the past they've been produced out-of-house, or (before the Paizo spinoff), in a different department. Now the content is being produced in WotC R&D, by the same folk who produce the content of all other D&D products. It's developed to the same standards as regular print products, and, perhaps more importantly, it's developed side-by-side and in integration (strategically as well as design-wise) with the regular products.

So I think the product, and what it contributes to the D&D experience, may be greatly improved as well!

IMO, this is not a good thing. Dungeon under Paizo produced better adventures than the "official" ones that wotc produced in the same time period. YMMV

Umbran · Aug 3, 2008

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Imaro · Aug 3, 2008

mhensley said:
IMO, this is not a good thing. Dungeon under Paizo produced better adventures than the "official" ones that wotc produced in the same time period. YMMV

Agreed... also if the below is true, and stays true throughout the lifetime of the e-mags...

CharlesRyan said:
Add to that this benefit: While the magazines have always been "official," in the past they've been produced out-of-house, or (before the Paizo spinoff), in a different department. Now the content is being produced in WotC R&D, by the same folk who produce the content of all other D&D products. It's developed to the same standards as regular print products, and, perhaps more importantly, it's developed side-by-side and in integration (strategically as well as design-wise) with the regular products.

So I think the product, and what it contributes to the D&D experience, may be greatly improved as well!

Then does this mean fans won't be submitting articles and adventures to be published? If they are, then it won't be completely done by R&D, so that then becomes a moot point, especially since WotC had to approve what Paizo published in the mags anyway.

joethelawyer · Aug 3, 2008

AllisterH said:
*LOL*

Hasbro sell off a property?

As a former stockholder with Hasbro and as someone who actually had the opportunity to attend their general stockholder meeting back in the 90s, I disagree with joe's argument.

Hasbro simply won't sell a property it owns. This is just not done. They'll shelve it and keep it.

Well, for the record, they do:

Hasbro to Miss Estimates, Sells Interactive, Games.com Units TheStreet.com December 6, 2000 Wednesday

TheStreet.com
December 6, 2000 Wednesday
SECTION: STOCK NEWS; Manufacturing

LENGTH: 275 words

HEADLINE: Hasbro to Miss Estimates, Sells Interactive, Games.com Units

BYLINE: By Ilan Tsapovski, Editorial Assistant

DATELINE: December 6, 2000 6:27 PM ET

BODY:

Hasbro (HAS:NYSE) expects earnings for the fourth quarter and full year to fall below analysts' expectations and set plans to sell its Hasbro Interactive and Games.com units.

and another:

Hasbro agrees to sell its make of miniature racing cars Providence Journal-Bulletin (Rhode Island) May 20, 2000, Saturday,

Copyright 2000 The Providence Journal Company
Providence Journal-Bulletin (Rhode Island)
May 20, 2000, Saturday, All EDITIONS
SECTION: BUSINESS, Pg. 10F

LENGTH: 261 words

HEADLINE: Hasbro agrees to sell its make of miniature racing cars

BYLINE: LISA BIANK FASIG; Journal Staff Writer

BODY:
Hasbro Inc. has agreed to sell off its Winner's Circle brand of miniature race cars to a Phoenix company, part of the toy maker's broader plan to focus on the core brands that bring the largest return on investment.

Every company sells assets when it would make them more money to do so.