DaveMage
Slumbering in Tsar
Though he's only been there since '05 (IIRC), I'd put Mike Mearls in the category of a "big name" who is still there.
Unconfirmed: More Layoffs at WotC
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Though he's only been there since '05 (IIRC), I'd put Mike Mearls in the category of a "big name" who is still there.
Mike Mearls, James Wyatt, Richard Baker, Rodney Thompson (Star Wars SAGA) ?
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lurkinglidda
First Post
Indeed. WotC generally has a re-org most Decembers, but is not adverse to a mid-year round every now and then. I believe I made it though a dozen lay-offs before my number was called.
Steel_Wind
Legend
Chris Perkins and Mike Mearls, certainly would count. Rodney Thompson seems to be the main guy working on Dark Sun and the D&D Essentials line. Wyatt still there?
Alzrius
The EN World kitten
DaveMage said:
Steel_Wind said:
All big names that I'd forgotten.
Is Ed Stark still with WotC?
davethegame
Explorer
I believe Steve Winter is still there as well, and I'd certainly consider him a big and established name.
wedgeski
Adventurer
I hope this isn't too intrusive a question, but how did you guys handle the uncertainty?
One of the most unbearable experiences while working for a big company is something called "project-driven management".
Because of this approach, employees are divided into project management staff and expendable specialists.
Since the projects are oriented toward short term gains or results, once completed, the expendable specialists and surplus project management are being let go, restructured or put on hiatus pending internal assessment.
The effects of this policy should, in theory, yield predictable business plans and quantifiable results in addition to significant rate of resource output.
In reality, due to low job security, you get low morale, cynicism, no loyalty except toward abstract numbers (or salaries).
At the end of this rat race, all you hope for is good severance pay and someone else to work for.
Basically, this yearly layoffs and frequent restructuring indicate something like that happening at WotC... and if this is a case indeed, the best you can hope for guys you cheer for, is to let them find another place to work, and quickly. Yes, they can produce something good, but cases of burnout, health problems or simply incredible discomfort of being run like a racehorse are going to be frequent.
So, kudos to Andy Collins (and consider this a benefit if he is getting out of this out of his own free will).
Regards,
Ruemere
Because of this approach, employees are divided into project management staff and expendable specialists.
Since the projects are oriented toward short term gains or results, once completed, the expendable specialists and surplus project management are being let go, restructured or put on hiatus pending internal assessment.
The effects of this policy should, in theory, yield predictable business plans and quantifiable results in addition to significant rate of resource output.
In reality, due to low job security, you get low morale, cynicism, no loyalty except toward abstract numbers (or salaries).
At the end of this rat race, all you hope for is good severance pay and someone else to work for.
Basically, this yearly layoffs and frequent restructuring indicate something like that happening at WotC... and if this is a case indeed, the best you can hope for guys you cheer for, is to let them find another place to work, and quickly. Yes, they can produce something good, but cases of burnout, health problems or simply incredible discomfort of being run like a racehorse are going to be frequent.
So, kudos to Andy Collins (and consider this a benefit if he is getting out of this out of his own free will).
Regards,
Ruemere
Darrin Drader
Explorer
Andy's a great guy and a great designer. This comes as a surprise to me, but I suspect that his services will be in demand as he looks for a new job.
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