pkt77242
Explorer
Only that isn't what I did. I expressed my personal desire, and then went on to explain why I think it is ALSO a mistake. The argument that "only WotC as sufficient information to make a correct decision" is patently false. First, no one has perfect information. Second, they clearly got 4E wrong; by your logic, that shouldn't have happened (Frankly, if you study business a bit, you may come to be amazed at just how often big companies make glaringly obvious missteps. I know I was).
Yes I want PDFs. I also believe not offering PDFs is a huge mistake. Finally, I believe that the failure to produce the products customers demand is indicative of an ongoing leadership failure at WotC, especially in a market where PDFs are the industry norm. You're free to disagree with my position, of course, but please don't dismiss distort what I'm saying.
Just because PDFs are the industry norm doesn't mean that they are right for WoTC. That is the equivalent of saying that Apple needs to do what every other company does in the tablet market. The truth is that many smaller companies do PDFs because it is cheaper for them (especially on upfront costs) and consumers are more likely to buy an item when it is less expensive (thus hopefully increasing their sales). D&D doesn't have that issue for the PHB, as most people will buy it in book form even if they prefer PDF. You are also making an assumption that there is enough market demand for PDFs (and not just wanting them but actually paying for them) to justify putting them out right now. While I agree with you points that many large companies routinely make mistakes (and some that are painfully obvious) and that no one has perfect information, I think that you are trying to say that WoTC is making a mistake with extremely limited information (practically zero) and by doing that you look like the person making a mistake. It is one thing to wonder why they aren't doing it but it and maybe even wonder if it might be a mistake in the long run but to flat out say that it is a mistake and that it is a failure of leadership when you have little to no information is mind boggling.