For a one-shot, or a campaign that’s expected to only run a few sessions? Sure, why not? Might be fun. I might even learn a thing or two.
For a full campaign, I’d want to play a character or concept that interests me enough to keep me invested for the long haul.
I switched to playing online during COVID. That came in handy two years ago, when I moved to a new state, since my groups moved with me (as it were). But I wouldn’t say no to joining an in-person group if the opportunity arose. I might even go looking for one when my current campaign ends.
For the proper old-school experience, they would need to have at least one main character die every episode, and be replaced by a new character.
Bonus points any time the replacement is the same actor, in the same costume (with a different hat) saying “I’m here to avenge my brother!”
I would make the required reading time 1 hour, which can be included in a short or long rest.
I would also limit it to 1d4 books per day. Giving advantage on 2d6 skills for a day seems like a lot. And maybe add that a character can only benefit from one book per day.
Maybe a small chance for...
My best guess is that someone at The Economist noticed they hadn’t done an article on D&D’s 50th anniversary yet (or hadn’t done one since early in the year), and decided they needed get one out before December 31.
As for the Stranger Things reference? Maybe they wanted to reference an upcoming...