D&D General Ben Riggs interviews Fred Hicks and Cam Banks, then shares WotC sales data.

[FrogReaver]

You just gave an example of exactly what I was saying. They aren't lying because that could get them into trouble they're just "spinning the crap out of their statements".

Why would they need to do that if the sales were meeting expectations? If it's doing okay there's no need for spin.

There is not one public traded company that does not spin everything in the best possible light.

 

[FrogReaver]

There is not one public traded company that does not spin everything in the best possible light.

Example.

Despite overall revenue being down 10% YOY there was continued growth in our subscriber base by 25%.

Conveniently leaving out that the driver for that was deeply discounted rates or free trial runs.

Essentially as long as what is said is factually correct and not obviously misleading they are likely legal with their statements.

Depending on specific reporting requirements they may can even leave off the down 10% YOY statement and just state the 25% increase in subscriber base.

 

[FrogReaver]

That was early on near release. We dont know print runs, printing capacity etc.

5.5 the negative is more indifference.

Sure. But it’s still a strong indicator in that direction.

 

[Zardnaar]

You just gave an example of exactly what I was saying. They aren't lying because that could get them into trouble they're just "spinning the crap out of their statements".

Why would they need to do that if the sales were meeting expectations? If it's doing okay there's no need for spin.

Every corporate type does it.

Also in this case perception can equal reality. If the number is "low" the doomers will jump all over it.

Could spiral into a self fulfilling prophecy maybe. For a lot of gamers I suspect its D&D or nothing.

Consider early 5.5 statement. 5.5 sold 3 times faster than 5.0 in 2014.

Makes 10X bigger (or was) maybe more.

Its essentially meaningless.

 

[Reynard]

The real test of 2024 edition will be how well the FR books/Bundle sells.

I don't agree. Even people sticking with 2014 will buy those books (if they like FR, of course).

 

[AlViking]

There is not one public traded company that does not spin everything in the best possible light.

I think there's a big difference between standard spin and "spinning the crap" out of it because that implies they're hiding issues.

My impression is that the game is doing fine but barely registers. The spin is all about expanding into things like video games.

 

[AlViking]

Every corporate type does it.

Also in this case perception can equal reality. If the number is "low" the doomers will jump all over it.

Could spiral into a self fulfilling prophecy maybe. For a lot of gamers I suspect its D&D or nothing.

Consider early 5.5 statement. 5.5 sold 3 times faster than 5.0 in 2014.

Makes 10X bigger (or was) maybe more.

Its essentially meaningless.

I give up. I don't really care how well any company that makes a product I use and enjoy is doing other than hoping they will continue to support the product.

I also think anything HASBRO says whether it's positive or neutral people will insinuate negativity as an automatic reaction. I don't see the point.

 

[mamba]

That assumes a sharp division not in evidence: 2014 era books are still on the marketplace.

I assume the statement was about the core books, not adventures, etc.

 

[mamba]

Meanwhile HASBRO isn't actually committing fraud by deceiving investors, it's just that anything positive is only "spin" that can't in any way be trusted.

I mean, if you know it is spin, why would you trust it...

 

[Reynard]

I think there's a big difference between standard spin and "spinning the crap" out of it because that implies they're hiding issues.

My impression is that the game is doing fine but barely registers. The spin is all about expanding into things like video games.

I give up. I don't really care how well any company that makes a product I use and enjoy is doing other than hoping they will continue to support the product.

I also think anything HASBRO says whether it's positive or neutral people will insinuate negativity as an automatic reaction. I don't see the point.

I don't understand the relationship between these two statements. Is D&D doing okay or not? Is Hasbro spinning or not? They seem to be at odds.