I'm very troubled by Chapters/Indigo in Canada breaking the release date with the 5e PHB,. This wasnt a surprise: we knew they were likely to do so; but it seems such a slap in the face of such a brilliant plan to release the books two weeks early so that game stores could make a reasonable profit before the online marketers had a chance.
I know not everyone has access to a store, and many are in a financial position such that they want the biggest discounts possible -- all that's fair game; you can have the books cheaper on the release date if you want them.
WOTC were so progressive with this solution -- I cant describe how much I admire this marketing choice. It was supportive of their fan base and gave a real reward to those willing to pay the premium. Amazon, not known for their respect for their fellow retailers, choose to honour it (so far at least).
While I'm giddy to discover what's inside as much as the next guy, I feel conflicted: Breaking the release date hurts the whole hobby, I feel; it hurts game stores, and -- I'm surprised at my moralism here -- it cheats. However much I want my PHB, I'll admit that I'm pleased that I didn't order it from Chapters/Indigo. I don't want to order anything from them, or go to their stores. But I wish I could do more. I have no idea what sorts of reprisals or restoration WOTC might be able to get from the Canadian retailer, but I hope they pursue everything they can, and I hope it works.
I know not everyone has access to a store, and many are in a financial position such that they want the biggest discounts possible -- all that's fair game; you can have the books cheaper on the release date if you want them.
WOTC were so progressive with this solution -- I cant describe how much I admire this marketing choice. It was supportive of their fan base and gave a real reward to those willing to pay the premium. Amazon, not known for their respect for their fellow retailers, choose to honour it (so far at least).
While I'm giddy to discover what's inside as much as the next guy, I feel conflicted: Breaking the release date hurts the whole hobby, I feel; it hurts game stores, and -- I'm surprised at my moralism here -- it cheats. However much I want my PHB, I'll admit that I'm pleased that I didn't order it from Chapters/Indigo. I don't want to order anything from them, or go to their stores. But I wish I could do more. I have no idea what sorts of reprisals or restoration WOTC might be able to get from the Canadian retailer, but I hope they pursue everything they can, and I hope it works.