Charles Ryan (and others) out at WotC?

[King_Stannis]

My wife and I are expecting our second child soon, and I'm looking forward to spending a lot of time with my family over the next few weeks. I don't yet know where I'll go from there, but I can tell you this: I will always be a diehard gamer and an outspoken fan of D&D!

You, sir, are a class act. Best of luck to you.

 

[Aeson]

I'm taking collections to buy the DD property from WoTC. Anyone wish to donate?

Also if the marketing guys are gone does that mean the lame commercial they have on the site will go away also?

 

[Ghostwind]

Wow. Wotc has one heck of a track record concerning December layoffs. In terms of "quality" of manpower downsized, this one cuts as deep if not more than the one a couple of years ago. I hope that those affected are able to find employment that not only matches what they were making (if not more), but also makes them equally happy.

 

[Mercule]

Thanks for the note, Mr. Ryan. I hope things work out well for you. I was canned about this time of year in 2002, while my wife was pregnant, so I understand the stress.

I'll say that I think the books that have come out under your watch have been some of the best ever for D&D.

 

[Eridanis]

My wife is days away from giving birth, and if I was fired today, I'd be scared out of my mind ab out what would happen. You're certainly handling it with savior-faire; good on ya!

Best of luck, and don't be a stranger here on the boards!

 

[Steel_Wind]

Hasbro is in the toy business. For the most part, by the beginning of December, their manufacturing business cycle is over for the year.

There is a nasty bit of business left with selling the toys to the consumer at a retail level, yes, but that's mostly a Wal-Mart, Target and Toys 'R Us' gig. From a manufacturer's perspective, the decisions have been made, the marketing plan in place and bought and paid for, the product manufactured and shipped (maybe with some residual product en route) and it's all over but the cryin'. Their "work" is done.

From that perspective, it's a perfectly reasonable time for lay-offs.

From the perspective of a human being in North America/Europe expecting the Christmas season - more or less that focal event in which we tick off the years of our lives - it must truly hurt.

 

[kenobi65]

This might be a prelude to the layoffs...WotC Taps Two Agencies. With this, the need for a Marketing arm inhouse, is now moot.

Highly unlikely, IMO. Having worked in marketing and advertising for 16 years, in my experience, a PR agency is not, in any way, a substitute for an actual marketing department. PR is only one of about a half-dozen functions that report to marketing. (And, as I noted before, nearly every large company retains an external PR agency.)

All that story really said is that WotC used to only have one PR agency under retainer, for both D&D and M:tG, and now they're going with two different ones.

 

[qstor]

Because of the Microsoft Permatemp lawsuits, I think they're prevented from laying someone off and then turning around and hiring them back as a "contractor" to do the same job.

Doesn't WOTC use former employees as freelancers though? Isn't that the same? Just wondering...

That sucks for them so close to the holidays..grumble grumble...Charles my thoughts are with you and your family!

Mike

 

[Ghostwind]

When my wife was pregnant with our 2nd child, I was working for a company that was going through bankruptcy reorganization. One day we showed up to work to find out that the company had been bought in court by a competitor and that they had ordered the closing and termination of every employee and store location. 10,000+ people out of a job instantly. Talk about scared and concerned. Here I was with a 1 yr old and a soon to be born second child and no job prospects. It took several months, but I was finally able to find a full-time job. I can certainly relate to what those who lost their jobs yesterday are going through. Been there, done that. Got the T-shirt.

 

[FATDRAGONGAMES]

Mr Ryan-

The books that have come out during your tenure have been some of the best WOTC has done. I sincerely believe you will find suitable employment very soon. best of luck to you and your family this holiday season!