Do you think the FAQ is being used as the official source for new rules?

[Artoomis]

New poll with a better(?) question.

The point is NOT whether WotC should or may use the FAQ to issue new rules, the question is, "Are they?"

Have they, either intentionally or unintentionally, moved to using the FAQ as a source for publishing rule changes and/or errata?

Feel free to ignore this poll and let it die if you do not think it is value-added to the discussion.

 

[dcollins]

#1, Yes. Rarely.

 

[Artoomis]

#1, Yes. Rarely.

I agree - it's is pretty rare - and rarer still when they make it really clear that this is what they are doing!

 

[RigaMortus2]

I am not going to vote on this (at least, not yet) because I may change my mind as I do think you have some valid points. As of right now, I don't think it is being used to change the rules or used in leiu of the errata. I think there are some cases where it appears it might be changing the rules, I see them as clairications. If an FAQ item is published in a new printing of a Core book, I see that as coincidence. Also, if there is a new printing with this rule change or addition, why is it still in the FAQ/errata? It was changed in Core, there is no reason to keep it in FAQ/errata, it's redundant.

 

[Starglim]

I'm of two minds, though both lead to the same practical conclusion.

The most likely answer is that WotC doesn't intend to release new rules via FAQ and the apparent changes are just errors or personal opinions by the writers.

However it's possible (in all seriousness) that this is a strategy to drive traffic to Wizards' site for commercial advantage. If so I certainly don't intend to cooperate or encourage that.

Either way it's undesirable to treat rule changes in the FAQ as legitimate for my game.

 

[Dimwhit]

I don't know if I'd say it's being used as an official source for new rules so much as an official source for errata.

Wizards hasn't updated the errata file for over a year. I think that's because they just use the FAQ.

 

[Anubis]

Here is what WotC has to say about it:


Response (Chris L.) 10/24/2005 03:11 PM
The reference, under the kyton on page 53, is incorrect.

Yes, everything in the FAQ is meant to be official.

I hope this information is useful.
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Customer (Brandon Harwell) 10/24/2005 03:07 PM
Well, on page 39, the entry states that hardness applies to acid, sonic, and force effects; On page 53, the entry states that acid, sonic, and force effects ignore hardness. Based on your previous answer, can I take that to mean the entry on page 53 is in error from a previous ruling and that hardness does indeed apply to acid, sonic, and force effects?

Oh, and a clarification of my first question. Does your response mean that actual rules changes in the FAQ are official as well and that there are instances of errata in it?
Response (Chris L.) 10/24/2005 02:29 PM
Thank you for contacting us.
1. Absolutely, the FAQ is considered to be a log of official rules clarifications. It is considered to be official.

2. The confusion may be with regards to the differences between Hardness and Damage Reduction? All damage is reduced by hardness, while some aren't reduced by damage reduction. Let me know if this is the question. If it isn't, could you be more specific about which entry you're referring to on page 53. Thank you for your patience.

I hope this information is useful.
Good Gaming!
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Customer (Brandon Harwell) 10/23/2005 05:16 PM
I have two questions.

1. Does the D&D Rules FAQ carry as much weight as the errata? Several rules changes have been implemented through the FAQ, and the errata is no longer being updated, leading me to believe the FAQ is for clarifications and changes. As such, is all the material in the FAQ official, just as if errata had been issued?

2. Regarding the FAQ, there is a contradiction. Previously, the FAQ confirmed that sonic, acid, and force attacks ignored hardness. In the newest FAQ, however, page 39 reverses that ruling (which now states that hardness applies to sonic, acid, and force attacks) while page 53 still upholds the previous ruling that such attacks all ignored hardness. Which is correct?

Thank you for your time.

 

[Dimwhit]

Thanks Anubis. Of course, that still won't satisfy people. After all, the core books don't state in print that the FAQ is official and can override confusion in the core books.

It obviously does, but there will still be naysayers. Sure simplifies my gaming life treating it as such, though.

 

[Iku Rex]

I have a question for those answering "It's simply not allowed...".

Simply not allowed by... Who? What?

 

[Infiniti2000]

I have a question for those answering "It's simply not allowed...".

Simply not allowed by... Who? What?

I answered "Nope." The rest was meaningless as it was the only "No"-related choice to what I consider a confusing lead-directing question.