Does EN World need a change of focus?

[EricNoah]

Gotta say the comments about the ENnies and their value vs. their cost are really speaking to me right now.

There was always the potential for them to create some conflict, because there's competition to get nominated plus people have different ideas about what they ultimately are for (are they for the fans so they can see an entertaining contest or hear about products they might have missed? are they for the publishers, to help us as a community say "well done"? are they an incentive to put out a great product? are they a marketing tool for EN World and/or the publishers? are they a way for EN World to have some sway with the publishers and get them to participate in our community?) and will try to sway the shape of the awards to best fit their needs. And some will take not getting nominated as some kind of backhanded insult.

 

[Olgar Shiverstone]

I come to EN World every day that I sit behind a computer, to (1) check the news page so I don't have to visit a hundred sites to see what's going on, and (2) visit with the community through the message boards. I really don't use the other features, including the reviews -- there's enough product information floating through the boards that I don't find specific reviews necessary.

As to the ENnies, I always thought they were a great way of saying "Atta Boy!" to writers/artists/publishers who have done a good job. Anything beyond that is someone's own interpretation -- I like that the fans get a say, though. At ENWorld, it's always felt like the little guy has a voice.

 

[Trainz]

Regardless, the rift caused by the Ennies is not worth it to me. If it means ENWorld coming back to it's roots, I say kiss the Ennies goodbye.

I wholeheartedly agree.

Something else I'd like to see:
You know those Co-Op Dungeons? I'd like see a whole range of community developed accessories like them developed and sold for $2 each or 6/$10, with all of the money going striaght back into supporting the site.

Being the project leader of Cooperative Dungeons, I must warn you about that idea. It is great in concept to use them for such a purpose, but they actually need the editing and administrative responsibilities of full-fledged publishing companies. Some have said that these adventures are even better (in substance and format) than some of what you can buy (PDF or print).

My point is, they take a lot of effort. As you can see, we have yet to deliver the next one (CD3) because of some editing problems. It's one thing to create one, it's another thing altogether to make bundles of them, and still expect quality.

Hell, I even had to deal with something akin (but to a much smaller degree) to what Morrus is dealing with right now with CD's ! And, again, all of this for no profit.

I would consider such a venture only with a carte blanche and tight reigns, which would actually hinder the "communal" feel of it all.

That said, ENworld publishing does create profitable products, many of which are made by ENworlders, and a portion of that money goes back to pay for ENworld's expanses, so maybe that venue is already tapped.

My two coppers...

Anyways, I also feel that if the Ennies are turning the whole thing ugly, maybe one should stop feeding the mouth that bites back. The Ennies are mostly a form of "payback" to the publishers, so, hell, if they don't want the gift, let's not give it to them.

 

[Morrus]

Do we need a change in focus? Yeah, I guess we do.

The rant has made me feel much better; letting off steam does a world of good. I'm not totally sure what to change or how to do it, though. I suppose it comes back to that mission statement concept - right now, I feel it is a press/news/media outlet, and I don't think that's what the site should be about.

Unofficial 4E rumours - now that's what it should be about! But we'll have to wait a while for that!

 

[Olive]

The rant has made me feel much better; letting off steam does a world of good.

Good. So does that mean that we shouldn't be wondering about who's goign to take over from you like you did from Eric?

 

[DragonLancer]

I come to the site for two real reasons.

1. News on forthcoming D20/D&D products that I may not hear of otherwise.

and

2. To discuss D&D and roleplaying with fellow gamers.

My advice for what its worth, keep the site/forums as they are. I'm not behind the driving seat but I don't think theres a need to change anything.

 

[2WS-Steve]

Do we need a change in focus? Yeah, I guess we do.

The rant has made me feel much better; letting off steam does a world of good. I'm not totally sure what to change or how to do it, though. I suppose it comes back to that mission statement concept - right now, I feel it is a press/news/media outlet, and I don't think that's what the site should be about.

Morrus, I want to point out that I'm very sympathetic to your concerns about feeling like a press release outlet (as I mention in The Big Thread , near the middle at post 286).

However, as a fan and someone who happily owns far more d20 books than I'll ever need or use, I really value the press releases and info on upcoming products. I grab bits and pieces from all over the place and include them in my campaigns and I know my players like them. So it's great to have a spot where I can come and find out what's interesting out there--or find out that something I would have otherwise dismissed is actually pretty interesting.

 

[DragonLancer]

Morrus, I want to point out that I'm very sympathetic to your concerns about feeling like a press release outlet

This site is much much more than a mere press release outlet.

The forums on this site are a damn good place to come and discuss roleplaying games and the hobby in general. Most publisher forums are not so dedicated.

Though I don't rely on others opinions, I do come here to check out the reviews on something that I am really considering buying. A lot of the visitors to the site do go through them.

At the end of the day, personal aside, ENW is the best gaming centre on the net. You should be proud of what you have here.

 

[Belen]

I like ENWorld the way it is.

I come her for news, reviews, and community forums. I love talking with you all and I would sorely miss the news function.

If anything, I advocate a change to a gaming society. I know that this can be a tired concept coming from me, but I think ENWorld perfectly fills the role of international society with tons of room to expand.

It should be a sire for the fans, but also an arena for fan-publisher relations and a force to help promote, grow and sustain the hobby we all love. The hobby to to important to leave to the market and WOTC alone.

 

[hong]

There were never any fights when we were all talking about me.

Everyone, please talk about me!