Dragon #297 arrived
- Thread starter Aitch Eye
- Start date
Psion
Adventurer
The Essential Problem(s) with Dragon
I really thought that the first year or so after 3e came out was really pretty good. But recently, I have been rather unimpressed with Dragon and it has been supplanted by Dungeon/Polyhedron as the premeir gaming mag.
I see two problems here.
1) Themes. The slavish dedication to themes is hampering the magazine's content, I think. Entirely too much of the magazine is being dedicated to themes. Now I usually find the themes interesting, and most have one or two interesting articles. But after that, it begins to feel like they are scraping the bottom of the barrel. I don't think the focus on themes should be as strong as it is.
Further, even if every article is good, there is going to be someone who doesn't find a particular month's theme all that useful. I think it would be helpful if the theme was limited in scope. Take a look at last years halfling issue, which had some halfling stuff, and then (IIRC) had at least two really cool elemental evil articles. I consider that issue very useful and broad in its appeal.
2) Wasteful "regular" articles. We might debate about which ones therese are, but I really feel as if some of the regular articles are of limited use. Trimming back on some of the regular articles would allow more room to accomodate some off-theme articles in addition to the themes. The ones I could happily live without:
Like I said, other people might think different regular articles need axed, but I think even just getting a few out of the way would free up some room for some articles with more general appeal.
I really thought that the first year or so after 3e came out was really pretty good. But recently, I have been rather unimpressed with Dragon and it has been supplanted by Dungeon/Polyhedron as the premeir gaming mag.
I see two problems here.
1) Themes. The slavish dedication to themes is hampering the magazine's content, I think. Entirely too much of the magazine is being dedicated to themes. Now I usually find the themes interesting, and most have one or two interesting articles. But after that, it begins to feel like they are scraping the bottom of the barrel. I don't think the focus on themes should be as strong as it is.
Further, even if every article is good, there is going to be someone who doesn't find a particular month's theme all that useful. I think it would be helpful if the theme was limited in scope. Take a look at last years halfling issue, which had some halfling stuff, and then (IIRC) had at least two really cool elemental evil articles. I consider that issue very useful and broad in its appeal.
2) Wasteful "regular" articles. We might debate about which ones therese are, but I really feel as if some of the regular articles are of limited use. Trimming back on some of the regular articles would allow more room to accomodate some off-theme articles in addition to the themes. The ones I could happily live without:
- Fiction: This is a gaming magazine. Most people who want to read fiction are probably getting it through other sources.
- Silicon Sorcery: Not once have I seen a translation I consider useful.
- Chainmail Stuff: Alright, I know this is a house magazine and you job is to support the line, but I really could live without this, too.
- FR sites: Interesting to look at, but rarely useful IME.
Like I said, other people might think different regular articles need axed, but I think even just getting a few out of the way would free up some room for some articles with more general appeal.
Nightfall
Sage of the Scarred Lands
I agree with Psion/Alan on this one. I think if you guys cut out that, have few more articles like the Guilds one and/or some generic maps of various locales (like say old Earth or some mythic places that don't violate copyright), that might help out some. Not to mention just TWO articles dealing with themes would be fine. I do think dropping the FR locales would be fine. If people want more FR, give them new spells, new magic items, SOMETHING other than locales.
Flexor the Mighty!
18/100 Strength!
Re: The Essential Problem(s) with Dragon
I agree wholeheartedly.
Psion said:
I agree wholeheartedly.
Crypt King
First Post
You know there are people that play Chainmail people damn. It's what, two pages, skip over them. What about the people who hate the realms, shouldn't we get rid of that stuff to suit them, wait it's okay you like Realms stuff.
Not everyone has the net that games, and the articles like the chainmail ones gave stats for their models, paint tips, basing, a bunch of tips on miniatures. You don't use them, fine others do otherwise no company would make them.
Fiction, it's always been there, since issue what 1 or 2. You can get some good campaign and game ideas out of it. Is it always good, no, sometimes not even average but the magazine will always be what you make of it.
Granted there are times that stuff is real hard to conver, or would take more effort if you didn't run a certian campaign but deal with it. You don't like what's inside, don't buy the issue.
They have to try to cover as much basis as they can, hence all the avenues.
Not everyone has the net that games, and the articles like the chainmail ones gave stats for their models, paint tips, basing, a bunch of tips on miniatures. You don't use them, fine others do otherwise no company would make them.
Fiction, it's always been there, since issue what 1 or 2. You can get some good campaign and game ideas out of it. Is it always good, no, sometimes not even average but the magazine will always be what you make of it.
Granted there are times that stuff is real hard to conver, or would take more effort if you didn't run a certian campaign but deal with it. You don't like what's inside, don't buy the issue.
They have to try to cover as much basis as they can, hence all the avenues.
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Flexor the Mighty!
18/100 Strength!
Crypt King said:
Oh yes we should.
I'd amend my earlier comment, but my opinion has changed somewhat so I'll post a new one.
While I like theme issues, I felt that the ELH theme was over done. I'd like to echo those that favor 1-3 or maybe 4 articles for a theme. This one was a bit much for me. And, none of the ELH stuff really whet my appetite for the book. So, it probably didn't work this time.
Also, how come WOTC introduced the "template" idea, and then doesn't use it? The gensai should obviously have been handled as templates!
As for the FR locations, I like them. I think they are good sources of ideas.
Fiction. The only fiction I've really, really enjoyed was the stuff by Gregory Keyes. Other than that, I could take it or leave it.
While I like theme issues, I felt that the ELH theme was over done. I'd like to echo those that favor 1-3 or maybe 4 articles for a theme. This one was a bit much for me. And, none of the ELH stuff really whet my appetite for the book. So, it probably didn't work this time.
Also, how come WOTC introduced the "template" idea, and then doesn't use it? The gensai should obviously have been handled as templates!
As for the FR locations, I like them. I think they are good sources of ideas.
Fiction. The only fiction I've really, really enjoyed was the stuff by Gregory Keyes. Other than that, I could take it or leave it.
