Errata in reprints: To add or not to add? Forked Thread: 3rd printing of core books?

[Asmor]

Forked from: 3rd printing of core books?

Yes, but have they included the errata in any of the reprintings?

They're not including the errata in the deluxe editions, so it's doubtful ...

Has errata ever been included in a new printing? (I'm serious).

They included errata in the deluxe versions of the Third Edition core rulebooks. I remember there was a controversy at the time, between people who felt it was a tremendous rip-off if they didn't include errata, and people who felt "forced" to buy the expensive deluxe editions if they did.

They did include the errata for the 3.0 books in the 2nd printing.

I'd love to know how big those print runs are.

Anyone remember the last time a module went to reprint?

Honestly, I don't know why they think anyone will buy the deluxe editions. The only reason I bought the 3.5 ones was to get the errata incorporated into the text. Incidentally, I had a regular cover 3.5 PHB with the "special edition" text in it, but I had to buy the actual "special editions" of the DMG and MM to get the errata.

It seems to me this is kind of a damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don't thing.

On the one hand, if you do include the errata, then you run into several problems. First, some people will feel pressured into buying the new reprints and/or will feel ripped off since their original books are now "wrong." You also run into the issue of people in the same group using different printings and the potential for misunderstanding and arguments.

On the other hand, if you don't include the errata, it makes you look sloppy and haphazard. I mean, you're literally reprinting mistakes you KNOW about. Plus, chances are, if you don't put the errata in the books, a lot of people are likely to just ignore it.

My personal preference is for them to leave errata out and fix non-game-related mistakes (e.g. See page XX). Ultimately, I think the ill will and potential splintering is a very bad thing, while the game runs more or less fine without the errata, even if not the way it was intended. The pros just don't outweigh the cons, in my mind.

 

[DaveMage]

If I'm spending $75 for a deluxe edition of a book (OK, $47 on amazon), it damn well better have the errata corrected in it.

 

[Kzach]

I had planned to buy the deluxe editions and keep my first set as a general table reference or to lend out.

But if they're not incorporating the errata, then there's zero chance of that.

Seriously, not incorporating errata into a print-run that hasn't been done yet, is just pure slack-assedness. There is absolutely no excuse for it.

 

[delericho]

In my opinion, if it is feasible to include the errata in a new printing (or the deluxe versions of the books), then they absolutely should do so. To do otherwise is to knowingly sell a substandard product.

Those who will complain about being 'forced' to buy a new copy just to get the up-to-date rules should be thoroughly ignored.

I should note: I certainly understand that the realities of publishing may make including the errata impossible. I'm happy to accept a 'best effort' solution. But if errata can be included, it should.

 

[Kristian Serrano]

The problem isn't whether or not the deluxe books include errata. The problem is that additional printings of the original book do not include errata, and there's been no definitive answers about whether or not the PDF versions will, too.

 

[Arnwyn]

Errata should be included in new printings as soon as reasonably possible.

Those who feel "pressured" to buy have psychological issues that the company is not responsible for.

 

[Kristian Serrano]

Those who feel "pressured" to buy have psychological issues that the company is not responsible for.

*dingdingdingdingding* We have a winner!

 

[Lord Sessadore]

I think they should include the errata in new printings. As a case in point, they did incorporate the errata into later 3.5 core rulebook printings. I know this because I got my 3.5 books rather late in the game (Edit: fall 2006), and whenever I checked errata on the Wizards website, my books had the identical text in them. Comparing my books to earlier printings, the earlier books did not have the same text in areas where errata had been applied. I really don't see this as a problem, practically.

 

[Andre]

In my opinion, if it is feasible to include the errata in a new printing (or the deluxe versions of the books), then they absolutely should do so. To do otherwise is to knowingly sell a substandard product...(snip)...I should note: I certainly understand that the realities of publishing may make including the errata impossible. I'm happy to accept a 'best effort' solution. But if errata can be included, it should.

Agreed. One of the reasons I cancelled my pre-order was a concern about quality - both about the contents, and the paper/binding. WOTC needs to make a "best effort" to fix both before I'm sold.

 

[Stalker0]

This is in some people's mind the difference between the FAQ and errata.

FAQ's are often seen as guidelines for the game.

Errata is WOTC telling us...guys this thing in the book is WRONG, don't use it, use this instead. That's why errata is based on the word error, as in mistake.

So they should absolutely put errata in the new printings of the book, and if they really want to make an impression, include the errata log at the back so that people aren't confused when their new phb looks different than there friends old phb.

Some people might feel that this compels them to buy new books. Well...seeing Angelina Jolie on a movie trailer compels me to go watch the movie, but no one is holding a gun to my head