Is an index important to you

[Dog Moon]

I don't really need an index. I didn't even realize until it was posted that the books didn't have indexes. For the most part, the only books I require an index for are books with many basic rules [like DMG, PHB, etc]. I guess there are a few situations where it could be useful, but in my group, they don't occur often enough for it to matter. Besides, for me, if they cut the indexes out and replace it with some extra stuff, that would be better.

 

[reveal]

A definitive YES. I agree that some books, like Arms and Equipment Guide, can do without them, but, for the most part, they are essential for looking up specific information.

I have already sent an e-mail to WotC's customer service. I recommend everyone who voted yes on this poll do the same. If enough people voice their opinion, hopefully changes will be made.

Either go to http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=company/feedbackform and fill out the form or write custserv@wizards.com directly.

 

[BiggusGeekus]

I only want an index when I need to look something up, then I want it really, really badly. Kind of like seat belts. When ever I need one it's always critical.

But I agree with diaglo and Thanee. Below 96 pages, you can get away without one and they aren't really needed for, say, a book of spells arranged alphabetically.

 

[Cthulhu's Librarian]

I have already sent an e-mail to WotC's customer service. I recommend everyone who voted yes on this poll do the same. If enough people voice their opinion, hopefully changes will be made.

Either go to http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=company/feedbackform and fill out the form or write custserv@wizards.com directly.

Done. Here's what I sent:

I have noticed that lately the D&D books that are being produced do not include an index. I find this very disappointing, and it has lead me to buy fewer books produced by Wizards of the Coast in favor of similar books produced by other companies that cover similar topics, and include an index. I find that an index helps me while playing D&D, and not including it means that a book has considerably less value to me when I need it most-while sitting at the table playing the game. I worked in the publishing industry for many years, and realize that producing an index can be an expensive option, but not including one can make a valuable resource book considerably less useful. I hope that you reconsider the trend to not produce an index for the books that you publish, and bring a level of functionality back to the books that they once contained. Thank you.

 

[Treebore]

I agree small modules can get away without one, but most of WOTC's books are rules heavy, and being able to look in an index and find what page a specific PrC ability, feat, or rule is on is a huge help in speeding up searching for it.

I don't know how many times I wanted to use a specific ability, feat, rule, etc... and ended up not using it because I couldn't find it before I got tired of looking for it.

 

[SWBaxter]

Does having an index in a book matter to you?

Having no index in a rulebook is a good way for a publisher to say "I don't want SWBaxter to buy this book." Usually when they do this, I respect their wishes.

 

[reveal]

Having no index in a rulebook is a good way for a publisher to say "I don't want SWBaxter to buy this book." Usually when they do this, I respect their wishes.

 

[Davelozzi]

I voted "other" - it depends on the book. Large books with lots of details need 'em more than others. It also depends on how detailed the Table of Contents is. But when in doubt, I'd say put it in there, it's most likely more valuable than yet another prestige class or whatever.

 

[Vigwyn the Unruly]

Wow, this might be the most lopsided poll ever. I contacted WotC by the online form, and urge all of you to do the same.

 

[Vigwyn the Unruly]

...it's most likely more valuable than yet another prestige class or whatever.

LOL! That is SO true.