It's Almost the Season for WOTC layoff!

[Umbran]

It could be tasteless, but it is a regular cycle that has went on for years and years.

It being a pattern does not prevent discussion of it from being tasteless. That burden lies upon us, not on historical facts.

We are talking about people who might lose their jobs, in tough economic times, just before the holidays. Whether or not they can expect it coming does not magically make it a fun part of the season for them, or something.

This doesn't mean it cannot be discussed, but a certain amount of decorum and respect for those who may be affected is called for. The games are there for our amusement - the lives of the employees are not.

 

[Stormonu]

I was reading over the 20th anniversary stuff not long ago, and it looks like this "tradition" started back in '83. I would have figured at least it would have stopped when they came under WotC...has there been any years since 1999 that the D&D side of WotC hasn't done lay-offs?

 

[Tiitha]

It's not very nice to talk about peoples' careers ending from layoffs, even if it will happen. As someone who enjoys the elements of game design, art, and storytelling, I can understand how much it could suck to lose a job like that.

 

[FireLance]

We can only hope that Mike Mearls will ruin the WotC layoff.

 

[nedjer]

It would be fairly stunningly dumb to sack from the current team when the first real results from the products they've developed and just released won't be in until after Christmas.

Particularly when they've been making the game more accessible. What the bosses gonna do, sack these dudes and go back to watching their market share get eaten by Pathfinder, videogames . . .

So, Mr. Wolf At The Door - let's not have any short term nonsense this year

 

[Aberzanzorax]

I've continually been astounded at WotC's annual "Christmas bonuses" and think a thread like this actually could be a great idea.

It lets WotC know that the fans are aware of (and gives us an opportunity to decry) their HR policy of annual layoffs in general, especially at Christmas.


I certainly hope this thread is poking fun at the abominable way the company treats its employees/talent rather than at the individuals themselves.

I would love to see WotC break their trend of layoffs this year.

 

[lrsach01]

On the other hand, maybe this sort of discussion will help a WotC employee to decide to take a leap.... to step out on their own or take a position with another company. Or... even better... maybe a frank and open discussion of these "bonuses" will shame WotC into changing their practices. And, frankly, an employee may THINK their job is secure but independent speculation may open their eyes. This sort of discussion is no different from SportsCenter speculating on which manager/player is going to be let go next.

 

[Dausuul]

I've continually been astounded at WotC's annual "Christmas bonuses" and think a thread like this actually could be a great idea.

It lets WotC know that the fans are aware of (and gives us an opportunity to decry) their HR policy of annual layoffs in general, especially at Christmas.


I certainly hope this thread is poking fun at the abominable way the company treats its employees/talent rather than at the individuals themselves.

I would love to see WotC break their trend of layoffs this year.

Unfortunately, I'm pretty sure the people responsible for the yearly layoff cycle don't read this forum. The people who do read this forum are the ones on the receiving end.

 

[jaerdaph]

Add me to the list of Pathfinder fans who think discussing who might get laid off at WotC is in very poor taste.

 

[Keefe the Thief]

I've continually been astounded at WotC's annual "Christmas bonuses" and think a thread like this actually could be a great idea.

It lets WotC know that the fans are aware of (and gives us an opportunity to decry) their HR policy of annual layoffs in general, especially at Christmas.


I certainly hope this thread is poking fun at the abominable way the company treats its employees/talent rather than at the individuals themselves.

I would love to see WotC break their trend of layoffs this year.

Perhaps someone could print out this thread and send it to WotC in hardcopy? This could increase awareness. How about coloring the most critical passages with a magic marker?