Jim Ward's latest 900 Words: More Bombast

[herald]

Yep, it is one of those poor attempts at creativity. Take Tom Bombadil from Tolkien and spell it backwards and you get another one of Mr. Ward's creative attempts in his Rings of Power hardcover.

Ok, now your the one taking things out of context. Gary Gygax's group had a habit of doing things like this and even Gary and his son did the same thing. It was how Gary's games was played back then. Heaven forbid that any of that old school methiod should see light in the the days of 3ed/3.5ed

 

[Pielorinho]

Oh, dear. I hope Mr. Ward learns soon that this sort of soapbox speech doesn't help his cause. I've seen some other game company personnel take stands like this and in those cases it just blew up in their faces.

That's what I was wondering. Without intending any disrespect, I wonder whether he's thought through the efects of writing these columns: I cannot imagine any possible good they could do for his business, and I can easily imagine the harm they could do.

Daniel

 

[JacktheRabbit]

Ok, now your the one taking things out of context. Gary Gygax's group had a habit of doing things like this and even Gary and his son did the same thing. It was how Gary's games was played back then. Heaven forbid that any of that old school methiod should see light in the the days of 3ed/3.5ed

I just consider it a cheap trick, and one that doesnt even work very well.

Have you ever tried to pronouce Bombadil backwards before?

 

[drnuncheon]

Getting back to the actual topic:

What I am unfortunately seeing is that Jim Ward doesn't understand the difference between being a professional (that is, someone who makes money at a particular profession - which we can assume he is) and someone who has a professional attitude (that is, someone who is mature, polite, and respectful, among other things - which he has shown that he is not.)

Now, I don't doubt that plenty of reviewers give lousy reviews, but I think it's ironic that some of our 'amateur' reviewers have a more professional attitude than the self-proclaimed 'trained gaming professional'.

J

 

[herald]

I don't see how it can see used as trick. The names don't seem to get anyone any advantages. It's more like Hitchcock sneeking himself into his movies.

 

[Wulf Ratbane]

When did "free speech" morph into speech free of consequences or even criticism?

Ahh... You speak of the "Hollywood" effect.


Wulf

 

[kingpaul]

Does the name "Drawmij" ring any bells with you, Mr Veteran?

My post was not meant as an attack of Mr. Ward, I was merely posting my recollection over 2 decades of gaming. If it appeared as an attack, I apologize. And yes, I have heard the name Drawmij, but didn't know then that it was Mr. Ward's name backwards; I had honestly assumed that it was a purely created name.

 

[Arnwyn]

Are you guys *still* whining about FFE and Jim Ward?

 

[Piratecat]

Oh, thanks. Now you've gotten me saying "Tom Bombastdil."

Tom, I honestly couldn't tell from your post whether or not you had read my warning. I think if folks just use good judgment they'll be fine. It's admittedly a little tricky; it's hard to criticize his actions in this case without coming off as if you have a personal grudge against him.

I have to concur with everyone who is saying that these columns are doing him harm. In this latest one, he violates the old precept of "show, don't tell." Instead of listing his accomplishments (which are numerous), he tells us that he's a Professional Game Designer (capitalizing the "P", which must differentiate him from Amateur Game Designers. Or something.) I wish he had let us draw that conclusion ourselves by listing his accomplishments. It would have been a lot more effective.

Especially frustrating is that (IMO) his products at FFE don't back up his claims. I have been extremely disappointed with the FFE products that I've seen, and complaints on quality have been wide-spread. In this industry, you're as good as your products, and that's about it; no matter how experienced Jim Ward is, bad quality and design will act like an anchor-chain. Historically, the industry is full of failed companies owned by Professional Game Designers who still don't think it's fair that their products aren't being purchased. I'm hoping that FFE won't continue this trend.

It worries me when Jim implies that he'll only respond to opinions posted on his own boards, and even then only the "trained gaming professionals" are respected. I suspect that he'd have more fans for both his products and his opinions if he'd interact more with the community.

 

[Leopold]

can anyone give me a link to his website forums?