Merric's view: Thoughts on the Digital Initiative.

[MoogleEmpMog]

Unless they get 10% of the magazine folks.

Yes, that would be devastating.

It makes no sense, as I'm sure you realize, but it would be devastating. They might even get less, but seeing as how the 10% figure describes what percentage of people who consume WEB CONTENT for free are willing to pay for it (even when expanded), and has no relation to the small niche of the niche hobby that bought the magazines... yeah.

You know, I know you all have high hopes for the DI, but really, I have to laugh at the folks that say "well, WotC didnt have the drive or ability before, but golly gee they'll get it right now!"

They have to come up big. They've failed to impress before digitally, I dont see why I should have hope now. And they original poster SHOULD have added that to the downside of the digital initative in the orginal post. WotC's lack of ability online IS a downside.

And by "WotC's lack of ability online," you mean "I don't like the D&D web site and e-tools wasn't good?" Perhaps you didn't mean to apply this to me; I've never said "well, WotC didn't have the drive or ability before, but golly gee they'll get it right now" - although I can think of plenty of logical reasons that could be accurate.

I *am* impressed with WotC's web site right now.

I *love* magicthegathering.com - the site itself is updated every day with in-depth, often insightful material from a mix of pro players, Wizards employees and commentators. Gatherer, the online database of all Magic cards from Alpha to the present, is an amazing resource that works extremely well (the message boards' autocard feature, which runs off of this, is also excellent) and demonstrates Wizards' ability to put together a professional online database.

The D&D, Star Wars and d20 Modern sites are attractive and (IMO) navigable, and their content is extremely regular and well put together. Their web enhancements are excellent, their errata has been prompt and comprehensive, their previews are interesting and some of their articles, like Keith Baker's brilliant Dragonshards series, blow out of the water what those same authors did in the print magazines.

 

[Khairn]

I *am* impressed with WotC's web site right now.

I'm still waiting for them to fix the search function on their boards. Its only been ... how many years?

The D&D site was great at the launch of 3E, but current content is not very inspiring or helpful from my point of view. Unless you count the Crate, Barrel and Sack Generator.

 

[amethal]

their errata has been prompt and comprehensive

Has it? I hadn't really noticed in the past, so I'll take your word for it.

It certainly isn't the case at the moment.

I struggle with US style dates, but I think the last errata on the WotC site was June 2006.

 

[MoogleEmpMog]

Has it? I hadn't really noticed in the past, so I'll take your word for it.

It certanly isn't the case at the moment.

I struggle with US style dates, but I think the last errata on the WotC site was June 2006.

Actually, it was yesterday.

 

[amethal]

Actually, it was yesterday.

See what I mean. What have they done for me today ?

What was errata'd yesterday?

 

[MoogleEmpMog]

See what I mean. What have they done for me today ?

What was errata'd yesterday?

Actually, glancing at the date, I guess it WAS today. Anyway, apparently 'Drow of the Underdark' was missing a stat block, and the put it up on the site.