Must every issue of Dragon have an overbearing theme?

[evileeyore]

What makes a theme "overbearing?"

Just so that no one takes this question the wrong way -- we work hard to give D&D players what they want to see, and the answer to this question matters to the editorial staff when we're planning future issues.

It is 'overbearing' when more than 1/2 the magazine is devoted to something a particular individual doesn't like or feels has no use.

For instance I felt that the latest Dragon (#297) which feature 3 articles about epic levels and 2 articles about something else seemed a tad overbearing on the epic stuff* (it dominated the issue).

Of course I understand completely the reasons behind this, and even though the epic stuff is of little use to me I was very happy with the other two articles (Children of the Cosmos and Living Greyhawk Journal), and several of the standard features.

Of course the fact that you feature Nodwick and What's New means I will always find atleast 2 worthwhile things in the magazine. Unless you discountinue those two comics. Then I will have to discuss the future of your kneecaps...

Otherwise keep up the good work...



*I consider reaccuring features (such as class acts and the fiction) to be less articles and more features... i.e. something that will always be there, whereas articles are an inconstant that cover other subjects...

 

[reapersaurus]

But it is worse than that. It seems to me that even if I like an issue's theme, I am finding large parts of the issue useless. Now to some extent this is to be expect, but sometimes, it seems to me as if they are scraping the bottom of the barrel to fill out the overly-generous "theme" quota.

I like the concept of a theme, however Dragon is almost useless to me.

As a player, there's been maybe a handful of pages in the 8 or so issues I've bought/looked thru with content that I would actually want to have in my library.

 

[Frosty]

Every magazine has themes. Sports Illustrated has sports, Comuter Gaming World has computers, and Dragon has d20.

Dragon Magazine Swimsuit Edition, anyone?

 

[Krug]

Dragon Magazine Swimsuit Edition, anyone?

The Queen of Spiders like you've never seen her before!

 

[JoeBlank]

I agree with Tewligan and evileeyore when they say a theme is okay, as long as it does not consume the entire mag. A few articles towards the theme is fine, and if it is a theme you like then all the better. If you don't care for the theme, there is still plenty of non-theme material to be had.

Speaking of the theme consuming the issue, howcum What's New always has to follow the theme? Is this Phil's idea, or someone elses? Sometimes it is funny to see how he handles the theme, but other times it is a little forced. Can you shed some light on this, Mr. Decker?

 

[Angelsboi]

Umm Tsunami, they DID do a Underdark issue. With Gangers of the Underdark, all the Underdark race name generators, etc etc etc

 

[JacktheRabbit]

What makes it overbearing is when it is obvious that an entire issue of the magazine has been turned into an advertising rag for the next WOTC product due to come out (cough cough Stronghold Builders, Epic Level).

I didnt get a subscription to get is used as an advertising whip that beats me with information that is 90% useless if I dont buy WOTC's latest suppliment POS.

What makes a theme "overbearing?"

Just so that no one takes this question the wrong way -- we work hard to give D&D players what they want to see, and the answer to this question matters to the editorial staff when we're planning future issues.

 

[Zarrock God of Evil]

What makes it overbearing is when it is obvious that an entire issue of the magazine has been turned into an advertising rag for the next WOTC product due to come out (cough cough Stronghold Builders, Epic Level).

I didnt get a subscription to get is used as an advertising whip that beats me with information that is 90% useless if I dont buy WOTC's latest suppliment POS.

Your are of course entitled to your opinion even though it seems so negatively biased (not just in this thread) that you'll have to forgive me if I do not regard it as a very objective opinion anymore.

Personally, Dragon Mag. has never seen as much use IMC as now. I like the themed issues because the issues directly support the material I purchase and make information easier to reference. It's difficult to judge the general consensus, but for all I know Dragon Mag. hasn't had as many subscriptions as now for a long time and I feel that I've seen a vast majority of positive opinions on the new format of the magazine.

So everyone who's got a problem with the new format - your are entitled to your opinion but I don't think you should expect much change in it for the time being. The topic does seem a bit beat to death by now as well....

-Zarrock

 

[JacktheRabbit]

If you don't like the topic then don't read and post to the topic.

Your are of course entitled to your opinion even though it seems so negatively biased (not just in this thread) that you'll have to forgive me if I do not regard it as a very objective opinion anymore.

Personally, Dragon Mag. has never seen as much use IMC as now. I like the themed issues because the issues directly support the material I purchase and make information easier to reference. It's difficult to judge the general consensus, but for all I know Dragon Mag. hasn't had as many subscriptions as now for a long time and I feel that I've seen a vast majority of positive opinions on the new format of the magazine.

So everyone who's got a problem with the new format - your are entitled to your opinion but I don't think you should expect much change in it for the time being. The topic does seem a bit beat to death by now as well....

-Zarrock

 

[Zarrock God of Evil]

If you don't like the topic then don't read and post to the topic.

That's a simple rebuttal. I tried to point out the problems about your complaints and where I think the objectivity fails. A topic discussed without objectivity and without opposing point-of-view is very unlikely to lend a useful outcome. The only useful point of discussing something is to reach a satisfactory answer or conclusion as close to the actual truth as possible - but at least an answer to which the majority of people involved in it can relate positively.

I understand that it's in the human nature to vent our frustrations every now and then - but being constructive is the road ahead. To solve or accept a problem, you have to address the situation that actually exists and weigh all facts objectively if you are really trying to accomplish something else than merely ranting. I'm not really trying to keep you from ranting - I'm merely pointing out that I think you should find another approach if you want to improve your stance or change anything. Having an opinion is every man's right, but this very luxury also means that we have to accept that what we want is not always what the majority wants and then move on instead of whipping the same old horse.

-Zarrock