Races and Classes cover on Amazon!

[Fifth Element]

I still contend that majority of people who are being "negative" want clarification on what's in these books. I've seen a ton of differing interpretations on what exactly these books are.

Wanting clarification is valid. The people being "negative" are those who refer to the books as crap and the selling of them as an insult to fans. Many negative comments are from those who have already decided not to purchase the books, despite, as you say, there not being enough information to make a good decision.

For all those so quick to jump on the "don't buy them if you don't want them.", I say how can I make an informed decision without information on what these books contain.

You can't. Those responses are intended for those making negative comments without having all the facts themselves.

Apparently you all have some kind of insider information...or are psychic and already know what's in the books (though to date I've seen wildly varying assumptions on this board about what these books will contain). For me, I'd like to know what I'm buying before laying my money down.

Up to this point, your post was reasonable and had some valid points. No one is insisting that you make a decision now. Just don't make any ridiculously negative comments without even knowing what's in the books. "I never pay for advertisements", that sort of thing.

Scott Rouse was asked repeatedly to clarify what information these books will contain and, all of a sudden it's too much negativity...Please. His silence leaves me with the impression that these books will have alot more recycled and even useless information and art (so far as actual material that will see it's way into 4th ed. is concerned).

Okay, you won't jump to a buying decision but you will jump to a conclusion about Mr. Rouse's motives?

 

[Imaro]

Wow. I must be imagining the negativity with even handed responses like this. The guy pops into a thread on the weekend and he isn't answering fast enough. Especially after being criticized for not marketing the products correctly. I might be willing to let him slide a little on response time, the book doesn't come out until Dec 18th. If we want a polished and descriptive blurb to make an informed decision, we might have to wait a little. Who knows maybe we can steer some of the marketing. I wouldn't expect a good preview of the preview books for 2 or 3 weeks. We'll get the coming next month blurb and maybe an excerpt in Novembers spotlight article. Plenty of time to mull over before the book is released.

Okay, you won't jump to a buying decision but you will jump to a conclusion about Mr. Rouse's motives?

Just wanted to comment on these two statements. I am not jumping to any conclusions... at least not anymore than those who are viewing the books in a positive light with the limited information available. Now, I'm not one of the people claiming WotC lied to us about 4th ed. being in the works, but the way this was handled has caused me to have a bad gut feeling when straight answers aren't forth coming. It's my personal view and in no way am I saying anyone else has to share it or are wrong for having a counter view.

How are either of these posts neutral on the matter? You look at his silence in a favorable light and I don't...but I'm not saying your wrong for this, just don't expect me to auto-subscribe to your views without evidence from Mr. Rouse. Personally I don't want an ad blurb, I want him to post what is in the books(in a general manner) and why he feels the product he is promoting is a good buy. I'm not asking for the 4th ed. rules or anything of that magnitude. If the fact that I see an inability to present a product you are selling in a open and positive way as a negative...then fine I guess I am negative. Though I would more so say wary.

Like I said earlier, I have seen people under the assumption that these books will contain a number of different things (and honestly the blurb is less than enlightening), some of whom may be purchasing (as in pre-ordering) the book under false assumptions. Now one could argue it's their own fault for not finding out more about the product...but if the questions have been asked and no answer forthcoming( so far) then it rests on both the shoulders of the consumer and the company when/if these same consumers cry bloody murder when the book is nothing like what they thought it was. IMHO the quicker you inform your consumer the less chance there is of this happening.