D&D 4E The internet: 4E can't have it both ways

[Mostlyjoe]

Any good company does listen. But if they were to cater to the whims of every flame bait, me too, and system purest out there we would be playing some unholy hybrid of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Edition. At some point you have to make a break with conventional wisdom and shoot for the stars. And so far, I like what they're doing!

 

[Goken100]

Depends on the topic

If WotC keeps in mind what segment of the population the internet message boards represents, they'll be fine. Screems of outrage over change from past versions will obvioulsy be louder among our set than the general population. But opinions on art, new mechanics, options, and flavor will probably get a less biased reaction.

 

[BlueBlackRed]

My FLGS owner has stated that about 75% of his D&D players have no access to the internet, and it's not like they don't spend money on D&D.

I don't know if it's just that one store or if the market is like that in some places, so I hope that WotC is not listening to the internet voices alone.

 

[Hairfoot]

My FLGS owner has stated that about 75% of his D&D players have no access to the internet, and it's not like they don't spend money on D&D.

Forgive the stereotype, but I can't imagine 75% of a nerd, RPing community not having internet access. I would suggest that it's either an exceptional case, or that the LGS owner is mistaken.

 

[Nebulous]

Forgive the stereotype, but I can't imagine 75% of a nerd, RPing community not having internet access. I would suggest that it's either an exceptional case, or that the LGS owner is mistaken.

I can't imagine that is an accurate figure, or is just highly isolated.

 

[Henry]

I think it should have an impact, but not taken as worth a lot unless approbation or outcry is just plain overwhelming. Personally, I think they are currently doing a good job of keeping the interaction and listening to the internet fans at the right levels.

One thing to remember, though, before anyone discounts internet communities completely: The internet fan base that frequents places like WotC forums and ENWorld and RPGnet, etc. make up a disproportionate amount of the buying power compared to their numbers. WE are likely to be the people with 30 to 100 book RPG collections, and that's equivalent to several buyers per person. Tick off one Diaglo for instance, who owns most of the 3E merchandise out there, and it's like ticking off 5 average joes who might own a dozen books each. The "IT MUST BE MINE" stereotype has its grounds in a reality of folks who are passionate about the hobby and follow it rabidly.

 

[thalmin]

Not enough options in the poll to properly vote. Of course WotC should pay attention to the online community. In fact, I'm sure it has. But don't consider it more or less important than any other type of feedback. Or many other factors. Remember, the "online community" thought Snakes on a Plane was a great idea!

 

[Henry]

Remember, the "online community" thought Snakes on a Plane was a great idea!

Side note:

And it was - what's the problem? Still own that movie, it's one of the few examples of "Plan Nine from Outer Space" genius that was actually intentional...

 

[Bagpuss]

"The internet message boards are a small fraction of the DnD players as a whole." but then so are the play-testers and the designers even more so.

 

[Blue]

"The internet message boards are a small fraction of the DnD players as a whole." but then so are the play-testers and the designers even more so.

Truth. Just because it's not all your customers, doesn't mean it's not a representative sample.

Movies have test screenings and can make big changes, even redo the ending. They don't get everyone who will see the movie into the theater to critique it, but they do show it before a number of audiences as a sample of the people at large.

Take on top of that with D&D Insider plus Dragon and Dungeon arenow online, and it looks like WotC is spending big money that gamers ARE on the internet.

Cheers,
=Blue(23)