Re: Think you are missing a few areas.
JohnRTroy said:
I personally don't think people should be judged on so-called "professionalism". Just because somebody chooses not to comment on private dealings between two parties doesn't always mean that it is improper behavior--it's not like this was truly a private thing or an NDA was signed--it's not personal facts or the like. In fact, people sometimes commend whistleblowers.
I think a person should be judged on professionalism. And Mr Kuntz has shown zero professionalism concerning this. If he had a "beef" with it, it should be handled in private between all concerned parties, not aired in public by posting private emails he had with anyone. I get the insinuations he is attempting to imply, and frankly think he is reaching at straws. Clark Peterson has already indicated the City of Brass will not contain anything Rob has done in the past or talked about with Clark. That should be the end of it.
And Gene isn't a potential "whistleblower" as you put it. Search around for some of his other posts here or anywhere, he seems to be always near controversy, similar to Mr Kuntz.
Or, put in on the other foot with an example. Gygax has commented publically about his dealings with TSR. Lorraine Williams has rarely ever commented about Gary's dealings at all. Does that make HER a better person because she didn't speak out about their conflcit where Gary did? Public opinion woild say otherwise. Let's not be hypocritical here. If some gamer revealed private correspondance between him and Hasboro I'd bet a different tune would be spewed here.
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Not hypocritical at all. Lorraine Williams ran TSR into the ground. Gary Gygax is not the only one to speak out on this. It is fairly well known. It doesn't make her a better person, but then again, all we know from Gygax is what he has told us.
The only reason you guys are complaining is you think the Necromancer has better products and/or is a better writter, or one person may be (to our eyes) kinder than the other.
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What has Rob produced lately? The Maze series seemed to be the poorest received Necromancer Games products to date. The reviews are average or worse (not just here but other review boards as well).
And yes, I think Necromancer Games will do a better job. Rob seems reluctant to embrace third edition which is no big deal, but it comes through in his writing. He has even stated he doesn't like third edition on his boards. Again, no big deal, but why bother writing for a game system you hate? An example of a poorly done d20 product where it clearly shows that the writer's either don't care or don't know 3e? Check Chaosium's Dragon Lords of Melnibone. The same applies to the Maze series.
Here's where I think Rob has issues:
It's sure Necromancer can use "City of Brass" as the name. However, why is the name so important? It probably wouldn't matter except for the following--the term "City of Brass" is legendary in (A)D&D Lore. It has been mentioned since the beginning, it has been there for a while, etc. Heck, it was hinted on the cover of the book. Basically, the name is being used because City of Brass is part of AD&D Lore, and Necromancer wants to have adventures with "1st Edition Feel". Saying they are doing the "City of Brass" harkens to those gamers wanting to see the land of the Efreet.
You are right. City of Brass does harken back to the old days of D&D. Right along with "First Edition feel." And I am sure that that is why Necromancer Games wanted to do City of Brass to begin with, because it is first edition AD&D.
But, in my opinion, it isn't cool for them to use the name City of Brass after having seen and having a prior relationship with Rob. Heck, they even published a prelude written by Rob. If they are doing work independently, it shouldn't be a problem.
Why? It happens all the time with companies (not just game companies either). A person is brought on board to do a project, they drop the ball or leave, and the project continues. Look at bands for example. Musicians come and go. They are replaced. The band doesn't change the name. It works along the same lines. Look at software developers. They come and go as well. The project continues. A software company doesn't rename the product just because the designer or developer leaves or is fired.
But, I think in terms of ETHICS, they should CHANGE THE NAME, at least to show that they are doing a seperate work. And considering that they both plugged Rob, and that Rob's truly comes from the roots of the AD&D/Greyhawk campaign. Since there could be some confusion, I think it's only fair for Necromancer to consider a name change. I dunno if this will happen--wanna bet they think it will sell better if named "City of Brass" than without? But I think it is only the right thing to do in this particular situation.
In all honesty, I don't believe there will be two Citys of Brass. I don't think Rob will ever produce his. Look how long it has taken him to get Maze 4 out. (I don't think we will ever see Rob's book from Troll Lords either. They advertised it at the beginning of this year, and it still isn't out yet.)
And I don't think they should change the name. What better to invoke that First Edition feel than the name City of Brass? The book is about the City of Brass, why not call it that. Now if they could only get Dave Trampier to do the cover.
