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<blockquote data-quote="Ainamacar" data-source="post: 5352005" data-attributes="member: 70709">I think it's a poor idea, on the whole.&nbsp; The results would probably lack mechanical and thematic coherence -- somebody wants all items to be common, some DMs probably want everything to be rare because they can't stand anything above low-magic worlds, some will vote based solely on their current character, some will consider mechanics and others won't, and different votes over time might end up with various similar items across the rarity spectrum for absolutely no discernible reason.&nbsp; And if the results did show some consistency, it could very well be for the worst of reasons: one voting block (e.g. the numerous players that want access to everything) could win every time.&nbsp; The usual problems associated with internet polls could also rear their ugly head, although limiting voters to DDI subscribers would limit much of that.The stated intent (and text in the Essentials products) makes it clear that rarity should correlate with some aspects of the mechanics.&nbsp; Make some guidelines and stick to it, and let the DM change things if desired.Now, I can see some limited cases where voting would be OK.&nbsp; For example, if 3 versions of the same item are presented, and the vote is on which one actually makes it into the game (although that isn't an efficient use of designer/dev time).&nbsp; Or presenting 10 uncommon items, and letting users vote on one that will be raised to rare status (with some gain to power).&nbsp; The good rare weapons will hopefully have really strong thematic resonance (like the holy avenger) and this could help WotC identify items people see as really character defining.&nbsp; (I'm reminded of the old <a href="http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/dd/20050909a" target="_blank">Monsters with Traction</a> article, which took me forever to find because I couldn't remember the &quot;traction&quot; keyword.)</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Ainamacar, post: 5352005, member: 70709"] I think it's a poor idea, on the whole. The results would probably lack mechanical and thematic coherence -- somebody wants all items to be common, some DMs probably want everything to be rare because they can't stand anything above low-magic worlds, some will vote based solely on their current character, some will consider mechanics and others won't, and different votes over time might end up with various similar items across the rarity spectrum for absolutely no discernible reason. And if the results did show some consistency, it could very well be for the worst of reasons: one voting block (e.g. the numerous players that want access to everything) could win every time. The usual problems associated with internet polls could also rear their ugly head, although limiting voters to DDI subscribers would limit much of that. The stated intent (and text in the Essentials products) makes it clear that rarity should correlate with some aspects of the mechanics. Make some guidelines and stick to it, and let the DM change things if desired. Now, I can see some limited cases where voting would be OK. For example, if 3 versions of the same item are presented, and the vote is on which one actually makes it into the game (although that isn't an efficient use of designer/dev time). Or presenting 10 uncommon items, and letting users vote on one that will be raised to rare status (with some gain to power). The good rare weapons will hopefully have really strong thematic resonance (like the holy avenger) and this could help WotC identify items people see as really character defining. (I'm reminded of the old [URL="http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/dd/20050909a"]Monsters with Traction[/URL] article, which took me forever to find because I couldn't remember the "traction" keyword.) [/QUOTE]

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