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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Calico_Jack73" data-source="post: 1536400" data-attributes="member: 14403">I mark part of it up to better availability.  Back in the day there just weren't that many places that carried the books.  Waldenbooks might carry the odd book but for the most part you really had to look around for that creepy store that carried the full line of books.  If you didn't go to the store you were forced to mail order which took several weeks (6-8) to get your order.  Mainstream folks kind of avoided those stores as the one I remembered from the late 70's reminded me of a "Head Shop".  Also, back then people who played kind of reveled in the "alternative" nature of role-playing... wearing shirts with pentagrams and growing nasty looking facial hair.  They embraced the "forbidden" view of D&D.  If you weren't that type of player then you were a closet fan... you didn't openly want people to know you played.  Doing so would mean that you admitted to being a nerd and a deviant.Nowadays, pretty much every mall bookstore will carry a book or two.  You can order pretty much everything you need from Amazon and you can get it the next day if you want.  With the internet it is easier to find groups in your local area... you used to have to try to convert your non-gaming friends.  The myths of D&D causing suicide and satan worship have been dispelled and the "alternative" nerds of the late 70's/early 80's have grown up and are todays doctors/lawyers/professionals... it has been moved into the main stream by the folks who knew it best and know that there is nothing to fear from it.I think that the earlier editions forced more role-playing as combat really wasn't so miniatures focused as it is now.  I never used miniatures prior to 3E.  When I (the DM) pull out my Battlemat my Players switch into Tactical Wargame mode and cease to role-play.  This is why I've put away my Battlemat and don't use it except in particularly large and confusing battles.Disclaimer: These are personal observations and opinions and don't in any way insinuate that I believe that these statements apply to every game/gamer in known existance.</blockquote>

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