Why does WotC hate Macs?

[Torchlyte]

If you choose to use a Mac, you choose to forgo all the software that gets developed for Windows. Has it ever not been that way?

 

[Campbell]

I wouldn't be too surprised if WotC is using the .net framework or making significant use of the Windows API for their rich client applications since IT staff in those areas are significantly easier to come by than those with Mac expertise.

 

[breschau]

Clearly, WotC doesn't like Blizzard's approach.

Most of the WoW players I know are on Macs. At MWP, we work exclusively on Macs. A significant amount of the design and publishing industry work on Macs.

I would be somewhat surprised if WotC's own computer network didn't also have a bunch of Macs. If they're all done on PCs, then there's something rotten in Renton.

Cheers,
Cam

I'm a book designer—among other jobs—and I work on a Mac. Everyone I know in publishing works on a Mac (designers, editors, management, everyone; except some of the guys at Oni Press that is, but they don't count, they're weird).

The funny thing is, there's a job posting on the WotC site for Mac Techs. They own some, need them maintained, yet they won't support them. Silly gits.

Blizzard: yeah, there's so horrible, they do such silly things as make sure everyone can play their games, and gee-whiz, they're head and shoulders above their competition. Those jerks.

 

[Shroomy]

With a limited budget, I would hope that WotC did customer surveys and marketing research that pointed them to devoting that budget to PC support. That would be my guess.

 

[breschau]

Quote taken from here. Bolds are my inserts.

They found that Mac owners pretty much personify the Mac guy from the commercials. Among other things, they think they're more extraordinary than the average Joe (shouldn't everyone? If you don't think you're the coolest guy in the room, who will?). That's according to Mindset co-founder Sarah Welch.

SARAH WELCH: This is a group that is not afraid to shout its accomplishments from the mountaintops (why shouldn't you be proud?). They're happy and proud to talk about their successes and their accomplishments, and that can come across as possibly a bit conceited.

The survey revealed that Mac users often describe themselves as perfectionists (as part of the publishing industry, that's almost a job requirement). They're also more likely than PC users to whiten their teeth (nope), drive hybrids (nope), drink Starbucks coffee (can't stand them) and eat organic food (it's too expensive)

The whole bit about tragically hip is the exact opposite of my experience. We're all inverted bookworms with low-paying jobs. We splurge on Macs because they work. I don't have to spend hours rebooting, reinstalling, finding drivers, updating security every week, no running three kinds of security software, no trying to setup wireless internet, no setup of ethernet, no weirdness, no opening the tower and swapping components, no shutting down every night (5-8 minutes every night) only to restart in the morning (5-8 minutes), and no crashing. Ever. It's like a dream.

My computer just works. Period. I've had it a year and the only issue I've had was when I tried to use Boot Camp. Instead of having to learn how to repair my computer, I can just use it.

 

[Stogoe]

Yeah, I always sided with John Hodgman in those damn commercials. I pitied Justin Long - so naive, willing to shell out twice the dough for a computer that's compatible with one tenth the software. Just so...hipster-than-thou. Yecch. I mean, it's cool if you're looking to fluff the ego of people who are already buying your product, but thanks to Justin Long, I would never willingly buy a Mac. Ever.

 

[Baka no Hentai]

I'm not sure I understand the issue here. Perhaps it is because I've never owned a Mac and do not understand the limitations but.... you're saying that WoTC is shutting you out because they dont support the browser you personally prefer, while in the same post stating that you can easily pull up firefox if you need to?

Perhaps WoTC believes that others will do the same if their lesser-used browser fails?

 

[TwinBahamut]

I'm not sure I understand the issue here. Perhaps it is because I've never owned a Mac and do not understand the limitations but.... you're saying that WoTC is shutting you out because they dont support the browser you personally prefer, while in the same post stating that you can easily pull up firefox if you need to?

Perhaps WoTC believes that others will do the same if their lesser-used browser fails?

It has nothing to do with browsers and everything to do with operating systems. WotC's Digital Gaming Table and most of the other reasons to subscribe to the DDI are not going to work on any Mac, regardless of operating system. For people who prefer Macs, this is rather annoying, especially since WotC seems unwilling to offer some kind of alternative deal that lets Mac users who want the things that will work for Macs, like Dungeon and Dragon and possibly the online Rules Compendium, without having to pay for features that won't work for Macs.

I own a PC, but it almost certainly not up to the specs needed for stuff like the Game Table, and I have no intentions of upgrading it any time soon. I prefer Macs, and my current Mac will serve my purposes for years without needing any kind of upgrade. Unless WotC throws Mac-users a bone, I have no reason at all to be interested in the DDI.

 

[Kzach]

Then the stores aren't bothering to stock most of it anywhere that I've been, including the apple stores. Apple is getting MORE, now that they're Lintels, but they're still playing catch up.

Who goes to a store to buy software these days?

If someone isn't downloading it illegally, then they're downloading it legally.

www.versiontracker.com

Safari is an outright terrible browser. I use a Mac at work, and Firefox is miles ahead of the default browser.

Either provide examples that can be replicated and that prove your point or admit you're just mouthing off about something you know nothing about.

 

[Incenjucar]

Who goes to a store to buy software these days?

If someone isn't downloading it illegally, then they're downloading it legally.

www.versiontracker.com


Either provide examples that can be replicated and that prove your point or admit you're just mouthing off about something you know nothing about.

You don't think people buy software in stores? Someone should tell Best Buy.

Maybe not in Australia (Only Best Buy I saw in Melbourne looked like a liquor store), but in the States? Yeah, people buy software in stores.