WotC CEO on Internet retailing

[DaveMage]

Now, I'm a company stooge and all, but don't confuse the lack of Internet opinionated and snark for double-speak. Loren was pretty straight-up and clear, if not somewhat guarded (as we all are when talking on forums and to the gaming press).

Please remember that we are a part of a publically traded company and there is a limit to how detailed we can be with specific plans, initiatives, and internal sales policy. Why? Because those things can have effects on the bottom line, and there is a whole section of our company whose job it is to negotiate with seller, retailer, distributors, vendors, licensers, etc., which is its own game that we didn’t write and has its own rules that we didn't develop (though we try sometimes ). Thus, sometimes we have to be a little careful with our answers.

That said, the interview section given above is not a waste of words. Loren gives some valuable insight on our product and sales philosophy, and it’s really worth taking note of.

The humor is that most questions nare not directly answered. Does he give accurate information? Yes - and he presents the policies very well. Unfortunately, few of his responses answer the questions asked. That's why it's funny. Beautiful spin - I salute him!

 

[frankthedm]

I don't think it was double-speak. It seemed pretty clear to me.

I never said double-speak. The answer to the first question might qualify as such, but my words were;

"typical non committed question dodging Corp-speak answers"

 

[Mark]

I think cautiously articulated answers from cooporate officials often get pidgeonholed as less than forthoming because most of the rest of us knuckleheads have the luxury of not getting screwed if we misspeak or are not clear right out of the gate. It is unreasonable to expect a CEO to speak off the cuff when so much is literally riding on every word he says, when he says it, the context in which it is said, etc.

 

[Glyfair]

I think cautiously articulated answers from cooporate officials often get pidgeonholed as less than forthoming because most of the rest of us knuckleheads have the luxury of not getting screwed if we misspeak or are not clear right out of the gate. It is unreasonable to expect a CEO to speak off the cuff when so much is literally riding on every word he says, when he says it, the context in which it is said, etc.

I agree with that. However, it is a fair criticism to say that he didn't answer the questions asked (OK, at least one of them).

 

[TheYeti1775]

Now, I'm a company stooge and all, but don't confuse the lack of Internet opinionated and snark for double-speak. Loren was pretty straight-up and clear, if not somewhat guarded (as we all are when talking on forums and to the gaming press).

Please remember that we are a part of a publically traded company and there is a limit to how detailed we can be with specific plans, initiatives, and internal sales policy. Why? Because those things can have effects on the bottom line, and there is a whole section of our company whose job it is to negotiate with seller, retailer, distributors, vendors, licensers, etc., which is its own game that we didn’t write and has its own rules that we didn't develop (though we try sometimes ). Thus, sometimes we have to be a little careful with our answers.

That said, the interview section given above is not a waste of words. Loren gives some valuable insight on our product and sales philosophy, and it’s really worth taking note of.

Thanks Asdo, there you go ruining all those tinfoil hat conspiracies.
No we appreciate the insight, helps when translating CorpSpeak.

 

[Mark]

I agree with that. However, it is a fair criticism to say that he didn't answer the questions asked (OK, at least one of them).

I would not disagree with your assessment except to add that he seemed to try and come as close as he could without saying things he obviously could not, while simultaneously making plain in what direction he was definitely not going to elaborate. He set the boundaries with what he did say and made sure he rode along the fence to be clear we knew what he was doing, so to speak.

 

[Delta]

Questions 2 and 3 are "yes-or-no" questions. Personally I can also accept "I cannot answer that question at this time, but...". The fact that he avoids saying any of things qualifies as undeniably IMO double-speak.

 

[SteveC]

Maybe someone can answer this: is Loren actually a gamer?

I hate to say it, but those are very "TPS Report-esque" responses.

--Steve

 

[Scribble]

I will translate, for those that put no points in corporate speak.

Our business is primarily based on the hobby channel. Everything we do, from how we package our products to our organized play offerings, is tailored to the brick-and-mortar environment. However, we of course recognize the growth of online retailers and that they're here to stay. We know, for example, that many of our brick-and-mortar retailers also do a significant portion of their business online.

Half and half... We try to make use of traditional stores overall, but sometimes even THEY need the internet to survive.

Our products are very high involvement and require a depth of support that typically is best served by the brick-and-mortar stores, specifically the hobby channel. Given this requirement, the services and support that come from the stores is essential to keep our business healthy.

Not sure if "reducing the discount" is the best option, but we do want to support the FLGS.

We have various sales policies and practices tailored to our customers and their specific needs.

Our policies are to detailed to really blanket into that question... What exactly do you mean to imply by different?

The implications for our business--and others--remains to be seen and we will continue to actively examine it in the context of our current distribution models and internal pricing policies.

Maybe.

 

[Glyfair]

Maybe someone can answer this: is Loren actually a gamer?

Here is his biography on the WotC site. While who knows what has happened since he came to WotC, it certainly seems not. "Greenwood is an avid bicyclist and enjoys restoring cars and reading."

That's not necessarily a bad thing, as long as his listens to his advisers who are gamers. Sometimes it's better to have someone in that position who can step back and look at the business without being biased by their gaming preferences.