WotC WotC invites Bob the World Builder and other creators to an in person Summit.

[Umbran]

Everyone realizes that this is WoTc's attempt to butter up the influencers, right?....

I guess Kyle's damage control tour wasn't enough.

Yes to the first. No to the second.

They are approaching influencers for marketing reasons, sure. But, Kyle's tour wasn't about everything in the world, one and done for all time. That's not how marketing works. When they want to talk about new stuff, like VTT, they have to engage with the social media people again.

 

[Scribe]

People just need to look at how Magic uses its unpaid labour, aka Twitter folks, for marketing. Its practically free advertising to leverage people's passion for their hobby.

D&D needs to get the same type of people on their side, otherwise the system falls down.

 

[Umbran]

It would be nice if WotC included those of us who have been working on fan sites for the last 20+ years.

Simple numbers there - how many see your site? Bob here has 138K subscribers on Youtube. Ginny Di has 471K.

They simply have more market reach, and so will get the attention.

 

[MonsterEnvy]

Which is why I said I  hope it's on the level.

The hell can this mean, they are not inviting all these people to a location to murder them. This is not a weird deceptive trap.

They are showing off new stuff, there aren’t levels to this.

 

[Baron Opal II]

But it goes deeper than that.

If the influencers get used to being wined and dined, they will be reluctant to ever criticize WoTC, and may go out of their way to defend them if they do something wrong.

Controlling the influencers is how they will control the narrative, and squash any legitimate concerns.

As a member of a profession that was wined and dined heavily until it was made illegal to do so, this isn't much.

This isn't "influencing the influencers" (although there is that) so much as "damage control". This is Wizards mending fences and trying to make sure the influencers don't actively hate them. They are casting a wide net, and, no disrespect intended, I'm surprised Bob made the cut. But, hey, good for him! He'll have a great time!

Now, if this happens biannually or quarterly, I would be more concerned about favorable influence. A one time deal after alienating a significant portion of the content creators? This is trying to rebuild the bridge they set on fire.

 

[mamba]

I don't watch them. I actually kind of hate the idea of "influencers". The whole quasi-celebrity, in it for the clicks mentality depresses me.

I watch some, but I do not consider them influencers in the ‘traditional’ sense (eg Matt Colville)

 

[Umbran]

I just hope it doesn't end up being some kind of bribe or manipulation.

Depends on what you consider bribes and manipulation. Does, "Here's a tasty lunch, now look at this cool new product," qualify?

Given how badly they bungled the OGL thing, suggesting they are going to be master manipulators is... not terribly plausible.

 

[Sacrosanct]

Interesting that it's to the Bellevue offices, as those are about to close. The dual-HQ in Renton and Bellevue disappears this summer. Bellevue is a boring generic satellite burb rather than a fun city with a statue of a dragon.

Edited to add: Anyone coming to the area that wants to see more of Renton, the City of Dragons, and learn a bit about the history of D&D in the area I'm available to hang out in the much more fun city -- you can even drop into my D&D games while you are here.

Yeah, but you're a Sounders fan, so....there might be conflicts...

PTFC!

 

[aco175]

I guess I need to watch more videos, I did not know who he was until I saw his picture. I have seen a video or two by him, but did not recognize his name only.

Good to hear that Wizards is making more effort to support conventions and such. Maybe more to the FLGS like they has several years ago.

 

[darjr]

@Morrus did you get an invite?

 

[Mind of tempest]

I am worried whenever they do something like this, something big happens, fear they will do another dumb idea.

 

[dave2008]

Everyone realizes that this is WoTc's attempt to butter up the influencers, right?....

I guess Kyle's damage control tour wasn't enough.

Sure, but this is the stuff they should have been doing regardless of the OGL issue. It is just good marketing.

 

[dave2008]

Would be nice to see them make a presence at conventions like Origins and GenCon again - you know, to talk to fans and players and not only influencers in a private meeting at their hq.

Kyle was asked about that in one of the interviews and he said they want to get more out to the public. They talked about cons, but my memory is fuzzy. I am pretty sure he said something to the effect they are looking at them, but didn't commit to anything IIRC.

EDIT: Looks like your prayers have been answered: post #55

 

[dave2008]

But it goes deeper than that.

If the influencers get used to being wined and dined, they will be reluctant to ever criticize WoTC, and may go out of their way to defend them if they do something wrong.

Controlling the influencers is how they will control the narrative, and squash any legitimate concerns.

good luck with that!

 

[bedir than]

Kyle was asked about that in one of the interviews and he said they want to get more out to the public. They talked about cons, but my memory is fuzzy. I am pretty sure he said something to the effect they are looking at them, but didn't commit to anything IIRC.

Today they announced at least seven cons they're going to next year

D&D Community Update

D&D Beyond - Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition Tools, Rules, Races, Classes, Items, Spells, Monsters, and More

www.dndbeyond.com

 

[dave2008]

I just hope it doesn't end up being some kind of bribe or manipulation.

That is up to those who go to decided. However, the letter said that those who come do not have to share anything from the event, but they can share everything if they want.

Also, WotC isn't sharing anything from the event. So the narrative is completely in the control of the creators going. Bob liked this quite a bit (doesn't have to worry about WotC using an image of him at the event to promote something he doesn't agree with, etc.)

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

But it goes deeper than that.

If the influencers get used to being wined and dined, they will be reluctant to ever criticize WoTC, and may go out of their way to defend them if they do something wrong.

Controlling the influencers is how they will control the narrative, and squash any legitimate concerns.

If these folks can be bought with a catered lunch, you should probably not be listening to them to begin with.

 

[Morrus]

@Morrus did you get an invite?

Nah. But hey, can you imagine taking an international flight for it.

 

[bedir than]

Nah. But hey, can you imagine taking an international flight for it.

Seriously, if you come I hope you escape the drab offices in Bellevue and take a little tour of the region too

 

[darjr]

Nah. But hey, can you imagine taking an international flight for it.

I’d gladly take the hit and go in your place.