WotC Replies: Statements by WotC employees regarding Dragon/Dungeon going online

[Wraith Form]

WotC isn't run by idiots.

Oh no, precioussssss....they're very very good at getting our money from our pocketses, aren't they, precioussss?

 

[Wraith Form]

That and the fact there will be MAJOR opportunities for Paizo to work deals with Necromancer Games to create truly innovative products.

Yes, I'm sorry--that too. Absolutely a Good Thing (tm).

 

[Nightfall]

Wraith,

Well just saying...and you're right too about them being grubby people for money.

 

[Reynard]

Me, I suspect the subscription service WILL be mandatory.

I think I used too many double negatives in my initial statement. What I meant was assuming a subscription service, WotC would likely sell prepaid cards the same way MMOs and other online gaming services do.

 

[Reynard]

Oh no, precioussssss....they're very very good at getting our money from our pocketses, aren't they, precioussss?

I think that's a borderline post, though I didn't report it. The fact is that WotC only gets as much money from you as you are willing to give them. I am as confounded by this move -- specifically, their pulling of the Dragon and Dungeon licenses, not the digital initiative -- as anyone, but WotC can't steal what's in my pocket. I give them what i want to give them, and that's it. There's nothing they can offer that is necessary, and therefore they have to ask me, politely even, for my money. It isn't like they're the electric company for goodness sake.

 

[Nightfall]

Reynard,

*sings* The Electric Compan-eeee-eee! The Electric Company-eeee!!


Sorry I couldn't resist.


So they are going to treat it like a cell phone plan?! Dude. That's harsh. Me I just figured they'd treat it more like a magazine subscription plan...but eh. Pre-paid cards seems...well I guess I'm just against cell phones.

 

[caudor]

There's no indication that if the digital initiative is a subscription service, WotC won't be selling the same kind of prepaid cards in your FLGS -- and your Walmart, and your Borders, and even your Best Buy -- in the same manner. I assume -- no matter what one may actually think of the prospect of a web enhanced D&D experience -- that WotC isn't run by idiots.

I agree. Bill Slavicsek says they have a plan; I believe it.

Not too long ago, we were speculating on what would be the 'next big thing' for D&D. I think that the digital initiative is the next big thing. The aim, I suspect, is to make D&D easier to prepare and play without dumbing it down.

What is needed to do that given the complexity and volume of D&D material? A suite of tools for character generation, online play, digital adventures, quick access to resources, etc. Does that mean they will stop printing paper books? I don't think so.

I don't want to steal Merric's title as "ENWorld's Optimist", but I am optimistic about what is coming.

 

[megamania]

I don't buy PDFs.

I won't buy into this electronic magazine.

Why?

Not everyone has a good computer. When I log onto the WoTC site it takes my computer 10 minutes to allow me to use it. (Vermont- most don't even have an option of Direct Line or High Speed Internet)

It's done.

It's their decision, their magazine. Theyu are shifting their business to the computer minded and abled.


Sucks but that is the trend.

 

[Nightfall]

Caudor,

No but you're certainly in the running for that title. You and about 20 other people.


Mega,

As always your argument is that of a modron, to the point and winning.

 

[grimslade]

How to handle a break up

I loved Dungeon/Dragon and have subscribed to one or both over the past 25 years. Paizo and especially Mr. Mona have done an amazing job ratcheting up the quality these past few years.

I am struck by different amounts of information being released by Paizo and WotC.
Paizo has released many details of "what comes next" starting in September '07. We know who is penning the first installments of Pathfinder. We know who is doing the cover art. We know the title of the adventure path and that it is set in Paizo's default setting. We have a lot of positive attitude flowing from them about new projects and pride in what they have accomplished.

WotC had a very impersonal sounding initial press release. And a smattering of reminiscences. Bill Slavichek has 'a plan'. There is very little meat to go on. What happens in Sept '07 is left up in the air.

Add to this WotC's less than perfect record with their web/electronic presence. E-tools. Patch management that shuts the site down for hours at a clip. No decent search on their message boards. It gives a lot of fodder to doubt them.

There is only 4 months until these magazines disappear from magazine racks. A little idea of what will be coming out from WotC to replace them would be nice. Maybe who will be involved in the initial offering. Maybe an assurance that there will be an alternative to the empty space on the rack. We have an answer from Paizo. What does WotC have?