Narrow-focus vs wide-focus.

[max lietzen]

As a long time subscriber, and longer fan of Dragon magazine (and occasionally Dungeon), it breaks my heart to hear news like this. You're canceling my magazine, and for what? I'll probably never know, but I'm guessing the answer is money. Somehow, you think you can make more money by publishing that new narrow-focus periodical you're coming out with.

I really do think you're making a mistake. Dragon, and to a lesser extent in my opinion fill a particular niche; wide-focus publications. To paint a picture of my buying thought process: If I want content about something, I buy the associated splashbook (ooo, I'm playing a cleric, better pick up complete divine/champion), or if I want to run a campaign, I pick up an adventure (hmm, my turn to DM is coming up, better pick up queen of the demonweb pits). This fills my quota of narrow-focus publications. To the brim. Over the brim, really.

But I don't always want that narrow of a focus. The wonderful thing about Dragon (and Dungeon, in other ways) is the amazing myriad of concepts that flow through it on a monthly basis. Perfect for the the way I play, and the life of playing that I live. Fresh concepts, ready to go, ready to inspire. I'm going to miss so much about it.

Likewise for Dungeon. The beautiful thing about Dungeon is that it isn't a giant railroad you have to go down (*cough*cough* Pathfinder), it is a forking and winding path that you meander, picking the flowers that you want, and enjoying the rest as they are, mindful that each has a place. Perfect for when the scheduled DM is sick, or for transitions between campaigns, or for when a game spontaneously forms. Dungeon is there with something well-crafted and ready to go. For this reason alone, although I may pick up a copy of Pathfinder just to find out if I like what I see (I'm sure it'll be well written and plotted out), I can guarantee you now I'll never subscribe. Its not marketed to me.

So, if you get this letter, and many others like it, please take into consideration the loyalty of your fanbase, and what WE want, don't just look at the bottom line.

Loyal Dragon subscriber,
Max Lietzen

[Sean Robson]

max lietzen wrote:

As a long time subscriber, and longer fan of Dragon magazine (and occasionally Dungeon), it breaks my heart to hear news like this. You're canceling my magazine, and for what? I'll probably never know, but I'm guessing the answer is money. Somehow, you think you can make more money by publishing that new narrow-focus periodical you're coming out with.

So, if you get this letter, and many others like it, please take into consideration the loyalty of...

Paizo isn't cancelling anything.

Wizards of the Coast did not renew their contract to publish these magazines. They are not ALLOWED to publish them anymore. Read the press release.

[Tatterdemalion]

Sean Robson wrote:

Wizards of the Coast did not renew their contract to publish these magazines. They are not ALLOWED to publish them anymore. Read the press release.

With respect, I think you're splitting hairs.

If I refuse to feed my goldfish, it'll die. Lack of nourishment will have killed it, not me.

In the end, Dungeon and Dragon will perish, with WotC being solely responsible. I don't think it's unfair to portray their involvement in the harshest terms possible.

Regards,

Jack

[Sean Robson]

Tatterdemalion wrote:

Sean Robson wrote:

Wizards of the Coast did not renew their contract to publish these magazines. They are not ALLOWED to publish them anymore. Read the press release.

With respect, I think you're splitting hairs.

If I refuse to feed my goldfish, it'll die. Lack of nourishment will have killed it, not me.

In the end, Dungeon and Dragon will perish, with WotC being solely responsible. I don't think it's unfair to portray their involvement in the harshest terms possible.

Regards,

Jack

I'm not splitting hairs. Paizo is not responsible for the demise of Dungeon and Dragon - period. I think it IS unfair to rant and blame Paizo for ceasing publication of magazines that WoTC will not allow them to publish any longer.

[mevers]

Yeah, Paizo would LOVE to ocntinue to produce both Dungeon and Dragon for eternity. But WoTC pulled their licence.

Rant and Rave at Wizards all you like (for what good it will do you, they are unlikely to listen), but realis eit is not Paizo's fault. There is NOTHING they can do about it.

Instead, they have done what they can, and from a bad situation, they have come up with the AWESOME idea of apthfinder. I can't wait for my first issue.

[max lietzen]

mevers wrote:

Rant and Rave at Wizards all you like

I did. I posted it on the Wizard boards as well.

mevers wrote:

for what good it will do you, they are unlikely to listen

I know, but that's not the point. I'm dissatisfied with something; I say something. How else will they know how ppl feel? Regardless of whether or not anything gets done, I'm just trying to make myself heard.

[Fake Healer]

max lietzen wrote:

mevers wrote:

Rant and Rave at Wizards all you like

I did. I posted it on the Wizard boards as well.

mevers wrote:

for what good it will do you, they are unlikely to listen

I know, but that's not the point. I'm dissatisfied with something; I say something. How else will they know how ppl feel? Regardless of whether or not anything gets done, I'm just trying to make myself heard.

It would be nice if you let the right people know instead of firing accusations at innocent people. Its great that you posted at Wizards boards but you owe Paizo an apology for your post here. They have done nothing to earn your wrath.

FH

[Tatterdemalion]

Sean Robson wrote:

I'm not splitting hairs. Paizo is not responsible for the demise of Dungeon and Dragon - period. I think it IS unfair to rant and blame Paizo for ceasing publication of magazines that WoTC will not allow them to publish any longer.

My bad. I didn't read closely enough your post, or the preceding. I thought you were saying something you weren't.

Sorry :(

Jack