The (Gradual) Return of older edition D&D PDFs

[Chris Mortika]

(Please move this if it's in the wrong forum...)

Years ago, I'd purchased some downloads of the PDFs of some very-long-out-of-print AD&D products. Before long, Wizards of the Coast withdrew their permission to distribute any PDFs of older material, even if we'd bought the rights to read them already. With very little warning and no ceremony, Paizo.com cut me off from the PDFs I'd bought.

Now, Wizards is re-releasing many of those PDFs, through Drive-Thru RPG and perhaps other outlets. When the particular titles included in the PDFs that I'd purchased become available again, will they reappear in my downloads, or will I have to repurchase them?

[Paul Ryan]

Not an official answer, but the last I saw posted here by Paizo staff on the subject, Paizo had heard nothing from WotC about getting the old D&D PDFs back on their site. So, at least for now, if you bought through Paizo, you're out of luck.

If you purchased through RPGNow/DrivethruRPG, then you'll get access to the new versions of files you previously purchased as they're rereleased, at about 4 items per week.

No, it isn't fair, but the only one who can rectify the issue is WotC.

[Vic Wertz]

Yep, right now, D&D PDFs are available exclusively through OneBookShelf's sites. If you'd like that to change, please let Wizards know. We'd be happy to accommodate.

[Aaron Bitman]

Vic Wertz wrote:

If you'd like that to change, please let Wizards know.

Is there a particular e-mail address or forum that you think would be especially appropriate?

(And while I'm on the subject, if we do send a message to that address or forum, would it be appropriate to include requests for other titles that aren't yet available in PDF? Because I'm sure that lots of people have some sizable wish lists.)

[Vic Wertz]

I honestly have no idea how Wizards receives public feedback these days. [e-mail]?

I have even less clue about whether they take requests. Sorry!

[Aaron Bitman]

I decided not to add requests for titles I'd like to see, as the message might then lose its focus.

Anyway, I just sat down to type an e-mail, and found myself tongue-tied. Could someone give me suggestions for my intended e-mail? Here's my first draft:

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To Wizards of the Coast:

Years ago, I purchased many PDFs of your books through the website of Paizo Publishing, paizo.com, and looked forward to purchasing more.

This year, I was very happy to hear that some of your books were again available for sale at DriveThruRPG, and I would be thrilled to hear that they are made available at Paizo as well. Please consider selling your products through this prestigious vendor.

Thank you.

[Chris Mortika]

Aaron, nice job.

I would consider adding "legacy titles" or "AD&D" in there somewhere, to make clear what sort of titles we're talking about.

[Aaron Bitman]

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll go with "legacy titles". I don't want to mention AD&D, as I'd also like to see more BECMI stuff, and even - dare I hope? - Alternity.