max lietzen's page

Rant and Rave at Wizards all you like

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

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.

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