OK, we've already got two threads about Wil Save, but I thought we needed another. ;-)
Specifically, let's put in our suggestions for what we'd like to see *replace* Wil Save. No arguments about whether Wil Save was good or not, just give your ideas on what that page should be used for now that Wil's stopped writing it.
Personally... Hmm. Honestly, I'd like to see an article along the lines of what Wil Save was supposed to be, which is just someone writing about his life and experiences in gaming. Preferably someone at least moderately famous, for the simple reason that it'd help pull in readers. (Even if you don't like the idea, "sacrificing" one page to increase readership by, say, 5% would make a *major* difference in the amount of money Dungeon has to pay for all the other cool stuff that we all enjoy.) But more importantly, someone who can *write*, and who actually does game on a regular basis. I don't even care if they play D&D regularly, as long as they have a basic understanding of the rules and have played every so often. Gaming is gaming, and while there are differences between the flavours, for the most part, the meta-game activities that Wil Save was supposed to be about the same no matter what the game is.
Failing that, I'd love to see articles from Rick Burlew on creating and running a campaign. I've read through most of the material on his website, and it's fantastic. (Seriously. Go read it. http://www.giantitp.com/ ) I'd love to see those articles updated and put into Dungeon. They're *exactly* what I'd love to see more of in Dungeon... Concrete examples, yes, but more importantly, the thought process behind the creation of those examples. Awesome stuff. Plus, Rick's a pretty good writer. :-)
Personally... Hmm. Honestly, I'd like to see an article along the lines of what Wil Save was supposed to be, which is just someone writing about his life and experiences in gaming. Preferably someone at least moderately famous, for the simple reason that it'd help pull in readers. (Even if you don't like the idea, "sacrificing" one page to increase readership by, say, 5% would make a *major* difference in the amount of money Dungeon has to pay for all the other cool stuff that we all enjoy.) But more importantly, someone who can *write*, and who actually does game on a regular basis. I don't even care if they play D&D regularly, as long as they have a basic understanding of the rules and have played every so often. Gaming is gaming, and while there are differences between the flavours, for the most part, the meta-game activities that Wil Save was supposed to be about the same no matter what the game is.
I have an idea. Dungeon should ask Wil Wheaton to write a column!
I would like it to be replaced with a Map of Mystery or maybe half a Critical Threat.
If the replacement has to be fluff, make it good fluff. Roger Moore used to do some great editorials and Erik seems like he could do the same. His recollections of his "explosion dog" dungeon struck me as better-written and more in touch with real gamer experience than Wil Save's alternating self-indulgent, sappy and irrelevent take ever was.
The return of Maps of Mystery seems the logical choice and one that Erik has already made mention of doing. Alternatively, since there seem to be so many prolific writers posting their opinions on these boards about how a human interest article should be written with regards to D&D, why not publish various gamers' takes on the game, gaming experiences, funny in-game stories, etc. Perhaps alternate between these stories and Maps of Mystery to mix it up.
I enjoyed "Up on a Soapbox" for this exact reason, though a good deal of the attraction was that it was Gary Gygax doing the writing. I thing Erik would have no shortage of articles sent in from us readers should he give it a go.
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The return of Maps of Mystery seems the logical choice and one that Erik has already made mention of doing. Alternatively, since there seem to be so many prolific writers posting their opinions on these boards about how a human interest article should be written with regards to D&D, why not publish various gamers' takes on the game, gaming experiences, funny in-game stories, etc. Perhaps alternate between these stories and Maps of Mystery to mix it up.
I enjoyed "Up on a Soapbox" for this exact reason, though a good deal of the attraction was that it was Gary Gygax doing the writing. I thing Erik would have no shortage of articles sent in from us readers should he give it a go.
Wooh - that would be cool! A little column by gamers/readers... Great idea! Maybe even Wil will come up again with a story (again, it's sad that he's not out of the door, and people already starting to think how to replace him). I would rather have this column back, then - ok, wrong thread.
Steve, your idea of having gamers write a column is very nice. However, I fear that we will hundreds of threads like
"Failed Dryder Save?", "Failed XYZ Save", etc. ;)
I'm cool with more Maps of Mystery, a feature I love because ...
(1) maps are cool
(2) they spark the DMs imagination.
But if I had my druthers, I would love for Dungeon to keep touch with the d20 modern community. One page for d20 modern, future, past or other incarnation is hardly an inconvenience.
I'm one of those who misses Polyhedron, I admit it. And I know that Polyhedron was seemingly as devisive an issue as Will Save. While I know there's no going back, a short adventure or other support for d20 modern seems worthwhile.
The only problem with my wish seems to be the current editorial mission to keep Dungeon and Dragon magazines as D&D only zones. While it's hard to argue with the premise that the D&D magazines should only be about D&D, throwing a little love d20 modern's way seems keeping with those magazines' other tradition of embracing rpgs in general.
Just a thought.
Steve, your idea of having gamers write a column is very nice. However, I fear that we will hundreds of threads like
"Failed Dryder Save?", "Failed XYZ Save", etc. ;)
Now wouldn't that be poetic justice! And I think you've seen right through to the heart of my intention ;)
I've known for some time that D&D gamers are among the most critical people around, but this whole thing is really eye opening. I really, really feel bad for Wil. He didn't deserve this and has handled it with a lot of class and dignity. I feel like I just witnessed a Salem witch trial.
Anyway, I'm going to be happy with whatever Erik and the crew decide to do with that 1 page. If that happens to be nothing at all, that's OK by me.
So, How many people checked this out to see what I posted here because the topic mentions Wil Save? ;-)
ASEO out
My first, and last post on this thread as well.
A Map of Mystery would be nice, but I hear they are expensive. I like the d20 Modern idea, but I sort of think that belongs in Dragon like the Campaign Classics or ye olde Ares section (Known World, Ravenloft, Blackmoor, GammaWorld, etc...). A Critical Threat is just too long as is a Side Trek or any other article of substance. Then there's the fact that there will be very little fluff left in the magazine.
I think they should let me write monthy editorials. Fluff with bite. It could have a masthead that proclaims in big friendly letters that Paizo is not to be held responsible for any of the things I say. Heck, I'll even start my own "GGG is a Baby-Eating, Bard-Hating, Nazi Liberal" thread and take on all-comers.
No need to thank me, Pazio.
Your money is thanks enough,
Tri-G