Well, that's what WotC has become with this move, it's official. At least in their D&D division. Why does this hobby get so many crappy managers? And then, Hark! Paizo comes and swells Dungeon and Dragon magazines to new heights! Then, in a flash of amazing stupidity and greed in the thinnest veil imaginable, it is cut down in its prime by the black-hearted corporate suits.
Do they not realize that D&D has survived all these years by popularity and fan base alone? Lord knows it's not because of the mind-boggling financial opporunities in the field of table-top RPGs. And yet, somehow, they feel they can just piss on all of us and it will be hunky dorey? Like the deities of the Realms after the Time of Troubles, they need our mental support to keep going.
I am saddened by the fact that WotC actually has enough other investments to keep themselves afloat after this move, because nothing would make me happier than to see the entire entity collapse in response of their own actions (and send D&D off to some other owner, who would hopefully manage it with more heart).
Who now can say that the bastards at WotC truly aren't evil? They callously disregard us and our interests. Even if one doesn't think them quilt of reprehensible morals, they are still blithering idiots of the highest degree.
But, the battle cannot be won. I have a certain feeling that no petition we sign, no e-mails or handwritten letters we send, no organizations or marches we precipitate, will bring back Dungeon and Dragon magazine, at least in the foreseeable future. They are gone, the axe is loosed and falling towards the block where they lie prostrate with their necks exposed.
But that does not mean that WotC can escape unscathed for their action!
"Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light." -Dylan Thomas
Send letters, and give 'em hell! They know what they have done, they know our ire already. They refuse e-mails, and their messageboards are drowning in vitriol aim right for them.
They know.
When their sales slump in the next few months, they will know the reason.
When they cancel their online content due to lack of subscriptions, they will know the reason.
When third party companies and products swell and become competitors like never before, they will know the reason.
It doesn't take a formal organization or boycott. Surely, this delivers the point more forcefully, and has some slight hope for success (as compared with doing nothing), but in the end, it is not strictly necessary. They will know, regardless.
But, in the end, do not mourn overmuch for what has been lost. Paizo yet lives, and the minds and hearts that have produced such a product as capable of stirring such anger when arbitrarily destroyed will continue to produce products of the same caliber. Have hope and faith for the future! D&D is not going anywhere; not while we still stand as a fanbase.
Sing Obladi, Obladah. Life goes on.
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A-men brother luv.
Anytime you can connect Thomas's villanelle to D&D, not to mention a Beatles' song about lesbians, it's a good thread.
I'd like to see WotC lose alot more than just a couple months of profits. I haven't purchased from them in ages, I hope gamers everywhere stop.
It's a shame I can't support my local hobby shop because the $ goes WotC, but hey, there's always Paizo, right.
But Pathfinder is a bad idea.
-W. E. Ray