I was poking around on the WotC board looking to see if anything was being said about Paizo's Pathfinder RPG. While I was doing this I noticed a list of all the topics that are/have been banned from religion, sex, politics (reasonable) to katanas, alignment, paladin talk, star wars, the banning of things, and the whole novel sections, and the statement how no one that works for Wizards can talk about why they deleted that section.
I'm not a regular at WotC, so what the hell? What's with all the banning? And now for some reason I have the biggest urge to know why the novel area was deleted...What could possibly be so bad about discussing Drizzt, El, Blackstaff, Tanis, Raistlin, Strum that they had to nuke the entire thing?
I'm not trying to say anything about Wizards. I just became extremely nosey over this. Why all the banning? What happened that would cause the novel area to the destoryed?
curiosity killed the cat
Fizz
RE the novel thing: Those threads were toxic. Every thread turned into a flame-fest within two posts. I'm not kidding.
The other banned topics were just over-talked about. Katanas, for instance, are available for discussion again, but were banned because too many heated katana threads were popping up.
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The other banned topics were just over-talked about. Katanas, for instance, are available for discussion again, but were banned because too many heated katana threads were popping up.
And I have never understood the reason people get so worked up over katanas. Of all the stupid subjects to get worked up over...
The other banned topics were just over-talked about. Katanas, for instance, are available for discussion again, but were banned because too many heated katana threads were popping up.And I have never understood the reason people get so worked up over katanas. Of all the stupid subjects to get worked up over...
I was in on the playtest discussions for GURPS Low-Tech several years ago. There was much debate about the general category, "Ethnic Bad-Ass Weapons," specifically focusing on katanas and tomahawks (the original GURPS 3E rules for stone tomahawks might have been ok, but steel tomahawks were way overpowered).
The general consensus was to say "swords are swords" and figure that the katanas that Japanophiles were so excited about were Fine or Very Fine (think Masterwork) blades, with the advantages (and prices!) that the mechanics already had in place for higher levels of craftsmanship.
But then there were a number of tendentious topics on GURPSNet over the years, including katanas, biscuits, and Lakota Sioux.
IIRC (it's been quite some time since the novel ban, so I'm a bit fuzzy), the main issue with the novel discussions is that some posters were being really hard on the novelists who posted there- verbally abusive, in some cases. If I'm not mistaken, the final straw was when someone made threats against Elaine Cunningham (herself a poster at the time).
Someone may have more precise information on things, or a better memory than myself, but that's my recollection. (In particular, I may be misremembering the Cunningham threat, but I do know that posters were being unnecessarily harsh with the authors, to the point they didn't want to post there any longer.)
As for the other banned items, you got me. I hadn't heard of some of those you mention, but they do seem somewhat ludicrous.
There's an inordinate overlap between gamers and the "everything Japanese is automatically cool" crowds.And I have never understood the reason people get so worked up over katanas. Of all the stupid subjects to get worked up over......Japanophiles...
Everything Japanese IS automatically cool....
For me to POOP on.
Creative Director
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IIRC (it's been quite some time since the novel ban, so I'm a bit fuzzy), the main issue with the novel discussions is that some posters were being really hard on the novelists who posted there- verbally abusive, in some cases. If I'm not mistaken, the final straw was when someone made threats against Elaine Cunningham (herself a poster at the time).
Someone may have more precise information on things, or a better memory than myself, but that's my recollection. (In particular, I may be misremembering the Cunningham threat, but I do know that posters were being unnecessarily harsh with the authors, to the point they didn't want to post there any longer.)
As for the other banned items, you got me. I hadn't heard of some of those you mention, but they do seem somewhat ludicrous.
That sounds about right to me; basically, there were a lot of really immature and mean and cruel grievers on the novel boards, so they got shut down. It's unfortunate that was the only option, but sometimes... the internets bring out the worst in folk.
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Me too! PLUS... to paraphrase a bit...
...and I have never understood the reason people get so worked up over large elf ears and oversized swords. Of all the stupid subjects to get worked up over...
I agree with you there. Although there was once when a friend-of-a-friend was showing her artwork of elf-chick-in-chain-bikini-with-sword around, and while the others were snickering like teenage boys in a locker room over the elf's rack, I was b*+%+ing about how absurd, unbalanced, and unwieldy the sword looked.
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There's an inordinate overlap between gamers and the "everything Japanese is automatically cool" crowds.And I have never understood the reason people get so worked up over katanas. Of all the stupid subjects to get worked up over......Japanophiles...Everything Japanese IS automatically cool....
For me to POOP on.
KG: "That was awesome!"
JB: "Yeah, compared to B~!$~+~+."|
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I agree with you there. Although there was once when a friend-of-a-friend was showing her artwork of elf-chick-in-chain-bikini-with-sword around, and while the others were snickering like teenage boys in a locker room over the elf's rack, I was b#*!%ing about how absurd, unbalanced, and unwieldy the sword looked.Me too! PLUS... to paraphrase a bit...
...and I have never understood the reason people get so worked up over large elf ears and oversized swords. Of all the stupid subjects to get worked up over...
"Most chainmail bikinis, while unpractical-looking, are actually enchanted to provide the same amount of protection as full plate. No joke."
- Tony Moseley
Me too! PLUS... to paraphrase a bit...
...and I have never understood the reason people get so worked up over large elf ears and oversized swords. Of all the stupid subjects to get worked up over...
How about a female drow, with oversized ears, a darksteel chainmail bikini, and a katana ? ;)
How about a female drow, with oversized ears, a darksteel chainmail bikini, and a katana ? ;)Me too! PLUS... to paraphrase a bit...
...and I have never understood the reason people get so worked up over large elf ears and oversized swords. Of all the stupid subjects to get worked up over...
Shouldn't she be dual-wielding katanas?
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Shouldn't she be dual-wielding katanas?How about a female drow, with oversized ears, a darksteel chainmail bikini, and a katana ? ;)Me too! PLUS... to paraphrase a bit...
...and I have never understood the reason people get so worked up over large elf ears and oversized swords. Of all the stupid subjects to get worked up over...
Maybe a chainmail-bikini-wearing Marilith with really pointy ears, and sextuple-wielding katanas.
Shouldn't she be dual-wielding katanas?
Well... Drows are supposed to be small, and katanas are supposed to be long, so dual wielding ?
...All right, all right... Who am i kidding ?
Hell, yeah, drow chick, long ears, darksteel bikini and dual katana ! Yeah baby, yeah !
Just as long as katanas will be in Golarion...
Bad enough we're going to lose the Swordsage class but let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater...
That sounds about right to me; basically, there were a lot of really immature and mean and cruel grievers on the novel boards, so they got shut down. It's unfortunate that was the only option, but sometimes... the internets bring out the worst in folk.IIRC (it's been quite some time since the novel ban, so I'm a bit fuzzy), the main issue with the novel discussions is that some posters were being really hard on the novelists who posted there- verbally abusive, in some cases. If I'm not mistaken, the final straw was when someone made threats against Elaine Cunningham (herself a poster at the time).
Someone may have more precise information on things, or a better memory than myself, but that's my recollection. (In particular, I may be misremembering the Cunningham threat, but I do know that posters were being unnecessarily harsh with the authors, to the point they didn't want to post there any longer.)
As for the other banned items, you got me. I hadn't heard of some of those you mention, but they do seem somewhat ludicrous.
For the record, I was most assuredly NOT responsible for the closing of the WotC novels forum. I was frequently misquoted but never actually threatened. My name is associated with this debacle because I spent far too much time and effort lobbying for civility. That my name is STILL associated with the WotC novels forum is more proof, as if any were needed, that no good-intentioned deed goes unpunished. :)
That sounds about right to me; basically, there were a lot of really immature and mean and cruel grievers on the novel boards, so they got shut down. It's unfortunate that was the only option, but sometimes... the internets bring out the worst in folk.IIRC (it's been quite some time since the novel ban, so I'm a bit fuzzy), the main issue with the novel discussions is that some posters were being really hard on the novelists who posted there- verbally abusive, in some cases. If I'm not mistaken, the final straw was when someone made threats against Elaine Cunningham (herself a poster at the time).
Someone may have more precise information on things, or a better memory than myself, but that's my recollection. (In particular, I may be misremembering the Cunningham threat, but I do know that posters were being unnecessarily harsh with the authors, to the point they didn't want to post there any longer.)
As for the other banned items, you got me. I hadn't heard of some of those you mention, but they do seem somewhat ludicrous.
For the record, I was most assuredly NOT responsible for the closing of the WotC novels forum. I was frequently misquoted but never actually threatened. My name is associated with this debacle because I spent far too much time and effort lobbying for civility. That my name is STILL associated with the WotC novels forum is more proof, as if any were needed, that no good-intentioned deed goes unpunished. :)
Oooh! Another score for Paizo if EC is here! What's next Monte Cook?
My name is associated with this debacle because I spent far too much time and effort lobbying for civility. That my name is STILL associated with the WotC novels forum is more proof, as if any were needed, that no good-intentioned deed goes unpunished. :)
True enough, ECunningham.
It's unfortunate, because that whole episode was what soured me on the Wotc boards, for good. There was no payoff for trying to have good and legitimate discussion of the novels, because too many posters were just flinging insults and spoiling the whole atmosphere.
Worse yet, there is still no place on the Wotc boards to have a discussion of the products providing the literary backbone of this game, the imaginary adventures that can thrill and inspire yet more adventures at the gaming table.
(Hello, Elaine. It's an honor to see you here. I've read your novels Evermeet and City of Splendorsand several short stories, and I'm a fan of your soaring descriptive style, your characters' dialogue, and --maybe an odd thing to notice-- your pacing.)
Hi, Chris!
Thanks for the kind word. Actually, pacing is one of the most important aspects of storytelling, so I wouldn't say it's a odd thing to notice. To the contrary--when the pacing is off, it's one of the first things people notice: "This book started out too slowly," or "The ending felt rushed," and so on.
ec
Oooh! Another score for Paizo if EC is here! What's next Monte Cook?
Hi, Curaigh. I spent quite a chunk of time on the Paizo boards today, especially on the threads having to do with Pathfinder fiction, and it seems likely that I'll be around for quite a while.
:)
Best,
ec
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Oooh! Another score for Paizo if EC is here! What's next Monte Cook?Hi, Curaigh. I spent quite a chunk of time on the Paizo boards today, especially on the threads having to do with Pathfinder fiction, and it seems likely that I'll be around for quite a while.
:)
Best,
ec
O.O
...but...I *just* redid my budget to fit Sinister Adventures in!! Crud, here we go again ...
Oooh! Another score for Paizo if EC is here! What's next Monte Cook?Hi, Curaigh. I spent quite a chunk of time on the Paizo boards today, especially on the threads having to do with Pathfinder fiction, and it seems likely that I'll be around for quite a while.
:)
Best,
ec
I just have to say, EC being here is wonderful news to me, even moreso then the Monte Cook news. I am a big fan of this author's works.
Thank you for many enjoyable hours of reading and campaign inspirations!
Hi, Curaigh. I spent quite a chunk of time on the Paizo boards today, especially on the threads having to do with Pathfinder fiction, and it seems likely that I'll be around for quite a while.:)
Best,
ec
Welcome!
All your book belong to us!
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Hi, Curaigh. I spent quite a chunk of time on the Paizo boards today, especially on the threads having to do with Pathfinder fiction, and it seems likely that I'll be around for quite a while.:)
Best,
ecWelcome!
Welcome indeed - fantastic to have you here - and writing Pathfinder fiction! This is a good day.
Curiouser and curiouser ...I spent quite a chunk of time on the Paizo boards today, especially on the threads having to do with Pathfinder fiction, and it seems likely that I'll be around for quite a while.
:)
Best,
ec
No need to get TOO curious. :) The explanation is quite straightforward; for me, hanging around a message board "for quite a while" means "more than a week and a half." With the exception of Candlekeep.com--and even that's been on and off--I've been avoiding message boards for several years now.
But here's the thing: I've started work on a six-episode bit of serial fiction. I'm currently learning about the Pathfinder setting, and an important part of the process is getting a read on the interests and preferences of the folks who hang out there.
I've been avoiding message boards for several years now.
There's a lesson in there somewhere.
Elaine Cunningham:
If you have not done so I would recommend browsing the Rise of the Runelords threads on the Pathfinder Adventure Path forum.
Besides threads discussing technical matters such as which bad guys offer hard fights, you will find links to artwork, discussions about groups where PCs have developed tricky romantic relationships with the NPCs, inquiries about details not presented in the AP, clarifications saught regarding facts in the articles at the back of the Pathfinders, and much, much, more. The Paizo boards are home to roleplayers, and I hope that reading about their Golarion games (or the campaign journals for them, over in the campaign journals Forums- Tbug's 'Birdcrunchers' journal, where his players are usually running goblins characters I find is a fine journal) would help inform you about some of us.
Edit:
Oh, and if you use (or Quote from another poster) the word 'smurf' (or certain variants) in a post, you are randomly alloted a picture of one. The PostMonster even invented a special picture for Kobold Cleaver for when he uses one of the 's' words.
I've been avoiding message boards for several years now.There's a lesson in there somewhere.
No doubt. The problem with lessons is that you seldom learn them until you're knee-deep in whatever they're teaching you to avoid.
To Elaine Cunningham, just wanted to say I read your books. Please more drow novels in the future. Perhaps you can tie it with the Second Darkness AP. I hear drows will be making an appearance at that time.
Thanks! Not sure about the drow, though. I've been spending so much time researching 16th century Scotland that I've reached my limit on scheming and plotting and murderous royal families for a while. :)
Oh, and if you use (or Quote from another poster) the word 'smurf' (or certain variants) in a post, you are randomly alloted a picture of one. The PostMonster even invented a special picture for Kobold Cleaver for when he uses one of the 's' words.
I'm not sure how I'd work that particular word into conversation, but since it apparently functions as a noun, verb, and expletive, I should be able to manage it sooner or later.
There's an inordinate overlap between gamers and the "everything Japanese is automatically cool" crowds.And I have never understood the reason people get so worked up over katanas. Of all the stupid subjects to get worked up over......Japanophiles...
Real Nipponophiles know that not everything Japanse is cool...
like the rape of Nanking, comfort women, suicide bombers...just to name a few.
If Elaine Cunningham is writing Pathfinder fiction I'll buy it. :)
RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32, 2010 Top 8
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To Elaine Cunningham, just wanted to say I read your books. Please more drow novels in the future. Perhaps you can tie it with the Second Darkness AP. I hear drows will be making an appearance at that time.Thanks! Not sure about the drow, though. I've been spending so much time researching 16th century Scotland that I've reached my limit on scheming and plotting and murderous royal families for a while. :)
Oooh, if you're writing a book about 16th century Scotland, my friends of clan Macfarland will be happy.
In case the Paizo Staff had not mentioned it to you, every Tuesday evening (unless James Jacobs drags them all off to the cinema to watch Cloverfield:D) some of the Paizo Staff drop in on the chatroom hosted by Lilith (of the werecabbages) to talk about Pathfinder with some of their customers/fans. This event occurs on Tuesday evenings at 20:00* Paizo Standard Time (what else could PST stand for?), *here*. Daigle and/or Lilith of the werecabbages are usually present during working hours on weekdays, and paizo customers/fans are often in attendance, whether fooling around wih the wide selection of emoticons, discussing work/social life, the current RPG hot topics (including edition change) or a variety of other things.
If you have the time to investigate, the Tuesday night chats are usually rating, *AWESOME*. I live in the UK and on occasions make the effort to stay up to attend.
Thanks for the info. Once I have more to talk about, I'll definitely stop by! :)
ec
No doubt. The problem with lessons is that you seldom learn them until you're knee-deep in whatever they're teaching you to avoid.I've been avoiding message boards for several years now.There's a lesson in there somewhere.
Ain't that the truth!
Oh, and if you use (or Quote from another poster) the word 'smurf' (or certain variants) in a post, you are randomly alloted a picture of one. The PostMonster even invented a special picture for Kobold Cleaver for when he uses one of the 's' words.
I hadn't noticed that - guess I haven't spent enough time here (or haven't hit any of the conversations in which those little blue things have been mentioned). How did that get started?
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How did that get started?
In the beginning there was D&D.
And it was good.
Then along came WotC and the OGL.
And it was still good.
And, lo, the OGL did give rise to many 3rd party publishers.
And it was better.
Then did Paizo rise, bringing forth a man named Gary Teter.
And it was great.
And, lo, did the Teter bring forth the random smurf avatar.
And there we are.
WTH people! Can’t you stay on topic? We were debating the total awesomeness that is the Katana, not fanboing over Elaine.
WTH people! Can’t you stay on topic? We were debating the total awesomeness that is the Katana, not fanboing over Elaine.
Can Elaine Cunningham dual wield katanas?