Frequency of future Dragonshards articles? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Frequency of future Dragonshards articles? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Golbez57
01-17-05, 03:57 PM I am wondering how often new Dragonshards articles will appear at the Eberron home page. It seemed to me that they were weekly and were posted on Mondays for a good long while, but today is the second Monday in three weeks that this has not been the case.

I DID do a Search of these forums using "Dragonshards weekly article frequency", but didn't find any concrete information among the several threads with matching results, and after four pages of just-got-off-a-rollercoaster scrolling through the new Ask Keith thread, I'm still without a definitive answer.

To Keith: I know I'm not alone in enjoying these insights into the world. Thanks for the clear amount of creativity and thought that you invest in them! My wondering about how often we'll be seeing them is not a "hurry up, we want more!"

To the Powers That Be: If Keith has an interest in crafting regular Dragonshards articles and the availabilty to do so, and you've got any say in the matter, please support him in this and help him "feed the nerds". We bite if we get too hungry.
Ithamar
01-17-05, 04:11 PM I found it in the Keith Baker FAQ (page 5 towards the bottom), which leads me to believe it is a question asked in the new Ask Keith thread. Basically, because everything printed in Dragonshards is 100% official, Wizards slowed down the release to every other week to make sure everything in the 'shard agreed with current and future releases.

They just took away one of my reasons for getting up on Monday. Oh well...
m15a
01-17-05, 05:18 PM yeah, totally. if they're taking away the one thing i look forward to from the start of every other work week, i want every other work week off. yeah! but seriously, that is unfortunate.
JabBond
01-17-05, 05:46 PM Not to say they're bad, but the new Sharn Inquisitives are a little small for a pacifier. I want more meaty tidbits.

So, there's one due today, then? I hope?
Restless
01-17-05, 07:35 PM I've noticed this as well, we don't seem to be getting as much matireal as we used to. Ah well, I guess we've just been spoiled up until this point.
Isran_Imrador
01-17-05, 08:24 PM it every other week now but, if every body send in something to the Korranberg Chronicle they could Expand! that aint official but if wizards needs the time what can we do...
Blizzard_Bobsan
01-17-05, 09:47 PM Yep, Keith said it's every second week this year. Sniff... Fingers trembling... I missed my weekly dose of Dragonshard.
Just another user
01-18-05, 05:57 AM On the plus side this could mean a little more of crunch with the fluff.
Zalaz Mavi
01-18-05, 08:46 AM So, there's one due today, then? I hope?

Since we got an Inquisitive yesterday, I suspect they changed the day on which the Dragonshards are released. My guess is more toward the end of the week since that's closer to game night for most people...
Blizzard_Bobsan
01-18-05, 09:51 AM As I said, they are now every second week, so the next is due next Monday.
Restless
01-18-05, 06:14 PM What about Steal This Hook and Eberron Under The Glass?
Splendide
01-18-05, 06:41 PM I suspect this scheduling change is more to do with separating Keith from the setting than anything else.

Its not good economic sense for Wizards to have a fanbase too attached to one author, as that increases that author's power to demand better rates for contracts.
MrFilthyIke
01-18-05, 07:24 PM I suspect this scheduling change is more to do with separating Keith from the setting than anything else.

Its not good economic sense for Wizards to have a fanbase too attached to one author, as that increases that author's power to demand better rates for contracts.

Spoken like a conspiracy theorist. :D
helzapoppn
01-18-05, 07:28 PM I suspect this scheduling change is more to do with separating Keith from the setting than anything else.

Its not good economic sense for Wizards to have a fanbase too attached to one author, as that increases that author's power to demand better rates for contracts.
It's way too late for that. If Wizards really wanted to pursue that angle, we'd've never seen a Dragonshard article in the first place.
darkthought
01-18-05, 07:40 PM It's way too late for that. If Wizards really wanted to pursue that angle, we'd've never seen a Dragonshard article in the first place.

Perhaps bandwith costs? Monday's a busy day, and I'm sure Wizards ISP doesn't enjoy the fact that their pipes are being bombarded by gamers on a consistant basis on Monday.
Splendide
01-18-05, 07:54 PM Spoken like a conspiracy theorist. :DNo conspiracy is needed. Its just one organization.

Keith is clearly the best writer for this setting. Dragonshards were started to assist in getting the setting known & established among the gaming community, and they've been great.

The free Ask Keith thread has also helped this out, which is why its been encouraged...the downside for Wizards is that while this is free for them, its building an enormously strong link between Keith and the setting.

Take this hypothetical situation...if you see an apparent discrepancy in an Eberron piece, the first thing you're likely to do is find out if Keith has corrected it or not, yeah?

This is cool for us, but could have some side effects for the company down the line.

Example 1: What if Keith decides he doesn't want to work on Eberron any more? Does the setting just die? All expansions will be written without his assistance, and we're used to Keith's concept of how Eberron works. Thats not good for WotC.

Example 2: Keith starts a new setting. By this stage, his name is inspiring gamer loyalty and is likely to pull gamers away (look at Monte Cook). Combine that with example #1, and you've got a real problem.

At this stage, it makes sense to start having Keith's commitments cut down. They can't cut down Ask Keith, but they can halve Dragonshards.
Blizzard_Bobsan
01-18-05, 10:24 PM Or maybe he is just too busy with the commericial Eberron projects. The weekly dragonshard (as wonderful as it is) is a lot of work, and he separately is working on the novels, Races of Eberron and an unanounced sourcebook...
Wotc_Mark
01-21-05, 01:08 PM Dragonshards (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/archeb/ds) are normally every 2 weeks. Steal This Hook (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/archeb/sh) and Eberron Under Glass (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/archeb/ug) are monthly and the Sharn Inquisitive (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/archeb/si) is every week. And of course Art Galleries (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/arch/ag) and product previews etc happen around the release dates of each product.

However because of the holiday break it is taking longer than expected to get the latest batch through the rules review and editing process.

The good news is that Dragonshards should return to a normal schedule in a few weeks.

Hope that helps.

MJ
:cool:
Blizzard_Bobsan
01-21-05, 01:58 PM The good news is that Dragonshards should return to a normal schedule in a few weeks.

It still is in it's *new* normal schedule (it's every two weeks since 1.1.2005, it was every week in 2004). I hope you are not telling us that the next one (due this Monday) will be late... For me it's the most interesting article on the D&D website.
Joni-san
01-21-05, 02:50 PM The Dragonshard articles along with Steal this Hook and Eberron under the Glass series are propably the only reason I visit the D&D page :allalone:

Patience is a good thing... :raincloud
Wotc_Mark
01-21-05, 06:39 PM I just received a few articles from production, so this is what I have for the rest of January for the Eberron site.

1/24
Dragonshards (House Phiarlan, Part One)
Sharn Inquisitive

1/31
Steal This Hook (Unusual Jobs)
Sharn Inquisitive

The Dragonshard articles along with Steal this Hook and Eberron under the Glass series are propably the only reason I visit the D&D page Check out Vicious Venues (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/arch/vv) I love them because they always jump start my own creativity for my personal campaign.

MJ
Gurv
01-21-05, 07:02 PM 1/24
Dragonshards (House Phiarlan, Part One)

Thats enough to get me to check the site. A piece on an elven spy organization? :drool: I hope it mentions the split in the House of Shadow. Thats something I'm surprised isn't explained at all in the ECS. But even if it doesn't, so little is known about Phiarlan that this article can't fail to enlighten us somewhat!
PoeticJustice
01-21-05, 07:20 PM Keith is a really busy man. He's got two deadlines coming up very shortly (An Eberron sourcebook and something else I forgot about) and wants to finish in time to attend Winter Fantasy which is a LONG trip for him (Colorado to Virginia). On top of all that he cruises the board to keep the Ask Keith Baker thread updated. Not to mention the fact that he's happily married to a woman that probably wants to see him more than we do (and I'm sure he feels the same way)
You can't scream at the artist for more and expect a masterpiece every time. What with all his other burdens, I'd rather Mr. Baker let up on something rather than let down on everything.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Golbez57 01-17-05, 03:57 PM	I am wondering how often new Dragonshards articles will appear at the Eberron home page. It seemed to me that they were weekly and were posted on Mondays for a good long while, but today is the second Monday in three weeks that this has not been the case. I DID do a Search of these forums using "Dragonshards weekly article frequency", but didn't find any concrete information among the several threads with matching results, and after four pages of just-got-off-a-rollercoaster scrolling through the new Ask Keith thread, I'm still without a definitive answer. To Keith: I know I'm not alone in enjoying these insights into the world. Thanks for the clear amount of creativity and thought that you invest in them! My wondering about how often we'll be seeing them is not a "hurry up, we want more!" To the Powers That Be: If Keith has an interest in crafting regular Dragonshards articles and the availabilty to do so, and you've got any say in the matter, please support him in this and help him "feed the nerds". We bite if we get too hungry.
Ithamar 01-17-05, 04:11 PM	I found it in the Keith Baker FAQ (page 5 towards the bottom), which leads me to believe it is a question asked in the new Ask Keith thread. Basically, because everything printed in Dragonshards is 100% official, Wizards slowed down the release to every other week to make sure everything in the 'shard agreed with current and future releases. They just took away one of my reasons for getting up on Monday. Oh well...
m15a 01-17-05, 05:18 PM	yeah, totally. if they're taking away the one thing i look forward to from the start of every other work week, i want every other work week off. yeah! but seriously, that is unfortunate.
JabBond 01-17-05, 05:46 PM	Not to say they're bad, but the new Sharn Inquisitives are a little small for a pacifier. I want more meaty tidbits. So, there's one due today, then? I hope?
Restless 01-17-05, 07:35 PM	I've noticed this as well, we don't seem to be getting as much matireal as we used to. Ah well, I guess we've just been spoiled up until this point.
Isran_Imrador 01-17-05, 08:24 PM	it every other week now but, if every body send in something to the Korranberg Chronicle they could Expand! that aint official but if wizards needs the time what can we do...
Blizzard_Bobsan 01-17-05, 09:47 PM	Yep, Keith said it's every second week this year. Sniff... Fingers trembling... I missed my weekly dose of Dragonshard.
Just another user 01-18-05, 05:57 AM	On the plus side this could mean a little more of crunch with the fluff.
Zalaz Mavi 01-18-05, 08:46 AM	So, there's one due today, then? I hope? Since we got an Inquisitive yesterday, I suspect they changed the day on which the Dragonshards are released. My guess is more toward the end of the week since that's closer to game night for most people...
Blizzard_Bobsan 01-18-05, 09:51 AM	As I said, they are now every second week, so the next is due next Monday.
Restless 01-18-05, 06:14 PM	What about Steal This Hook and Eberron Under The Glass?
Splendide 01-18-05, 06:41 PM	I suspect this scheduling change is more to do with separating Keith from the setting than anything else. Its not good economic sense for Wizards to have a fanbase too attached to one author, as that increases that author's power to demand better rates for contracts.
MrFilthyIke 01-18-05, 07:24 PM	I suspect this scheduling change is more to do with separating Keith from the setting than anything else. Its not good economic sense for Wizards to have a fanbase too attached to one author, as that increases that author's power to demand better rates for contracts. Spoken like a conspiracy theorist. :D
helzapoppn 01-18-05, 07:28 PM	I suspect this scheduling change is more to do with separating Keith from the setting than anything else. Its not good economic sense for Wizards to have a fanbase too attached to one author, as that increases that author's power to demand better rates for contracts. It's way too late for that. If Wizards really wanted to pursue that angle, we'd've never seen a Dragonshard article in the first place.
darkthought 01-18-05, 07:40 PM	It's way too late for that. If Wizards really wanted to pursue that angle, we'd've never seen a Dragonshard article in the first place. Perhaps bandwith costs? Monday's a busy day, and I'm sure Wizards ISP doesn't enjoy the fact that their pipes are being bombarded by gamers on a consistant basis on Monday.
Splendide 01-18-05, 07:54 PM	Spoken like a conspiracy theorist. :DNo conspiracy is needed. Its just one organization. Keith is clearly the best writer for this setting. Dragonshards were started to assist in getting the setting known & established among the gaming community, and they've been great. The free Ask Keith thread has also helped this out, which is why its been encouraged...the downside for Wizards is that while this is free for them, its building an enormously strong link between Keith and the setting. Take this hypothetical situation...if you see an apparent discrepancy in an Eberron piece, the first thing you're likely to do is find out if Keith has corrected it or not, yeah? This is cool for us, but could have some side effects for the company down the line. Example 1: What if Keith decides he doesn't want to work on Eberron any more? Does the setting just die? All expansions will be written without his assistance, and we're used to Keith's concept of how Eberron works. Thats not good for WotC. Example 2: Keith starts a new setting. By this stage, his name is inspiring gamer loyalty and is likely to pull gamers away (look at Monte Cook). Combine that with example #1, and you've got a real problem. At this stage, it makes sense to start having Keith's commitments cut down. They can't cut down Ask Keith, but they can halve Dragonshards.
Blizzard_Bobsan 01-18-05, 10:24 PM	Or maybe he is just too busy with the commericial Eberron projects. The weekly dragonshard (as wonderful as it is) is a lot of work, and he separately is working on the novels, Races of Eberron and an unanounced sourcebook...
Wotc_Mark 01-21-05, 01:08 PM	Dragonshards (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/archeb/ds) are normally every 2 weeks. Steal This Hook (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/archeb/sh) and Eberron Under Glass (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/archeb/ug) are monthly and the Sharn Inquisitive (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/archeb/si) is every week. And of course Art Galleries (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/arch/ag) and product previews etc happen around the release dates of each product. However because of the holiday break it is taking longer than expected to get the latest batch through the rules review and editing process. The good news is that Dragonshards should return to a normal schedule in a few weeks. Hope that helps. MJ :cool:
Blizzard_Bobsan 01-21-05, 01:58 PM	The good news is that Dragonshards should return to a normal schedule in a few weeks. It still is in it's new normal schedule (it's every two weeks since 1.1.2005, it was every week in 2004). I hope you are not telling us that the next one (due this Monday) will be late... For me it's the most interesting article on the D&D website.
Joni-san 01-21-05, 02:50 PM	The Dragonshard articles along with Steal this Hook and Eberron under the Glass series are propably the only reason I visit the D&D page :allalone: Patience is a good thing... :raincloud
Wotc_Mark 01-21-05, 06:39 PM	I just received a few articles from production, so this is what I have for the rest of January for the Eberron site. 1/24 Dragonshards (House Phiarlan, Part One) Sharn Inquisitive 1/31 Steal This Hook (Unusual Jobs) Sharn Inquisitive The Dragonshard articles along with Steal this Hook and Eberron under the Glass series are propably the only reason I visit the D&D page Check out Vicious Venues (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/arch/vv) I love them because they always jump start my own creativity for my personal campaign. MJ
Gurv 01-21-05, 07:02 PM	1/24 Dragonshards (House Phiarlan, Part One) Thats enough to get me to check the site. A piece on an elven spy organization? :drool: I hope it mentions the split in the House of Shadow. Thats something I'm surprised isn't explained at all in the ECS. But even if it doesn't, so little is known about Phiarlan that this article can't fail to enlighten us somewhat!
PoeticJustice 01-21-05, 07:20 PM	Keith is a really busy man. He's got two deadlines coming up very shortly (An Eberron sourcebook and something else I forgot about) and wants to finish in time to attend Winter Fantasy which is a LONG trip for him (Colorado to Virginia). On top of all that he cruises the board to keep the Ask Keith Baker thread updated. Not to mention the fact that he's happily married to a woman that probably wants to see him more than we do (and I'm sure he feels the same way) You can't scream at the artist for more and expect a masterpiece every time. What with all his other burdens, I'd rather Mr. Baker let up on something rather than let down on everything.