Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 Tony_Vargas Jul 20, 2010 18:56:22	Let us know what it would take to get you to sign onto DDI, if you're not already.  Or, go ahead and share what made you finally sign up. For me, I've gotten to try out Monster Builder and I do like it, but if Adventure Tools included something like Encounter Builder that let me use custom Monster Builder Monsters, that'd be a big selling point.  I can't imagine what a 'Skill Challenge Builder' might be like, but it could only help...
#2 Saeviomagy Jul 20, 2010 19:17:48	I might join DDI if I could purchase a custom rulebook containing specific articles from dungeon/dragon. The last annual was such a mish-mash in terms of quality that it wasn't worth buying, and I'm not willing to run or play in sessions with everyone hunched over laptops just so they can read the rules.
#3 Dane_McArdy Jul 20, 2010 19:27:59	I might join DDI if I could purchase a custom rulebook containing specific articles from dungeon/dragon. The last annual was such a mish-mash in terms of quality that it wasn't worth buying, and I'm not willing to run or play in sessions with everyone hunched over laptops just so they can read the rules. You do know that you can print out any single article from any of the digital issues? Just what you need.
#4 Saeviomagy Jul 20, 2010 19:29:35	If you mean I can use my own printer, then that's not quite what I want. I want something that's at least magazine quality (glossy, bound with a resilient if not hard cover).
#5 MechaPilot Jul 20, 2010 20:24:07	Since you put this thread in two different places I figured it would be appropriate to quote my post in the other thread here. When I get a new pc with more virtual memory, I'll subscribe. As is right now, the demo runs really friggin slow after about 20 minutes of being kept open. Hopefully by then, there will be some new editions to the CB (houserules improvements) and AT (ability to design encounters, traps and so on) I'm in the same kind of boat.  My decision to join DDI isn't based on what features might be added in the future but on real world conditions. But to answer the question: I'll join DDI when . . . I get a better paying job.  Right now I'm a college student working at a minimum-wage fastfood job.  Once I get my degree though (within the next 6-9 months) I'll be qualified for a job that will pentuple my current income.
#6 Jharii Jul 20, 2010 21:43:00	If you mean I can use my own printer, then that's not quite what I want. I want something that's at least magazine quality (glossy, bound with a resilient if not hard cover). DDI is a digital service, not a physical service.  Dungeon and Dragon magazines are magazine quality, they are just not physical.  A minor issue for the value you get with the subscription. Ultimately, you decide what is worth your dollar, but I feel that your assessment is really splitting hairs.
#7 Kavannah Jul 20, 2010 21:48:02	I let my subscription lapse a few months ago.  If they actually released the VTT I'd renew in a heartbeat.  I have gamer friends who have moved, gamer friends who now have kids and can't get a babysitter, gamer friends I went to school with on the other side of the country... etc.  Yes, I know there are third party apps out there.  However, that really wasn't the OP's original question.  Bottom line, if Wotc showed renewed committement to bringing D&D into the digital age, preferably before 5th edition, I would show renewed committement to Wotc.
#8 KM.549 Jul 21, 2010 5:13:11	I'd join with two things:  1. The VTT is out and runs good. 2. You can use different rules witht he VTT. Me and the other people don't like 4th ed as a system. Would be nice if you can use the VTT with other systems. It would also give WOTC more sales if the VTT can do that.
#9 Jharii Jul 21, 2010 6:28:52	It would also give WOTC more sales if the VTT can do that. I do not necessarily believe this.  More DDI sales, yes.  More WotC sales in general, not likely.  If VTT was proprietary to their system it would likely lead to more book sales. Regardless, you won't ever get 2.  I can just about guarantee that.
#10 celloshane Jul 21, 2010 14:40:23	Regardless, you won't ever get 2.  I can just about guarantee that. What makes you say this?  The original VTT previews indicated that there would be no rules elements integrated.  It was intended for the DM and players to handle all rules elements outside of rolling dice, meaning that any edition could have been played on the VTT. _____________________________________________ As for me, there are several actions WotC can take to make DDI more attractive to me.  The first is to increase the quality of Dragon and Dungeon.  I don't want to see the publications devolve into a vehicle by which WotC releases powers, feats, and other rules elements that they don't want to publish in books.  I would like to see the magazines used as a vehicle to release setting optional information like detailed locations, histories, organizations, and characters.  What's more I'd like to see more integration between the two seperate entities - if you're going to detail a guild of vampire hunters in Dragon, why not show me a profile of their arch enemy in Dungeon?  I'd also like to see more articles like Ecologies. Secondly, they can release more tools that will make my life easier as a DM.  A mapping tool with a low learning curve, a combat tracker for round to round record keeping, or even an adventure flowchart creator.  I need tools that will reduce the prep time I spend on D&D, and while the Character Builder and Monster Builder are great, they don't exactly help with that. Thirdly, they can increase my trust in DDI management.  Let me clarify; I feel the people doing the day to day work on DDI are contributing excellent work.  My concern is that management is unwilling to commit the resources necessary to make DDI great.  Offhand, here are some steps they can take to improve my view: 1. Increase the proof time on Dragon and Dungeon articles.  If articles are ready to publish even a month ahead of time, the result should be more consistancy in the monthly calendar and the added benefit of being able to plan ahead for "light" months to increase consistancy in page counts.  Personally, I don't accept the excuse that it's ok to publish fewer articles because of holidays or con season.  That's why you plan ahead. 2. Be more open in the communication of what application(s) are in active development.  I know this is a dead horse subject for the forum so I won't go into detail, but the current situation feels like I'm Dorothy staring at the curtain. 3. A website design that has a clearer divide between subscriber and non-subscriber.  The website should be useful to non-subscribers, and they shouldn't have to wade through DDI articles and tools to find the occasional nugget that's intended for everyone.  The website should be more than simply a gateway to DDI.
#11 Dane_McArdy Jul 21, 2010 14:58:32	Regardless, you won't ever get 2.  I can just about guarantee that. What makes you say this?  The original VTT previews indicated that there would be no rules elements integrated.  It was intended for the DM and players to handle all rules elements outside of rolling dice, meaning that any edition could have been played on the VTT. They said the VTT wouldn't enforce the rules, which is different then no rules elements. The VTT would also track hitpoints, conditions and such as well, show zones and area of effects. Which means there would have to be some rules management ability in it. What I think they were meaning was the rules could be applied as needed. So that way if the players had made changes, the VTT would allow them to use the changes they made. Other wise the VTT becomes useless. They exampled movement. The table wouldn't stop you from moving your mini farther then what your character could, but it could let you know when you were exceeding that. Also, a VTT that had rule inforcement option, would be great in official games.
#12 Jharii Jul 21, 2010 15:08:44	Regardless, you won't ever get 2.  I can just about guarantee that. What makes you say this?  The original VTT previews indicated that there would be no rules elements integrated.  It was intended for the DM and players to handle all rules elements outside of rolling dice, meaning that any edition could have been played on the VTT. What Dane said... And if we do get something, it's likely not going to be based off of the original VTT.  Maybe in spirit, but not in code.  I highly doubt that WotC is going to get into bed with another software developer after the last two fiascos, particularly over a hot topic like the VTT.  They would need to get it right this time around.  Therefore, they would likely keep it in-house, which also likely means that it will go proprietary.  Also, I would imagine that it would integrate with the current offerings of DDI, including the compendium.  Whether it allows external data access or not is pure speculation, but it would mean a lot of extra work by development to allow for this compatibility. With the current GSL the way it is laid out, I would expect that to parallel into any VTT application. Wizards wants you to have fun, but they equally (if not more) want you to play their games.
#13 The_Jester Jul 22, 2010 12:31:50	The question for me is "what will it take to get me to re-subscribe?" The answer is "not much".  I plan on re-joining DDI shortly for the Monster Builder update. I'm relying on DDI more and more in place of books and have sold-off several of my older books to just rely on the Character Builder and its updates. Once I tried it it's very hard to go back to the old way of making characters and monsters. Curiously, I can still view the articles on the website despite having cancelled my subscription some time ago. I had to send a complaint to get my access revoked/removed initially so somehow it has spontaneously started again. Thankfully, I only use Chrome as my browser, which hates PDFs after the latest Acrobat-update, so no stealing of articles for me.
#14 Iceman2321 Jul 22, 2010 14:32:14	What DNDI needs now is an encounter manager/planner. I set up all the encounters for DM who has been struggling with 4e DM'ing.  It totally changed his perspective on  4e DM'ing.  Well, we already have a tool that makes playing a PC easy (ridiculously easy).  An encounter builder/manager would do for DM's in session what Character Builder did for PC in game. The monster builder is powerful for planning, the next step would be to transfer a DM's planning directly into the session.
#15 KM.549 Jul 22, 2010 15:34:23	What would be a great tool is something that takes the character files from the PC builder. You can set how easy/ hard the encounter will be for them and the tool puls the encounter and treasure.
#16 argy Jul 22, 2010 16:04:52	Thankfully, I only use Chrome as my browser, which hates PDFs after the latest Acrobat-update, so no stealing of articles for me.  I use Chrome and I have no problem with PDF's   I also wish whenever they came out with a a monster manual or whatever they would also come out with a printable bunch of  counters for all the monsters.   Somebody did one for the Keep on the shadowfell and it was fantastic.
#17 The_Jester Jul 22, 2010 16:51:57	Thankfully, I only use Chrome as my browser, which hates PDFs after the latest Acrobat-update, so no stealing of articles for me.  I use Chrome and I have no problem with PDF's   I also wish whenever they came out with a a monster manual or whatever they would also come out with a printable bunch of  counters for all the monsters.   Somebody did one for the Keep on the shadowfell and it was fantastic.  I thought it was just me until I saw this thread: community.wizards.com/go/thread/view/758...
#18 kyros_tachyus Jul 23, 2010 13:52:23	Well... lets just say I clicked this link earlier today and cried a little... www.wizards.com/DnD/Article.aspx?x=dnd/i...
#19 daladinn Jul 23, 2010 19:39:04	things that would make me resub ... 1 - VTT completion and/or a real import ability to maptools 2 - acknowledgement of the signing on for 12 months with monthly updates for the CB and compendium only got us 11 updates because of 2 pushbacks. 3 - a way to register my copy of the books i have bought so taht i can get a free PDF of a purchased book and have taht PDF updated regularly. (huge complaint in that my PHB1 is worth more as kindling then as a reference book atm)
#20 thedmdave Jul 24, 2010 0:18:18	A half decent character builder that actually lets you make "custom" items, that reflect on the (*#* character sheet.
#21 bone_naga Jul 24, 2010 1:48:23	Any of these would probably do it, at least for a little while. Two or more of them would definitely have me hooked. 1. Ability to add custom classes and such to the CB, and the ability for 3pps to sell updates containing classes and powers from their products. 2. If masterplan is able to import DDI data in the future (possibly by using a third party web scraper and then importing the files instead of having the feature built in). 3. If DDI allowed you to purchase/download the pdf books. 4. A 3D VTT (nothing else will probably be enough to draw me away from MapTool) that allows you to import models from google sketchup (there is already a large library of fantasy models). Of course, it would need to allow for 3D movement too, otherwise what's the point?
#22 bone_naga Jul 24, 2010 1:52:36	Also, if you really want feedback on this you should post it in the D&D General forums since most people without DDI probably never or rarely venture into the DDI forums.
#23 Dane_McArdy Jul 24, 2010 5:49:18	If you guys really want WoTC to consider what you are saying, put some consideration into how you word it, and what you want. Any good idea that isn't presented right, is going to get dismissed. Don't shoot yourself in the foot.
#24 Iceman2321 Jul 26, 2010 3:37:34	I just finished watching a GenCon Interview featuring one of the developers of D&D.  He stated that one of the points of 4E was to make D&D easier for the DM. One constant annoyances with DM'ing in 4e is creating an encounter that is scaled correctly for the party.  It would really help if the monsters from Adventure Tools could be added to a holding pen where the encounter level was calculated for you. Secondly, character generator and adventure tools need to come together in a seamless Combat Manager.  The combat manager would only need to track initiative, damage, healing, tmp hp, and healing surges. 4E does an excellent job with sprinkling in quick encounters in between role playing but without an efficient combat manager, the encounters can easily overwhelm the session and not leave room for role playing. Note: there is a lot of talk about VTT but the VTT does not seem to enhance table top role playing.   On the other hand, you might consider the monster builder and character builder as a pre-game tools, whereas a combat manager would quickly become an essential in-game tool should it ever be developed.
#25 P1NBACK Jul 26, 2010 13:21:58	Let's see... What do I want... Better options for Customization in the Character Builder. Perhaps methods for adding custom items, feats, powers, classes, the whole shebang. It'd be nice to be able to import third-party stuff, but also build your own and add it in. I'd also like to see support for more customization of WotC content. I'd like to be able to modify things at my whim for house-rules and such. If I want to change Magic Missile to attack AC, I simply go in and make a copy and change it. My PCs can import my campaign file and now the power does what I want. This could also be useful for "reflavoring" powers to have different keywords, etc... Expand on the Monster Builder and add in Traps, Hazards, Skill Challenges, Companion Characters, Diseases, Poisons, etc... Maybe even add the function to create those custom items for the Character Builder and export it from Adventure Tools. So, I can create my custom magic item, send it to my PCs, who can then import it to the Character Builder and equip their characters with it. A Mapping Tool with all of the released tiles. I'd like to be able to design custom maps and export it to a file that is easily printable to scale. Just being able to place it on my board and tape it down or something would be fine. Going further, the Mapping Tool could even have potential to build your own tiles and placeables (props). Those are my big three. An encounter builder sounds like an awful idea to me. Really? You need a program to help you add up 500 XP? That's unnecessary. A combat manager seems like a decent addition once the CB, MB, Creator Tool, and Mapping Tool are all up to par. You could even add in things like Campaign Notes for the DM and plot trees ala Masterplan. A 3D VTT on par with the videos we saw pre-release would be awesome. But, I'm not holding my breath. It's evident other tools that seem much easier to code are wanted by even more players. So, I doubt this program would ever come to fruition. However, it would be awesome to be able to run a tabletop game in my living room using my 47" LCD as a second display for the players and map in 3D with actual lighting and whatnot.
#26 mudbunny Jul 26, 2010 13:23:51	I have pointed this thread out to WotC.
#27 argy Jul 26, 2010 17:09:22	Let's see... What do I want... A Mapping Tool with all of the released tiles. I'd like to be able to design custom maps and export it to a file that is easily printable to scale. Just being able to place it on my board and tape it down or something would be fine. Going further, the Mapping Tool could even have potential to build your own tiles and placeables (props). Yes please x100, right now I build my maps in gimp and its very time consuming.
#28 kyros_tachyus Jul 26, 2010 22:55:56	A Mapping Tool with all of the released tiles. I'd like to be able to design custom maps and export it to a file that is easily printable to scale. Just being able to place it on my board and tape it down or something would be fine. Going further, the Mapping Tool could even have potential to build your own tiles and placeables (props). +1
#29 Devereaux Jul 27, 2010 7:18:28	Let's see... What do I want... A Mapping Tool with all of the released tiles. I'd like to be able to design custom maps and export it to a file that is easily printable to scale. Just being able to place it on my board and tape it down or something would be fine. Going further, the Mapping Tool could even have potential to build your own tiles and placeables (props). Yes please x100, right now I build my maps in gimp and its very time consuming. Mapping tools are available though - Masterplan and Pymapper for example.
#30 leozelig Jul 27, 2010 8:45:29	Here are mine... Dungeon Builder. Mapping Tool. Whatever, I want it. I am familiar with Masterplan and PyMapper, which have their own pros and cons. Untagged maps in the map gallery. Some redundancy with a DB obviously. But I like the artistic maps and would like to actually be able to use them. Electronic versions of the printed books. I know, I know... These are the main features that would add value to DDI for me right now...
#31 Jharii Jul 27, 2010 9:31:29	Untagged maps in the map gallery. Some redundancy with a DB obviously. But I like the artistic maps and would like to actually be able to use them. I would settle for (prefer) 300dpi images/pdf's of the D&D map tiles.
#32 Iceman2321 Jul 27, 2010 12:50:31	An encounter builder sounds like an awful idea to me. Really? You need a program to help you add up 500 XP? That's unnecessary. A combat manager seems like a decent addition once the CB, MB, Creator Tool, and Mapping Tool are all up to par....  I disagree.  The following encounter were built in a 3rd party encounter builder.  It took less than a minute to make.   2 Corruption Corpses + 2 Ghouls + 2 Zombies (encounter lvl 5) 2 Corruption Corpses + 2 Ghouls + 6 Zombies Rotters  (encounter lvl 5) 3 Hobgoblin Archers + 3 Hobgoblin Soldiers + 1 Hobgoblin Torturer  (encounter lvl 5) WOTC's has mentioned before that they aim to simplify the planning process so that there can be more gameplay.   This is why I believe that this feature would have to be included in any good Combat Manager.
#33 mudbunny Jul 27, 2010 12:57:27	This is not aimed at anyone in particular, but I would really appreciate it if people could try to avoid telling others that what they would like to see in DDI is stupid.
#34 Jharii Jul 27, 2010 14:44:47	This is not aimed at anyone in particular, but I would really appreciate it if people could try to avoid telling others that what they would like to see in DDI is stupid. You should macro this.  It applies to so many threads.
#35 lordhenry Jul 27, 2010 19:27:43	I would Like to see a True DM Tool with initative tracking, Map making particularly using the published tiles. and Encounter Builder.  The thing i need most is a map Tool I would love to see apple support and maybe some Iphone/pad apps phone apps would be great Love DM tool kit for Ipad but hat entering data because its propritary
#36 Iceman2321 Jul 27, 2010 21:30:18	It would definitely be helpful to have a tool that allowed "snapping together" different DNDI published map pieces in a grid-like manner. LordHenry, sounds like you make maps on your computer for DND.  How do you bring your work from the computer to the tabletop session?  I've thought about doing something with a map on the computer and showing the PC's where they are on a screen behind me.  Is that similar to what you had in mind?