Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 LlamasNotsheep Jan 27, 2011 13:08:22	This is an idea I had that could probably use a little refinement before being submitted to WotC (which I plan to do after getting feedback here).  Since they're clearly having trouble getting enough quality content out the door, why not open it up to the community in the form of monthly content contests? Each month, they could give a theme.  It might be as specific as "new build for X class" (a good idea if they're serious about increased support for undersupported classes) or as general as "new ideas for your favorite race".  Some criteria might help, depending on the specificity ("Should include X feats, Y powers, Z items, in A-B pages" (any of which might be 0)).  Anyone who wants to--insider or otherwise--can submit a writeup.  If WotC wants to really make it easy on themselves, they can have the community do the footwork for them in the form of voting.  The top 3, 5, or whatever submissions become the pool for WotC to pick from.  They pick their favorite and do any refining needed (what?  There have probably already been dozens of suggestions on the forums for the top picks?  Say it ain't so!) to ensure appropriate flavor and balance.  That completed product, already vetted by the community and, with minimal effort, by WotC, appears in the next month's Dragon and becomes official content. They could also offer the winner some kind of reward to encourage widespread participation.  A free year of Insider, a free copy of the next published release (signed by the designers?  Could be a pretty cool incentive), a copy of whatever art appears with the article, etc. This serves several great purposes: Minimal effort for WotC for additional content which meets their specifications They'll already know the article will be well-received by the community Increased involvement for the community Addressing the widely held feeling that people who submit articles get little or no feedback Minimal adjustment after the fact--by making the process public, the CharOppers will already have highlighted broken elements, the spellcheckers will already have reviewed it, etc. Bringing the houserulers, often considered the red-headed step-children of the community, into the fold Thoughts?
#2 Krika Jan 27, 2011 13:16:33	I am a person of absolutely no importance or influence, and I approve this post.
#3 thespaceinvader Jan 27, 2011 13:41:33	Me too.  It's almost certain not to happen, but there you go.
#4 robertread3 Jan 27, 2011 17:06:40	i would absolutely go nuts for this, its a shame it probably wont be implemented.  i mean could you imagine how the D&D world would blow up if WOtC said "make your own class contest, winner gets published" people would go absolutely insane, numbers on the forums rising and a ton of homebrew stuff would hit the web that people would use.  in my opinion that is a fantastic idea, i can only hope someone at WOtC responds to this   if not, hell, make your own contest i would allow my players to use the classes (assuming balance is good)
#5 Jamazing Jan 27, 2011 21:44:06	community.wizards.com/go/thread/view/758... I decided to take the idea and run with it!
#6 robertread3 Jan 28, 2011 21:55:59	good idea jamazing
#7 mudbunny Jan 31, 2011 9:22:35	It's an interesting idea. I will fire it up to WotC in my weekly report, as well as a link to the first one that has been started.
#8 Magicstar1 Jan 31, 2011 13:49:24	Mudbunny, Link to this as well then: community.wizards.com/xdmc community.wizards.com/go/thread/view/758...