Did you promise to renew your subscription?
Did you promise to eat your hat?
Feel free to post here with pictures of you eating crow, or whatever it is you promised to do.
And have fun with it. This is a joyful announcement.
Make fun of yourself, but do not make fun of others, and do not call anyone out. Don't let this become something petty and insulting.
I am happily ice skating in hell right now. 
And remember - it hasn't come to be, yet. But this is closer than "indefinitely backburnered."
Here's what it would take to get me to resub:
Cheaper
or
VTT (with built in ruleset, not just an empty table)
I just can't see paying the current monthly sub for hopes and promises.
I'll be watching for the beta invite email
I said if the VTT came out, I would resub.. now the question beggs, is every DDI sub getting a chance to beta test it, or will only a "select" few get to test it. If I dont get a shot at testing, I will wait to resub untill I can try it.
The announcement indicates this is a closed beta for "Friends and Family".
They don't say if/when it will go into Open Beta or Launch.
We all know how gunshy they are about dates.
I said if the VTT came out, I would resub.. now the question beggs, is every DDI sub getting a chance to beta test it, or will only a "select" few get to test it. If I dont get a shot at testing, I will wait to resub untill I can try it.
During the 'closed' beta, only people invited will get to test it.
I said if the VTT came out, I would resub.. now the question beggs, is every DDI sub getting a chance to beta test it, or will only a "select" few get to test it. If I dont get a shot at testing, I will wait to resub untill I can try it.
During the 'closed' beta, only people invited will get to test it.
As I understand it, Friends & Family may include the team, other WotC employees, but I didn't get the impression D&D Insiders would be part of that initial beta (except maybe a select few).
Now, does that mean an open beta for all DDI members, or only those invited to test it..? Just a simple clarification would be great.
Even if this is just a simple dice roller and map system with tracking of marks, I'll be happy.
I'm more than happy to be proven wrong - but at the same time, I absolutely reserve judgement until the VTT is actually available.
Is this something else we'll have to pay for?
From the FAQ
Q: What is the pricing going to be on the finished product?
A: We have not finalized any pricing decisions at this time.
It's sounding like it might be.
That way, people could see the real progress... because, last time, we saw great videos of the 3dVTT that seemed to work and a character visualizer that seemed to work but that never came after 3 years... pushing it faster to suscriber would gain WotC a bit of more credibility in delivery their products.
Personnally, I don't think I will use this utility since we use Webcam directed on a map and it work fine. I would have love to have the Character Visualizer to create PCs, NPCs.
I didn't promise to do anything in particular (to my knowledge) but I will fully admit that I will be watching the skies, for the time being, for signs of flying pigs and/or the Apocalypse.
Based on the current and past digital offerings from WotC, I could not imagine a product being released that would make me want to pay a monthly fee. Their offerings have rarely been competitive with free fan based tools, even prior to 4e. It seemed unlikely that a tool worth subscribing for would be released.
That being said, I will always be re-evaluating my subscription, but things do not look good. Just as some tools start coming out, content that interests me dries up almost completely. As ever, it seems that you can only have quality content or quality tools, never both at the same time.
Did you ever promised to do something dramatic if the Virtual Table ever came to be?
I might be mistaking, but if i read the FAQ correctly, this isnt "the Virtual Table", but "a VT, soon to be beta".
Q: Is this VT the same virtual tabletop that we saw demos of when 4th edition was announced?
A: It's the same concept of interconnected tools to facilitate a D&D session, with a different look and feel.
By the way, this is a funny answer to say "No, it isn't."
However, if I would still be required to enter in monster stats and player stats myself. If I lost functionality currently available in the D&D framework I currently use, which is condition tracking auto rollers and easy application of healing and damage AT A MINIMUM, then this tool would not make my gaming easier and I could not justify to my group which is not all subscribers to play it.
I use Maptools + Skype + a D&D Framework. This works fine, and is free for everyone. However if this tool could be used by dropping in any monster from the compendium, and any character from the builder I would drop Maptools in a heartbeat.
However, if I would still be required to enter in monster stats and player stats myself. If I lost functionality currently available in the D&D framework I currently use, which is condition tracking auto rollers and easy application of healing and damage AT A MINIMUM, then this tool would not make my gaming easier and I could not justify to my group which is not all subscribers to play it.
Let's not forget to add that it probably needs to work well. I.e. quality.
Wow. We have a VTT ready for testing.
We're finally back to where we were at D&D XP in February 2008.
I promised to run a game using the VTT to test it out as soon as it was available. That was when it seemed like a no-brainer for me to be an Insider. I'm waiting to see if WotC can work out enough kinks for me to decide it is worthwhile to return to being an Insider.
As far as I can tell, we've still got a ways to go to catch up to where I expected we'd be by the close of 2008, with a fully functioning CB (able to be used offline as well as online) and VTT that allowed me to put a game together on short notice. If we get there, I'll likely reup.
*Nelderson bows down to the sacred feet of the WoTC staff, and kisses the ground on which they stand
To Mudbunny: "I am personally sorry for any misgivings of injustice to you and your fellow VCLs. You are all a shining tribute of excellence to the company in which you represent with the time and energy you sacrifice on a daily basis."
To Paulo: You are not a failure, and are the best thing that has happened to this whole DDI product. Keep up the good work
To Dane McCarty: They actually are coming out with a VT!!!! Go Figure!?
To Myself: I said a week ago, "If they don't come out with a NEW tool before Christmas, I'm done with DDI.......". I guess I will be resubscribing for Christmas.
I think pigs can fly now.....and hell froze over.......who the hell ever thought this day would come?
I use Maptools + Skype + a D&D Framework. This works fine, and is free for everyone. However if this tool could be used by dropping in any monster from the compendium, and any character from the builder I would drop Maptools in a heartbeat.
However, if I would still be required to enter in monster stats and player stats myself. If I lost functionality currently available in the D&D framework I currently use, which is condition tracking auto rollers and easy application of healing and damage AT A MINIMUM, then this tool would not make my gaming easier and I could not justify to my group which is not all subscribers to play it.
Rumble's D&D 4e Framework for MapTool lets you copy and paste monsters from the compendium into maptool and it automatically creates monster with macros for their attacks.
To Mudbunny: "I am personally sorry for any misgivings of injustice to you and your fellow VCLs. You are all a shining tribute of excellence to the company in which you represent with the time and energy you sacrifice on a daily basis."
This man here...
He is a wise and intelligent forum poster.
The rest of you would do well to follow his example.
looks at Nelderson
Now go fetch me my latte!!
To Mudbunny: "I am personally sorry for any misgivings of injustice to you and your fellow VCLs. You are all a shining tribute of excellence to the company in which you represent with the time and energy you sacrifice on a daily basis."
This man here...
He is a wise and intelligent forum poster.
The rest of you would do well to follow his example.
looks at Nelderson
Now go fetch me my latte!!
.....Yes, sir
*Nelderson bows his head in shame for ever doubting Mudbunny, and thoughts of painfully torturing and killing him........and fetches the latte
That said, honestly I think the ship may have sailed on the VTT being a selling point for the DDI since so many other programs have since been released by other folks.
I didn't make any promises, but I don't think anyone can be called on any promises that they did make. The VTT in the screenshots from today isn't in any way the same VTT that WotC dropped an astronomical amount of $ (along with Gleemax) trying to make. The tool they're now working on is back to something realistic, no 3d artwork, and really it looks on par with some of the free or commercial VTTs already out there on the market. Though the new one likely was developed with the sobering lesson learned from the first one and its obscene expenditures that resulted in nothing going to market. However they'll need to learn a lesson from the online CB and whenever they release something to the market it actually needs to be a product that's ready for release (the online CB truly strikes me as having been pushed out the door prior to being finished, after missing an earlier intended release date to coincide with Essentials).
That said, honestly I think the ship may have sailed on the VTT being a selling point for the DDI since so many other programs have since been released by other folks.
+1
CB was definitely pushed out........(Especially since we didn't have an update in over 2-3 months, it needed to be)
I think the VT will be relevant, and a descent selling point once it is all integrated with the other tools in the online suite (CB,MB,etc.) Also, since it is from WoTC, we will get the most current content, as opposed to free programs, where you mostly have to make it up yourself (Or hope someone else has done all the dirty work for you.....)
I'm excited.....and it's long overdue
Did you ever promised to do something dramatic if the Virtual Table ever came to be?
Did you promise to renew your subscription?
Did you promise to eat your hat?
Feel free to post here with pictures of you eating crow, or whatever it is you promised to do.
And have fun with it. This is a joyful announcement.
Make fun of yourself, but do not make fun of others, and do not call anyone out. Don't let this become something petty and insulting.
I didn't promise to renew my subscription if something dramatic like the VTT came to be, but I am happy to see they went with what I suspected. Nope, I stopped renewal because of content in Dungeon and Dragon have been very poor of late, and since I don't really play essentials, and I don't play online, I don't see much beyond the content as a draw for me.
Please, please, please improve the magazines.
I do recall issuing a challenge to the WotC folks to dazzle me. The current VTT, with no integration, falls short of that dazzle since I can do the exact same thing in Maptool and Skype now.
I did promise to eat crow and give Wotc kudos, congratz, and an apology that they eventually got it out.
I will do that WHEN it comes out. Not when they give screenshots and discussion that they are working on it. They've been doing that for YEARS so as far as I am concerned that hasn't changed.
Every time I see this thread I get ticked off. The implication is that everything is wonderful now that WotC is doing a VTT... that we should all be ashamed at doubting WotC.
I feel like someone is sticking their tongue out at me for being frustrated that I felt misled and disappointed. I felt that way because my purchase fell far below my expectations, which were based upon the company's marketing materials.
A complete lack of faith in WotC is not cause for celebratory taunting. It is cause for embarrassment.
And then dictating that we must celebrate this event? And telling us not to let this become petty and insulting? I'm the one that feels insulted.
It is an attempt to lighten the general mood of the boards, and it seems that even some of the most vocal and negative voices on these forums are taking it in the spirit intended. Perhaps you are just taking it a little too personally? Did you promise to do anything should a VTT ever see the light of day? If not you have nothing at all to worry about. Try to relax and not see negativity in everyone around you.
On one hand, I find the thread insulting. The VT as pictured here is a far cry from what most people were expecting. It has no campaign management and no integration with the online CB. As it is now, it appears more like a feature bullet point for the DDI subscription than an actually significant product in its own right. I feel that those celebrating the VT today are just as guilty of being overly optimistic as those who believed it was never coming out were guilty of pessimism. This thread does get under my skin, but thankfully I like AL and MB, so I can let it go.
On the other hand, I can appreciate the attempt at humor and the call to reexamine our feelings about DDI. WotC has begun to make some significant changes (though it may still be some time before those changes have real value).
As I said before, the digital offerings of WotC have been underwhelming to me for quite some time. My faith in their programs is at an all time low. It will take a lot more than a piece of software with the right title to convince me everything is roses.
P.S. I never made any promises, since to do so would be ridiculous. I personally lost faith that they could deliver a competitive product a long time ago. Should they prove me wrong and find a way to do so, I will reevaluate WotC's products against their competition.
You want to wow me? Then have WotC respond to the thread I posted yesterday with a positive response. That model would solve the CB roadblock, allowing at least the possibility of my checking into this when released (if it is released before my subscription runs out in June). But, by itself, this pre-announcement isn't very compelling.
It has no campaign management and no integration with the online CB.
AWESOME, Can I get some screen shots from your beta copy? I'd love to get some more details on the program.. please spill all of what you know.
/sarcasm
You don't know what the program entails. So please do not assume. If you note the ONLY screen shot, there is a PC's tab, and a Journal Tab.
I can see, even if not right now, that at the release or shortly there after, the ability to integrate characters directly will happen. And we all know that one of the main things WotC wants to di is a campaign builder. Keeping in mind that the VT was ready to be announced last month, and the release of the new CB, that means they have been working on alot more than anyone anticipated. whose to say that a campaign builder isn't in there somewhere?
Get a few facts before you start spouting off like you know exactly what is going on.
I pay my debts.
I made my bets,
I pay my debts.
It has no campaign management and no integration with the online CB.
AWESOME, Can I get some screen shots from your beta copy? I'd love to get some more details on the program.. please spill all of what you know.
/sarcasm
You don't know what the program entails. So please do not assume. If you note the ONLY screen shot, there is a PC's tab, and a Journal Tab.
I can see, even if not right now, that at the release or shortly there after, the ability to integrate characters directly will happen. And we all know that one of the main things WotC wants to di is a campaign builder. Keeping in mind that the VT was ready to be announced last month, and the release of the new CB, that means they have been working on alot more than anyone anticipated. whose to say that a campaign builder isn't in there somewhere?
Get a few facts before you start spouting off like you know exactly what is going on.
No screen shot necessary. I did do my research, but thank you for assuming and accusing otherwise. You can do your own research below:
wizards.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/wizards.cfg...
Q: Does the VT integrate with other web-based insider tools like the Character Builder or the upcoming web-based Monster Builder?
A: At this point the VT does not integrate with our web-based tools.
So thats conformation on another tool that we will be getting, and the reson why the old MB wasn't updated...
Barring that, you act as if it will never happen. Instead of reading the FAQ for what it actually says, you are taking it to mean that it will never be that way. Take a step back, let some information come forth, and THEN make a judgement. Don't just assume. which yes, you are doing.
I proposed a while ago in another thread that if (this was before announcements were mad) the character builder went online, and they came out with a VT, then all of them would interact with eachother to make a playable interface like they had origionally planned, Is it flashy and all 3d? No, but they are starting to show some progress.
I am by far not a WotC kool aider, Almost anyone on these boards can tell you that. But I actually do like the way things have progressed in the past couple of weeks regarding release of information, and upcoming projects. So settle down, give the information time to flow.
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. This is especially true with WotC software. Promise or suggestion of a feature is NOT a feature. Banking on said promises will only get you burned and lead to increased dissatisfaction among us consumers. It's bad for all of us.
The thrust of my post, which was ignored or missed, is that I will remain open minded and evaluate the software when it is released and continue to monitor it until it reaches feature parity with other offerings. I suggest that both camps of extreme optimism and pessimism are setting themselves up for failure. No one should eat any crow until a strong VT is actually released and functioning.
Maybe I did a poor job of getting my point across the first time, or maybe it just looked too much like some troll post. Hopefully this clears up my position on the VT and the crow eating.
I suspect that we agree more than either of us realize. Victory can not be claimed until a fully functional, competitive, tool is in our hands.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agile_software_dev...
I really like how the Wizards developer shop has moved to a Agile type of development. It is unfortunate most of the user base as this time does not understand (so it seems) that rolling out features over a short period of time is prefereable to waiting a year or more for a fully fleshed out product. Which in the end does not even deliver what we really want.... I hope they keep up the good fight and continue to hit their release dates...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agile_software_dev...
I think I am an old timer. When our website went "agile", we had a TON of problems out the gate that took a year to fix. Contrast that with our key AR system, which we took 3 years to develop and was probably the smoothest roll out I have ever seen. So yeah, product out sooner, but who knows at what cost (and I am talking about consumer loyalty here). I am not a fan of agile software development.
Edit: Perhaps "Awkward" is a better word for it?
I promised nothing, nor did I even mention it. Since the DS Creature Catalog came out in early August and not only is not in the compendium, but not even scheduled to be put in the compendium (according to customer support), why would an announcement of something coming the WotC version of 'soon' cause anyone to reflect on anything they said about it?
They can't even keep the one on-line tool they have that works updated. Why should anyone worry about eating any words they had to say about the VTT?
DISCLAIMER: assuming I can get a D&D group together of course
Did you ever promised to do something dramatic if the Virtual Table ever came to be?
Nothing too dramatic sadly, but I did promise to take back all the negative things I said about them... so I take them all back. Now if they make all those mistakes again...well then all bets are off. Oh and I stick by my proclamation of how awesome Fallout New Vegas is...
www.enworld.org/forum/5370975-post65.htm...
Hmmm well they claim it's to prevent DDOS (I think denial of service?) attacks on their servers, but many users have shown that doesn't hold water as it would take days of a constant updating computer to cause such an issue with the CB and they certainly would detect it far sooner than that.
My subs up next summer and they'll definitely need to have at least the campaign management tools, an actual working Monster builder (which correctly has monster stats according to their errata, which the current one doesn't), the CB updates caught up, and some sort of Encounter Builder. If they have the VTT...well I'll take back all the negative things I said about WotC ;)
Oh, BTW New Vegas rocks so hard. Way better IMO than Fallout 3. Washington was cool, but Vegas baby!
I made my bets,
I pay my debts.
This was meant to be a fun, light-hearted thread. There is really no need to post here with all the Wizards hate. There are plenty of other threads going on that do that just fine.
This was a 'light hearted' thread that is mocking people (whether intentionally or not) that expressed doubt that WotC would ever come through with what was once advertised as a key component of 4E.
People see this issue differently, but there are a large number of people out there that feel like WotC promised them something when it asked for their money for a yearly subscription two years ago and did not deliver. Further, they asked those same people to resubscribe early - while the prevelant thought was still that the VTT was on its way 'soon'. Many of those people are amongst the ones that lost faith in WotC - part of the target of this thread.
Sticking your tongue out at a large class of people, whether 'light hearted' or not, is likely to rub some of those people the wrong way - especially when that class of people includes people that feel lied to and tricked out of their money.
This was meant to be a fun, light-hearted thread. There is really no need to post here with all the Wizards hate. There are plenty of other threads going on that do that just fine.
This was a 'light hearted' thread that is mocking people (whether intentionally or not) that expressed doubt that WotC would ever come through with what was once advertised as a key component of 4E.
People see this issue differently, but there are a large number of people out there that feel like WotC promised them something when it asked for their money for a yearly subscription two years ago and did not deliver. Further, they asked those same people to resubscribe early - while the prevelant thought was still that the VTT was on its way 'soon'. Many of those people are amongst the ones that lost faith in WotC - part of the target of this thread.
Sticking your tongue out at a large class of people, whether 'light hearted' or not, is likely to rub some of those people the wrong way - especially when that class of people includes people that feel lied to and tricked out of their money.
Only, AL doesn't work or actually speak for WoTC, he's just a voluneteer trying to answer peoples questsions. As much as I think these forums are poorly monitored and the majority of posters cause their own problems, dumping on someone that gives their time is just poor form.
This was meant to be a fun, light-hearted thread. There is really no need to post here with all the Wizards hate. There are plenty of other threads going on that do that just fine.
This was a 'light hearted' thread that is mocking people (whether intentionally or not) that expressed doubt that WotC would ever come through with what was once advertised as a key component of 4E.
People see this issue differently, but there are a large number of people out there that feel like WotC promised them something when it asked for their money for a yearly subscription two years ago and did not deliver. Further, they asked those same people to resubscribe early - while the prevelant thought was still that the VTT was on its way 'soon'. Many of those people are amongst the ones that lost faith in WotC - part of the target of this thread.
Sticking your tongue out at a large class of people, whether 'light hearted' or not, is likely to rub some of those people the wrong way - especially when that class of people includes people that feel lied to and tricked out of their money.
That's not what the intent of this thread was, otherwise AsmodeusLore wouldn't have dyed his scrub green. He wanted to have a little fun, and use himself as the prime example.
There are plenty of hate threads going on. Just because there is a like thread, doesn't mean it's pointed at the haters. That's just silly and paranoid. Lighten up a bit. I'm not happy at all about anything that is going on with Wizards right now, but I certainly don't want to piss all over the people that are having fun.
People that go around looking to get offended really have no problems succeeding.
Let me get this straight.
-A call-out thread (which is what this is, no matter how anyone tries to spin it) can't have any negative posts because it was somebody wanting to 'have a little fun' (at other people's expense)
-Any thread that is intended to be critical of what WotC has done can have as many posts sniping at the critics, calling them whiners and haters and worse as the half dozen or so apologists can type.
(at other people's expense)
At his own expense first and foremost, hence it's obviously a light-hearted thread. All I suggested was to lighten up a bit. Ultimately, I really don't care if you do or don't, but don't make it more than what it is... it's just meant to be fun. The green beard should make that readily apparent.
Or... you can make it more than what it is and get no entertainment out of it and just continue the vitriol in any thread you choose. That's fine, too, I suppose. Like I said... people walking around looking to get offended will succeed in doing so all the time.
I wasn't 'looking to get offended'. How can someone get offended at people saying bad things about a bad situation and talk about someone else 'looking to get offended'?
I call BS on it not being a call-out thread no matter what color beard somebody has. How about this: "I mean no offense and I'm just kidding, but how do all of you apologists feel now since everything you said was proven wrong by the absolute POS character builder they came out with to replace the one they lied about updating-with all due respect? (And please no positive posts-this thread is meant in fun.)
Saying something is one thing when it's another doesn't change what it really is. Light-hearted? To the apologists it's light as a feather. The rest of us? Not so much.
And have fun with it. This is a joyful announcement.
Make fun of yourself, but do not make fun of others, and do not call anyone out. Don't let this become something petty and insulting.
It's pretty obvious from the original post what the intent is. Unless you're calling AL a liar as well. Who knows, maybe you are.
It doesn't matter. To me, his intent was obvious. So is yours.
Whatever, I made a polite request. I'm not going to banter back and forth with you considering that it only seems like you want to argue about someone else's perceived intentions.
Did you ever promised to do something dramatic if the Virtual Table ever came to be?
I might be mistaking, but if i read the FAQ correctly, this isnt "the Virtual Table", but "a VT, soon to be beta".
Q: Is this VT the same virtual tabletop that we saw demos of when 4th edition was announced?
A: It's the same concept of interconnected tools to facilitate a D&D session, with a different look and feel.
By the way, this is a funny answer to say "No, it isn't."
Well, given the propensity of the forum-goers here to take a straightforward answer like "We are going to do X and Y" or "These product will be able to do Z and Q but not N" and completely flip them around, corrupt the knowledge into something completely false and then rage about the falseness... I think Wizards is just reacting to that by including legalese in what should be a very straightforward answer.
This program is worthless considering the advancements that MapTool has made in recent years with the introduction of customizable frameworks. The only things MapTool will lack are professional art (one thing WotC is decent at) for the UI and possibly a chat lobby that users can form pick-up games in.
You mean... the only thing MapTool lacks is the content that Wizards is threatening to deliver?
I am not an apologist (pretty far from it) but I agree with Dane and Jharii. This is a light-hearted thread and should be treated as such.
Many of us (thankfully not me) made rash promises about what we would do if the VT ever saw the light of day. Why shouldn't we now have a bit of fun about what was promised. AL has started this thread and then put his own rash promise out there for all to see. Others have entered into the spirit of this.
I have been among the most negative of posters here during the communications blackout and the September / October update debacle but I believe that was has been said on these forums has changed policies at WotC. They are communicating, they are telling us what they are working on and they are also telling us what is wrong with what has been released. All of this I applaud and personally, I enjoy the online CB more than the offline one, an unpopular opinion I know. The interface is better and the ability to allow the CB to choose element by element rather than autobuild a whole character is a real step forward. Yes, it was a little buggy at launch but for me it seems to be working fine now.
@oldpep: As to your issue about DS Monsters not being in the Compendium, I have this issue as well but honestly, regardless of what Customer Service say, I cannot see this not being in the December update. It would be ridiculous for WotC to simply ignore this content and never include it. I would suggest that Customer Service are being told not to give out a firm date but that the DDI team is busting its a*% to make sure its in the Compendium asap. These tools are a commitment to an electronic product going forward and to miss out all the monsters in one of the three published settings is not a commercial decision that I can see WotC making.
I'm eating my hat with tobasco.
You think the on-line CB is better than the off-line one. None of the ones making negative post about it are saying that.
You say the on-line one was 'a little buggy at launch'. None of the ones making negative posts (that I saw) think 'a little buggy' is anywhere near to how they saw it. Words like 'garbage', disgraceful', and 'useless' were used instead. Most of the complaints/bugs are still in it, and a simple thing like not being able to choose 'toughness' as a feat has yet to be fixed.
And I'm supposed to think you're an objective observer? Of course you're going to see it as lighthearted. You think WotC has changed their ways. You think they did a good job of the CB and the compendium, and that the VTT being announced means that it's actually going to be available any time soon.
What is the December update? One of the biggest selling points for the online tools is that they could be updated continuously, yes? And since you believe WotC has changed their ways about telling us what's going on, how does 'we haven't scheduled (it)' turn into them doing it? Either they're not being open about what they're doing, or they're not going to do it. Lastly, how is 'we haven't scheduled (it)' about something from 3 months ago part of a 'commitment to an electronic product going forward'? If that were the case, the response would have been 'we're going to do that right now, and we apologize for the absurd mistake we made not including it in September.'
And I'm supposed to think you're an objective observer? Of course you're going to see it as lighthearted.
I absolutely cannot stand the new CB. I see this thread as lighthearted.
It's this kind of us vs. them mentality that causes things to go abysmal in the forums. People can have differing opinions and still get along and have fun, you know. Everyone that posts something fun doesn't have some ulterior motive and are out to get the other side. Sometimes it's really just about having fun.
Yeah, that's not done either.
Did you ever promised to do something dramatic if the Virtual Table ever came to be?
Did you promise to renew your subscription?
Did you promise to eat your hat?
Feel free to post here with pictures of you eating crow, or whatever it is you promised to do.
And have fun with it. This is a joyful announcement.
Make fun of yourself, but do not make fun of others, and do not call anyone out. Don't let this become something petty and insulting.
Are we breaking out the humble pie for screenshots and sales pitches? Isn't that what they were selling back in '08? How'd that work out?
You think the on-line CB is better than the off-line one. None of the ones making negative post about it are saying that.
You say the on-line one was 'a little buggy at launch'. None of the ones making negative posts (that I saw) think 'a little buggy' is anywhere near to how they saw it. Words like 'garbage', disgraceful', and 'useless' were used instead. Most of the complaints/bugs are still in it, and a simple thing like not being able to choose 'toughness' as a feat has yet to be fixed.
Agreed, none of the negative posters is saying that. I, however, am saying that and I am entitled to say it. Check my post history and you will see that I am anything but a WotC "apologist" as you used the term. I accept, however, that WotC has made efforts to change and I am pleased with the online CB. Since I have been on the negative side of this argument for the last few months I am prepared to move onto the positive side and try to bring some balance to this argument. i am happy with the online CB but I know that others are not.
And I'm supposed to think you're an objective observer? Of course you're going to see it as lighthearted. You think WotC has changed their ways. You think they did a good job of the CB and the compendium, and that the VTT being announced means that it's actually going to be available any time soon.
Frankly, no-one here is an objective observer. This is the internet and we all have opinions. I chimed into this thread as someone who has been openly critical of WotC in the past and sees this thread for what it is, an attempt to bring humour to the various arguments that have gone on in the past few months. I agree that the VT announcement does not mean it will be available to us soon but there are beta testers using it today so I am chosing to believe that it will delivered. Again, I am entitled to that opinion.
What is the December update? One of the biggest selling points for the online tools is that they could be updated continuously, yes? And since you believe WotC has changed their ways about telling us what's going on, how does 'we haven't scheduled (it)' turn into them doing it? Either they're not being open about what they're doing, or they're not going to do it. Lastly, how is 'we haven't scheduled (it)' about something from 3 months ago part of a 'commitment to an electronic product going forward'? If that were the case, the response would have been 'we're going to do that right now, and we apologize for the absurd mistake we made not including it in September.'
The CB was launched with a Q&A (or possibly a post from Trevor or Paolo) that said that updates would be pushed out to the app. It also said that updates would likely continue to be monthly and so I am assuming that the next one will be in December. I am chosing to believe that there is a 'commitment to an electronic product going forward' and I stand by my assumption that the DS monsters will be available in December. If I am wrong then feel free to correct me after the December update.
When there are a significant number of consumers here who feel wronged, slighted or misinformed, people who have valid concerns, it is too early to declare victory. You can't tack up the "Mission Accomplished" banner before the VT has even launched, before the new CB reaches feature parity with the previous CB, before the VT and CB can integrate, before the VT even remotely resembles the VT people were expecting. Gloating this early, when people are still feeling wronged and the gloaters are yet to be vindicated, is just poor judgment.
I like AL, WolfStar and Mudbunny, so I can overlook the thread without taking it personally. It is poor taste though.
Sigh...
Please keep your posts polite, respectful, and on-topic, and refrain from making personal attacks.
Also, please keep this thread on topic. If you wish to discuss something other than the topic of this thread, please start a new thread.
ORC_Chaos