Setting this feedback thread in advance for Digital Insider #19, due to go live tomorrow.
Many thanks, and happy holidays!
If I had to write the column, I had shown off the highlights of Dragon 371 & Dungeon 162 (the January issues) instead of tell the readers what will be in the magazines this week (as we already know from their table of contents)
I really hope next year the magazines get back to where they started this summer with interesting articles and original content...
Hmm, not much "news"...
If I had to write the column, I had shown off the highlights of Dragon 371 & Dungeon 162 (the January issues) instead of tell the readers what will be in the magazines this week (as we already know from their table of contents)
That assumes they have something worth highlighting for the next issues. On current showings, that could be questionable.
Hmm, not much "news"...
No kidding. On the other hand, there isn't much to report: the magazines were pretty thin, and there's no real news on the software front.
The reason for delay is: For some odd reason they have not implemented authorization for DDi subscribers and auto-update of new/fixed content right from the conception of the software. Now they are struggling to get the code in. And I'm a little alarmed that the "release date is not set in stone". Another point is, these 2 features have not been tested in public beta yet. Authorization and auto-update will work over the web. Many trapholes there.
Anyway, I just want the software as soon as possible please.
The funny thing is, they give the impression that the challenge to get the full version released is about getting the 30 levels implemented. I don't believe that's the case. I'm pretty sure: The software works fine already, for all levels, including all the data, perhaps with some minor bugs that haven't been found yet.
The reason for delay is: For some odd reason they have not implemented authorization for DDi subscribers and auto-update of new/fixed content right from the conception of the software. Now they are struggling to get the code in. And I'm a little alarmed that the "release date is not set in stone". Another point is, these 2 features have not been tested in public beta yet. Authorization and auto-update will work over the web. Many trapholes there.
Anyway, I just want the software as soon as possible please.
Well, my subscription expires on January 15th, and I have terminated autorenew. Once I see January's editorial calendar, I'll see if I want to buy in again for a long time, or if I'll just be paying for a month here or there. Be nice if they managed to pull in the schedule to a release in early January, but I have no expectations of same.
Every day the Character Builder is delayed means a loss of DDi subscribers.
Literally...I ended my subscription because I was tired of paying and waiting. The magazines alone weren't enough to keep my $8 a month...
January better be a hum dingier content wise or I will likely to give up on the hole thing.
I agree. It isn't worth my monthly right now, especially with the stuff we got this month.
As long as the CB releases near the end of January (no later than end week 1 Feb) I'll still be happy.
Do I think the magazines could be better, yes, yes I do. For $5 a month that I'm paying though they are fine. The issue is that WotC will ultimately want me to pay more, and this level of content is not something I would necassarily pay more for.
Nothing happens in America for the last 2 weeks of December. Argueably nothing happens the last month and a half lol.
I'll be curious how Jan shapes up.
I can readily forgive a light insider this week.
Nothing happens in America for the last 2 weeks of December. Argueably nothing happens the last month and a half lol.
I'll be curious how Jan shapes up.
well, in january you'll se what they did in december (nothing, as you argued).
december issues should be finished way before holidays, but as always, wotc seems to royally fail in doing something IN ADVANCE.
december issues should be finished way before holidays, but as always, wotc seems to royally fail in doing something IN ADVANCE.
You hit the nail on the head there. One day they might get it though. One day...
Every day the Character Builder is delayed means a loss of DDi subscribers.
They;ve been losing thier fanbase for years. Only in June/July did they start losing money with this ridiculously delayed project.
Can we say Master Tools?
Can we say Master Tools?
Word.
Very disappointing, WotC.
If they're struggling with finances, they should let people pre-pay for releases or offer some sort of membership incentives. Then they'll have the loot to finish projects and continue to underwhelm us.:embarrass
I don't get why they don't just release the betas for all these new programs already...
If they're struggling with finances, they should let people pre-pay for releases or offer some sort of membership incentives. Then they'll have the loot to finish projects and continue to underwhelm us.:embarrass
If they release programs now, and they're crashy - especially due to bugs they already know about - releasing them as a beta won't help anyone.
We would end up with software that would be barely useable (even as a beta). Reports of those crashes would only serve to slow down development, as those reports would be for isues they're already aware of.
The net effect would be that we'd end up with a lot of people convinced (with "hard evidence") that WotC can't write software, and WotC taking longer to deliver will further add to the feeling.
While the softwares being this delayed isn't something anyone enjoys either - it's still better than "confirming" everyone's worst fears by delivering a half-baked program they know to be unready for use.
And that's just one (hypothetical) example.
If they release programs now, and they're crashy - especially due to bugs they already know about - releasing them as a beta won't help anyone.
We would end up with software that would be barely useable (even as a beta). Reports of those crashes would only serve to slow down development, as those reports would be for isues they're already aware of.
The net effect would be that we'd end up with a lot of people convinced (with "hard evidence") that WotC can't write software, and WotC taking longer to deliver will further add to the feeling.
While the softwares being this delayed isn't something anyone enjoys either - it's still better than "confirming" everyone's worst fears by delivering a half-baked program they know to be unready for use.
And that's just one (hypothetical) example.
That never stopped Microsoft ;)
But seriously, if budget is an issue, they should just reach out to the online community for support. Its not like we have anything better to do...
So in the FYI column throw in these issues....
1. Every time I clicked on report a bug, it crashed. No big deal, but this is why I'm posting here instead of using that feature.
2. I have a stormsoul genasi swordmage. My +1 fortitude is not being added into my save, so I added it myself. Likewise, I added in my starting action point.
3. I chose a khopesh as my main weapon. However, even though it's a military heavy blade and I should be proficient with it, my proficiency bonus is not appearing.
3. Some features don't allow manipulation. For example, we are playing in a modified FR campaign, but are using some different background options, meaning I didn't select one. Consequently, I couldn't input additional languages or my other bonuses. Hopefully, that will change with the full release.
4. It would be nice for some of the weapon features to appear, such as "brutal 1" as a reminder. Other keywords are less important like off-hand or versatile because presumably, you won't be referencing them that often once the weapon is chosen.
Thanks,
Tom Costa
[email]THOMASC148@aol.com[/email]
Here is a direct way to report your bug
Go to
www.wizards.com/customerservice
Click on the "email us" tab.
For topic, choose: Roleplaying Games
Then: D&D Insider
Then: Character Builder
Then: Report a Bug
Then fill out the requested information.
Of course posting in here is acceptable too, but sending the bug reports via the web form gets the bugs to the devs quicker.
Happy Gaming!
I'm also having problems reporting bugs. Even following the link to customer service, as soon as I click on 'e-mail us' I get a pop up window with an error. So not a CB bug per se, but a WotC website bug. I'm running Vista x64 and IE 7.0, all patched up.
Anyway, the CB bug I wanted to report (and I'm sure loads have spotted it, but just in case): One of my chars is a ranger with two longswords, and the powers are being calculated with an extra +1 dmg from using a versatile weapon with two hands.
Also a feature request: it would be brilliant if ranger powers that are both melee and ranged can display the stats for both. (So dex vs AC for bow, str vs AC for melee, correct dmg.)
Thanks!