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Feedback: Preview vs. Playtest

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
Xathrus
Dec 23, 2008 9:08:00 This past month, and from the looks of it next month as well, Dragon has posted a couple of "Previews" of upcoming classes. The previews only give a look at the first three levels of said class. I have to say, I hope that this trend of previews is not a replacement for the Playtests that they started with.

Giving three levels of an upcoming class accomplishes very little in terms of playability or testability. I can't speak for the entire community, but in any campaign I run or play with, we can't incorporate a class that only has 3 levels in print, as we will be past level 3 before the actual content is released.

In terms of testability, look at the Barbarian feedback. While some problems are evident in the first three levels, there has been alot of feedback that would not have been gained without the other 27 levels. In general, with any class, it is the higher levels where things become unbalanced and broken. Just glancing at the first three levels doesn't give nearly as much quality feedback, in my own humble opinion.

I understand the desire to not let the cat out of the bag, so to speak. Wizards wants to give a peek at the class while still giving incentive to get the actual book. I think that with both the Artificer and Barbarian things are still fine in that regard, as we still only have half the class.

The point of Dragon Magazine is (or should be) to provide players content that is playable in their campaigns. Preview articles don't do that. In the end, they just seem to be ads for an upcoming book.

In the end, I would rather see one Playtest article in an issue than five Preview articles.

Please feel free to disagree with me or provide your own feedback. Thanks.

(Note: This feedback is referring only to the class articles. AV2, etc., previews do provide playable, testable, content.)
#2
_radagast__dup
Dec 23, 2008 9:22:37
The point of Dragon Magazine is (or should be) to provide players content that is playable in their campaigns. Preview articles don't do that. In the end, they just seem to be ads for an upcoming book.

This. Bold emphasis is mine.

I have been sorely disappointed with the content this past month. I have paid in full for a year after what I thought was a great showing of content in the preview time period and the first month of subscription service.

Now, I feel like a switch was flipped and I've got a bunch of "previews" that are of little to no use for an ongoing campaign.

That's what D&D Insider is supposed to be for. Supplement the ongoing campaigns that people are playing with the new books.

Book "previews," such as the latest class previews should be free period for all website visitors, not D&D Insider paid content...
#3
The_Jester
Dec 23, 2008 10:12:49 I'm not averse to D&DI only previews if they're a perk to subscribing. Kinda an early sneak peak. It rewards the loyal customers with a peak at what's coming up in a few months.
I don't like it when the previews are labelled "playtests" and take space away from magazine content. While they've been yanked from Dragon because people didn't want to pay for adds it looks like this was a later decision.
#4
Mock
Dec 23, 2008 10:25:24 Someone else said it this way: playtests make me feel like an insider. Previews, on the other hand, are sufficient to make me go "huh, well how about that...now, let's read something interesting."

I don't mind previews as perks to the subscription - the most interesting thing about D&D for me is the classes - but if it were me running the show, they'd be free content. Maybe I'd give levels 1-3 for free, and levels 7-10 for subscribers, you know? But since they're barely usable for most players, they should not be considered part of Dragon (and it seems WotC woke up on that, at least - they're not in the latest compilation issue).
#5
Artifact
Dec 23, 2008 10:36:28 I'm fine with the previews as long as they don't take up any more "space" in the issue than the actual paid advertising did in the print issues. A preview is more interesting to me than a print ad ever was.

I agree with what's already been mentioned: "The point of Dragon Magazine is (or should be) to provide players content that is playable in their campaigns. Preview articles don't do that. In the end, they just seem to be ads for an upcoming book." I think Xathrus nailed it on the head here.

Dragon is supplemental material for D&D campaigns. Dragon is also advertising for D&D products. These two aspects have always defined Dragon I think.

That being said, I prefer articles that stand on their own, as more than just another monthly promotion. The primary focus should be on Dragon as a supplement for ongoing campaigns (as Radagast mentions). Previews are nice but not as focus; at most, they should be a bonus, they shouldn't replace actual issue content. I can see them taking the place of print ads; anymore than that, and they become less an incentive and more of a drawback IMHO.

Playtests serve a whole other purpse than previews; unlike previews they're intended to actually be played (and commented upon). Still, it's easy to confuse the two (as evidenced by an early release of the December editorial calendar). There needs to be a definite distinction made between the two, and subscribers should be made aware of this distinction.

* * *

On a similar topic (and while I'm here ;)):

In my opinion, material that appears in the editorial calendar should be "exclusive content" (a part of Insider). If something is free (intended for everyone), it should be listed *somewhere else*, to avoid confusion. If something is listed in the calendar, it should be compiled into the end-of-month issue (either Dragon or Dungeon). Why?

This for instance ;): In the December editorial calendar, the druid preview listed as Dragon content but it hasn't been compiled into issue #370. Listing it in the calendar means it's Insider content. By not compiling it into the end-of-month issue however, it's just sorta floating around out there, waiting for someone to find it. This means it likely to get lost in the shuffle. If something is paid for, it should be relatively easy to find I think.

Previews are paid for content but shouldn't they really be free for all to see? I mean, you're not really "giving away" much in a 3-level preview. Not to mention, since the idea is to give incentive to buy the book, why hide it behind a virtual wall? Let's all have a look then.
#6
mrmyth
Dec 24, 2008 10:20:40 Given that the option isn't between previews and playtests, but between previews and nothing... I'm happy to get the previews. I'm actually rather astounded at the sheer amount of complaining about something being given entirely as a bonus.

I mean, sure, a playtest would obviously be more useful. But a playtest also takes up a full article slot and content in the magazine itself, and not everyone wants to see the magazine filled with playtests. Similarly, I don't think WotC wants to give away that much upcoming content, especially if they are past the phase when playtesting would be usable.

So instead, they simply are providing preview content as an extra benefit for subscribers. Complaining about that.... sheesh.

I expect they'll give playtest articles for material that merits it, when the opportunity is there. And by all means, if it is content you like seeing in the magazine, let them know - feedback is certainly good. But trying to barter with them for more seems rather silly, especially trying to barter material that is positioned entirely seperate from it (bonus preview content, as opposed to actual magazine content.)

I do agree they need to get stuff labelled correctly, and avoid some of the persistent errors and discrepencies between the table of contents and the editorial calendar. But I sincerely hope all this complaining doesn't convince them not to share the preview material with those of us who want it, in return for giving you guys... nothing.
#7
rhianni32
Dec 24, 2008 10:33:53 Previews really arent apart of Dragon. Non insiders can view them and they don't get added into the final end of the month compilation. There was some initial confusion when playtests were changed to previews and they kept the DRA in front of them instead of listing it as FREE.

Of course we cant playtest 3 levels of a class. They... are... not... playtests. Not sure why that has to keep being said. They arent wanting us to playtest and give revision feedback on previews.
#8
ranadiel
Dec 24, 2008 11:02:16
Previews really arent apart of Dragon. Non insiders can view them and they don't get added into the final end of the month compilation.

Non-subscribers cannot view them.
#9
Artifact
Dec 24, 2008 11:12:02
Previews really arent apart of Dragon. Non insiders can view them and they don't get added into the final end of the month compilation. There was some initial confusion when playtests were changed to previews and they kept the DRA in front of them instead of listing it as FREE.

Of course we cant playtest 3 levels of a class. They... are... not... playtests. Not sure why that has to keep being said. They arent wanting us to playtest and give revision feedback on previews.

So, previews are free for all to see; that's good. I remember not having to log in to see the Druid, now that I think about it. Still, if it were me, I'd compile them into the end-of-month issue, so they're not floating around out there, all alone :P.

It's been way too easy to get confused this month. The Druid was originally listed as as playtest, then as a preview, both as Dragon content, even though it's actually free.

I personally think they should list only Insider content in the editorial calendar; list the "free" stuff somewhere else; it would help avoid confusion, I think. Having to deal with "preview" vs. "playtest" on the calendar is bad enough; if you add "DRA" vs. "free" it tends to get all jumbled in your head.

KISS "Keep It Simple, Stupid" :P.

[Edit: @Ranadiel: The preview must have been locked up after I picked up mine. Too bad. Previews should be free.]
#10
rhianni32
Dec 24, 2008 15:33:43 I logged out and I couldnt get to the invoker. In a prime example of the excellent layout of the site I went to the archives to check the druid and it gave me a page cannot be displayed :/
I could have sworn the druid was accessible by anyone though I cannot confirm if that is still true.
#11
ranadiel
Dec 24, 2008 17:50:06
I logged out and I couldnt get to the invoker. In a prime example of the excellent layout of the site I went to the archives to check the druid and it gave me a page cannot be displayed :/
I could have sworn the druid was accessible by anyone though I cannot confirm if that is still true.

It was only available to everyone for about 12 hours tops. At first it was available to anyone and only had levels 1-2. Then a few hours later, it was made subscriber only. And a few hours after that they added level 3. At least that is how I recall it happening, although the order might have been reversed. *shrugs*
#12
asmodeuslore
Dec 24, 2008 23:55:55 I don't understand why the comparison is being made between Preview and Playtest? Rest assured, previews are not replacing playtests. You will see them more often than playtests, certainly. They are easier to produce, and less volatile for the company. But playtests are certainly not going away. There was one mistake where someone mislabeled an upcoming preview as a playtest. The mistake was corrected, apologies were made, and life goes on.

Previews and Playtests are two seperate things.

A Playtest covers a large chunk of material for a specific game element. To date, it has been all about classes. Playtests are still in development, and the feedback from the community helps to shape the development of that game element. You generally must be a subscriber to view a Playtest. It is primarily a way to involve players in the development of the game.

A Preview is a small bite of material for a specific game element. Again, it has been all about classes so far. Previews are no longer in development. They are simply a teaser, and you generally don't have to be a subscriber to view them. It is basically an advertisement for an upcoming product.

So again, Previews are -not- replacing Playtests, but you will see them more often than you see Playtests.
#13
whitebaron
Dec 25, 2008 12:27:05
So again, Previews are -not- replacing Playtests, but you will see them more often than you see Playtests.

by the looks of it, previews are now closed content for subscribers. subscribers seemed to think that this is not original content and complained, which got them dropped out of dragon.

right now, they seem to be in a vacuum. neither free, nor within the magazines. they are not regular website articles as well, which makes them even hard to find!

i would expect some good quality ads instead of that crap. preview them for free, a trailer never ever broke some buying system, it instead pulls out more sales.
#14
fissionessence
Dec 28, 2008 20:12:00
Given that the option isn't between previews and playtests, but between previews and nothing... I'm happy to get the previews. I'm actually rather astounded at the sheer amount of complaining about something being given entirely as a bonus.

The previews are not a bonus if they take away from the remaining potential content of the magazine.

I would much rather have something else that can aid my campaign than have to pay for a 3-level preview that will become redundant in a few months and I'll have to pay for again anyway in book form.

~
#15
mrmyth
Dec 29, 2008 9:58:13
by the looks of it, previews are now closed content for subscribers. subscribers seemed to think that this is not original content and complained, which got them dropped out of dragon.

Well, this isn't entirely true. There are previews that are freely available to everyone, generally of product that will be released within the next month. There are also previews that are bonus material for subscribers, generally of product that is still a few months away.

And finally, there are playtests, which is part of the actual D&DI package, designed for viewing content a decent bit in the future, in order to gain feedback before that product is released.
#16
mrmyth
Dec 29, 2008 10:01:07
The previews are not a bonus if they take away from the remaining potential content of the magazine.

I would much rather have something else that can aid my campaign than have to pay for a 3-level preview that will become redundant in a few months and I'll have to pay for again anyway in book form.

Are the previews taking away potential content of the magazine? I don't beleive that is the case. They were not present in the magazine compilation, from what I understand, which means they aren't replacing any actual content. And while complaints were made that December was 'lite' on content, those complaints were vastly exaggerated - pagewise, it was only slightly behind the last issue (and December's Dungeon was well ahead), and article-wise, it was only one behind.

Until an actual trend emerges, I'm fine to accept that previews are what they say they are - bonus content for subscribers, which the vast majority seem to feel are an insult, because they don't like getting cool stuff for free.
#17
VerysArkon
Dec 30, 2008 0:00:36 Although the Previews were not in the issue compilation, December's Dragon has only 66 pages, well shy of the average, and considerably less than October's issue with 100 pages (which was the first pay issue).

Either the Preview content was meant to be part of Dragon's page count, and was removed later, or Dragon is getting a lot thinner than we were lead to believe during the preview period. Lets hope January reverses the trends and we can put December down as a hick-up.
#18
mrmyth
Dec 30, 2008 9:04:43
Although the Previews were not in the issue compilation, December's Dragon has only 66 pages, well shy of the average, and considerably less than October's issue with 100 pages (which was the first pay issue).

Either the Preview content was meant to be part of Dragon's page count, and was removed later, or Dragon is getting a lot thinner than we were lead to believe during the preview period. Lets hope January reverses the trends and we can put December down as a hick-up.

Also note that while October had 34 more pages in Dragon than December, December had 29 more pages in Dungeon than October - that seems pretty close to a balance.

Now, personally, I'd rather that each was consistent from month to month, and have the same hope you do for January (especially as I use Dragon significantly more than Dungeon) - but I think that some fluctuation will always be hard to avoid. I really don't think the preview material was connected to any reduction in content in the magazine itself - which is to say, I don't think that if we didn't get that preview content, that we would have gotten something else instead.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 Xathrus Dec 23, 2008 9:08:00	This past month, and from the looks of it next month as well, Dragon has posted a couple of "Previews" of upcoming classes. The previews only give a look at the first three levels of said class. I have to say, I hope that this trend of previews is not a replacement for the Playtests that they started with. Giving three levels of an upcoming class accomplishes very little in terms of playability or testability. I can't speak for the entire community, but in any campaign I run or play with, we can't incorporate a class that only has 3 levels in print, as we will be past level 3 before the actual content is released. In terms of testability, look at the Barbarian feedback. While some problems are evident in the first three levels, there has been alot of feedback that would not have been gained without the other 27 levels. In general, with any class, it is the higher levels where things become unbalanced and broken. Just glancing at the first three levels doesn't give nearly as much quality feedback, in my own humble opinion. I understand the desire to not let the cat out of the bag, so to speak. Wizards wants to give a peek at the class while still giving incentive to get the actual book. I think that with both the Artificer and Barbarian things are still fine in that regard, as we still only have half the class. The point of Dragon Magazine is (or should be) to provide players content that is playable in their campaigns. Preview articles don't do that. In the end, they just seem to be ads for an upcoming book. In the end, I would rather see one Playtest article in an issue than five Preview articles. Please feel free to disagree with me or provide your own feedback. Thanks. (Note: This feedback is referring only to the class articles. AV2, etc., previews do provide playable, testable, content.)
#2 _radagast__dup Dec 23, 2008 9:22:37	The point of Dragon Magazine is (or should be) to provide players content that is playable in their campaigns. Preview articles don't do that. In the end, they just seem to be ads for an upcoming book. This. Bold emphasis is mine. I have been sorely disappointed with the content this past month. I have paid in full for a year after what I thought was a great showing of content in the preview time period and the first month of subscription service. Now, I feel like a switch was flipped and I've got a bunch of "previews" that are of little to no use for an ongoing campaign. That's what D&D Insider is supposed to be for. Supplement the ongoing campaigns that people are playing with the new books. Book "previews," such as the latest class previews should be free period for all website visitors, not D&D Insider paid content...
#3 The_Jester Dec 23, 2008 10:12:49	I'm not averse to D&DI only previews if they're a perk to subscribing. Kinda an early sneak peak. It rewards the loyal customers with a peak at what's coming up in a few months. I don't like it when the previews are labelled "playtests" and take space away from magazine content. While they've been yanked from Dragon because people didn't want to pay for adds it looks like this was a later decision.
#4 Mock Dec 23, 2008 10:25:24	Someone else said it this way: playtests make me feel like an insider. Previews, on the other hand, are sufficient to make me go "huh, well how about that...now, let's read something interesting." I don't mind previews as perks to the subscription - the most interesting thing about D&D for me is the classes - but if it were me running the show, they'd be free content. Maybe I'd give levels 1-3 for free, and levels 7-10 for subscribers, you know? But since they're barely usable for most players, they should not be considered part of Dragon (and it seems WotC woke up on that, at least - they're not in the latest compilation issue).
#5 Artifact Dec 23, 2008 10:36:28	I'm fine with the previews as long as they don't take up any more "space" in the issue than the actual paid advertising did in the print issues. A preview is more interesting to me than a print ad ever was. I agree with what's already been mentioned: "The point of Dragon Magazine is (or should be) to provide players content that is playable in their campaigns. Preview articles don't do that. In the end, they just seem to be ads for an upcoming book." I think Xathrus nailed it on the head here. Dragon is supplemental material for D&D campaigns. Dragon is also advertising for D&D products. These two aspects have always defined Dragon I think. That being said, I prefer articles that stand on their own, as more than just another monthly promotion. The primary focus should be on Dragon as a supplement for ongoing campaigns (as Radagast mentions). Previews are nice but not as focus; at most, they should be a bonus, they shouldn't replace actual issue content. I can see them taking the place of print ads; anymore than that, and they become less an incentive and more of a drawback IMHO. Playtests serve a whole other purpse than previews; unlike previews they're intended to actually be played (and commented upon). Still, it's easy to confuse the two (as evidenced by an early release of the December editorial calendar). There needs to be a definite distinction made between the two, and subscribers should be made aware of this distinction. * * * On a similar topic (and while I'm here ;)): In my opinion, material that appears in the editorial calendar should be "exclusive content" (a part of Insider). If something is free (intended for everyone), it should be listed somewhere else, to avoid confusion. If something is listed in the calendar, it should be compiled into the end-of-month issue (either Dragon or Dungeon). Why? This for instance ;): In the December editorial calendar, the druid preview listed as Dragon content but it hasn't been compiled into issue #370. Listing it in the calendar means it's Insider content. By not compiling it into the end-of-month issue however, it's just sorta floating around out there, waiting for someone to find it. This means it likely to get lost in the shuffle. If something is paid for, it should be relatively easy to find I think. Previews are paid for content but shouldn't they really be free for all to see? I mean, you're not really "giving away" much in a 3-level preview. Not to mention, since the idea is to give incentive to buy the book, why hide it behind a virtual wall? Let's all have a look then.
#6 mrmyth Dec 24, 2008 10:20:40	Given that the option isn't between previews and playtests, but between previews and nothing... I'm happy to get the previews. I'm actually rather astounded at the sheer amount of complaining about something being given entirely as a bonus. I mean, sure, a playtest would obviously be more useful. But a playtest also takes up a full article slot and content in the magazine itself, and not everyone wants to see the magazine filled with playtests. Similarly, I don't think WotC wants to give away that much upcoming content, especially if they are past the phase when playtesting would be usable. So instead, they simply are providing preview content as an extra benefit for subscribers. Complaining about that.... sheesh. I expect they'll give playtest articles for material that merits it, when the opportunity is there. And by all means, if it is content you like seeing in the magazine, let them know - feedback is certainly good. But trying to barter with them for more seems rather silly, especially trying to barter material that is positioned entirely seperate from it (bonus preview content, as opposed to actual magazine content.) I do agree they need to get stuff labelled correctly, and avoid some of the persistent errors and discrepencies between the table of contents and the editorial calendar. But I sincerely hope all this complaining doesn't convince them not to share the preview material with those of us who want it, in return for giving you guys... nothing.
#7 rhianni32 Dec 24, 2008 10:33:53	Previews really arent apart of Dragon. Non insiders can view them and they don't get added into the final end of the month compilation. There was some initial confusion when playtests were changed to previews and they kept the DRA in front of them instead of listing it as FREE. Of course we cant playtest 3 levels of a class. They... are... not... playtests. Not sure why that has to keep being said. They arent wanting us to playtest and give revision feedback on previews.
#8 ranadiel Dec 24, 2008 11:02:16	Previews really arent apart of Dragon. Non insiders can view them and they don't get added into the final end of the month compilation. Non-subscribers cannot view them.
#9 Artifact Dec 24, 2008 11:12:02	Previews really arent apart of Dragon. Non insiders can view them and they don't get added into the final end of the month compilation. There was some initial confusion when playtests were changed to previews and they kept the DRA in front of them instead of listing it as FREE. Of course we cant playtest 3 levels of a class. They... are... not... playtests. Not sure why that has to keep being said. They arent wanting us to playtest and give revision feedback on previews. So, previews are free for all to see; that's good. I remember not having to log in to see the Druid, now that I think about it. Still, if it were me, I'd compile them into the end-of-month issue, so they're not floating around out there, all alone :P. It's been way too easy to get confused this month. The Druid was originally listed as as playtest, then as a preview, both as Dragon content, even though it's actually free. I personally think they should list only Insider content in the editorial calendar; list the "free" stuff somewhere else; it would help avoid confusion, I think. Having to deal with "preview" vs. "playtest" on the calendar is bad enough; if you add "DRA" vs. "free" it tends to get all jumbled in your head. KISS "Keep It Simple, Stupid" :P. [Edit: @Ranadiel: The preview must have been locked up after I picked up mine. Too bad. Previews should be free.]
#10 rhianni32 Dec 24, 2008 15:33:43	I logged out and I couldnt get to the invoker. In a prime example of the excellent layout of the site I went to the archives to check the druid and it gave me a page cannot be displayed :/ I could have sworn the druid was accessible by anyone though I cannot confirm if that is still true.
#11 ranadiel Dec 24, 2008 17:50:06	I logged out and I couldnt get to the invoker. In a prime example of the excellent layout of the site I went to the archives to check the druid and it gave me a page cannot be displayed :/ I could have sworn the druid was accessible by anyone though I cannot confirm if that is still true. It was only available to everyone for about 12 hours tops. At first it was available to anyone and only had levels 1-2. Then a few hours later, it was made subscriber only. And a few hours after that they added level 3. At least that is how I recall it happening, although the order might have been reversed. shrugs
#12 asmodeuslore Dec 24, 2008 23:55:55	I don't understand why the comparison is being made between Preview and Playtest? Rest assured, previews are not replacing playtests. You will see them more often than playtests, certainly. They are easier to produce, and less volatile for the company. But playtests are certainly not going away. There was one mistake where someone mislabeled an upcoming preview as a playtest. The mistake was corrected, apologies were made, and life goes on. Previews and Playtests are two seperate things. A Playtest covers a large chunk of material for a specific game element. To date, it has been all about classes. Playtests are still in development, and the feedback from the community helps to shape the development of that game element. You generally must be a subscriber to view a Playtest. It is primarily a way to involve players in the development of the game. A Preview is a small bite of material for a specific game element. Again, it has been all about classes so far. Previews are no longer in development. They are simply a teaser, and you generally don't have to be a subscriber to view them. It is basically an advertisement for an upcoming product. So again, Previews are -not- replacing Playtests, but you will see them more often than you see Playtests.
#13 whitebaron Dec 25, 2008 12:27:05	So again, Previews are -not- replacing Playtests, but you will see them more often than you see Playtests. by the looks of it, previews are now closed content for subscribers. subscribers seemed to think that this is not original content and complained, which got them dropped out of dragon. right now, they seem to be in a vacuum. neither free, nor within the magazines. they are not regular website articles as well, which makes them even hard to find! i would expect some good quality ads instead of that crap. preview them for free, a trailer never ever broke some buying system, it instead pulls out more sales.
#14 fissionessence Dec 28, 2008 20:12:00	Given that the option isn't between previews and playtests, but between previews and nothing... I'm happy to get the previews. I'm actually rather astounded at the sheer amount of complaining about something being given entirely as a bonus. The previews are not a bonus if they take away from the remaining potential content of the magazine. I would much rather have something else that can aid my campaign than have to pay for a 3-level preview that will become redundant in a few months and I'll have to pay for again anyway in book form. ~
#15 mrmyth Dec 29, 2008 9:58:13	by the looks of it, previews are now closed content for subscribers. subscribers seemed to think that this is not original content and complained, which got them dropped out of dragon. Well, this isn't entirely true. There are previews that are freely available to everyone, generally of product that will be released within the next month. There are also previews that are bonus material for subscribers, generally of product that is still a few months away. And finally, there are playtests, which is part of the actual D&DI package, designed for viewing content a decent bit in the future, in order to gain feedback before that product is released.
#16 mrmyth Dec 29, 2008 10:01:07	The previews are not a bonus if they take away from the remaining potential content of the magazine. I would much rather have something else that can aid my campaign than have to pay for a 3-level preview that will become redundant in a few months and I'll have to pay for again anyway in book form. Are the previews taking away potential content of the magazine? I don't beleive that is the case. They were not present in the magazine compilation, from what I understand, which means they aren't replacing any actual content. And while complaints were made that December was 'lite' on content, those complaints were vastly exaggerated - pagewise, it was only slightly behind the last issue (and December's Dungeon was well ahead), and article-wise, it was only one behind. Until an actual trend emerges, I'm fine to accept that previews are what they say they are - bonus content for subscribers, which the vast majority seem to feel are an insult, because they don't like getting cool stuff for free.
#17 VerysArkon Dec 30, 2008 0:00:36	Although the Previews were not in the issue compilation, December's Dragon has only 66 pages, well shy of the average, and considerably less than October's issue with 100 pages (which was the first pay issue). Either the Preview content was meant to be part of Dragon's page count, and was removed later, or Dragon is getting a lot thinner than we were lead to believe during the preview period. Lets hope January reverses the trends and we can put December down as a hick-up.
#18 mrmyth Dec 30, 2008 9:04:43	Although the Previews were not in the issue compilation, December's Dragon has only 66 pages, well shy of the average, and considerably less than October's issue with 100 pages (which was the first pay issue). Either the Preview content was meant to be part of Dragon's page count, and was removed later, or Dragon is getting a lot thinner than we were lead to believe during the preview period. Lets hope January reverses the trends and we can put December down as a hick-up. Also note that while October had 34 more pages in Dragon than December, December had 29 more pages in Dungeon than October - that seems pretty close to a balance. Now, personally, I'd rather that each was consistent from month to month, and have the same hope you do for January (especially as I use Dragon significantly more than Dungeon) - but I think that some fluctuation will always be hard to avoid. I really don't think the preview material was connected to any reduction in content in the magazine itself - which is to say, I don't think that if we didn't get that preview content, that we would have gotten something else instead.