| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| kahonen |
Posted - 19 Feb 2004 : 12:46:02
I've just had a look at the latest "Map a Week" on the Wizards site:
http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/mw/20040205a
and realised that they are not originals. The maps there are from the Forgotten Realms Adventure "Hellgate Keep" (TSR Code: 9658) which was released February 1998.
Has anyone else noticed anything this with other maps? I'd assumed that these maps were originals produced specifically for the website but perhaps I've been wrong.
Perhaps it's just another indication that Hasbro are "doing things on the cheap" or are running out of ideas.
(Or am I being cynical again?). |
| 17 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Bookwyrm |
Posted - 23 Feb 2004 : 01:24:42
Yes, so I see. Well, I agree with you on that one. |
| Darth KTrava |
Posted - 23 Feb 2004 : 01:13:30
quote:
Originally posted by Bookwyrm
That depends. Are they selling just the maps, or are they there to clarify something in a book?
Just the maps. In a 2-volume set that's sold separately. |
| Bookwyrm |
Posted - 22 Feb 2004 : 23:54:35
Oh yes. Especially if you know it supports the person who created the actual work, whether directly or by royalties. |
| SiriusBlack |
Posted - 22 Feb 2004 : 16:42:36
quote:
Originally posted by Arivia
I might, but only to acquire full-colour copies of some of the Todd Gamble works. Big might. I view those as more of pieces of artwork more than maps, and would be greatly pleased to have those in better condition than my current printings.
That I can more than understand if someone enjoys a certain artist's work. I have a loved one who has purchased numerous art books because she enjoys certain artists even though many of the drawings can be found online. Something still to be said for having something concrete in your hands in a book versus a computer file or a print out. |
| Arivia |
Posted - 22 Feb 2004 : 05:09:35
I might, but only to acquire full-colour copies of some of the Todd Gamble works. Big might. I view those as more of pieces of artwork more than maps, and would be greatly pleased to have those in better condition than my current printings. |
| SiriusBlack |
Posted - 22 Feb 2004 : 04:13:08
quote:
Originally posted by Arivia
Have you seen this and this, yet, Bookwyrm?
Is anyone planning to buy these items? I recall when I first heard these products mentioned, I had zero interest in obtaining them and that has yet to change. Anyone feel differently? |
| Bookwyrm |
Posted - 22 Feb 2004 : 03:58:16
I wasn't trying to defend them. As for that, I don't think I'd want to buy it if it's online. |
| Arivia |
Posted - 22 Feb 2004 : 03:00:23
Have you seen this and this, yet, Bookwyrm? |
| Bookwyrm |
Posted - 22 Feb 2004 : 02:56:19
That depends. Are they selling just the maps, or are they there to clarify something in a book? |
| Darth KTrava |
Posted - 22 Feb 2004 : 01:00:03
And also they're SELLING maps that were available on their site for FREE! Makes ya wonder if they're desperate for money..... |
| Bookwyrm |
Posted - 21 Feb 2004 : 18:02:16
No, you're wrong on that one. I've talked to many professors, and the problem is that the companies will put out new editions, while making the old ones fall out of print. They can do that easily -- they're the sole publishers of that book! And so when a new semester rolls around, the students have to buy books that are barely changed from old ones, save in the fact that they cost more -- to cover the "cost" of re-aranging the text. My best friend just had to pay for an Economics text that was USD 107.59, I believe. And that was used.
In a way, that's what happened with D&D, though at least in a slightly better way. Wizards at least released the SRD -- something that textbook makers don't do. That allowed people who'd already spent so much on 3e material to upgrade at no cost.
They still could have done better -- like if they did what Ed Greenwood wanted them to do. Namely, publish Realmslore and Realmstats in separate books. That way the Realmslore never goes out of date, because it's not placed in the context of stats.
Actually, I'm so steamed over rising textbook costs that Wizards' apparent obsession with money doesn't seem so bad in comparison. In fact, I'd take Wizards over most textbook makers.
Now if only they'd turn it into a university degree.  |
| SiriusBlack |
Posted - 21 Feb 2004 : 05:46:04
quote:
Originally posted by Bookwyrm
As any current or recent college student would know, having texts updated solely for the sake of money gets very old, very quickly. 
Indeed, and companies need to remember that they are not college professors with the ability to create an absolute demand for the item. |
| Bookwyrm |
Posted - 20 Feb 2004 : 16:45:35
Exactly my thought, Sirius. Of course, they're not completely off the hook, but simple updates are good.
As any current or recent college student would know, having texts updated solely for the sake of money gets very old, very quickly. |
| SiriusBlack |
Posted - 19 Feb 2004 : 16:31:46
quote:
Originally posted by kahonen
Perhaps it's just another indication that Hasbro are "doing things on the cheap" or are running out of ideas.
(Or am I being cynical again?).
I'm not surprised and I'm sure it will continue. Many people online proclaimed when 3.5e came out that it was just a device so WOTC could republish stuff already released with updated stats. The mindset being from these people: less design time = less cost in producing a product = bigger profit. But, if WOTC is going to be smacked with this charge of reprinting/republishing stuff, they are not the only ones doing it. Many D20 companies are doing the same thing since 3.5e.
Of course, the maps are free so one can state that since no fee is involved, there should be no complaint about lack of originality. |
| Shadowlord |
Posted - 19 Feb 2004 : 15:29:01
Hmmm, it is true that sometimes the greatest ideas are meant to be recycled, but they should at least tell you that they're old first. |
| Faraer |
Posted - 19 Feb 2004 : 14:01:16
You may also recognize the 'Forested City'.
I don't think it's a dirty trick; I'm happy to have electric versions of these maps. |
| Lord Rad |
Posted - 19 Feb 2004 : 13:35:11
Wow, youre quite right kahonen!  What a dirty trick!!  |
