Re: Jo's Ranting and other things

[email removed] (Tom Harris) writes:
> Subject: Re: Jo's Ranting and other things

> So, if you don't like TNE background
> don't use it.  If you don't like a TNS story rewrite it.  Yes the GM will
> have to be a little bit more creative about where things are going, but
> that should be part of his job.

     I agree with you, Tom, but only partially.  From my point of view,
the main problem with an SF game is that it can/should be BIG.  As a result,
my imagination gets stretched a lot more than it would if I was playing a
fantasy game of typical scope.  So, the more stuff that the publisher puts
out that I can reasonably use, the more creative time I can put into
other aspects of the game, giving a more textured background overall.

> Frankly the people at GDW don't, won't and shouldn't care how you
> use/modify their products.  To them the background is an example of how to
> use their system, not the system.

     I disagree, for pretty much the same reasons that I mention above.
I don't think that I'm the only person incorporating published material
into my game as a timesaver, and therefore I feel that GDW has a very
pertinent interest in keeping me buying their products.  So, they should
be interested in what use I am making of their products.

     I'm speaking fairly generally, of course--In specific, TNE appears to
be a sufficiently radical shift from previous material that GDW must be
expecting to lose some members of the hardcore fandom of the previous
editions, a category that will probably include me.  I'm waiting for FF&S
to appear before making a final decision.  Beyond that point TNE products
will only be of interest to me if I can fit them back into the Classic/MT
framework.  (Like the miniatures...status, anyone?)

     GDW is free to make wahtever business decisions they feel they need to.
I am free to spend my money on whatever I like. As long as both sides realize
that other side is making a rational economic decision, everyone can remain
calm. (-:

Enough said,

Rob Dean
(Lifespan as Traveller fan: 50%+)