O/AD&D PDFs coming back?

[Mythmere]

I'm really happy with WotC for this, although I also wouldn't buy/subscribe to vanishable content. This isn't a matter of WotC-hatred, they simply would have crossed into a realm where I don't buy anything in that format. I have no Kindle or Nook because of this same issue. If it's pdfs, that's awesome.

[ScottyG]

And I think that WotC knows that most of the people who would buy these back catalogue items feel the same way about subscribing to anything. It's generally not the WotC rah rah types that will be interested in the old edition material. That should be obvious, but you never really know until things are put into motion.

[T. Foster]

Subscription-based models, and paying for access rather than ownership, are the future (see: Spotify, Netflix, etc.). Of course it would also be nice if WotC offered a la carte pdf sales to satisfy the old fogeys (i.e. the bulk of their audience, especially for prior-edition content ) who won't do a subscription, but subscriptions is really what it's all about, especially if they have value-added content (community, game-finders, and ideally some sort of (edition-neutral or multi-edition-supporting) virtual tabletop).

[thedungeondelver]

Oh my gosh what if they offer a print on demand too.

GLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

[Mythmere]

And I think that WotC knows that most of the people who would buy these back catalogue items feel the same way about subscribing to anything. It's generally not the WotC rah rah types that will be interested in the old edition material. That should be obvious, but you never really know until things are put into motion.

But I don't think WotC really understands our niche of the market very well. If they had a lot of data on the 35-45 yr old market they would realize that there might be violent pushback against a subscription service. Do they have that data or knowledge? They might, I'm not saying they don't, but for cost reasons (that I totally understand) my suspicion is that they are flying blind with our age group, working from the guesses of those in the company who are our age, and putting out only products that have a small enough capital cost to allow for huge errors in that judgment. It is probably what I would do in their shoes if I had to make a profit quota. Our niche is too small to spend tons of money finding out what we want.

I will totally forgive them a misstep for this reason: they are now TRYING to give us what we want. Now that they are past that threshold, they get the benefit of the doubt when they screw up on the details. It doesn't mean I'll buy a product that can be nuked from space, but it gets them a much more positive viewpoint from me, that might help in other areas.

[Falconer]

I’m just going to say it: I would be happy to not pirate, given a reasonable alternative.

[Geoffrey]

I also wouldn't buy/subscribe to vanishable content...I have no Kindle or Nook because of this same issue.

I have never connected my Kindle to any sort of wifi/wireless/whatever for this very reason. I download books onto my laptop's hard drive, then I use a USB cable to download these books from my hard drive into my Kindle.

Nothing in my Kindle can vanish.

[chap126]

It's almost certainly going to be a subscription based model...most likely tied to ddi. Print on demand would be the best option if they want my money...I'm only 22 so books aren't a nostalgia thing...digital just doesn't work as well as physically flipping through pages for paper and pencil games. Can you imagine getting all those old modules brand new and not from craigslist?

[TRP]

. If they had a lot of data on the 35-45 yr old market they would realize that there might be violent pushback against a subscription service.

Annnd ... the 46+ market? Just don't even bother, and write us off.

[Falconer]

I honestly would consider subscribing to a service that game me unlimited access of all TSR publications.

[Mythmere]

. If they had a lot of data on the 35-45 yr old market they would realize that there might be violent pushback against a subscription service.

Annnd ... the 46+ market? Just don't even bother, and write us off.

I don't think they even think of that age group as being measurable. That's almost all people who started with OD&D, so it's very small compared to the jump in numbers at the point where people started with Holmes/AD&D.

[Stormcrow]

Optimistic view: It's possible they are saying "electronic format" because they will be using multiple formats. iBook, PDF, ePub... all, or some of those.
Pessimistic view: It'll probably be another "D&D Insider" craptacular fiasco.

Guys, "electronic format" is publisher-speak for PDF. Relax.

I'd like to point out that the D&D books I bought on DriveThruRPG never vanished on me. I paid for access to 'em, and I still have it.

[ThirstyStirge]

Optimistic view: It's possible they are saying "electronic format" because they will be using multiple formats. iBook, PDF, ePub... all, or some of those.
Pessimistic view: It'll probably be another "D&D Insider" craptacular fiasco.

Guys, "electronic format" is publisher-speak for PDF. Relax.

I'd like to point out that the D&D books I bought on DriveThruRPG never vanished on me. I paid for access to 'em, and I still have it.

??? You do???

[PapersAndPaychecks]

Come on, guys, cut them some slack. Don't you remember the last time WOTC really impressed you with their good-value, well-thought-out electronic releases?

[Mythmere]

Come on, guys, cut them some slack. Don't you remember the last time WOTC really impressed you with their good-value, well-thought-out electronic releases?

You almost had me, but I really liked Baldur's Gate.