Fan letter to CGL, Because we care Options

[Nath]

Meh, Bogota is surrounded by rainforest in Shadowrun, sure. It's pretty well established that after Amazonia worked their rituals to re-grow the forests, it got out of hand and kind of engulfed the entire damn upper portion of the continent, to the point where they had to burn it back from the cities in contravention of their tree-love. I forget what book that was in precisely, but I believe it was Fields of Fire?

So saying "OMG Bogota is a jungle!" doesn't surprise me terribly. No, it's not a jungle now. But there's also no awakened nation *causing* it to be surrounded by rainforest now. So that's hardly an issue, especially when compared to "Why the fuck do we care about Bogota at all?"

There are a few acres of forest east of Bogota, on the cerros orientales. It's rather a temperate forest, but With some global warming, I guess it can get closer to a full-fledged "cloud forest" (which certainly qualify as jungle, while not being the same as a "rain forest") given a few decades and some magic.

It occurs to me that one of the biggest complain seems to be just "hey, this book is not covering what I thought it would when I read the title". It's kinda complaining that Dungeon & Dragons corebook give no no information and how to build dungeons and the different architectural styles.

[sabs]

No it's more like.. Buying the D&D PLayers Guide, and getting the Monster Compedium II instead.

SUre, it's still D&D.. but it has nothing to do with the title or the intended info.

If they had called it:
Bogota, and other unrelated places.. then you know.. we'd probably put it with NYC: The Rotten Apple and just move on.

[Draco18s]

It occurs to me that one of the biggest complain seems to be just "hey, this book is not covering what I thought it would when I read the title". It's kinda complaining that Dungeon & Dragons corebook give no no information and how to build dungeons and the different architectural styles.

No, its more like picking the Dungeon Builder book and finding that it didn't offer information and how to build dungeons and the different architectural styles.

[Kagetenshi]

Of course, decking via cellular networks has been possible ever since Matrix.

Right, but the WMI (and the SR4 matrix it became) have never been about the possibility of wireless decking. The two components were first, the wireless backbone, and second, pervasive wireless decking—wireless-as-default, which butchers suspension of disbelief (Shannon limit and all).

~J

[Brazilian_Shinob...]

Agree with the rest of the people. Sure, we knew that the book would cover a lot of the Az-Am conflict, I can't say for the others, but I expected a book that would talk about that conflict AND talk about how is the state of warfare on the 6th World. Rather, I got a book that talks half of it about Bogotá as if the war was only happening in one city.
Of course, without mentioning the fact that previous canon was thrown out of the window when they decided that Bogotá and surrounding regions would be some kind of independent nation, instead of being a new province of Aztlan.

[Adarael]

The two components were first, the wireless backbone, and second, pervasive wireless decking—wireless-as-default, which butchers suspension of disbelief (Shannon limit and all).

You really think so? I dunno, it never seemed that big of an issue to me. I always figured decks/commlinks would use high-power, high-signal transmissions when they have a need to, and drop down to low-power, low-signal bluetooth type effects when they don't. When the deck starts to lose data because of noise, it increases the signal to improve power. Meanwhile, all of the backbone stuff is still wired, not mystically transmitted across the globe sans cables. Granted, you'd reach saturation in a given area pretty fast, but error correction software and channel-switching necessarily would have to be more advanced in 2070, given the advances in programming in general.

I dunno. It just never struck me as a big issue.

[Draco18s]

Meanwhile, all of the backbone stuff is still wired, not mystically transmitted across the globe sans cables.

Contrary to what it actually says in the book?

I'm AFB, but the Wireless Matrix is in fact truly wireless.

[Adarael]

No, it's not. There is no discussion anywhere explaining that the backbones of the wireless matrix have no cables anywhere. The basics of the matrix are wireless, yes - in terms of you going point to point. But that doesn't mean there are no wires anywhere on anything. This is some kind of crazy meme that's been started by people who think the wireless matrix is stupid. In fact, what SR4 says about the backbones of the matrix is *nothing at all*.

Hell, even Synner and a couple of others said, "Yes, there are wires for big datalinks and stuff. No, we didn't write about it because it wasn't pertinent." What do people need, a technical whitepaper from The W3C?

[sabs]

Besides, we have a functional wireless "net" today in places that have Clear or that have 3g or 4g smart phone coverage. It's not really that different, except that stores are using wireless too.. (and there's the super amazing adhoc peer to peer networking thing going on which is actually VERY similar to how Skype Works.

[Sengir]

Contrary to what it actually says in the book?

I'm AFB, but the Wireless Matrix is in fact truly wireless.

In the world of 2070, data travels from node A to node B in
various ways. The most common means of travel are radio waves and
fiberoptic cables. While radio signals, better known as wireless traffic,
are mostly used to supply the end user with data, the bulk of the longdistance
data transfer is delivered via fiberoptic cables. Other, more
exotic ways of transmitting data are also available. They include satellite
linking and laser and microwave beams.

UW, p. 50

I mean what did you expect, a string of commlinks floating on the Atlantic?

[Draco18s]

I mean what did you expect, a string of commlinks floating on the Atlantic?

Across the Atlantic, no. Across Atlanta, yes.

[Kagetenshi]

In the world of 2070, data travels from node A to node B in
various ways. The most common means of travel are radio waves and
fiberoptic cables. While radio signals, better known as wireless traffic,
are mostly used to supply the end user with data, the bulk of the longdistance
data transfer is delivered via fiberoptic cables. Other, more
exotic ways of transmitting data are also available. They include satellite
linking and laser and microwave beams.

UW, p. 50

I mean what did you expect, a string of commlinks floating on the Atlantic?

That's retconning. System Failure and the SR4 core are explicit that the backbone is wireless (can't say if SR4A changed that or not), and Shadows of Europe was similarly explicit that the goal was a wireless backbone.

(That said, it's some small comfort that they backed off of that idea.)

~J

[Cthulhudreams]

Aaron is not a developer, at least not for Shadowrun. Aaron is a freelancer. When it comes to CGL's take on stuff, I have no input. I'm not in the loop, even a little bit (<-- good quote for flaming me, here). Anything I would be able to contribute would be hearsay at best.

I write to the specifications I'm given, and my work is for hire, which means it's no longer mine and can be changed after I submit it. As a work-for-hire, CGL doesn't even need to acknowledge that I wrote it, but in this industry that's considered rude. Sadly, it also means that I take some criticism for decisions that aren't mine; I've been taking it because I find it unprofessional to point at CGL and say, "It was them, not me! Let's get 'em! Yeaaaarrrgh!" =i)

Sorry for the late post, and I don't mean to interrupt the flaming. Here, let me help: if you want to kill me in effigy, I suggest the card game, Let's Kill. We originally put me in there as a victim card, and it stayed in for Atlas's second edition, so if you want to take a cheese grater to my face without all that annoying prosecution by law enforcement, that's the way to do it. =i)

EDITED to add some much-needed smiley faces. Apparently, I came across to heavy-handed (thanks, Doc, for pointing that out).

Just to be clear, are you not addressing the point because I used the word 'developer' instead of 'writer', because you consider it unprofessional to do so because it would mean critising your employer (which I understand, I am banned from doing the same thing), or because you are trolling me?

To be honest that entire post comes across to me as very passive/aggressive, particularly paragraph 3. It has considerable ambiguity, and paragraph two is an excuse for why the output was not of a high quality. The addition of similes actually enhances that perception. If that wasn't meant as a passive aggressive comment, it is making a joke out of the fan bases complaints - which are very legitimate IMHO. For example, to me the omission of a map is very bizarre. I am currently reading a book with a sticker price of 15 dollars about one battle that has over 20 maps.

I am honestly very confused as to your intentions with that post - are the fanbases' complaints really completely unreasonable?

[Draco18s]

That's retconning. System Failure and the SR4 core are explicit that the backbone is wireless (can't say if SR4A changed that or not), and Shadows of Europe was similarly explicit that the goal was a wireless backbone.

*Cracks open SR4 Core*

The Matrix of 2070 is composed of a near-infinite number
of overlapping wireless mesh networks used to control nearly
every aspect of modern life. The new Matrix is built to ensure
that it is omnipresent, accessible from all locations, and integrated
into daily life.

There is a possible mention of a wired backbone too, but it's ambiguous.

Homes and offices are integrated through a
terminal—or term for short—that tends to serve as its multimedia
center. This network connects
through numerous gateways and hardwired base stations
to the local Matrix infrastructure; together, they form a
telecommunications grid. These grids are, in turn, interlinked,
forming the backbone of the Matrix itself.

[Kagetenshi]

Mm. I take back "explicit" as regards SR4; I think between "By 2070, the Matrix of old—from the datajacks and cyberdecks of its users to the wired computer hosts and mile upon mile of fiberoptic cable spaghetti—is no more. A new Matrix has arisen, a world of augmented perceptions and wireless connections.", "The Matrix of 2070 is composed of a near-infinite number of overlapping wireless mesh networks used to control nearly every aspect of modern life.", "The first priority was having a system in place to replace the old Matrix; we’d become so dependent on it to run everything that society, for a while, simply fell apart in some places. Here’s where two companies, Transys Neuronet and Erika, come on the scene: they’d been developing wireless technology for the Wireless Matrix Initiative since 2058, and had been planning on getting it online in fall of 2064 anyway" (what would it mean for the WMI to "replace the Matrix" if it doesn't touch the backbone?), and "Another was the fact that they came out of the Crash and the IPO smelling like roses, joining up with communications giant Erika and cybertech powerhouse Transys Neuronet to establish the backbone for the new wireless Matrix and catch most of their competitors flatfooted." all point to the intention being a wireless backbone as far as I can see.

That said, it's true, without reference to previous material on the WMI it is not in fact explicit.

(As a side note, did anyone actually start using the term "Arrow"?)

~J

[Adarael]

Okay, I see where you're coming from in terms of all-wireless. I must have ignored some of those passages because the logic centers of my brain said "pish posh, let's pretend you are like California, and we will edit what you say."

And no, I don't know anyone who uses the term ARO/Arrow.

[fistandantilus4....]

(As a side note, did anyone actually start using the term "Arrow"?)

~J

I do on occassion, mostly to show some AR examples. Sorry to dissapoint. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Aaron]

Just to be clear, are you not addressing the point because I used the word 'developer' instead of 'writer', because you consider it unprofessional to do so because it would mean critising your employer (which I understand, I am banned from doing the same thing), or because you are trolling me?

I do not understand the question, but I'll try to answer. I'm not clear on what point you want me to address, but I wanted to make it absolutely clear that I'm not a developer. When you said "A number of developers post on this forum, like Aaron," I thought that might be parsed to mean that I was one of the developers who post. I wanted to avoid any misunderstandings about my standing, as it were. If you intended it to mean "people who post like Aaron are developers," then I'm afraid I was caught by the ambiguity.

And no, I'm not trolling you. Or anybody else.

To be honest that entire post comes across to me as very passive/aggressive, particularly paragraph 3. It has considerable ambiguity, and paragraph two is an excuse for why the output was not of a high quality. The addition of similes actually enhances that perception. If that wasn't meant as a passive aggressive comment, it is making a joke out of the fan bases complaints - which are very legitimate IMHO. For example, to me the omission of a map is very bizarre. I am currently reading a book with a sticker price of 15 dollars about one battle that has over 20 maps.

I believe I have found another source of miscommunication, here. I am not addressing the fan bases' complaints. That's not my job, nor my interest. I like answering questions, I don't like being attacked. Often, my posts are misquoted, ignored, or subjected to straw men. I don't want to win Dumpshock, I just want to have an intelligent discourse here.

As for the card game, I thought it was a great way for people that wanted to have it out with me to do so without involving me. Besides, a lot of very cool people worked on that game, and they deserve the shout out.

I am honestly very confused as to your intentions with that post - are the fanbases' complaints really completely unreasonable?

This is an example of why I feel I'm being trolled, whether that was the intention or not. This is, or at least very much looks like, a "Why do you hate America?" question. This is a staple trolling tactic, whether you're trolling or not. In one simple sentence, you ascribe a position to me and then ask what is wrong with me for having such an opinion, which, deliberately or not, perverts the intent of my original post. It doesn't help that you spent the time and effort to talk about it, ascribing motivations and meanings to it without explanation, working your way around to the question at hand. Can you see my frustration, here?

Tell you what. If you're being sincere, that's excellent, and I apologize for suspecting you. You and anyone else I inadvertently offended can send me a PM and we can discuss it there or maybe over Skype or something. In fact, I invite anybody who has questions to PM me; I'll even send you my Skype name so we can talk it out in real time.

If you're just trying to win, then you win. I surrender.

To keep this post at least slightly on-topic, might I suggest that any drafted letter stay well away from any potential misrepresentation of CGL's position. I think it would be best to only ascribe motivations of the fan base, and not of other non-signatories.

[Game2BHappy]

I hate to see what is probably a good convo derailed by terminology. Maybe people who aren't developers or writers use the term interchangeably (I know I have). Any chance someone can tell us what the difference is? Do writers contribute only the stories while developers contribute the game mechanics/rules?

P.S. I love that card game!

[Demonseed Elite]

I hate to see what is probably a good convo derailed by terminology. Maybe people who aren't developers or writers use the term interchangeably (I know I have). Any chance someone can tell us what the difference is? Do writers contribute only the stories while developers contribute the game mechanics/rules?

Writers are freelancers hired to put the words down on paper. Developers tend to steer the game line, plot development, project management, and construction of the actual book. There aren't very many developers, compared to writers.

[Critias]

As a gross oversimplification, one could say "developers tell the writers what to write." The captain of a ship tells the helmsman where to steer, in other words, even if the captain's not the one at the wheel.

[otakusensei]

Ok, to bring things back on topic here is a draft of a letter to Topps that I've written tonight while my friends are at a Friday Night Magic being catered by a local bar and grill. Food, beer and games with a room full of people. Seriously, if this isn't dedication to a cause I don't know what is:

12/31/10

Dear Sir or Madame,


I am a long time fan of the tabletop roleplayng game Shadowrun, originally published by FASA Corporation over 20 years ago. In that time it has had a long history incorporating a rich setting and storyline, while changing hands a number of times before becoming a Topps owned property. It is for that reason that this letter was written, to make you aware of the state of your property from the perspective of a fan and consumer.

I’ve been unhappy with the quality of Shadowrun products released over the past year. It is my understanding that problems at the current publisher, Catalyst Game Labs, have caused a drastic change in the writing staff after the loss of key creative personnel and freelancers. This is disheartening seeing that some of the best work for the setting was published just over a year ago. The Shadowrun 4th Edition Anniversary Core Rule Book is a work of art, and has won awards for it presentation and design. The supplement Seattle 2072 was similarly spectacular, but marked the beginning of a decline in quality as Catalyst Game Labs seemed to struggle with internal issues.

More recently a PDF download was made available for purchase of the next supplement. War! was meant to cover military operations in the setting of Shadowrun 4th Edition. However upon viewing the current version of the document, which has reportedly been sent to printer, I was shocked. The book suffers from a startling number of typographical errors and inconsistencies. It is a book about war, in fact a specific war, and contains no map of the area it describes. Layout is slipshod in parts and some art appears presented at too large a size for the DPI of the image. This has lead to a product that appears at a glance to be of poor quality. However worse can be found in reading the material.

As a fan I was unhappy to find a general lack of attention to detail in coordinating this most recent book to the setting. Inconsistencies and factual errors have been pointed out on a number of communities online, including the official forums. One talked about section springs to mind as being not only factually incorrect as regards the setting and current version of the rules, but is also potentially offensive and insensitive.

A section called “WORK BRINGS FREEDOM”, which begins on page 120, encourages game masters to build a story where their players must attack the ghosts of concentration camp victims in order to plunder Auschwitz and collect “necromantic artifacts”; including The Fleshfinder, a scalpel said to once have belonged to Nazi doctor Eduard Wirthz. The scalpel is listed with a price to be sold and mechanics that appear to be inconsistent with the setting, both of these suggesting an over all lack of thoughtful design and understanding of source material. It has also been suggested online that the personage of Dr. Eduard Wirths, owner of the scalpel, may have been intended to be Josef Mengele. The mix up highlights an oversight by the development staff as well, one of many, but in a section nearly universally received with surprise and distaste. A section that by it’s poor handling of such an important subject to so many people could cause undue negative attention to fall on the Shadowrun line. While Shadowrun fans are by definition not against material of a gritty and sometimes mature nature, we ask that the material at least be well constructed and consistent with the setting.

As a fan I ask that something please be done to improve the quality of the work produced for the Shadowrun line. At present it appears that the tradition of excellence that once created award winning product is gone from Catalyst Game Labs. Under the circumstances I would suggest a revaluation of Catalyst as the publisher of the line, as it is in the interest of all of us to see the quality and integrity of Shadowrun restored.

Thank you for your attention in this request, and taking the time to hear from me. I look forward to an announcement from Topps soon on the state of their property and measures being taken to protect it.

A concerned Shadowrun fan

-----

The current version is published on Google Docs here:

http://goo.gl/KDSyt

For best effect this letter should be (and at least one copy will be) sent to:

Topps US
One Whitehall Street
New York, NY 10004
Tel: 212-376-0300

...as pointed out earlier in the thread. The letter would have more impact sent directly to someone, but you run the risk of looking like you are pestering them. And that's generally a bad thing to do to people you want to do something for you. Either way, if you go that route you should look into these people:

Tina Trenkler
VP, Entertainment Finance & Operations at The Topps Company

Ira Friedman
VP, Licensing & Publishing at The Topps Company

Joeseph Del Toro
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at The Topps Company

If anyone has a better grasp of the org chart at The Topps Company it might help things to be more targeted. They really do have an interest in making sure the long term viability and reputation of Shadowrun is maintained. And at this rate CGL isn't going to be winning any awards for their SR work.

For people looking to add to the letter I was going to include the loss of developer chats and communication despite an official forum. But I felt the letter was running long as it stands. Getting into specifics on Arbiet Macht Frei might be a mistake, but I really think that speaks to the heart of this mess a sums it up pretty well. Your mileage may vary, and everyone is free to take and remix this any way they want without having to worry about reference to me. I just want to see some good done for the line before it's too late.

[Kagetenshi]

If you're going to talk about the Wirths mixup at all, it may be worth noting for the reader that Wirths most likely did not personally take part in experimentation; I'm not sure that that's common enough knowledge to motivate the mixup complaint without it.

~J

[Draco18s]

Two minor changes:

but marked the begin of a decline in quality as Catalyst Game Labs seemed to struggle with internal issues.
I look forward to an announcment from Topps soon on the state of their property and measures being taken to protect it.

[TheMadderHatter]

Not to criticize your letter, otakusensei, (really. I like it) but I'd recommend that anyone else sending this to Topps at least rephrase the issues at hand, if not raise new ones. Call it an application of decision theory in light of the possibility of CGL damage control: if they don't start mollifying Topps in grand intercorporate tradition, then the most you lose is a few moments of typing; if they are, then you're effectively muting yourself by presenting another copy of points for which they already have a ready retort.

Also, parroting would lend credence to the claims of those who suggest that we're all being swayed by a very vocal minority.