Hi MaRo
It's all part of the metagame! Nice, that purple symbol
I think this was (to an certain degree) a honest article, that mirrors my experience of the events. I even think I was (one of the) the first to point out the 121 difference.
Another mistake you made was announcing the set sizes of PC and FS, which alerted us that that there was no fact sheet for TS
Yes but that would be lying. I find it disturbing that we've reached a point where it's not even a second thought that a company would/should lie to us like that.
Even if you don't care about the moral quandry of knowingly lying to your customers, consider the damage to credibility.
MaRo currently gets to play the court fool to an extent. He can drop hints, riddles, meaningless oddities, and for the most part we all eat it up because we don't expect him to outright LIE to us. Oh, sure, he might omit something here or there but we know that's just because he's an impish fellow and not out of a real desire to decieve or cause malice. He may not tell us what we want to know, but everything he says is true from a certain perspective. Note the effort made to present info about 301 cards in TS and note the deliberate effort not to say anything that was untrue.
If he ever gets caught knowingly LYING to the public then suddenly what he says becomes meaningless. It becomes meanignless not only because we can't trust what he says, but because we can't really look for what he's NOT saying. That's what MaRo does; that's what makes him a unique and beautiful snowflake.
I'm SO glad that (apparently) he didn't lie to us at any time. Not so much for our sake but for his. I like MaRo the trickster/riddler but MaRo the conniving weasel would probably turn me off towards magic.
Microsoft lies to its customers all the time and nobody even bats an eye. This is probably the ONE situation in which WotC could've gotten away with it. There are several active members of MTGS who would be plausible culprits for something like faking the playtest cards, myself included. I'm not saying it would've been a perfect explanation or anything, but it would have at least been plausible from most everyone's point of view until the prerelease came along and someone at WotC would've had to eat some crow.
Hi MaRo
It's all part of the metagame! Nice, that purple symbol
I think this was (to an certain degree) a honest article, that mirrors my experience of the events. I even think I was (one of the) the first to point out the 121 difference.
Another mistake you made was announcing the set sizes of PC and FS, which alerted us that that there was no fact sheet for TS
That, and not having the normal rules FAQ on DCIJUDGE-L before the prerelease was a big giveaway too.
Hi MaRo
It's all part of the metagame! Nice, that purple symbol
I think this was (to an certain degree) a honest article, that mirrors my experience of the events. I even think I was (one of the) the first to point out the 121 difference.
Another mistake you made was announcing the set sizes of PC and FS, which alerted us that that there was no fact sheet for TS
Lol. It's offical we now have a Spoiler Season Metagame!:D
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Back at the bar, when you thought we were getting all palsy-walsy, I was actually flipping through that sorry mind you call an organizer looking for dirt! You know what we call THAT? MIND-TAKING, BABY! ACCEPT NO SUBSTITUTES!
This article made me very, very happy. I was actually upset that there were so many leaks because I sympathized with MaRo, and to know that aside from three things (playtest card leaks, and assumably the eBay auction or the Gatherer being updated early, and the Akroma ad), all of the "leaks" were planned and practically ordered, so everything practically went as planned in his eyes.
He even admits to liking rumor sites and acknowledging the hype they provide and loving what they do and the people they bring together. It's just a good feeling all around.
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Getting the last word does not mean that you win the argument.
Hi MaRo
It's all part of the metagame! Nice, that purple symbol
I think this was (to an certain degree) a honest article, that mirrors my experience of the events. I even think I was (one of the) the first to point out the 121 difference.
Another mistake you made was announcing the set sizes of PC and FS, which alerted us that that there was no fact sheet for TS
I definatly enjoyed this article. I agree with Hunter about the honesty thing and the fact that there were no fact sheet for TS, made me believe something was up. I was and am a memer of the 422-ers and I'm glad that I'm a member of MTGSalvation aka "big rumour sites".
I liked the article overall. I mean, having a little "minigame" if you will over the card sets is actually kind of fun. I mean, in some ways, MaRo used deceit to throw some of us for a loop and get others (like myself) just curious of what was actually going on. My name is Inoki, and I approve this sneakiness.
Were there better ways to cover up the playtest card leak? Sure. But overall I think WoTC did a pretty good job keeping things interesting.
Microsoft lies to its customers all the time and nobody even bats an eye.
Please cite a documented example.
This is probably the ONE situation in which WotC could've gotten away with it. There are several active members of MTGS who would be plausible culprits for something like faking the playtest cards, myself included. I'm not saying it would've been a perfect explanation or anything,
Except that R-E always had good spoiler info in the past, so no one would have really believed it. And there's the two larger problems that any one who cared enough to look at the rarity symbols would have realized later on that WoTC was lying, and more importantly, they would not be able to follow up on (and close) the leaks. So once it's clear that WoTC can't be trusted, the still existing leaks become the de facto trustworthy source for info, no matter what WoTC does in the future. They played it the correct way for what they want to accomplish (control of information).
but it would have at least been plausible from most everyone's point of view until the prerelease came along and someone at WotC would've had to eat some crow.
No, just NO. "Eating Crow" refers to being proven wrong about something and having to admit it publicly. It does NOT refer to being shown to be a LIAR.
WoTC and Hasbro have to communicate hundreds of times a year and it's in their best interests to be taken seriously and at their word. Lying, especially lying about something so easily uncovered, is a terrible idea.
I loved this aticle it wasa good read on how they tried to clean up thir mess...
but there is one thing that still irritates me: the fact that Rosewater mentions the playtest incident over and over again as if it were to be taken lightly, i bet RE doest not think it was just another incident. In any case im sure that those playetest card wouldve just gone into forgetfulness once the guildpact rumor season rolled in, and probably wouldve been lost completely by the time people figured them to be true.
Props to Hydro. In the last few threads so many people tried to put words in his mouth about hating WotC and also putting words in WotC's mouth about hating spoilers.
I hope other people have the grace to give respect where it's due. Keep up the work Brother Hydro/MaRo!!!!
After reading this article and hearing how Wizards had internal communication problems reguarding the way the purple cards were advertised, I felt better. I was already to chastize them (especally after MaRo's last article saying it was a surprised party) but now all the problems I had that with Wizards were wiped away with this article.
The one thing that caught me as funny is his story of the Seattle Prerelease: The later flights had less knowledge of the Timeshifted cards. I guess that makes sense (The Star Wars "geeks" want to see it opening night while only fans don't have to see it at the Midnight Showing). I guess that's why he did haven't his complete happy face when we was scoping the early flights (like mine). But hopefully now they see that spoilers effect such a small population of the Magic fan-base (you know, like how fantics of Star Wars had to find out what was going to happen).
MaRo, if you're reading this, you're more then welcome to use me as a source to "leak" some info about the cards if you want them leaked. Seriously, let's talk. Maybe a card name, or a type or whatever.
Also, I think it's funny how he finally states that Spoilers are actually good for the game (even though he does say "early" spoilers are bad.) It's just that Spoilers period are what players want. People like to see a taste of things to come far in advance, just to make it worth it when it comes out.
Actually, it's not "early" spoilers he's against... it's "unofficial" spoilers. In other words, anything that hasn't been approved by Wizards to be spoiled.
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"Forgive me my nonsense as I forgive the nonsense of those who think they talk sense." - Robert Frost
First of all, a preface: Rosewater is an excellent head designer. Perhaps the best in Magic's history (excepting The Architect, of course). Ravnica and now Time Spiral are proof of this. HOWEVER:
While his merits in set design are notable, Mark Rosewater's ego reflects this fact a bit too well, as he has adopted a writing style that is way too cocky for my tastes; his self-touting has gotten progressively obvious over the last few months. Today's feature article is a prime example. So, Mark, please tone down your omnipotent attitude and be more modest--take credit where it's due, but retain overall humility.
Nobody likes a know-it-all, after all!!
And, finally:
(>' ' )> DO THE KIRBY! Do-do-do-doot dooo-doot. YEAH! <( ' '<).
MaRo, I like it when you write about "the major rumour site".
While I'm a little iffy on the use of myself and the lawsuit as a somewhat ho-hum conversation piece in the article, I found it a really good read. Some of it, obviously, is MaRo saying what he's supposed to say. But I also get the feeling that some of the corporate wall is down a bit, and MaRo's enthusiasm for the Rumor Mill shone through. In a way, reading it was pretty shocking, even though I know a lot more than the public does (and no, I'm not going to say anything). In fact, I guess that's probably why it's all so shocking to me - I was in the center of it.
I get the feeling, as I did at the time, that if MaRo (or someone else I could put a face to) had emailed or called or wrote me and explained a few things, it would have turned out a LOT better in terms of me not losing 3 months of my life, and Wizards not taking a massive PR hit. There's a bit of backtracking going on... "rumours and spoilers are actually good, I never said otherwise". Okay... sure... oh well. He's revealing, now, that he actually loves the Rumor Mill, and just wishes the playtest cards hadn't leaked. Well guess what? It may seem like common sense now, but at the time, we had no idea how big a deal it actually was. Was anyone, in that thread, saying "this is going to spoil MaRo's surprise party... I have a really bad feeling about this!" No. We were all speculating and wondering, as we always do. (In fact, most of us though the playtest stickers were fake until the lawsuit was announced.) As I've said in the past, had I been asked, I would have removed the thread and people would have forgotten about the "probably fake" playtest stickers. Instead, the lawsuit caused both sides huge suffering, and turned "probably fake" into "absolutely confirmed".
I've got to say, his account of the 301/422 debate was actually quite accurate, and a good read. Seeing his side is interesting. I would like to have a talk with the guy. Seriously, Mark, call me. Better yet, make me applicant #69 and shift me to the top of the pile.
I like how he left out the "auction site" cards that confirmed the purple cards like 2 weeks before the Adult Swim ads.
True, and good point. And the fact that 1 or 2 post new accounts were cropping up in that thread saying "these are so fake, obviously" when anyone with their eyes open and brain attached could see otherwise.
The one thing that caught me as funny is his story of the Seattle Prerelease: The later flights had less knowledge of the Timeshifted cards. I guess that makes sense (The Star Wars "geeks" want to see it opening night while only fans don't have to see it at the Midnight Showing). I guess that's why he did haven't his complete happy face when we was scoping the early flights (like mine).
I was in one of the later flights, #8 to be exact and I was actually sitting across from Brian Tinsman, who was Lead Designer of the Time Spiral set. As we were waiting for the event to start, MaRo came over and was talking with him. I don't remember his exact words, but I think one or two of his children were ill or something and he was stressed... now we see he was probably even more stressed because of the Timeshifted Cards being posted on the site... which is like a brick house falling from an already shakey foundation (which was the Adult Swim ads).
His surprise party was well recieved, as a surprise or not... I mean, it still had that party atmosphere. There were bonus Foil Rares, bonus Shifted Rares, awesome nostalgia... even more awesome game play. This pre-release is easily the best one I've ever been to... the packs are plentiful (the return of the God Pack) and the promo was so great. I'm so happy I've got 3 of them... really wish I'd have squeezed in another Sealed for a Playset, but hey... it's all to the good.
This pre-release pushed me to play in my first FNM, ever... I ended up winning the thing, which was an added bonus. My love for Magic and limited play is so high right now, I can definitely see myself becoming a draft hound. I can't wait to play TS Limited again.
I was in one of the later flights, #8 to be exact and I was actually sitting across from Brian Tinsman, who was Lead Designer of the Time Spiral set. As we were waiting for the event to start, MaRo came over and was talking with him. I don't remember his exact words, but I think one or two of his children were ill or something and he was stressed... now we see he was probably even more stressed because of the Timeshifted Cards being posted on the site... which is like a brick house falling from an already shakey foundation (which was the Adult Swim ads).
His surprise party was well recieved, as a surprise or not... I mean, it still had that party atmosphere. There were bonus Foil Rares, bonus Shifted Rares, awesome nostalgia... even more awesome game play. This pre-release is easily the best one I've ever been to... the packs are plentiful (the return of the God Pack) and the promo was so great. I'm so happy I've got 3 of them... really wish I'd have squeezed in another Sealed for a Playset, but hey... it's all to the good.
This pre-release pushed me to play in my first FNM, ever... I ended up winning the thing, which was an added bonus. My love for Magic and limited play is so high right now, I can definitely see myself becoming a draft hound. I can't wait to play TS Limited again.
Umm...this post reads a lot those written by the nay-sayers around the time TS cards were leaked on e-bay: WotC plant.
Despite my severe doubiousness as to the validity of the above post, I must agree. I can't wait to get my hands on TS limited at last: I've been at school for a while and haven't goten time to fondle my precious pack(s).
There are going to be some crazy theories in future rumor seasons stemming from the knowledge of the active hand official sources took in this one. The 422/301 debate was definitely the most interesting rumor since i've been following set spoilers (just before scourge) and it was fun to read and talk about.
So... is it me, or did he pretty much confirm hybrid cards in PC?
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People's Front of 422
A rumor site is about people interested in upcoming product releases pooling information to see what they can figure out.
What I don’t like are unofficial spoilers.
Official spoilers are hardly rumors. Sorry, but that article doesn't convince me, at all. The whole fun of a rumor site is to collect bits and bits from official and unofficial sources, fakes, glimpses, scans, product shots and ads and try to put it all in the bigger picture.
What he is speaking about is a controlled environment to create the hype about a product.
For example, I bet they knew the 442-301 numbers gonna be out, and they controlled it with "false" information (like showing a scan with x/301 and his answer in the Ask Wizards).
He said they spread the 422 number? Hmm......
About two seconds after the first memo landed in a mailbox with the number 422 on it, the information spread like wildfire through the rumor sites. We’ve never had an expert expansion that large before. This was big news. But wait. Just a few days later came the retraction. Did we say 422? Oops. We meant 301. Ignore the 422, we said. That was just a mistake.
I like how they influenced us with those sneaky tidbits, that was awesome work. Very nice.
I also think it was a decent rumor season, although a bit lopsided in the end. I'm still not convinced that keeping the majority of the cards a secret to all is good. I think I once read Maro say that when cards are spoiled they can't tell the story that goes with the card, and that therefor it looses part of their meaning. But if all cards are known on one day (release day), doesn't that also just resemble a major dump of cards, which might even be worse then a few spoiled cards beforehand?
I think the spoiled Akroma actually did more good then harm (and pulling it wasn't really that necessary), same with the number 422 and other tidbits.
Maro; you claim you like these rumour sites and think they are valuable, but yet a lot of your interactions (the number, the Akroma etc) for Time Spiral that were actually building up hype, you list as 'mistakes' at your part. I really urge you to try and get some more feedback on these things, I think you might be surprised at how well your 'mistakes' helped catapult the set to one of the most anticipated sets so far (at least on this site).
Perhaps a little bit more playfull attitude towards Rumor sites is exactly what marketing needs to push it to another level and win back the favor of fans after this legal thing with R_E.
Anyway great article, very candid and a good read. Hope you learned as much from us and how it worked out, as we did by reading your article.
I like how accurate he was about alot of that, and I really appreciate the "down to earth" glimpse I got from him, to be honest. I'd really love to see Maro or someone work some things out with RE, Hydro, or Seds just to get us to stop being "teh evil websitez". Maro seems to agree that rumors give publicity, free publicity, that you just can't buy, period. However, I have to completely understand about the whole "Everynow and then we have a big secret we'd like for you guys to get closer to it and someone else went and showed it instead". I mean, if I had gotten engaged to my fiance, and before I got home to tell my family and friends I had recieved a phone call with people going "How come I just heard about this? Why didn't you tell me?" I'd be pretty ticked off. Its similar on there end.
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New Rules come out for 1999 6th Edition... "THEY'RE TURNING MAGIC INTO PORTAL! THE GAME IS RUINED! EVERYONE PETITION AND GET THEM TO CHANGE IT BACK!"
New Rules come out for 2010 Edition... "THEY'RE TURNING MAGIC INTO YU-GI-OH! THE GAME IS RUINED! EVERYONE PETITION AND GET THEM TO CHANGE IT BACK!"
New Rules come out for *Reserved for something in 2020* "THEY'RE TURNING MAGIC INTO *currently "simple" game by the more "skilled" players*! THE GAME IS..." etc.
Actually, he said that once the 422 number had been accidentally released, they decided to muddle the waters by skewing "official evidence" in favor of the 301 so that we gullible 301ers had some backup, so that interesting discussion would be generated for MaRo to read (and us to write).
Okay, then.
And to be honest, we deserve to be linked from that article. ;(
Charlequin will love this article, it basically SPECIFICALLY pats him on the back for figuring out the 121 reprint thing completely.
I was grinning ear to ear.
Also, yeah, it is hilarious that after all that debate, it turns out there really was a conspiracy to hide the timeshifted cards from us. That is totally wild.
Actually, he said that once the 422 number had been accidentally released, they decided to muddle the waters by skewing "official evidence" in favor of the 301 so that we gullible 301ers had some backup, so that interesting discussion would be generated for MaRo to read (and us to write).
Who votes all the staunch 301'ers need to change their titles to "MARO's MTGS Whore" if they can? I know I will if I ever can.
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Quote from Cochese »
Do threads in this forum ever not get hijacked by the magical invisible hand of the market guys?
I've personally been one of MaRos biggest non-fans/haters (call it for what it is people).
Now, let me clearify two things.
1) This rumor season was the best ever. Aside from having a few less cards then id have liked before they officially previewed, when they were released, we were flooded with the cards. I loved the flow of rumor season, and if WOTC allows it as it was this year from now on (minus the purple spoiler i suppose), then i'll be perfectly content with Rumor Mill. If they try to pull the reigns back in however, i'll be very quick to turn back.
2) Time Spiral is an incredible set. Gotta hand it to MaRo there. There is something for everyone.
Im so glad i was one of the ones calling conspiracy with the re-released emails to companies and store owners. Why would theyve ever made a mistake originally?
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The Legendary Storyline Poster--- Ixidorsdreams (yeah, it was me ;))
I think MaRo's ego just imploded upon itself and formed a black hole that's now consuming the entire state of Washington.
Seriously, this article was just his lame attempt to justify that Wizards had 'control' over all the rumor leaks, when in the real world, they really didn't.
It's all part of the metagame! Nice, that purple symbol
I think this was (to an certain degree) a honest article, that mirrors my experience of the events. I even think I was (one of the) the first to point out the 121 difference.
Another mistake you made was announcing the set sizes of PC and FS, which alerted us that that there was no fact sheet for TS
Microsoft lies to its customers all the time and nobody even bats an eye. This is probably the ONE situation in which WotC could've gotten away with it. There are several active members of MTGS who would be plausible culprits for something like faking the playtest cards, myself included. I'm not saying it would've been a perfect explanation or anything, but it would have at least been plausible from most everyone's point of view until the prerelease came along and someone at WotC would've had to eat some crow.
That, and not having the normal rules FAQ on DCIJUDGE-L before the prerelease was a big giveaway too.
https://twitch.tv/annorax10 (classic retro speedruns & occasional MTGO/MTGA screwaround streams)
https://twitch.tv/SwiftorCasino (yes, my team and I run live dealer games for the baldman using his channel points as chips)
Lol. It's offical we now have a Spoiler Season Metagame!:D
He even admits to liking rumor sites and acknowledging the hype they provide and loving what they do and the people they bring together. It's just a good feeling all around.
I definatly enjoyed this article. I agree with Hunter about the honesty thing and the fact that there were no fact sheet for TS, made me believe something was up. I was and am a memer of the 422-ers and I'm glad that I'm a member of MTGSalvation aka "big rumour sites".
Were there better ways to cover up the playtest card leak? Sure. But overall I think WoTC did a pretty good job keeping things interesting.
Please cite a documented example.
Except that R-E always had good spoiler info in the past, so no one would have really believed it. And there's the two larger problems that any one who cared enough to look at the rarity symbols would have realized later on that WoTC was lying, and more importantly, they would not be able to follow up on (and close) the leaks. So once it's clear that WoTC can't be trusted, the still existing leaks become the de facto trustworthy source for info, no matter what WoTC does in the future. They played it the correct way for what they want to accomplish (control of information).
No, just NO. "Eating Crow" refers to being proven wrong about something and having to admit it publicly. It does NOT refer to being shown to be a LIAR.
WoTC and Hasbro have to communicate hundreds of times a year and it's in their best interests to be taken seriously and at their word. Lying, especially lying about something so easily uncovered, is a terrible idea.
but there is one thing that still irritates me: the fact that Rosewater mentions the playtest incident over and over again as if it were to be taken lightly, i bet RE doest not think it was just another incident. In any case im sure that those playetest card wouldve just gone into forgetfulness once the guildpact rumor season rolled in, and probably wouldve been lost completely by the time people figured them to be true.
I hope other people have the grace to give respect where it's due. Keep up the work Brother Hydro/MaRo!!!!
The one thing that caught me as funny is his story of the Seattle Prerelease: The later flights had less knowledge of the Timeshifted cards. I guess that makes sense (The Star Wars "geeks" want to see it opening night while only fans don't have to see it at the Midnight Showing). I guess that's why he did haven't his complete happy face when we was scoping the early flights (like mine). But hopefully now they see that spoilers effect such a small population of the Magic fan-base (you know, like how fantics of Star Wars had to find out what was going to happen).
MaRo, if you're reading this, you're more then welcome to use me as a source to "leak" some info about the cards if you want them leaked. Seriously, let's talk. Maybe a card name, or a type or whatever.
M:tG Color Pie - My Magic Design Blog
Last Several Posts:
02/18/08: After MaRo - Just Follow the Clues
02/05/08: After MaRo - Why Can't We All Just Get Along?
01/29/08: After MaRo - Rejected Lorwyn Promos
01/24/08: Phasing Back Into Play - Did I Miss Anything?
Actually, it's not "early" spoilers he's against... it's "unofficial" spoilers. In other words, anything that hasn't been approved by Wizards to be spoiled.
While his merits in set design are notable, Mark Rosewater's ego reflects this fact a bit too well, as he has adopted a writing style that is way too cocky for my tastes; his self-touting has gotten progressively obvious over the last few months. Today's feature article is a prime example. So, Mark, please tone down your omnipotent attitude and be more modest--take credit where it's due, but retain overall humility.
Nobody likes a know-it-all, after all!!
And, finally:
(>' ' )> DO THE KIRBY! Do-do-do-doot dooo-doot. YEAH! <( ' '<).
While I'm a little iffy on the use of myself and the lawsuit as a somewhat ho-hum conversation piece in the article, I found it a really good read. Some of it, obviously, is MaRo saying what he's supposed to say. But I also get the feeling that some of the corporate wall is down a bit, and MaRo's enthusiasm for the Rumor Mill shone through. In a way, reading it was pretty shocking, even though I know a lot more than the public does (and no, I'm not going to say anything). In fact, I guess that's probably why it's all so shocking to me - I was in the center of it.
I get the feeling, as I did at the time, that if MaRo (or someone else I could put a face to) had emailed or called or wrote me and explained a few things, it would have turned out a LOT better in terms of me not losing 3 months of my life, and Wizards not taking a massive PR hit. There's a bit of backtracking going on... "rumours and spoilers are actually good, I never said otherwise". Okay... sure... oh well. He's revealing, now, that he actually loves the Rumor Mill, and just wishes the playtest cards hadn't leaked. Well guess what? It may seem like common sense now, but at the time, we had no idea how big a deal it actually was. Was anyone, in that thread, saying "this is going to spoil MaRo's surprise party... I have a really bad feeling about this!" No. We were all speculating and wondering, as we always do. (In fact, most of us though the playtest stickers were fake until the lawsuit was announced.) As I've said in the past, had I been asked, I would have removed the thread and people would have forgotten about the "probably fake" playtest stickers. Instead, the lawsuit caused both sides huge suffering, and turned "probably fake" into "absolutely confirmed".
I've got to say, his account of the 301/422 debate was actually quite accurate, and a good read. Seeing his side is interesting. I would like to have a talk with the guy. Seriously, Mark, call me. Better yet, make me applicant #69 and shift me to the top of the pile.
EDIT:
True, and good point. And the fact that 1 or 2 post new accounts were cropping up in that thread saying "these are so fake, obviously" when anyone with their eyes open and brain attached could see otherwise.
Way off base. In fact, wrong.
EDIT2: I wonder if we'd ever be allowed to "undelete" that original playtest sticker thread, make it read-only and have a good laugh/cry.
.
I was in one of the later flights, #8 to be exact and I was actually sitting across from Brian Tinsman, who was Lead Designer of the Time Spiral set. As we were waiting for the event to start, MaRo came over and was talking with him. I don't remember his exact words, but I think one or two of his children were ill or something and he was stressed... now we see he was probably even more stressed because of the Timeshifted Cards being posted on the site... which is like a brick house falling from an already shakey foundation (which was the Adult Swim ads).
His surprise party was well recieved, as a surprise or not... I mean, it still had that party atmosphere. There were bonus Foil Rares, bonus Shifted Rares, awesome nostalgia... even more awesome game play. This pre-release is easily the best one I've ever been to... the packs are plentiful (the return of the God Pack) and the promo was so great. I'm so happy I've got 3 of them... really wish I'd have squeezed in another Sealed for a Playset, but hey... it's all to the good.
This pre-release pushed me to play in my first FNM, ever... I ended up winning the thing, which was an added bonus. My love for Magic and limited play is so high right now, I can definitely see myself becoming a draft hound. I can't wait to play TS Limited again.
LISTEN TO MAH SONGZ!
@BillyTheFridge
Umm...this post reads a lot those written by the nay-sayers around the time TS cards were leaked on e-bay: WotC plant.
Despite my severe doubiousness as to the validity of the above post, I must agree. I can't wait to get my hands on TS limited at last: I've been at school for a while and haven't goten time to fondle my precious pack(s).
Do the Kirby!:rolleyes:
So... is it me, or did he pretty much confirm hybrid cards in PC?
People's Front of 422
Official spoilers are hardly rumors. Sorry, but that article doesn't convince me, at all. The whole fun of a rumor site is to collect bits and bits from official and unofficial sources, fakes, glimpses, scans, product shots and ads and try to put it all in the bigger picture.
What he is speaking about is a controlled environment to create the hype about a product.
For example, I bet they knew the 442-301 numbers gonna be out, and they controlled it with "false" information (like showing a scan with x/301 and his answer in the Ask Wizards).
He said they spread the 422 number? Hmm......
I also think it was a decent rumor season, although a bit lopsided in the end. I'm still not convinced that keeping the majority of the cards a secret to all is good. I think I once read Maro say that when cards are spoiled they can't tell the story that goes with the card, and that therefor it looses part of their meaning. But if all cards are known on one day (release day), doesn't that also just resemble a major dump of cards, which might even be worse then a few spoiled cards beforehand?
I think the spoiled Akroma actually did more good then harm (and pulling it wasn't really that necessary), same with the number 422 and other tidbits.
Maro; you claim you like these rumour sites and think they are valuable, but yet a lot of your interactions (the number, the Akroma etc) for Time Spiral that were actually building up hype, you list as 'mistakes' at your part. I really urge you to try and get some more feedback on these things, I think you might be surprised at how well your 'mistakes' helped catapult the set to one of the most anticipated sets so far (at least on this site).
Perhaps a little bit more playfull attitude towards Rumor sites is exactly what marketing needs to push it to another level and win back the favor of fans after this legal thing with R_E.
Anyway great article, very candid and a good read. Hope you learned as much from us and how it worked out, as we did by reading your article.
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Okay, then.
And to be honest, we deserve to be linked from that article. ;(
I was grinning ear to ear.
Also, yeah, it is hilarious that after all that debate, it turns out there really was a conspiracy to hide the timeshifted cards from us. That is totally wild.
Now, let me clearify two things.
1) This rumor season was the best ever. Aside from having a few less cards then id have liked before they officially previewed, when they were released, we were flooded with the cards. I loved the flow of rumor season, and if WOTC allows it as it was this year from now on (minus the purple spoiler i suppose), then i'll be perfectly content with Rumor Mill. If they try to pull the reigns back in however, i'll be very quick to turn back.
2) Time Spiral is an incredible set. Gotta hand it to MaRo there. There is something for everyone.
Im so glad i was one of the ones calling conspiracy with the re-released emails to companies and store owners. Why would theyve ever made a mistake originally?
Seriously, this article was just his lame attempt to justify that Wizards had 'control' over all the rumor leaks, when in the real world, they really didn't.
As a newcomer to this whole issue, and a recent returner to magic, this has been a fun read.