No, it's simple convergent evolution. There's only a finite amount of possible designs in the game that are actually printable - so every once in a while, they will print one of your printable designs. But I'm sure the road that led to that design was very different.
Besides, it's against Wizards contracts to look at any custom designed cards. I don't think any designers are willing to put their jobs on the line to wade through the seas of garbage designs to find the gems, when they could simply try to design gems themselves.
Starting with "no" doesn't make you right and others wrong. That being said, I agree with your first point. However, beyond convergent evolution, during my 13+ years of being involved in the amateur design community, I have seen so many parallel designs between amateurs and professionals that it defies the laws of probability to the point of being miraculous. Not just singular cards either (which I would consider inevitable "convergent evolution"), but mechanics, particular groupings of mechanics, entire block themes, etc.
It's a bit on the naive side to believe that the contract clause restricting employees to look at this and similar sites exists for any other reason than to legally hedge WotC and, by extension, Hasbro. To do so is to put too much faith in humanity when it comes to its relation to economy. We all know that "the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil."
There's nothing stopping MTG specific WotC employees from looking at this and similar sites during their off time. And since no one is allowed to look at them, how could they tell on each other even if they recognized an amateur design without revealing her or him self. Ultimately, there is no accountability in this matter and one must simply come to one's own conclusion about it.
I for one think that they do look at this type of site. After all, Hasbro wants results that produce profit. And if the current staff doesn't produce, Hasbro will get another staff. Therefore, I think it's reasonable to assume that they're checking us out on a regular basis (as opposed to wading through tons of garbage). I have no problem with this because I think it makes for a better product.
I have personally designed a multitude of cards, themes, mechanics, etc, that have seen print. And have at times had to debate heavily in their defense. So I find it extremely vindicating when WotC implements an idea of mine (either purposefully or coincidentally). Especially when it was a radical idea that was ill received from me and yet we'll received from WotC.
Whatever the name, I'm still rooting for Unreal though Undone is quite possible too, I still think it'll be based on classic fantasy such as Alice in Wonderland, Aesop's Fables, The Brother's Grim, and the like. Unless they can pull it off that flavor in a nonunset.
Lightning Balls (Rare) RRR
Sorcery
Put a 6/1 red Elemental creature token with haste and trample onto the battlefield. Sacrifice it at end of turn.
If an opponent kicked a spell last turn, put two of those tokens onto the battlefield instead.
Super tough question. I could easily say one of the many insane two-drops, however, each of them needs support. Very few of them are good "by themselves." For example,
Stoneforge Mystic - You need to play busted equipment like Jitte or Batterskull to maximize its potential. Snapcaster Mage - You need to play a good amount of instants or sorceries to maximize its potential. Dark Confidant - You need a low curve and/or library manipulation, otherwise he'll kill you. Tarmogoyf - You (or your opponent) need to play fetchlands and cantripping instants/sorceries for him to be of value. EG, Tarmy would probably suck in today's standard.
"Lightforger" sounds more like it should be "forging" Auras from hand or library rather than Equipment from graveyard.
Lightforge Mystic 1W
Creature - Human Artificer
1/2
When Lightforge Mystic enters the battlefield, you may search your library for an Aura card, reveal it, put it into your hand, then shuffle your library. 1W, T: You may put an Aura card from your hand onto the battlefield.
Starting with "no" doesn't make you right and others wrong.
It's a bit on the naive side to believe that the contract clause restricting employees to look at this and similar sites exists for any other reason than to legally hedge WotC and, by extension, Hasbro. To do so is to put too much faith in humanity when it comes to its relation to economy. We all know that "the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil."
There's nothing stopping MTG specific WotC employees from looking at this and similar sites during their off time. And since no one is allowed to look at them, how could they tell on each other even if they recognized an amateur design without revealing her or him self. Ultimately, there is no accountability in this matter and one must simply come to one's own conclusion about it.
I for one think that they do look at this type of site. After all, Hasbro wants results that produce profit. And if the current staff doesn't produce, Hasbro will get another staff. Therefore, I think it's reasonable to assume that they're checking us out on a regular basis (as opposed to wading through tons of garbage). I have no problem with this because I think it makes for a better product.
I have personally designed a multitude of cards, themes, mechanics, etc, that have seen print. And have at times had to debate heavily in their defense. So I find it extremely vindicating when WotC implements an idea of mine (either purposefully or coincidentally). Especially when it was a radical idea that was ill received from me and yet we'll received from WotC.
Possibly.
Haha, nice.
I think that if there is, it will be called Unreal and be based on things like Alice in Wonderland, Aesop's Fables, The Brother's Grim, and the like.
2B
Instant
Destroy target creature.
RRR
Sorcery
Put a 6/1 red Elemental creature token with haste and trample onto the battlefield. Sacrifice it at end of turn.
If an opponent kicked a spell last turn, put two of those tokens onto the battlefield instead.
Good stuff.
Black is indeed whack. I nominate Phyrexian Obliterator and Bloodghast.
I'd put Kird Ape or even Vexing Devil over Goblin Guide. imo, "need-a-forest" isn't a drawback especially compared to Goblin Guide's.
I'd put Phyrexian Dreadnought over "I don't know". jk
Lightforge Mystic
1W
Creature - Human Artificer
1/2
When Lightforge Mystic enters the battlefield, you may search your library for an Aura card, reveal it, put it into your hand, then shuffle your library.
1W, T: You may put an Aura card from your hand onto the battlefield.
I didn't know that about bloodrush.