In a message dated 08/20/2000 11:03:20 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
> Incidently this has been (and will continue to be) a central theme of the
> OGF - it will succeed (or fail) on the basis of whether individuals like
> myself continue to provide pro-bono services for the foundation. If WotC
> ever must become the main "service provider" for the OGF, then the notion
of
>
> the OGF as an organization that supports the needs of GAMERS rather than
> WotC will evaporate - it will be a FAN CLUB and a MARKETING TOOL only.
>
> This is something that i think nobody on this list currently wants to have
> happen.
>
> Faust
I completely agree. In order for the OGF to be publicly perceived as a
larger governing entity it needs to be able to function alone and have some
weight to throw around. I think one thing that would really help the OGF and
the current OGL is if another large, well known gaming company were to commit
to it. I think the OGF needs a bigger public image and an image that is
separate from WotC.
Regardless of the truth, regardless of the intentions of Ryan and WotC ...
public perception is going to lean towards "it's _just_ a WotC marketing
ploy." If the OGL and the OGF are going to be more than that, then we need
to make the public believe that fact ... because that's the nature of public
perception. People will not take the time to read between the lines and get
to the facts.
IMO, the OGF has used WotC as life support. The OGF needs WotC, but it can't
be a thriving unique entity if it continues to do so. WotC deserves all the
rewards that the OGL will offer, but those rewards depend on the public
perception that the OGL and the OGF are strong and independent of WotC.
I think it serves everyone involved to make the public 1. Understand the OGF
(the FAQ is a wonderful step in the right direction) 2. Know about the OGF
(most people have no idea or care that this is even happening). 3.
Like/believe in the OGF.
The OGF needs something like a marketing department, fan club, public
perception coordinator, brain washer, ideological manipulator, an icon ...
something.
Anyway, I'm willing to put my efforts into making the OGF a stronger entity,
but I'm not sure how.
Ugh. I'll shut up now. I've got a d20 and a Gnome Barbarian named
Addleknock Everglade with my name on it.
Game On!
Maggie
-------------
For more information, please link to www.opengamingfoundation.org
