I think there is a disconnect between experiences here -- I've ordered direct (picked up the phone, called, talked to Steve, got my order in about 5 days), ordered through Amazon (my first set of books), and through Noble Knight.
My FLGS didn't touch TLG stuff until I kept hounding them to do so -- the only exception was the box set of LA Essentials because of Gary's name.
Now, having said that, it's clear there's a hitch in distribution points for some people, especially those outside the contiguous 48 states of the U.S. and a few places within - this might be the spot that the Trolls really put some effort into now that Crusader is principally off Steve's worktable and the CZ stuff is finally moving ahead.
If the Trolls can improve that one aspect, I think the "waiting" issues become less magnified for those who are upset like Bill and Harry.
Really, I think the CKG actually fits better as a companion to what Steve mentioned in his blog as something he still wants down the road, the Adventurer's Backpack -- two guides, on for players, one for CKs, that are collections of varients and options. I just really feel strongly that what has occurred with the CKG is a sense by many that C&C somehow isn't "complete" without it (following the 3-core-book model that goes back to 1e), and I think that's just not true.... my own desires would actually rank M&T II and M&T of Aihrde higher, just because, at this moment, new critters & swag would be of most benefit to my ongoing Aihrde campaign (pst.... don't listen to me Steve -- stick with CKG,Shades of Mist, LRFAP and CZ stuff first).
The biggest need for TLG is continued exposure at this moment when the RPG community is fracturing over 4e release... there's a lot of people out there looking at alternatives right now, and this is the time to try and grab 'em. Now, the concerns Bill brought up are issues that affect that dynamic, as newcomers are gonna stick only if they feel satisfied, and certainly the distribution issues need to be looked at in order to keep customers happier.
But the REAL point that keeps a gamer invested in a company is usually a signature line or product beyond just the rules system, and for TLG that has to be CZ - gamers have been waiting for this dungeon for decades, long before TLG even existed. Give me CZ Upper Works this summer and The Dungeons anywhere from late 2008 to early 2009 and I'll happily wait a decade for CKG, Adventurer's Backpack.
Indeed, the one other "waiting to happen" product I think should get pushed up (and I've certainly changed my stance on this one) is the Basic set -- not because I need it, but because I have been sold on the idea that RPGs in general, and TLG's stuff in particular, needs to get out of the RPG community itself and back onto shelves in TOY STORES, where kids pick it up and learn it. So my own advice (to sum up) is as follows:
1. Get Upper Works released and keep the work on the next CZ installment on path.
2. Make sure Crusader stays on course as a monthly
3. Fix overseas and other distribution problems
4. Finish CKG (just because at this point it's been such an issue)
5. Finish C&C Basic and Melee (C&C Based Board Game) that can go out to Toy Stores.
Ok, so I am long-winded and I apologize for my verbosity -- I am a professor at the end of a LONG academic year in which I've directed three exhausting shows, and my brain is on usual end-of-semester overload as I trudge through 48 research papers, journals, etc.
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John "Sir Seskis" Wright
Ilshara: Lands of Exile:
http://johnwright281.tripod.com/
High Squire of the C&C Society
www.cncsociety.org
