| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Zanan |
Posted - 03 Dec 2008 : 11:31:26
As has transpired today, WotC presented a x-mas present of the "special variety" to these people ...
Randy Buehler (VP of digital gaming)
Andrew Finch (director of digital games)
Stacy Longstreet (senior art director)
Julia Martin (editor)
William Meyers (creative manager, digital design)
Dave Noonan (game designer)
Jennifer Paige (online community manager)
Jennifer Powers (marketing)
Jonathan Tweet (game designer)
... by "letting them go". Dear oh dear. More on the topic at Enworld: http://www.enworld.org/forum/general-rpg-discussion/246174-layoffs.html and at the WizBoards, this is what Dave had to say:
quote:
Thanks for the kind words, folks. They mean a great deal. And my wife was reading over my shoulder, and they cheered her up _immensely_.
I can confirm the essential truth of what's been reported, and I am indeed one of the ones let go today. When you're in the midst of the process, you don't really get a sense of what's going on elsewhere in the building. Thus I didn't know some of the names until I read them here. They're quality people. In a weird way, I'm proud to be among them. (I'd rather be employed, sure, but you take the solace you can at a moment like this.)
I'll leave the prognosticating and "...but what does this MEAN?!?" stuff to others. I think the game is in good shape--and I think it's in good hands. In my 10 years at Wizards, I survived a lot of these layoffs--including cuts deeper than this. More to the point for you guys, the _game_ survived deeper cuts than this.
Maybe I didn't say this enough when I was part of "the Man," but the ENWorld community is absolutely terrific. The level of discourse here continues to be top-notch, and there's always an interesting thread sitting right there, begging to be read. But if you're already a regular here, you've already figured that out, huh?
--David Noonan, who should probably get a new user name.
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| 30 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 24 Dec 2008 : 16:26:47
I think the short buses topic has been well and truly covered. |
| Rinonalyrna Fathomlin |
Posted - 24 Dec 2008 : 16:03:36
This is a little off-topic, but just a note: I live in the suburbs, myself, and in my experience "short" school buses were used for the regular schools just as the long ones were. |
| Lord Karsus |
Posted - 24 Dec 2008 : 03:01:18
-Maybe. Maybe not. I don't know if the WotC people who are in control of design and stuff (The designers/authors relevant to D&D and/or the Forgotten Realms) have the ability to do so, however. |
| Markustay |
Posted - 23 Dec 2008 : 22:26:44
Ahhhhhh.. so first they needed to 'free-up' a little of the salary cash-flow, before giving themselves all raises.
Makes sense to me.  |
| Lord Karsus |
Posted - 23 Dec 2008 : 18:37:53
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
I honestly thought that was the more 'politic' way of making my point, and I'm sorry to anyone who took offense. Dagnirion - you live in the city, so it probably doesn't mean anything to you (bus sizes depend on numbers there, not special needs).
-I guess that's why I didn't get it.
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
Now back on topic: Did that last long post concern hirings, rather then firings?
-Not hirings, but "promotions" would be the best word. |
| Markustay |
Posted - 23 Dec 2008 : 18:22:44
About my earlier comment -
I honestly thought that was the more 'politic' way of making my point, and I'm sorry to anyone who took offense. Dagnirion - you live in the city, so it probably doesn't mean anything to you (bus sizes depend on numbers there, not special needs).
And just to make myself PERFECTLY clear, my oldest son - now 20 - took 'the little bus' most of his life, and was even forced to go to a 'special school' throughout 1-5th grades. I myself rode a 'small bus' up until junior high because of my Asthma.
What I meant was that people who take the 'small bus' usually have certain ... deficiencies... be they physical, mental, or both. There is NOTHING wrong with that.
My comment was intended as a sly way of intimating that such deficiencies exist within corporate managment... NOT that anyone with ANY kind of problem should be made fun of.
Sorry in any took it that way. perhaps I should have just said what I REALLY meant, rather then being obtuse that way. I just thought thay was the more... polite.. way of saying what I meant.
It wouldn't be the first time I stuck my foot in my mout; I guess it's a good thing I wash my feet often. 
Sorry to anyone who took that personally.
Now back on topic: Did that last long post concern hirings, rather then firings?
Why is it I only recognize names when they are firing?  |
| dwarvenranger |
Posted - 23 Dec 2008 : 16:26:12
quote:
Originally posted by Dagnirion
-I'm taking bets to see if it keeps on going. Anyone?
Hey! No profiting on the misfortunes of others! 
(What kinda odds are you giving?) |
| Lord Karsus |
Posted - 21 Dec 2008 : 16:27:53
quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
No kidding...
-I'm taking bets to see if it keeps on going. Anyone? |
| Ardashir |
Posted - 20 Dec 2008 : 16:14:25
My condolences to all these folks. |
| Ionik Knight |
Posted - 19 Dec 2008 : 16:44:57
Jeez I see I'm not the only one who received the boot for xmas. At least I know my company had to make cuts due to the loss of their bread&butter customer. They also gave me a severance that will hold things together until I get deployed for my Guard unit.
On that note, anyone have room for a player in Stuttgart Germany? |
| Hawkins |
Posted - 19 Dec 2008 : 16:34:38
quote:
Originally posted by dwarvenranger
Heh, I've been in the Navy for over 14 years, I consider it part of my duties to make snide remarks about Marines whenever possible. Just like they poke fun back at us "squids" whenever possible.
Nice? I suppose not. But it is what it is, sorta like sibling rivalry.
That's okay, Marines make snide comments about all the other branches too, my little brother is one, and my Dad was one, so I kinda have the Marine outlook at other branches myself. And anyways, the Marines are tough enough to take the abuse.  |
| dwarvenranger |
Posted - 19 Dec 2008 : 14:16:02
quote:
Originally posted by Dagnirion
quote:
Originally posted by dwarvenranger
A Marine! Good Lord. Well 4th ed seemed to be all about killing to me anyway. He should fit right in.
-Hey...That's not very nice.
Heh, I've been in the Navy for over 14 years, I consider it part of my duties to make snide remarks about Marines whenever possible. Just like they poke fun back at us "squids" whenever possible.
Nice? I suppose not. But it is what it is, sorta like sibling rivalry. |
| Lord Karsus |
Posted - 19 Dec 2008 : 06:51:15
quote:
Originally posted by dwarvenranger
A Marine! Good Lord. Well 4th ed seemed to be all about killing to me anyway. He should fit right in.
-Hey...That's not very nice. |
| Rinonalyrna Fathomlin |
Posted - 18 Dec 2008 : 21:08:46
quote:
Originally posted by Dagnirion
-The revolving door goes on:
No kidding... |
| dwarvenranger |
Posted - 18 Dec 2008 : 16:54:00
A Marine! Good Lord. Well 4th ed seemed to be all about killing to me anyway. He should fit right in. |
| Lord Karsus |
Posted - 18 Dec 2008 : 05:14:00
-That is from today. Well, rather yesterday, now. |
| Kentinal |
Posted - 18 Dec 2008 : 05:00:50
Hmm, two names I have never seen posting on "the Boards that should not be mentioned" and one is described as specialized in Dungeons & Dragons Insider and manages the the D&Di Beta program. Perhaps the two of them might be good comunity managers, just I have not seen any sign of them yet. *shrugs* |
| Lord Karsus |
Posted - 18 Dec 2008 : 03:32:51
-The revolving door goes on:
quote:
Originally posted by WotC_Mike
Good afternoon all,
As you know, Wizards of the Coast has undergone some changes lately to focus on our core brands and digital initiatives. As part of this change, we have had a series of discussions on how to integrate community support with our game support activity for a more comprehensive customer service experience. I wanted to post and let you all know the results of this discussion and how Wizards will be supporting this initiative.
I will be transitioning off of day-to-day community management duties so that I can focus on my primary work responsibilities as the Tournament and Promotions Manager for Magic Online. In my place, I would like to introduce our two new community liaisons Bernie Stokes and Eric Sorensen. Both of these fine gentlemen have been working here at Wizards in Game Support as well as other duties for many years and quite frankly know our products better than I do.
They will be taking over all community programs (like the VCL program) and forums communications with the public for all of our programs and brands. While each of them knows all of properties well, they are specialized as follows:
Bernie Stokes – Dungeons & Dragons, Dungeons & Dragons Insider, and D&D Miniatures. In addition Bernie manages the D&Di Beta program.
Eric Sorensen – Magic the Gathering and Magic Online.
While they are focused on these brands, Bernie and Eric will be working together along with their manager Trevor Kidd in regards to Avalon Hill, Star Wars RPG, Star Wars Miniatures, MapleStory and Heroscape. As a team, they will also continue fully supporting all of the CM programs and prize support we have run in the past at the same level while working towards expanding them in the future. And since this is the same team that manages the ORCs, this will also enable even better communication and workflow to take place between them and the VCLs.
I will be available to work with them if needed but I am confident in their abilities and resources to be able to pass along community concerns and answer their questions completely.
I will still appear on the message boards from time to time in the Magic Online area as part of my new job focus but please direct your questions and requests to them as of now so that they can quickly get you what you need.
I want to thank you all for your energy and enthusiasm and your involvement in the gaming community as a whole. It is your excitement that makes it a pleasure to work in this industry.
Happy holidays all!
Michael Gills
quote:
Originally posted by WotC_Bernie
Hi Everyone,
I just heard an announcement was posted about the new community team. I thought I better get a move on and post an intro so you know a little bit about me.
First off, I’m Bernie Stokes, (I’m not a women if you’re wondering). I’m a former US Marine who served in Persian Gulf War, Desert Storm and Somalia. I’m an artist and from time to time do freelance graphic design, along with a background in computer development/sales. I also worked for Microsoft as a QA game tester, but had the opportunity to move into a position of running beta programs and managing a community of users. Seven plus years later I’m still doing the same thing here at Wizards of the Coast, and I’ve been here for over a year now.
I know Solice and Mike have provided the community with some great memories and experiences. They’ve both worked with you and established a great link to the community and I want to take what they’ve started and provide a new experience in helping the community grow even further.
I hope that in the near future I get the chance to meet and know you all, and I look forward to working with you to grow the community.
So don’t hesitate send me a message and say hello!
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| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 11 Dec 2008 : 06:41:20
I think this topic has really gone astray now... |
| Lord Karsus |
Posted - 11 Dec 2008 : 05:08:59
-I'll let it be known, I have no behavior issues. |
| scererar |
Posted - 06 Dec 2008 : 03:41:10
+1 Dalor. I have a little man who does the same each morning.. I think folks may need to sit back and think before they post. While it is unfortunate folks are being laid off from work, especially this time of the year, this is a common occurance across the board. |
| Dalor Darden |
Posted - 06 Dec 2008 : 02:40:31
quote:
Originally posted by Dagnirion
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
Then management wants to know why sales are dropping. I sometimes think Corporate Exacutives all took the little bus to school. 
-I took the Mini-Bus to school one year. What's that supposed to even mean?
My autistic son rides the small bus to school...alongside other special needs children. Behavior issues and such... |
| Dalor Darden |
Posted - 06 Dec 2008 : 02:39:08
quote:
Originally posted by danbuter
WotC President Greg Leeds in an article on ICV2 on the recent layoffs:
“Consolidating internal resources coupled with improved outsourcing allows us to gain efficiencies in executing against our major digital initiatives Magic Online and D&D Insider. Wizards of the Coast is well positioned to maximize future opportunities, including further brand development on digital platforms. The result of this consolidation is a more streamlined approach to driving core brands.”
I'm glad that WotC has maximized it's future opportunities... :( Jerk.
Wow...exactly what I thought: they are taking the wages that would have been paid to these employees to use in other projects. I'll go out on a limb here and say it is short-sighted practice. Not a bad decision from a bottom line standpoint though..."a company has to do what a company has to do..." and all that.
I can see where they are coming from...but I can also see where they are going to if they don't stick to exactly the plan of using the wages of these poor disaffected souls to make more profit...simply giving a big bonus to a CEO for "cutting costs" will only lose potential earning capital.
I never understood that about companies:
Board: "Wow Mr. CEO, you did an excellent job cutting costs! We are saving half a million dollars now! I guess you deserve a bonus, here is a check for $50,000...now if you will excuse us; we have to talk about what bonuses we are giving ourselves for hiring someone like you to save us so much money!"
Tiny Fired Employee: " " |
| Lord Karsus |
Posted - 06 Dec 2008 : 02:38:20
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
Then management wants to know why sales are dropping. I sometimes think Corporate Exacutives all took the little bus to school.
-I took the Mini-Bus to school one year. What's that supposed to even mean? |
| danbuter |
Posted - 06 Dec 2008 : 02:16:13
WotC President Greg Leeds in an article on ICV2 on the recent layoffs:
“Consolidating internal resources coupled with improved outsourcing allows us to gain efficiencies in executing against our major digital initiatives Magic Online and D&D Insider. Wizards of the Coast is well positioned to maximize future opportunities, including further brand development on digital platforms. The result of this consolidation is a more streamlined approach to driving core brands.”
I'm glad that WotC has maximized it's future opportunities... :( Jerk.
|
| Dalor Darden |
Posted - 06 Dec 2008 : 00:43:54
Aye, it is a sign of the times.
As I said though, this sort of short-term tightening of the belt usually only hurts a company later down the road.
I myself was forced to close an entire store in my region...not because it wasn't productive (it actually made profit); but simply because upper corp. management wanted to re-shuffle and focus "in a different direction" and all that.
Edit: somehow hit the post button 
Anyway, although I don't work for that company now I still stay in contact with some of my old managers. Now that the economy has taken this sharp turn, they don't get to "refocus" and are without the income they would have had if they had left the store open...like I told them to. You don't shut down a profit...even if you think you can make more money by shuffling the money from that enterprise into a "better" one. |
| Markustay |
Posted - 06 Dec 2008 : 00:31:15
Yup.
Everyone at WotC now must work harder because of these layoffs. The company doesn't plan on doing less - they just want their employees to work that much harder.
After working for Home Depot for a year (and seeing this exact same policy), I can honestly say we should expect customer satisfaction to plummet...
And it's not the employees fault. (At one point, the store I was working in would only keep two associates on the floor at night during the off-season - for THE ENTIRE BUILDING!)
Then management wants to know why sales are dropping. I sometimes think Corporate Executives all took the little bus to school.
Anyhow, I said I wouldn't be tempted by "the dark side", so I'm trying to keep these responses as neutral-toned as possible. Don't fault WotC for the same things everyone else is doing - it's just a sign of the times. |
| Lord Karsus |
Posted - 05 Dec 2008 : 22:12:33
-No, no. He hasn't introduced himself other than, you know, "Hi". From looking at his posts, he's still firmly entrenched in the M:tG stuff, but now is in charge of everything. Many of the VCLs seem to be "reorganizing" themselves to handle a lot more stuff, so... |
| Ashe Ravenheart |
Posted - 05 Dec 2008 : 19:19:11
I'm sorry Dag, was that post-quote from Mike when he first came on the boards? I thought it was him re-introducing himself in the wake of the layoffs. |
| Lord Karsus |
Posted - 05 Dec 2008 : 17:12:15
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
Not just letter-wrting - ANY form of written presentation should be done that way. At the beginning you deliver your 'mission statement', as it were, and then reiterate that point at the end.
Even lawyers use it - it's called a "closing Argument". Its the most effective way to deliver a message.
A collectible cardgame online?
I'm just not getting the appeal. I collected MtG through the first half-dozen sets, but then sold everything for a great price (I had three complete revised sets, plus thousands of other cards). I enjoy the collecting aspect MUCh more then playing, so I just can't understand the appeal.
Of course, the same might be said for D&D books...
-M:tG is a big thing, apparently. And, think of it like this: What is the main appeal of the DDI stuff? The online game aspect, so you can play with people from all over the world, that you would normally not be able to. M:tG Online is the same thing. You get to...duel (It's not Yu-Gi-Oh!, but...) people from all over the world, that you would normally not be able to. |
