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Snowblood
Senior Scribe
Australia
388 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jun 2010 : 14:40:15
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http://fantasyhandbook.wordpress.com/2010/06/22/end-of-part-two/
http://paulskemp.com/blog/phil-athans-leaving-wotc/
Just found this courtesy of Paul S Kemp on facebook....sigh!!!
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Aryvandaar, Ilythiir, Arnothoi, Orva, Sarphil, Anauria/Asram/Hlondath, Uvaeren, Braceldaur, Ilodhar, Lisenaar, Imaskar, Miyeritar, Orishaar, Shantel Othrieir, Keltormir, Eaerlann, Ammarindar, Siluvanede, Sharrven, Illefarn, Ardeep, Rystal Wood, Evereska are all available here for download:http://phasai.deviantart.com/gallery/
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Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader
USA
3243 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jun 2010 : 15:00:29
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Much like his blog entry, I find I no longer have the energy to get mad at this anymore. I wish him the best of luck in all his future endeavors! |
I actually DO know everything. I just have a very poor index of my knowledge.
Ashe's Character Sheet
Alphabetized Index of Realms NPCs |
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Kilvan
Senior Scribe
Canada
894 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jun 2010 : 15:29:11
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Sad news indeed. Best of luck to him. |
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Ruul
Seeker
USA
64 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jun 2010 : 15:50:20
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That sucks! I was looking forward to a Watercourse Sequel where we learn that Ivar is actually a Gond avatar. |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jun 2010 : 15:56:08
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So when a company says "Your position has been eliminated", does that mean everyone else has to pick-up the slack, or they simply don't plan on anyone doing what he was doing?
I have no personal feelings either way with this one, but it sucks when anyone loses their job. I wish him all the best. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 23 Jun 2010 22:50:16 |
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skychrome
Senior Scribe
713 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jun 2010 : 16:35:18
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I feel similar like Ashe...
There have been important layoffs before and I am sure more "famous" ones are to come. As there are probably no positive surprises to expect in the future, why bother any longer? I just hope this does not affect Paul Kemp's new trilogy. All the best to Phil in any case! |
"You make an intriguing offer, one that is very tempting. It would seem that I have little alternative than to answer thusly: DISINTEGRATE!" Vaarsuvius, Order of the Stick 625 |
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Kilvan
Senior Scribe
Canada
894 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jun 2010 : 17:00:18
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quote: Originally posted by skychrome As there are probably no positive surprises to expect in the future, why bother any longer?
There have been good surprises lately, about as much as bad ones. I thinking about Paul's Godborn and Elaine's new novel for example. I don't want to defend WoTC on Phil's layoff, but we should not act like they can't make some good decisions from time to time.
I hope, and I expect, Mr Athans to find something better soon. |
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skychrome
Senior Scribe
713 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jun 2010 : 17:23:08
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quote: Originally posted by Kilvan
quote: Originally posted by skychrome As there are probably no positive surprises to expect in the future, why bother any longer?
There have been good surprises lately, about as much as bad ones. I thinking about Paul's Godborn and Elaine's new novel for example. I don't want to defend WoTC on Phil's layoff, but we should not act like they can't make some good decisions from time to time.
...which I did not count as future surprises as that has already been anounced, but nevertheless agree with you there and reformulate: as I personally do expect few new positive surprises in the future, I do not bother much anymore. The more I get proven wrong, the better!
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"You make an intriguing offer, one that is very tempting. It would seem that I have little alternative than to answer thusly: DISINTEGRATE!" Vaarsuvius, Order of the Stick 625 |
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Quale
Master of Realmslore
1757 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jun 2010 : 17:44:33
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I hope he finds a job that he's good at. |
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Alisttair
Great Reader
Canada
3054 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jun 2010 : 17:48:07
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Wow. I'm actually surprised by this. It's a shame but I am sure someone with his talents will manage outside of Wizards. |
Karsite Arcanar (Most Holy Servant of Karsus)
Anauria - Survivor State of Netheril as penned by me: http://www.dmsguild.com/m/product/172023 |
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Zireael
Master of Realmslore
Poland
1190 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jun 2010 : 18:06:46
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Are the Wizards having a policy of firing everyone? |
SiNafay Vrinn, the daughter of Lloth, from Ched Nasad!
http://zireael07.wordpress.com/ |
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The Red Walker
Great Reader
USA
3567 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jun 2010 : 19:30:16
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quote: Originally posted by Zireael
Are the Wizards having a policy of firing everyone?
I dont think so, but it seems the further your ties goes back towards "the old days", the higher the probability your on the way out.
And most importantly...all the best to Phil. Im sure he will land on his feet. I enjoyed most of his books and really likes a couple, but seems like a high percentage of work he edited was top notch. Writers deserve much credit, but you have to have a good editor to have a great novel! |
A little nonsense now and then, relished by the wisest men - Willy Wonka
"We need men who can dream of things that never were." -
John F. Kennedy, speech in Dublin, Ireland, June 28, 1963
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Edited by - The Red Walker on 23 Jun 2010 19:33:41 |
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Brimstone
Great Reader
USA
3286 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jun 2010 : 20:17:39
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Good luck Phil. |
"These things also I have observed: that knowledge of our world is to be nurtured like a precious flower, for it is the most precious thing we have. Wherefore guard the word written and heed words unwritten and set them down ere they fade . . . Learn then, well, the arts of reading, writing, and listening true, and they will lead you to the greatest art of all: understanding." Alaundo of Candlekeep |
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Shemmy
Senior Scribe
USA
492 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jun 2010 : 22:39:33
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That really sucks. :(
Best of luck to Phil, especially in this current climate. I really enjoyed a number of your books, and got to benefit from others books I enjoyed which you were the editor for. |
Shemeska the Marauder, King of the Crosstrade; voted #1 best Arcanaloth in Sigil two hundred years running by the people who know what's best for them; chant broker; prospective Sigil council member next election; and official travel agent for Chamada Holiday specials LLC.
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Bladewind
Master of Realmslore
Netherlands
1280 Posts |
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Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader
USA
3243 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jun 2010 : 00:22:09
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quote: Originally posted by Bladewind
I wish him a bright future, wherever that may be.
So no replacement?
I guess they no longer need a Senior Manager Editor. |
I actually DO know everything. I just have a very poor index of my knowledge.
Ashe's Character Sheet
Alphabetized Index of Realms NPCs |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jun 2010 : 00:47:03
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Sad news indeed. I am not a fan of the books he wrote (save Annihilation), but most of the books he edited are my favorites, like Paul's and Richard's. As my friend/editor once told me, "Behind the success and brilliance of a book is a great editor."
Best of luck to Phil.
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Every beginning has an end. |
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The Red Walker
Great Reader
USA
3567 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jun 2010 : 02:17:44
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quote: Originally posted by dennis
Sad news indeed. I am not a fan of the books he wrote (save Annihilation), but most of the books he edited are my favorites, like Paul's and Richard's. As my friend/editor once told me, "Behind the success and brilliance of a book is a great editor."
Best of luck to Phil.
Earlier I said a good editor, but great editor is far more accurate.
And not to be picky, but the scroll title makes it sounds like he is leaving, which is not fair to Phil as he did not choose to leave, his position was eliminated. |
A little nonsense now and then, relished by the wisest men - Willy Wonka
"We need men who can dream of things that never were." -
John F. Kennedy, speech in Dublin, Ireland, June 28, 1963
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Dark Wizard
Senior Scribe
USA
830 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jun 2010 : 02:55:31
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I feel he has the right attitude about it. The positive experiences he had at TSR and WotC far outweigh the negatives, even though he's been through some of the more precarious moments of RPG history such as the collapse of TSR.
I never liked his Realms novels. I dislike the part he probably played in the string of RSE's during the 3e era. As a part of the design team that really shook up the Realms for 4E, I really dislike his choices. However, he also presided over perhaps the strongest period for Realms novels. Many new writers entered the Realms during his editorship, writers who seem to really understand the setting and really put effort and thought into their characters and stories. No doubt his editing helped polish those stories to their high caliber. Along with the big events, there were also smaller stories in stand alone series like Wizards, Fighters, Citadels, Dungeons, etc. Those are some of my favorite FR novels. I'll take the stories I liked with the stories I didn't rather than to get only bland reading throughout.
With his credentials I'm sure Mr Athans will soon find those "bigger but not necessarily better" opportunities. The thing that has me worried is the loss of his seemingly vital position. The fiction department is often assumed to be the most profitable. It is the last department I would expect a position to be cut entirely. |
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Drizztsmanchild
Learned Scribe
USA
228 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jun 2010 : 05:50:46
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Hasbro is the AC.....sucks when anyone gets fired.... |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36797 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jun 2010 : 06:04:46
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quote: Originally posted by Drizztsmanchild
Hasbro is the AC.....
Okay, now, is this really necessary? Unless you can offer proof positive that this was a personal attack against Phil, and not simply a painful economic necessity, then we need to avoid comments like that. We are not privy to the reasons behind the business decisions made by WotC; all we see is the end result. We need to stop lashing out when we don't have all the information.
I don't like most of what WotC has done, either, but I refuse to assign blame unless I know it's assigned fairly. In this case, we do not know that. |
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Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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Kentinal
Great Reader
4687 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jun 2010 : 06:50:13
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*Blink* Perhaps I am out of the loop, not sure what AC means.
As to reducing Editors required, that appears to be dire for future products. As it stood Editors missed a few things, having fewer editors (with position removed) the odds are on the there will be more Edit errors.
As to Phil Athans, I wish him well in whatever future endeavors he undertakes. |
"Small beings can have small wisdom," the dragon said. "And small wise beings are better than small fools. Listen: Wisdom is caring for afterwards." "Caring for afterwards ...? Ker repeated this without understanding. "After action, afterwards," the dragon said. "Choose the afterwards first, then the action. Fools choose action first." "Judgement" copyright 2003 by Elizabeth Moon |
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Dennis
Great Reader
9933 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jun 2010 : 07:52:57
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quote: Originally posted by The Red Walker
quote: Originally posted by dennis
Sad news indeed. I am not a fan of the books he wrote (save Annihilation), but most of the books he edited are my favorites, like Paul's and Richard's. As my friend/editor once told me, "Behind the success and brilliance of a book is a great editor."
Best of luck to Phil.
Earlier I said a good editor, but great editor is far more accurate.
And not to be picky, but the scroll title makes it sounds like he is leaving, which is not fair to Phil as he did not choose to leave, his position was eliminated.
"Leave" can be a euphemism for "get fired," but misleading at times...
Anyway, who's editing Paul's new trilogy? Well, might as well ask him instead.
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Every beginning has an end. |
Edited by - Dennis on 24 Jun 2010 07:57:48 |
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Drizztsmanchild
Learned Scribe
USA
228 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jun 2010 : 09:30:06
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quote: Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote: Originally posted by Drizztsmanchild
Hasbro is the AC.....
Okay, now, is this really necessary? Unless you can offer proof positive that this was a personal attack against Phil, and not simply a painful economic necessity, then we need to avoid comments like that. We are not privy to the reasons behind the business decisions made by WotC; all we see is the end result. We need to stop lashing out when we don't have all the information.
I don't like most of what WotC has done, either, but I refuse to assign blame unless I know it's assigned fairly. In this case, we do not know that.
I apologize.....was merely being sarcastic....of course I know sometimes its just buisnesss....but my personal feelings is that when you make cutbacks you don't go after the long term employees.... that's my opinion. However your point is made Mr Rupert and I shall refrain from such attacks(or comparisons) in the future......again my apologies to the offended
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The Red Walker
Great Reader
USA
3567 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jun 2010 : 13:45:49
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quote: Originally posted by Kentinal
*Blink* Perhaps I am out of the loop, not sure what AC means.
As to reducing Editors required, that appears to be dire for future products. As it stood Editors missed a few things, having fewer editors (with position removed) the odds are on the there will be more Edit errors.
As to Phil Athans, I wish him well in whatever future endeavors he undertakes.
Anti Christ |
A little nonsense now and then, relished by the wisest men - Willy Wonka
"We need men who can dream of things that never were." -
John F. Kennedy, speech in Dublin, Ireland, June 28, 1963
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Kajehase
Great Reader
Sweden
2104 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jun 2010 : 15:20:06
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And you call yourselves D&D players [disgusted face]
It means Armour Class. |
There is a rumour going around that I have found god. I think is unlikely because I have enough difficulty finding my keys, and there is empirical evidence that they exist. Terry Pratchett |
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Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader
USA
3243 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jun 2010 : 15:34:36
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quote: Originally posted by Kajehase
And you call yourselves D&D players [disgusted face]
It means Armour Class.
Silly European... it's spelled Armor. |
I actually DO know everything. I just have a very poor index of my knowledge.
Ashe's Character Sheet
Alphabetized Index of Realms NPCs |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31726 Posts |
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Kyrene
Senior Scribe
South Africa
757 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jun 2010 : 17:09:52
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quote: Originally posted by The Sage
It could be worse. We could be talking about the colours of armour in D&D.
And here I thought Australia harboured the Queen's version of English. |
Lost for words? Find them in the Glossary of Phrases, Sayings & Words of the Realms
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skychrome
Senior Scribe
713 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jun 2010 : 17:41:29
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quote: Originally posted by Kyrene
quote: Originally posted by The Sage
It could be worse. We could be talking about the colours of armour in D&D.
And here I thought Australia harboured the Queen's version of English.
God(s) save the Armour Class! |
"You make an intriguing offer, one that is very tempting. It would seem that I have little alternative than to answer thusly: DISINTEGRATE!" Vaarsuvius, Order of the Stick 625 |
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Darkmeer
Senior Scribe
USA
505 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jun 2010 : 18:14:29
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Honestly...
I'm sad he lost his job. I can't say I'm surprised WotC chose him. He's old guard, and one of the last of them as well.
It doesn't make me happy, and I wish him the best in the future as well as quick, gainful employment (even self-employment).
/d |
"These people are my family, not just friends, and if you want to get to them you gotta go through ME." |
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