Subject: Cheating Can't Possibly Pay! Date: Sun, 12 Jul 1998 23:33:33 -0400 From: "Alan M. Newman" To: fkusumot@ix.netcom.com Hey Frank, As you know, for a long time I was very actively involved in the MPA and then the MTPA, hoping to change player's attitudes and hopefully, to make some progress towards eliminating cheating. Despite the many posts about cheating on the Dojo recently, I don't think much has changed in the last year. I don't see cheating as more widespread or more abused than before, but about the same. Given the wider audience the game now has, this is progress. Small progress, but nevertheless, progress. But what troubles me is that some players have apparently reached the saturation point and can't take it any more. Although they themselves have been models of decency and sportsmanship, they now are ready to throw in the towel. Brian Hacker's post is a perfect example. Not that I really believe Brian ever really will cheat, but his frustration is clearly seen in his letter and he speaks for countless others. Unfortunately, some of them *will* take up the baton and they *will* cheat. If there is one valid point for me to make it is that the more widespread cheating becomes, the more threatened the game of Magic will be. We can conceivably reach a point at which the entire Pro-tour can collapse and the game can be irreparably harmed. This does *not* have to happen. Despite the allegations against both Wotc and DCI, I emphatically beieve that they are doing their level best to adjudicate in instances where cheating is suspected. Like the court system, players are entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. This is an incredibly difficult task in this sport. Understand, in casinos, it takes dozens of cameras and trained observers to uncover cheats. The limited resources of tournament coordinators means the kind of coverage that might unmask cheaters on a regular basis is simply impossible. To be sure, there have been "convictions," attested to by the banned player list published by WotC every few months. I can only assure you and your readers that both WotC and DCI are tremendously concerned about this problem and are constantly looking for ways to improve their oversight. Anything less than diligence on their part would be tantamount to suicide for the sport of Magic. If instead, professionals ignore their efforts and simply assume the worst, and act irresponsibly, they are actually threatening their own livelihood! If cheating really does ever become widespread, you can kiss the bucks goodbye because Wizards of the Coast is not going to sponsor cheats or continue sponsoring professional events where ethical players don't stand a chance! I'm sure they won't. Hold yourself and others you know to a higher ethical standard and don't cheat. Cheating can't possibly pay. Al "Papa Bear" Newman