Subject: RE:"Stop Printing Deck lists!" Date: Thu, 25 Jun 1998 20:41:17 -0000 From: "Ryan Miller" To: [Commentary] After reading Dorian Anders' article "Stop Printing Deck lists!", I felt the need to respond. First, I would like to say that everybody has a right to their opinion. It is the diversity of thought in the magic community that makes it so unique. This diversity is essential for the growth of our game. I have heard many complaints about the posting of deck lists on the web. One thing I have noticed is that these complaints usually came from either a member of Magic's "elite," or a sore loser who lost to a "Dojo Deck." Dorian states that the printing of decks on the web makes the environment more competitive, thus scaring away many prospective tournament players. Believe me, Dorian, no one is fooling themselves when they go to a tournament. They expect a high level of competition. I refuse to believe that the way to "fix" tournament Magic is to make it less competitive. By the way, is it the aspiration of every magic player to be a serious tournament player? Not by a long shot. Again, I refer to the diversity of Magic players. Being a serious tournament player requires a huge time and energy commitment. Most of us are unwilling or unable to put forth such an effort. there is certainly nothing wrong with this, because Magic, after all, is only a GAME. Articles and decks on the web help the rest of us keep up. I would think that a true professional would be more than happy to share his or her decks with other players. So why all the complaining? One word: pride. On the one hand, there are players who post decks on the web. Some do it to share their unique concepts or ideas. I applaud this attitude. Others, however, do it because they want to get the glory. I have read articles from disgruntled players who were angry because "their" deck got posted on the web, and how "their" decks were being copied everywhere. Ironically, these articles contained a deck list themselves! I don't know about you, but I would be thrilled if I made a deck that everyone posted and copied. I would take it as a compliment. On the other hand, there are the Magic Elite. While I have respect for the skill it takes to become an elite player, I have no respect whatsoever for an elitist attitude. If anything is scaring prospective players from tournament play, it is that holier-than-thou attitude many experienced players have towards new players. You've all seen it. Maybe some of you have participated in it. If our goal is truly to promote growth in our game, rather than gain personal glory, this attitude would have no place in our community. I would think that any true player would welcome new challenges and new competitors. Posting decks on the web helps players who don't have the time or knowledge to build effective decks. So what's wrong with copying a deck and trying it out, finding out what concepts make it work? If you have no access to a bicycle, can you learn how to ride one? Do you see what I'm getting at here? There seems to be an urban legend about some "scrub" who got into the game just after Visions came out. The scrub copies a deck off of the internet, goes to a local tournament, and proceeds to wipe the floor with everyone. Possible? Certainly. Likely? No way. It just doesn't happen. In every tournament I've ever played, the winner was a skillful player, with a firm grasp of Magic strategy and concepts. It is my theory that deck construction only puts you in a better position to win. It is skill at playing that will win you a tournament. I would encourage all Magic players to keep Magic the community that it is, and to stop it from becoming a secret club, like some high school clique. Let's enjoy the game that brought us all together. Ryan Miller