Subject: Stop printing decklists
Date: Thu, 25 Jun 1998 00:24:19 -0400
From: Dorian Anders <danders5@ix.netcom.com>
To: fkusumot@ix.netcom.com

Frank,

   For a long time I have been thinking about a major disadvantage
to the Dojo's actual existence- finally I have chosen to write to you 
about this. I will well understand if you choose not to print this, but
anyway, I would like to share these concerns with
you at least.

First and foremost:  The practice of publishing constructed deck lists
on the Dojo is very bad for Magic as a whole.  (No problem with sealed
deck lists here - just constructed).

Fine- publish the ideas behind the decks.
Fine - publish the combos that make the deck work but
DON'T PUBLISH THE COMPLETE DECKLISTS..  PLEASE stop doing this.

I love to read about a new idea for a deck.. gets me thinking.. and
thinking is good.  But to just be able to copy a complete deck without
thinking about it, without even needing to play test it..  this is not
good.  Magic should be a game to stimulate creative thought and
problem solving skills.  Being able to play a "dojo" deck and win a
tournament with it, without any thought, playtesting, planning or
whatever is a very bad thing for the game.

I have read many articles/comments from magic players about how the game
is:
(1) not any fun anymore
(2) too competitive
(3) been ruined by the protour
(4) dying because there are too many new cards sets and who can afford
to buy all this stuff anyway

But the real problem is that the popularity of the Dojo is destroying
the game that supports it.  Players should be thinking for themselves,
but if they know that they will have to be able to play against Dojo
decks, then they have to be able to take the time to build
these decks and playtest against them (or play them if their "homegrown"
decks are not good enough).  This has greatly increased the amount of
time required to stay on top.  Now when a player prepares for a
tournament, he/she has to prepare to play against all the
local decks and all the Dojo decks (contributed worldwide and with
corresponding skill).. Its no wonder that this is a daunting task
scaring many away from tournament play.

I would like to make a request that the Dojo no longer prints complete
decklists for any constructed decks.  I would like to request that all
Magic players refrain from sending in their complete deck lists.  . Just
send in the "theme" cards and the combos but only if the ideas
themselves are not enough.

If you print decklists, players will read them and the massive
deck-copying will continue. Promote individual thoughts and creativity
and exercise your editorial powers.   Please don't continue in this
practice because it "ruins" the game for many.

Dorian Anders
Philadelphia suburbs