Subject: Magic as a reflection of society
Date: Mon, 7 Sep 1998 19:15:28 +0900
From: "Douglas W. Moore" <tp5d-mr@asahi-net.or.jp>
To: <fkusumot@ix.netcom.com>

I have been playing magic for several years. I currently live in Japan and
I have done 95% of my magic playing here.

I sit at my computer everyday and I read about the state of the game in
America, Europe and other places. It is totally disgusting. The last thing
I would want to do is actually go to a PTQ or god forbid a PT anywhere in
the world outside of Japan. Why?

Here in Japan a sense of personal honor survives. Japanese magic players
are polite and out to win in a fair way while having a bit of fun. While I
play here, even in a PTQ, I don't expect I will be cheated. I don't expect
that I will have to watch my opponent's every move to make sure they don't
cheat me. I don't have to worry that that guy my opponent is talking to
during the match is coaching him in a language I don't understand well.

In other words I have the time to enjoy myself while I am playing. I don't
expect that I could do so in America or Europe. Spending half your effort
playing and the other half watching for cheating just sucks.

The Duellist ran an article many issues ago about Magic in Japan. The
author talked about how a player who won the tourney found out his deck was
illegal when he got home(he was scot-free). He immediately returned to the
store, gave his prize to the second place finisher and apologized to
everyone he could find who played in the event. I would expect the same
behavior from 95% of Japanese players. I would expect the same from 40% of
American players (probably the same for Europe). Do you know how
embaressing it is for me, an American, to say this about my own
countrymen(or countryboys).

For all of you who talk of cheating, assholism or the other ills that
plague the DCI and Magic realize that you just have to look to the culture
around you for the source of the problem and the solution.

In other words don't be surprised that people playing magic are no
different from everyone else. To continue the solution for the problems
facing magic can be seen in the surrounding culture.

One, Magic cards. WOTC is a monopoly. They are the only source of official
cards. Variety, value, and customer satisfaction inevitably suffer under a
monopoly.

Two, Cheating. Zero tolerance has worked great for New York and other
American cities. Maybe the DCI should give it a try.

Three, Assholism. Look at most sports(except pro-boxing and wrestling).
Sports figures can only go so far and add so much "color" until the
governing body slaps them down. The DCI should get the gauntlets ready.

Four, Judges. Amateur judges don't work at higher levels. Pro judges are
needed for Pro events. Pro judges need to be paid, well-trained and
respected.

Five, PTQs. Golf uses the same system for invites. You do well, it is easy
to play in the next big tourney. On the other hand, you don't see pro golf
players playing racquetball to qualify. Magic players shouldn't either.(PTs
and their PTQs should be the same format)

I could continue but this is enough for now.

Any intelligent comments welcome.

DWM