Subject: Issue Date: Mon, 30 Nov 1998 11:42:29 PST From: "Brian Rogers" To: fkusumot@ix.netcom.com Dear Esteemed Dojo Readers: Recently the debate over the ability to obtain the cards necessary in order to compete in the tournament environment has been an issue of concern to gammers in the Magic community. Players have called for an all out elimination of rarity in the game. Many view this change as improbable because it would reduce the amount of product Wizards is able to sell. The retention of the rarity based sorting system used in packs of Magic today impedes the ability of Magic to become an "intellectual sport" and undermines the goal of making it a "classic Game." At the barest level, WotC must be able to make money off of Magic. On the surface, the goal of making Magic an intellectual sport may be contradicted by this need. This is why, I believe, more innovative solutions are required. This is my suggestion. If WotC truly wants to make Magic a game played around the world, and one which is respected as much as chess, it must be made more accessible to those who wish to play. In my opinion, having a flat rarity system, one in which it is equally likely to get any single card in any single slot in a pack, has the potential to lure new player and re-attract old players. The total sales per player will be far less (Considering that in order to collect all of a 350 card set, while needing four of each card, a player would never need more than 1400 cards divided by 15 cards per pack = that's roughly 93 packs for four sets, 2 and a half boxes maximum) but the number of players should increase. still, this doesn't address the needs of collectors and WotC will probably earn less. My solution to this is that each pack contain a foil chase card. This card would be a card form the same set but would look something like the lightning Dragon given out at the Urza's Sage Prerelease tournaments. This will add value for the secondary market traders (As there will doubtlessly be ProTour players wanting all Foil Decks) and increase the volume of sales while making it possible for collectors with less money to spend to get the cards they need and use the foil cards as trading stock. That was just the basis of my idea. True I haven't done any research to determine what the effects on WotC's product sale would be, but I feel it may be worth investigating. Some change in the rarity system must occur if WotC wishes Magic to be a classic game. I would like to conclude by asking you to look at the problem from the perspective of the players, the collectors, the store owners and WotC. My solution may ultimately not be the best one. We need to open a rational discourse between all parties involved so we may determine what will be the best for the game. Thank you for your time and I hope that you give some serious consideration to the issues I've presented here. Tell Me your opinion BUNNYMAXX@Hotmail.com ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com