Subject: Re: Has the Dojo become useless?
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 1998 11:46:19 -0600
From: Jim Dougan <jdougan@TITAN.IWU.EDU>
To: MTG-STRATEGY-L@ORACLE.WIZARDS.COM

On Thu, 12 Nov 1998, Len Blado wrote:

>         My point was that these two different categories (humor/community
> issues) clog the Dojo with, essentially, useless information.

Well, what is useless to one person is interesting to another.  I almost
never read the humor stuff (except the fishbowl) because, frankly, most of
it is not really funny.  But I do like the personal interest/political
postings.  They may not be pure strategy, but they do provide useful and
entertaining information.  For example:

- They help me understand the metagame - not just what people are playing
but what thought processes are going on out there.  And, politics is part
of the metagame, especially when it involces issues like cheating and
rules enforcement.

- They help me be a better player.  Many of the personal interest stories
contain strategic tidbits that I can put to real use.

- They help me realize why I am still a scrub after 4 years, and what I
will need to do if I ever want to change that.  I can't platest 6 hours a
day - but that is apparently what it takes to be a serious player these
days...

- They help me keep up with developments in the community.  This is one
thing I am really missing now.  Apparently, Mike Long has quit the game.
NOTHING about it on the dojo - and this is pretty big news.  Sean
Fleishman has received a suspension - again big news, but no coverage.
Perhaps the foibles of pro players are not pure strategy, but it is
important information for the community.  I miss the covereage, and wish
we would see more.

I hope Frank is reading this, and I hope he realizes that what we are
really saying is "We miss you!"  Sure, we may all have different ideas
about what the content should be, but I think we are united in our belief
that the dojo is one of (if not the) most important resources for serious
players.

I like some of the ideas about how we, as consumers, might help:

1)  The editorial board is a great idea!

2)  If Frank needs help updating the site, I am sure that someone would be
very glad to offer their services!  I would offer, but more knowledge of
html is far too limited.  But, there must be a ton of people who have the
skills who would be willing to help.

3)  I like the idea of donations rather than subscriptions.  I would
donate money if it meant preserving the dojo - I am sure others would as
well.  Subscription will shut out those players with a limited budget, and
I hate to do that in a game already perceived to be money-driven.  But
PBS-style donations?  I could get behind that!

I know this issue is delicate - but hopefully it comes through that we all
are concerned and we all care!

-- Jim Dougan