From:	failhelm@*****.com (Failhelm)
Subject:	Shadowrun Four
Date:	Mon, 4 Jul 2005 23:31:35 -0700

On 7/4/05, Zebulin <zebulingod@*******.net> wrote:
> [snip]
> All I ask is this:
>
> Unless you've read the whole thing, maybe twice, why don't you step back,
> take a deep breath, and just realise that you aren't getting the whole
> story. Very probably, you aren't even getting the real story, or you're
> hearing parts that have been blown WAY out of proportion.

This is typical of role-players today, so it was no surprise to me.
Like many of us I don't just play one RPG and I don't always play the
latest edition, see D&D. I don't feel compelled to play a latest
edition until I have a chance to evaluate it on its own terms, and I
don't care if its in its 15th edition, a higher edition number doesn't
always mean better. Give FanPro staff more credit, they know this, but
that doesn't mean that they should ignore a feeling or a percieved
need to refine or change.

RPG's are not system dependent, so it doesn't matter to me what they
want to do "to" the system or what modifications they will make. I
will either like it, or I won't like it, FanPro isn't stupid, they
know that every time a company releases a new RPG "edition" it makes
some of the old schooler's mad. You cannot honestly expect any company
to not come out with new editions for eternity. Companies change
hands, those in charge change and opinions progress (or digress, see
D&D).

RPGs are evolutionary by nature, just look at the large number of
modifications and house rules presented here on this list. It's the
job of FanPro to figure out and make decisions about what is best for
the Shadowrun system as a whole, and its our job to decide if we like
it or not.

Get pissed, get happy, buy the books or don't, it will not alter the
what the RPG industry is and what it will remain to be.

> Before you dismiss this new version out of hand, take the time to actually
> read the book (when it becomes available).
>
> I don't expect you to buy it right away, (lord knows, it's an expensive
> book) but at least give it a read at the local bookstore.

I don't mind the books being expensive, provided they last. The days
of a book lasting 30 years and costing only $15 are long gone, kiss
them goodbye.

- Failhelm