From: JonPKibble@aol.com
Date: Wed, 3 Mar 1999 15:42:32 EST
To: dep6@ix.netcom.com
Subject: All Hail WotC!

Perhaps just one week ago I was disheartened with the whole Apprentice fiasco.
But now, after seeing how that was resolved, and seeing the new bannings, I
appreciate what WotC does. Wizards of the Coast has a tough job, folks. They
have to try and please everyone. Ever hear the expression 'you can please some
of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but not
all of the people all of the time?' well it's true. There are people who play
combo decks who like being able to play them. Then there are the people who
are sane, who realize that Magic was never meant to lack interaction. I praise
WotC for getting rid of these dominating "solitaire" decks. I hate to be
obscene, but it's silly going to a tournament to watch some guy masturbate
with his silly little blue combo. That's what it really is. Magic is a game
which involves two players; there is much more action involved than playing
the race or deciding what to counter against a combo deck. Players play
threats which need to be reacted to. Like a story, a plot develops in the
game. Like I keep saying, players are supposed to interact with one another,
and each game is not supposed to be disturbingly identical and fast. By
banning Recurring Nightmare, Dream Halls, Earthcraft, and Time Spiral, Wizards
fixes this problem. Lotus Petal and Fluctuator would possibly also cause a
problem, so they had the foresight to look ahead. Remember when everyone was
complaining because they printed Academy? Well, now that they are doing a
better job looking ahead why do I still see complaining? It is because they
cannot please everyone. However, I think that most of the community will be
pleased with these new bannings. Now I can actually try and play in a
tournament with a mono green deck one day. So in conclusion, let's try and
appreciate all the good things WotC has done and not focus on what we perceive
as bad. Their intentions are good, and the result will be good. Their pack
redemption program kicks ass too.

P.S. There is a good editorial about 6th ed. in the Duelist. I think people
should be more open minded and optimistic; 6th edition is going to be a very
good thing.

Jon Prywes
JonPKibble@hotmail.com
http://members.aol.com/jonpkibble