Yes, although I can understand frustration from people who MIGHT have bought any of this content on Roll20, and/or Fantasy Grounds. It would be extremely frustrating in that case (and really only in that case), since it would be like getting an ebook and finding out that it didn't work on your phone when you bought it for your tablet, and then hearing that you can totally buy a different version so that you could read it on both.
First World Problems, sure, but ebooks are ~$10, while these core books for a dedicated GM are around $150+. There is a difference there.
That said, the example does bear out. Buying books should not guarantee you digital content. A pdf, maybe, but what DNDBEYOND does is more than a pdf, and given the usefulness that I've gotten out of it even just in its beta phase, I am sure that I will be subscribing in some fashion.
I am actually one of those that have already purchased via Fantasy Grounds and I don't see it as frustrating (IMHO). To me it is different company, different product and I should not and would not expect one company to provide me a discount or anything else because of what I bought from another company.
To be fair, I know there will be people that will point out that WotC is the end company because they are supplying the product. In actuality, they would be wrong, as they are only supplying the license and those other companies are the ones providing the product.
This is my viewpoint. It is like asking Dell to give away or discount its Windows PC that I am trying to purchase from them because I own HP Windows PC. Each company owns a license to sell Windows PCs and are not Microsoft just like none of these companies are WotC.
But what I'm talking about is, maybe you got the PHB, then you got it on Fantasy Grounds because you play there. Now you want to buy it on DND Insider because this is such a great resource, also. Buying the Fantasy Grounds version wouldn't irk you. It'd be the second digital purchase. That's where I'd be a bit miffed. Digital can be transferable AND have DRM.
Man, I can't wait for Phase 2 to drop- I'm so ready to start messing around with the builder, and with luck we'll start seeing some more interesting discussion on the forums from people throwing options together.
My entire party is looking forward to phase 2, wanting to try their character sheets online. Just had our fourth Mines of Phandelver session, group decided instead of waiting next week to ask if they can continue tomorrow, which I went ahead and agreed to since I have the day off anyway and I can usually prepare in an hour or so.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I use summon instrument to summon my kettle drum, hold it overhead like Donkey Kong, and chuck it at the nearest kobold.
This is my viewpoint. It is like asking Dell to give away or discount its Windows PC that I am trying to purchase from them because I own HP Windows PC. Each company owns a license to sell Windows PCs and are not Microsoft just like none of these companies are WotC.
Just my two cents.
If there was a discount to people that purchase a book, it would come with a discount code for dndbeyond...in marketing they call that a coupon. I don't see that as outside of the realm of possibility. Coupons have existed for over 100 years...companies know how to deal with them! Now, I don't see giving "current" owners a discount as being simple or even possible when you think of the logistics nightmare that would create. But for new purchases, sure.
I'm stuck waiting for OrcPub.com to finish their build-out, and Beyond at the same time, it's agonizing! Gonna be great tools once they're done, I wish they would be a little more communicative about what's currently being worked on. Radio silence for a month makes it hard to stay hyped and engaged, especially when we can't actually use the tools yet since the full paid content hasn't been made available yet. :/
Man, I can't wait for Phase 2 to drop- I'm so ready to start messing around with the builder, and with luck we'll start seeing some more interesting discussion on the forums from people throwing options together.
Unfortunately, until they make the full, paid option available it won't be much fun to mess with. In the beta with the SRD your options are so limited. How many times can you have fun rolling a character when you don't get to choose subraces, subclasses, or feats? :/
Man, I can't wait for Phase 2 to drop- I'm so ready to start messing around with the builder, and with luck we'll start seeing some more interesting discussion on the forums from people throwing options together.
Unfortunately, until they make the full, paid option available it won't be much fun to mess with. In the beta with the SRD your options are so limited. How many times can you have fun rolling a character when you don't get to choose subraces, subclasses, or feats? :/
This is a test. It's important to make sure everything works before releasing paid content. Everything that is free content will be the free version of the app, and many people will use it as such. While you might not find this "fun," it's incredibly important.
"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
This is a test. It's important to make sure everything works before releasing paid content. Everything that is free content will be the free version of the app, and many people will use it as such. While you might not find this "fun," it's incredibly important.
This. Being part of a beta test isn't for everyone. Betas, even public betas, have certain characteristics.
Features, even "critical" features may be missing. Those that are present may be incompletely implemented and/or buggy. Things are subject to change w/o warning and at semi-random. There's uncertainty around various aspects, including dates, prices, and "go live" features. Some features available in beta may be placed behind a paywall on release.
During a beta, you are not a customer, per se, and don't have the same "rights" around level of service. You're a stakeholder and (limited) partner in the production of the software. A beta is also not the same thing as a pilot or an early release. Any actual utility you get is incidental to the purpose of the beta.
If any of those bother you (general "you", not targeted), then you aren't an appropriate candidate for trying out beta software and everyone would probably be happier if you did not participate.
Man, I can't wait for Phase 2 to drop- I'm so ready to start messing around with the builder, and with luck we'll start seeing some more interesting discussion on the forums from people throwing options together.
Unfortunately, until they make the full, paid option available it won't be much fun to mess with. In the beta with the SRD your options are so limited. How many times can you have fun rolling a character when you don't get to choose subraces, subclasses, or feats? :/
This is a test. It's important to make sure everything works before releasing paid content. Everything that is free content will be the free version of the app, and many people will use it as such. While you might not find this "fun," it's incredibly important.
I understand that it's important, I'm a developer. I was just pointing out to Suddenly_Light that when Phase 2 drops it will still be running off the SRD until the full product launch, so there won't immediately be a ton of fun to be had "throwing options together" since there's only one option currently available for each class and race.
I'm not dogging the beta or the process, just trying to spread the facts and help people rein in their expectations.
Man, I can't wait for Phase 2 to drop- I'm so ready to start messing around with the builder, and with luck we'll start seeing some more interesting discussion on the forums from people throwing options together.
Unfortunately, until they make the full, paid option available it won't be much fun to mess with. In the beta with the SRD your options are so limited. How many times can you have fun rolling a character when you don't get to choose subraces, subclasses, or feats? :/
This is a test. It's important to make sure everything works before releasing paid content. Everything that is free content will be the free version of the app, and many people will use it as such. While you might not find this "fun," it's incredibly important.
I understand that it's important, I'm a developer. I was just pointing out to Suddenly_Light that when Phase 2 drops it will still be running off the SRD until the full product launch, so there won't immediately be a ton of fun to be had "throwing options together" since there's only one option currently available for each class and race.
I'm not dogging the beta or the process, just trying to spread the facts and help people rein in their expectations.
The beta has the SRD, D&D Basic Rules, and the Elemental Evil Player Companion. As such, there are actually a few choices for subraces. Still only one archetype per class and one feat though... (technically two feats, but the second has a racial prereq)
In my opinion it's very difficult to provide quality feedback because of the incomplete information. I tried to use this while running a game, so as to provide feedback, but I quickly became frustrated when content I looked up was not included. I'm not sure how one is supposed to provide critical feedback if the service is not usable in a practical sense.
Furthermore, would it not be better to provide all the content, slowly building users dependance on the product, then transitioning to the paid system, making it more natural for those to switch to a paid subscription? If I am not able to use it to run my games, I'm much less likely to switch to paying for it, if I'm not already relying on the system in its beta form.
Reluctance to include complete content seems like it both hurts feedback, and decreases the likelihood of user adaptation.
At this point, I'm just checking daily to see if phase 2 has started. The other features seem just fine, other than a few missing or misplaced images, and the character manager is the feature I will use most.
At this point, I'm just checking daily to see if phase 2 has started. The other features seem just fine, other than a few missing or misplaced images, and the character manager is the feature I will use most.
Agreed. I can't wait for the character builder. I'm ready to test it's limits and such. c:
But what I'm talking about is, maybe you got the PHB, then you got it on Fantasy Grounds because you play there. Now you want to buy it on DND Insider because this is such a great resource, also. Buying the Fantasy Grounds version wouldn't irk you. It'd be the second digital purchase. That's where I'd be a bit miffed. Digital can be transferable AND have DRM.
Build Combat encounters link at the top of the page gives a 404 page not found error.
Man, I can't wait for Phase 2 to drop- I'm so ready to start messing around with the builder, and with luck we'll start seeing some more interesting discussion on the forums from people throwing options together.
Glad to see that the beta is free. I was expecting to have to subscribe to it. I have been an insider subscriber for a long time.
My entire party is looking forward to phase 2, wanting to try their character sheets online. Just had our fourth Mines of Phandelver session, group decided instead of waiting next week to ask if they can continue tomorrow, which I went ahead and agreed to since I have the day off anyway and I can usually prepare in an hour or so.
I use summon instrument to summon my kettle drum, hold it overhead like Donkey Kong, and chuck it at the nearest kobold.
Any news on when we can start clicking all the buttons?
I'm stuck waiting for OrcPub.com to finish their build-out, and Beyond at the same time, it's agonizing! Gonna be great tools once they're done, I wish they would be a little more communicative about what's currently being worked on. Radio silence for a month makes it hard to stay hyped and engaged, especially when we can't actually use the tools yet since the full paid content hasn't been made available yet. :/
A dwarf with a canoe on his back? What could go wrong?
^^^What she said!
"...Debts must always be paid, sometimes in more than blood and gold. But this is Ordo Ursa," Ren places his hand on Erakas's chest, right where the Dragonborn's heart is. "Right here. And it always has been and always will be. Don't ever forget that. Because I won't."
Serandis Mendaen (Aereni Elven Rogue/maybe one day Wizard)- Project Point Playtest
If any of those bother you (general "you", not targeted), then you aren't an appropriate candidate for trying out beta software and everyone would probably be happier if you did not participate.
I'm not dogging the beta or the process, just trying to spread the facts and help people rein in their expectations.
Thanks for the clarification skizzerz.
In my opinion it's very difficult to provide quality feedback because of the incomplete information. I tried to use this while running a game, so as to provide feedback, but I quickly became frustrated when content I looked up was not included. I'm not sure how one is supposed to provide critical feedback if the service is not usable in a practical sense.
Furthermore, would it not be better to provide all the content, slowly building users dependance on the product, then transitioning to the paid system, making it more natural for those to switch to a paid subscription? If I am not able to use it to run my games, I'm much less likely to switch to paying for it, if I'm not already relying on the system in its beta form.
Reluctance to include complete content seems like it both hurts feedback, and decreases the likelihood of user adaptation.
At this point, I'm just checking daily to see if phase 2 has started. The other features seem just fine, other than a few missing or misplaced images, and the character manager is the feature I will use most.
"I encourage peace."
Hurry up Curse!!! please don't leave us hanging
Currently Playing:
5th Edition | Level 12 Human Cleric (Life Domain) "Darvin Leovold" |