Ryan B.:  The Personal Side of the Game Business

Okay, I guess I was wrong about not having a column this week, but I am writing it well in advance and my busy work period hasn’t actually started yet.

Last week I wrote an article that was somewhat critical of the direction of Ticket to Ride and Days of Wonder. And everyone who has ever read anything I have written at all knows just how much I love Days of Wonder and everything they stand for.

I thought I would just take the time this week to talk about what is at stake when one undertakes the journalistic endeavor of op-ed writing and give a reminder to everyone about the responsibilities involved in that type of writing. This is especially true not just for myself, but for the sheer volume and substance of all the new game blogs that are currently out there.

Last week, after I had finished my little tome I just sat there, not really wanting to hit the “submit” button.

I had read all about the comments on BGG and other places that have indicated how people have felt certain writers or writings are just marketing copy for the various game publishers. And to an extent, these people are correct in the assertion we are slow to criticize game designers and publishers. So I sat here staring at this column I had put together, not really wanting to hit the “submit” button.

Why?

Because I know that some people actually do read some of the things I write. And I am very cognizant of what great effort goes into the design of a game, the playtesting, the conceptualization, the marketing, production, distribution and shipping to the wholesale and retail channel. Then someone (like me) is criticizing it before it is even out of the shrinkwrap.

Nevertheless, the other viewpoint is that I am not upholding my unwritten convenant to the readers if I just roll over and not write something critical about a publisher or game designer because I happen to be so fond of them. So there is a dual responsibility there. I felt grounded in my reasoning for the article, so I clicked submit. I’m comfortable with that column, even as I write this one. At the same time, I would remind all of you that it is just my opinion and I am not 100% right on the issues, by any means. I can also assure you that while other BGN writers aren’t verbalizing it to the extent I am going to today, these other fine writers face this tough choice on the columns they write everyday as well.

So anyway, to continue the story, I had previously e-mailed Alan Moon about something else unrelated to last week’s column. Gracious as ever, this time he took time in his reply to also discuss my recent article and I don’t think he was really very keen about it. I could tell.

Which is really why I am writing this article this week. Now mind you, this was an e-mail from someone who exudes class and this gentleman was most certainly NOT writing an e-mail railing against any perceived unfairness. But when Alan R. Moon writes you about anything, you pretty much do pay attention to whatever it is he is trying to impart upon you. We had quite the discussion – suffice it to say I won’t discuss the particulars out of respect for his privacy – but it was exactly that, an intellectual discussion. (Most of the intellect came from his side, by the way.)

What you do need to know about the conversation and take from it was the very highest professionalism Mr. Moon expressed his viewpoint from. His response to me was very polite and he addressed only the issues, never the writer. His case was poignant, very well-reasoned and detailed where necessary. What’s more… well, its Alan Moon writing you. Now I know it’s Alan Moon writing me and he certainly knows it’s Alan Moon writing me, but the humbleness from which he stated his argument came from the mark of someone confident of what he was saying and confident of the utility of the points he was expressing. It’s these personality traits that contribute to Mr. Moon being one of the most respected designers around today.

Now, as I stated, I don’t feel bad in the least for what I previously wrote, but I could certainly see where Alan was coming from. I did clarify to him it was my (not fully revealed) contention and hope that Days of Wonder should actually go bigger with the next Ticket to Ride and not really move on to “other endeavors” as I had more plainly advocated as one option in last week’s article, but that is just a sidebar to this writing. The more important thing: This conversation did make me refocus on the impact of words and the need to continue to maintain vigilance as far as being careful about what I write. I just want to remind everyone (certainly myself above all) that there are people every day in this industry who stake thousands of dollars – and in the case of the designers, a lot more of their livelihood – into these boardgames. It’s something to think about for anyone who decides to put pen to paper.

While Mr. Moon never alluded to it, staying strictly on point in the discussion, the conversation reminded me I must try to be continuously aware that if I am going to be critical of something, where companies have staked reputations and people have staked time, pride and fortunes, then I need to make sure the criticism is not off the cuff and my opinion needs to be accurate, as best as I am able to determine.

Now I was not forced by anyone nor did I have any level of guilt to make amends for last week’s writing. I was merely set to thinking about op-ed opinions in general by this particular exchange. Additionally, it could be a Mr. Moon, Bruno Faidutti or Andreas Seyfarth reading your weblog or posting on BGG. What I remind myself on today is good advice for any aspiring writer. Even if you don’t get an e-mail from them, these designers (and publishers) do care about what you write. I know I will continue to do due diligence and remind myself there is more at stake than just my own opinion.

Even after I press that “submit” button.

Till next time, peace.

Ryan B.
“A fun game starts with fun people.”

© 2006 Ryan B.

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Comments:

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I am not sure how your “opinion” can be accurate or not. After all it is your opinion. My problem with your article last week was your making uninformed suggestions on how a game company should handle its own products. Knowing Alan, Mark and Eric as well as I do I can tell you Days of Wonder is handling TTR and all their products in a way that is great for their company and the fans. Time is the only way to measure a companies success. As far as I am concerned they cannot put out enough TTR games for me. Anyone can have an opinion of not liking a game, but commenting on how a company should proceed without inside knowledge, etc hurts a writers credibility. Always express your opinions Ryan- thats why we read the articles. Do a little research first if you are commenting on a companies direction etc. Of course this is only my “opinion”. Posted by Mike Fitzgerald on Jan 11, 2006 at 07:37 AM | #

Hi Ryan, I couldn’t agree with you more about the responsibility of a writer.  I spend more time drafting emails, articles, and what-not that ultimately end up in the recycle bin because I do want to be careful of what I write.  I’m probably to cautious many times.  Thanks for sharing the lesson.  It was well worth reading. Posted by Craig Massey on Jan 11, 2006 at 03:24 PM | #

Well-put, Ryan. At work, I will often compose entire emails ‘in the heat of the moment’ that I then send straight to the recycle bin in favour of a more thoughtful reply later - when I’ve had time to cool down and phrases like ‘incompetent dolt’ and ‘swine’ don’t creep into my writing. :) pk Posted by Patrick Korner on Jan 11, 2006 at 03:51 PM | #

I’m sure this has all been an interesting experience, Ryan.  And the lesson about making sure one’s facts are correct is a valuable one.  But I hope it doesn’t deter you from writing articles that criticize some portion of the industry.  Obviously, you should ensure that you don’t go too far and that you have no agenda you’re trying to meet.  But if you see something that could be improved, you perform a valuable service by pointing it out, particularly if the criticism is constructive.  While it may affect some companies or individuals, who might prefer the piece wasn’t written, they really shouldn’t be too upset with an accurate and fair-minded piece.  As is true of most things in life, a balance between praise and criticism is a worthwhile goal. Posted by Larry Levy on Jan 11, 2006 at 07:39 PM | #

Ah, life managing in a company.  We had evening interviewing sessions tonight.  It is 10:49pm in the evening and I just got home.  Who said managers have it easy?  (LOL) Anyway, its the comments from everyone that make the column worth reading.  Whether you agree with me or disagree, the input is always valued and welcomed.  I just really enjoy reading everyone’s thoughts and I am always so impressed on how well articulated the comments always are. Posted by Ryan Bretsch on Jan 11, 2006 at 09:56 PM | #

Mike, Additionally, to address your comments:  Regardless of the “type” of suggestion I make, Days of Wonder and their game designers are big boys.  They aren’t going to let the writings of a lone columnist derail their plans, if they are confident on how to proceed.  So if they even read the column, they will weigh the opinion stated solely on its merits… and either simply discard it or decide if it might be worth a second look. Posted by Ryan Bretsch on Jan 12, 2006 at 05:48 AM | #

I never meant to say that Days of Wonder would be affected by your comments. As I did say- your credibility is the only thing that could be affected. I bet you did not expect this much discussion on your piece. This is a great hobby where the ideas flow back and forth. I think you do a great job Ryan and I was only concerned about how seriously your words will be taken. The more “accurate or informed” they can be the better for you as a writer. Posted by Mike Fitzgerald on Jan 12, 2006 at 08:42 AM | #

Mike, I always like it when there is discussion around my columns… and I am appreciative of you, Larry, Craig and Patrick raising additional points for everyone to consider. Ryan Posted by Ryan Bretsch on Jan 12, 2006 at 05:25 PM | #

Ryan, If my opinion is worth anything, I didn’t get a negative out of your DoW article. What I got out of the article is the *hope* that this new TtR will not be another rehash, and turn in to the American Idol of boardgames. :D You write honest articles and I appreciate you for it. Keep up the good work! Posted by Patrick Dignam on Jan 18, 2006 at 02:15 PM | #

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