Ha HA!

I just figured something out.

For a long time, people have thought me a brash and rude American guy with a penchant for developing my own ideas, often at the detriment of others' projects. Some have called me tyrannical, others just say they can't stand me.

That's okay. You're obviously not on key.

The most amusing part to me is the history of the WFR Guild, which began as the Wiki Fantasy Roleplay in 2003.

A lot of people would claim that I am taking too much time in my own projects, and that I don't spend enough time making good things happen in the community.

I think Kara Peters might disagree with you.

The WFR was created by [Maedilynn] for the sole purpose of wiki-format, semi-advanced RPG styles for gamers and fiction fans. Not only that, but it's not even an American product!!!!

So ha! You think I am a rude, brash American, with only his own interests at heart? You would be wrong. My community is much more important to me than my own pet projects, and I need not look to my own sordid country in order to find good work.

The WFR was born on 2003-04-03 at 02:26:33 by Elftown time. Kara Peters, its original creator, lived in Canada at the time of its inception. Ha! Stupid non-Americans hating stupid Americans!!! Ha HA! Yay for stupidity!

I will be doing everything in my power in the coming months to help pinpoint [Maedilynn]'s estimated birth-place for the WFR in April of that year, so that I can be better prepared astrologically for its destined state of being. This is important to me now, because now that I know it was not such a close-to-home project, I can easily feel within my rights of calling it my first international endeavor.

Awesome work, Guild! And you didn't even have to try too terribly hard for it. ;) Good job!

As for me, I am still a stupid American doing stupid American things like making people hate me by trying to do fun things aroun the town. Awesome!
-will

This messages has been plastered all over the WFR Guild pages. I feel very strongly about it, and I am willing to do anything to make this right again.

Please, if you see this diary, take note:

http://apps.facebook.com/save_scrabulous/
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7191264.stm
http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2008/01/18/scrabulous-not-so-fabulous.aspx

Hasbro is suing these Indian guys. They made an application, and so did Hasbro (affiliated with Mattel for the Scrabble product line), so now the big guys are trying to squash the little guys. It's the age old story; I'm sure most of us have used it a time or two in our own campaigns.

This is the moment of truth.

I do not speak on behalf of the WFR Guild when I say this (yet), but as a human being with goals, dreams, and aspirations to do something with my life.

I have been playing D&D for years. I know so many people who - between all of us - have bought at least a thousand dollers worth of RPG publications, games, or supplements from Hasbro over the years. I'm not sure how many Mattel products have earned my money, but seeing as to how there are children in my life who deserve birthday presents every year or so, I can imagine my money has been to both of these companies SOMEWHERE ALONG THE LINE. That's called investment, my business friends.

How much have you spent on Hasbro or Mattel products? Try and add it up for yourself. Now figure that most of us have spent similar money, because their games are fun and memorable. How long ago did you buy your first Scrabble board? Ever had a good memory about it? Good, because they want you to buy it all over again.

I am broke as a joke right now. It's not even funny. It's scary. Seriously, I am worth $.88, a broke-down car, and a screwy old laptop. I have my intelligence, and my creativity. I am also in school for my dream, which is a bonus because I get financial aid. Nowadays, I call myself a professional artist, and a storyteller.

I just got in touch with Wizards of the Coast Corporate email earlier this week in order to work with them in connection to publish WFR-oriented content with the d20 mechanics logo, through my own personal business endeavor with my long-time friend [Torr-maat] (xidoraven studios Production Phase I). They have given me good replies, and I am awaiting more news.

Now I, like you may be currently, have learned that Hasbro - the makers of Scrabble, and the parent company of the subsidiary, Wizards.com - is partnering to sue these two Indian applications creators (a craftsperson like you or I) instead of working with them legitimately and ethically in order to better negotiate a method of keeping Scrabulous alive. It mainly has to do with the fact that Hasbro/Mattel are (more than likely) ALSO releasing an online version of Scrabble, which would mean that THEY MIGHT LOSE PROFITS in 2008 (on top of splitting the rights to the product line). O.o

Let me tell you something, Hasbro. I have bought your products for years, and must continue to do so, in order to stay current in my creative field. Don't you DARE tell me that you are willing to squash the little guy for your own benefit, or you will see heinous results!

Now, having said my piece:

I am approaching all moderators of the Wiki Fiction Roleplayers' Guild, as well as those who are willing to listen.

The time is now. If you ever had a dream, if you ever wanted to be something more than you are, and if you have EVER studied ANYTHING to do with business ethics, stand with me now.

To Hasbro: I have purchased your products, and will continue to do so, but if you hurt these Indian boys, I will NEVER play scrabble again... I will NEVER play an online version of Scrabble made by Hasbro... And I will do everything I can to make sure that your profits fail miserably in the face of independent adversity and the 'love of the game'.

We as people are allowed to aspire. Give us an outlet, give us a say, give us back our spending power. We are humans too.

I do not yet speak for the Guild, but the Guild must know. This is not the time to say that it doesn't matter, because it DOES, and it IS important to defend what you believe. I believe that this is corporate insanity at its finest.

To Hasbro: if you want your marketing campaign for 2008 to succeed, you will act in an ethical manner, or you will have the WFR Guild Members acceptance, appreciation, and wealth no longer.

If you are not a member of Facebook.com, I do not encourage you to join a new site that you would not otherwise join. But if you ARE a member, please access the following application, and sign the petition to Save Scrabulous:

http://apps.facebook.com/save_scrabulous/

Keep watch for more updates. Those of you who have my email (xidoraven@gmail.com), please stay in touch.

WFR Guild Knights, you are being called to arms. We are defending the People this time, and it could get gruesome.

Best wishes,
-will



After-the-fact thought:
By the way, I also noticed this comment on the BBC blog opinions:

Added: Thursday, 17 January, 2008, 14:35 GMT 14:35 UK

'PSOTINLSSE

I'm sure I can make a 9 letter word that describes this HYS...

Topsy Turvy, England, United Kingdom'

1. HYS deals with current affairs, not just politics, so it's relevant.
2. Technically every HYS is pointless - all you're doing is complaining about this and that with people who are bored at work. It wont ever amount to anything. Your posts here wont lead to change in government policy or revolution.
3. I'm pretty sure that 9 letter word doesn't have 3 S'.

Sophie Shinigami, Belfast, Ireland

Recommended by 44 people (http://newsforums.bbc.co.uk/nol/thread.jspa?sortBy=2&;forumID=4086&edition=2&ttl=20080119200950paginator)


To Miss Sophie, from Will Thompson:
I'll take that bet, and raise you three.

63817 (the key)

<URL:view_messages.html?mnr=3310003&;where=0&n=1068460045&amp;sent=no>

oh, the wormholes......
[61927 (Unknown or private posting)]
<poll:8366>
*sigh*
it's just too easy.....