GymLeaderPhil
New Member
Rocketman said:
DCI Pokemon Tournaments are still sanctionable until August 31. It's not over till WotC ends all involvement with the entire Pokemon franchise.
-Phil
Responses to Applications?
- Thread starter Noah121
- Start date
DCI Pokemon Tournaments are still sanctionable until August 31. It's not over till WotC ends all involvement with the entire Pokemon franchise.
-Phil
Misunderstood
First off if you remember the application asked "why should we pick you". Second part was "what's so great about where you would hold events". (severely paraphrased of course ;-) Dontcha hate essay questions?
I was picked. I think I presented myself in a good light, I explained my motivation for wanting to be a TO, I recounted my experience, and I provided a reference in the form of a Premier Magic TO that I helped run all the area premier Pokemon events.
I pointed out the geographical and logistical advantages of the area that I'm in, and the historical support that is present in the area.
Now hold the flames but maybe I handed in an "A" paper and some of the rest of you were B's and C's. I sold myself and the area that I'm in. That's what we were expected to do - Nintendo isn't gonna randomly throw money at something that they understand needs work. They want to maximize their investment. They also want to have the events dispersed as widely possible so as to get maximum exposure. Some of you are complaining because you have to drive 3 or 4 hours to get to one and you had offered to do one where you are. Well - that's not far enough apart to rate a new venue. That would tend to water down the one they already had for that region. When it comes down to choosing which cities when they have multiple applicants - bigger is better wins hands down.
A comment was made about how many Master Professor's were selected for TO. I know of three, but there's probably more; myself, Gym Leader Blaine (Tymon), and Heidi Craig. We're all in or close to major metropolitan areas that have shown fair to good support for the brand, all three of us are fiercely supportive of the game (not like others aren't of course), we all picked venues that are NOT the local card shop - and we're far enough apart from other venues to stand alone in a geographical area.
So it's simple economics and location. Nuttin personal so you can stop thrashing on poor ol Phil.
First off if you remember the application asked "why should we pick you". Second part was "what's so great about where you would hold events". (severely paraphrased of course ;-) Dontcha hate essay questions?
I was picked. I think I presented myself in a good light, I explained my motivation for wanting to be a TO, I recounted my experience, and I provided a reference in the form of a Premier Magic TO that I helped run all the area premier Pokemon events.
I pointed out the geographical and logistical advantages of the area that I'm in, and the historical support that is present in the area.
Now hold the flames but maybe I handed in an "A" paper and some of the rest of you were B's and C's. I sold myself and the area that I'm in. That's what we were expected to do - Nintendo isn't gonna randomly throw money at something that they understand needs work. They want to maximize their investment. They also want to have the events dispersed as widely possible so as to get maximum exposure. Some of you are complaining because you have to drive 3 or 4 hours to get to one and you had offered to do one where you are. Well - that's not far enough apart to rate a new venue. That would tend to water down the one they already had for that region. When it comes down to choosing which cities when they have multiple applicants - bigger is better wins hands down.
A comment was made about how many Master Professor's were selected for TO. I know of three, but there's probably more; myself, Gym Leader Blaine (Tymon), and Heidi Craig. We're all in or close to major metropolitan areas that have shown fair to good support for the brand, all three of us are fiercely supportive of the game (not like others aren't of course), we all picked venues that are NOT the local card shop - and we're far enough apart from other venues to stand alone in a geographical area.
So it's simple economics and location. Nuttin personal so you can stop thrashing on poor ol Phil.
There's the key.Rocketman said:
Because they have a proven track record of getting the job done while not pilfering the product for the event. In a word - professionals. As far as the numbers - I think they were a bit optimistic on the initial numbers. I think Origins and Gencon were a reality check of sorts. There were only about 200 or so Pokemon players for the Wizards last hurrah? Pretty poor showing IMHO.Rocketman said:
They don't want you to work for free. These are large events requiring work and effort, out of pocket expenses, responsibility for local advertising, etc etc. The old adage is true - you get what you pay for. If you work for free it is easy to say to yourself, "Hey I got tickets to the Titans game this weekend" and drop other commitments because you're NOT getting paid for it. Paying the TO's is the way to establish this is a BUSINESS relationship with commensurate responsibility.Rocketman said:
"bigger is better wins hands down."
Maybe, but Chattanoga, TN isn't exactly a bustling metropolis. It's scarcely larger than Madison, WI. Besides, LA din't get one-then again, they don't have a football team either.
But the real point is not "we didn't get accepted." The point is we didn't hear anything. A "no thank you" at least lets us know that they're working on a selection process. Even nicer would be be to know why we weren't selected. Of course, the best solution would have been to be up-front about what they were looking for. This would have made things easier for everyone involved.
"I think Origins and Gencon were a reality check of sorts. There were only about 200 or so Pokemon players for the Wizards last hurrah? Pretty poor showing IMHO. "
IMHO that's actually pretty good, considering that's A. More people than Wizards expected. B. An event that costs over $20 a day just to get in. I'm curious as to how many people you expected to come.
Maybe, but Chattanoga, TN isn't exactly a bustling metropolis. It's scarcely larger than Madison, WI. Besides, LA din't get one-then again, they don't have a football team either.
But the real point is not "we didn't get accepted." The point is we didn't hear anything. A "no thank you" at least lets us know that they're working on a selection process. Even nicer would be be to know why we weren't selected. Of course, the best solution would have been to be up-front about what they were looking for. This would have made things easier for everyone involved.
"I think Origins and Gencon were a reality check of sorts. There were only about 200 or so Pokemon players for the Wizards last hurrah? Pretty poor showing IMHO. "
IMHO that's actually pretty good, considering that's A. More people than Wizards expected. B. An event that costs over $20 a day just to get in. I'm curious as to how many people you expected to come.
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Ahhh but grasshopper - we are a mere 1.5 hours from Atlanta which is the epitome of bustle and metropolis! :lol:yoshi1001 said:
Obviously it was acceptable to PUSA... If you look at the map Chattanooga is in a nice location that is a few hours from about 8 large cities. Bump the driving time to over 4 hours we can reach about 9 states via direct interstate. I presume that Atlanta qualifies in your book as significant?
Actually I would have investigated Atlanta as it is the traditional gathering grounds for the regional Pokemon crowd but for two reasons:
1) The traditional venue is what I would describe as hostile tolerance - Indy can back me on that one.
2) Simply not enough time to investigate alternate venues in that area.
I may do so depending on the numbers I get - but quite frankly all the people that have indicated they would not come base their decision on the use of the GBA - not distance. In any case I certainly hope/expect more than the grand total of 18 for BOTH OH and PA R&S events. Clearly size isn't everything.
Anyway - I've never known you to be hostile so I'm not taking it as such. So let me feel free to address the notification issue and pray for no flames.
You (collectively) were neither accepted OR rejected. Maybe they aren't done yet. Maybe this being round one they want to evaluate the results from round 1 and 2 and possibly decide on trying other volunteers the next go around. But as usual, the crowd starts hollering from impatience. Didn't we learn anything from driving the WotC MT's nutz with our incessant yammering and demands to be heard and counted?
Patience really is the key.
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Just so everybody knows, I am not bashing poor 'ol Phil, it was he who decieded to play devils advocate for nintendo. But what Meganium and myself were pointing out was why nintendo could'nt have at least written us even a form letter saying we didn't get accepted. I mean, if you got to travel, you got to plan for it. If you are running a tournament, you got to plan for it. Should I plan to travel, or should I plan for a tournament? Plus it's just common courtesy! Also, Dave and Jimmer told me they could'nt tell us anything until Aug., but great things were on the way, and we would be told everything then. ( I may have misunderstood them, but I'm sure that's what they told me @ gen con & origins.)
Now, to all of you who have a large player base.... consider yourselves lucky. To the Master Professors who got the R & S's..... I'm happy for you. You all deserved one, no doubt about it. John, I know you to be an excellent TO! It's not so important that I get one. That's not what I am complaining about, I just wanted one closer than 8 hours. 3-4 hours would've been great! I don't care who runs it! But I am the only person who is willing and able to hold pokemon tournaments in my area, and I work darn hard at it. So please don't tell me about dinky little tournaments and B list, it's just not fair. And before anyone says it, I know it's about more than working hard. I really don't mind traveling to tournaments, I rather like it, but for the players in my area who don't get to do the company sponsored tournaments and can't afford to travel, it would be nice to get them one.
Now, to all of you who have a large player base.... consider yourselves lucky. To the Master Professors who got the R & S's..... I'm happy for you. You all deserved one, no doubt about it. John, I know you to be an excellent TO! It's not so important that I get one. That's not what I am complaining about, I just wanted one closer than 8 hours. 3-4 hours would've been great! I don't care who runs it! But I am the only person who is willing and able to hold pokemon tournaments in my area, and I work darn hard at it. So please don't tell me about dinky little tournaments and B list, it's just not fair. And before anyone says it, I know it's about more than working hard. I really don't mind traveling to tournaments, I rather like it, but for the players in my area who don't get to do the company sponsored tournaments and can't afford to travel, it would be nice to get them one.
Yes he didRocketman said:
Maybe what I had to offer got lost in the weeds. (legal disclaimer - this is the sole opinion of Scythking and not to construed as having my nose any place that would be deemed inappropriate :lol: )Rocketman said:
Maybe they aren't finished!!!! They can neither say yes or no or even maybe! No is likely to discourage and may not even be final. Maybe would get hopes up where there should be none. Yes of course is the answer of choice. Here they are with a short time frame and a volunteer pool. So they make choices. I'm sure that they will evaluate those choices after the initial R&S and pre-release. THEN they will have some breathing room to make better/long-term choices.
So cheer up! The glass IS half full in that you didn't get a dreaded NO! I personally hope to see a denser collection of events as they get on their feet. I personally would hate to travel that far - but I did so for Gencon, I wished I could have squeezed in Origins - a small item called a budget.
I just hate to see ya'll suffer so much angst. the locations have been chosen for the first two events - after that you may get a very pleasant surprise. I don't think the old B&M is going to accomplish much in positive results though...
NoPoke
Active Member
Personally I maintain that silence is the worst of all responses.
I'm a big boy and can handle bad news.
The result of silence is speculation and bad feeling. The inevitable consequence of this is a loss of trust.
Maybe they are planning additional R&S tournaments maybe they aren't. It would be much better to just come out and say that 'There won't be any more available' . They can then tell us honestly what the chances are of additional tournaments that are not part of the first series.
Its like the format issue...Its ok to listen to the players for a while but there comes a point when a decision has to be made and announced. No matter which decision Nintendo make there WILL be a lot of discussion about 'if N made the right choice'... the discussion may get a little heated. But that decision will be accepted and eventually become part of the history of the game.
A company boss was once asked 'how do you learn to make good decisions?', the reply was telling...'by making bad ones'
I'm a big boy and can handle bad news.
The result of silence is speculation and bad feeling. The inevitable consequence of this is a loss of trust.
Maybe they are planning additional R&S tournaments maybe they aren't. It would be much better to just come out and say that 'There won't be any more available' . They can then tell us honestly what the chances are of additional tournaments that are not part of the first series.
Its like the format issue...Its ok to listen to the players for a while but there comes a point when a decision has to be made and announced. No matter which decision Nintendo make there WILL be a lot of discussion about 'if N made the right choice'... the discussion may get a little heated. But that decision will be accepted and eventually become part of the history of the game.
A company boss was once asked 'how do you learn to make good decisions?', the reply was telling...'by making bad ones'
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Not necessarily black or white only.
I'm Nintendo - I get LOTS of submissions. Which ones, which ones. So I pick those with the most APPARENT experience as I just don't know these people.
Do I assume that these people are all going to work out as one big familiy? Not if I want to keep my job as there will assuredly be changes. Too great of odds to be anything else.
Do I want to send home some potentially great players because I made a snap decision that the first string would make the cut?
Again - not if I want to keep my job.
I think no news is the best news that can be hoped for besides a yes because the ONLY option is a NO.
*sigh* I think you are approaching the wrong flank.NoPoke said:
I'm Nintendo - I get LOTS of submissions. Which ones, which ones. So I pick those with the most APPARENT experience as I just don't know these people.
Do I assume that these people are all going to work out as one big familiy? Not if I want to keep my job as there will assuredly be changes. Too great of odds to be anything else.
Do I want to send home some potentially great players because I made a snap decision that the first string would make the cut?
Again - not if I want to keep my job.
I think no news is the best news that can be hoped for besides a yes because the ONLY option is a NO.
DaytonGymLeader
New Member
OK, here's my take on a few things:
Why get Magic Premier TOs? Why not?!?! Most of these folks have some tie or another in the form of a judge that they have used in the past to the Pokemon Community. They have an established track record. They have contacts with venues. They have deeper pockets than Joe Q. Professor. Has anyone actually looked at the backgrounds of the folks who are working OP at Nintendo? 99.9% of them are former WotC or Decipher employees. People tend to go with what, to them, are known quantities. However, if there is no growth, you will fail. There will be new Premier TOs brought in and "raised" by Nintendo, as evidenced by those folks who are speaking up in here. There are probably a whole bunch of "A papers" that were written. Hopefully, Nintendo isn't finished contacting folks about being Premier TOs.
Is not hearing anything (acceptance or rejection) a bad thing?
YES
This IMO is a no-brainer and has been echoed enough over the past 4-5 years in this community to become a mantra better than koombya. Both the wife and I never heard back on TO status either. We also knew that there are other and better candidates in our area, which probably led to us not being selected. Speculation always tends to be negative about things like this and there should have at least been a courtesy email about status.
One salient point that everyone has been forgetting (with some notable exceptions) is that Nintendo is still new at this. They, IMO, are still the crawl phase of operations. They still have quite a bit to learn and do to get to the walk phase. They'll probably be there by the time December/January rolls around. I understand why they have an aggressive schedule with OP, they MUST establish themselves with the community as it currently stands. If they do not do that, they will fail.
Why get Magic Premier TOs? Why not?!?! Most of these folks have some tie or another in the form of a judge that they have used in the past to the Pokemon Community. They have an established track record. They have contacts with venues. They have deeper pockets than Joe Q. Professor. Has anyone actually looked at the backgrounds of the folks who are working OP at Nintendo? 99.9% of them are former WotC or Decipher employees. People tend to go with what, to them, are known quantities. However, if there is no growth, you will fail. There will be new Premier TOs brought in and "raised" by Nintendo, as evidenced by those folks who are speaking up in here. There are probably a whole bunch of "A papers" that were written. Hopefully, Nintendo isn't finished contacting folks about being Premier TOs.
Is not hearing anything (acceptance or rejection) a bad thing?
YES
This IMO is a no-brainer and has been echoed enough over the past 4-5 years in this community to become a mantra better than koombya. Both the wife and I never heard back on TO status either. We also knew that there are other and better candidates in our area, which probably led to us not being selected. Speculation always tends to be negative about things like this and there should have at least been a courtesy email about status.
One salient point that everyone has been forgetting (with some notable exceptions) is that Nintendo is still new at this. They, IMO, are still the crawl phase of operations. They still have quite a bit to learn and do to get to the walk phase. They'll probably be there by the time December/January rolls around. I understand why they have an aggressive schedule with OP, they MUST establish themselves with the community as it currently stands. If they do not do that, they will fail.
Gym Leader Blaine
<a href="http://pokegym.net/forums/member.php?u=15
soslowpoke said:
After reading everything posted I felt I should post also. As asked by soslowpoke and stated by Scythking, I am a Master Professor that was given one of the 17 R&S Tournament to be held in Salt Lake City area, or as also stated one of three west of the Mississippi. I feel very lucky and am thankful to be given one to run. I am not a Premier WOTC Magic TO, just a Pokemon player that loves the game, has TO many Pokemon tournaments in my area, and tries my best to bring as many major tournaments to the area for other players to enjoy. Which I’m sure that is what we all want to do, hence the frustration with not hearing back from Nintendo that some of you have.
As Dayton_GymLeader stated some TOs will be new Premier TOs brought in and "raised" by Nintendo, so it does happen, and I am one of them.
My back ground which I did put on my Premier TO app, was that I have been playing the game for 4 yrs, was a Gym Leader for a WOTC Game Keeper store for over 2 years, have been a TO for over 2 years, was the head judge at the past WOTC Challenge events, one of which I ran the whole thing and all the TO had to do was put the information in the computer and send it to the DCI. I have put on many local events, including both of the SBZ in the area, and have three great Master Professors that are a great help to me when running tournaments in the area. Now some of you have stated similar back grounds as mine, so you might ask why him and not one given to me, and to tell you the truth I don’t know, but I am thankful I have one for my players in the area.
To be honest I was not Nintendo's first choice. As someone stated at the first of this post that Premier Magic TO was given a tournament when he didn’t even apply for it. The Premier Magic TO in my area was contacted by Nintendo asking for a proposal one running one. I had faxed in my Premier TO app the first day it was posted Nintendo was taking apps, and he didn't even submit anything. I was contacted by the Premier Magic TO and he told me about it. Since the SBZ he has passed all Pokemon tournaments onto me, and did the same with this one on passing the information to me. The next day I got a email from Nintendo which what I needed to know, submitted my proposal for the R&S tournament, and was given a call later that day that my proposal was accepted.
Now some of you have stated that you have not even been contacted by Nintendo to even be given the chance to submit a proposal for any of the tournaments and what I have to say is just wait. There will be more Premier tournaments in the future, and I know they will need TOs for those tournaments. I’m sure Nintendo is also going to want TOs help running the ladder league tournaments and such. If you have yet to hear from them, my idea to you is fill out the application again and send it into Nintendo. Let them know that you want to run the tournament. The best thing you can do it show them you are interested in running them. If there are other Master Professors or other people with TO experience have them fill out apps also, it will help show Nintendo that there is a desire to have tournament in your area. :thumb:
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IMHO, no one is more trained to run a pokemon tournament than Master Professors. We have been training for over 2 years to do just that, some more. Steve didn't even get a response? Man, that's wrong.
There will never be a regional tournament with 150 players, and Magic TO's are not needed anymore. Every section of the country that is left out loses old and potenial players, as they find a CCG that will support them. And big rented halls are not needed to have these tournaments, I really hope that the Professors renting these are not taking a bath. I don't care how deep one's pockets are, losing money gets old quick. Now if they give out trips.....we may have a better turnout. Does anybody remember the turnout for the challenge series? I went to 3 gym amd 1 stadium and I'm sure the gym's didn't get that much, but the stadium ( San Diego) did. That may be where NOA got their #'s from, but the stakes were higher
( trips!)
There will never be a regional tournament with 150 players, and Magic TO's are not needed anymore. Every section of the country that is left out loses old and potenial players, as they find a CCG that will support them. And big rented halls are not needed to have these tournaments, I really hope that the Professors renting these are not taking a bath. I don't care how deep one's pockets are, losing money gets old quick. Now if they give out trips.....we may have a better turnout. Does anybody remember the turnout for the challenge series? I went to 3 gym amd 1 stadium and I'm sure the gym's didn't get that much, but the stadium ( San Diego) did. That may be where NOA got their #'s from, but the stakes were higher
( trips!)
IndigoMaster
New Member
What scythking said on the first page about atlanta is absolutly correct, The war room, www.thewarroom.com is an absolute horrid place for a pokemon event. Not only is the store managed in a non pokemon friendly enviroment, but Norcross GA, which is where it is located is not quite the safest of all places, expecially for small children and is NOT a very comfortable place for a mother to be taking her child to alone.
As for atlanta being a better venue than charlotte would have...i don't think it would. We really have no pokemon activity, chattanooga is just as good, most likely much better seeing as how scythking has a league there.
And yea...sorry to be off topic, i don't really have much to input as far as TO Applications go, seeing as how i'm under 18
As for atlanta being a better venue than charlotte would have...i don't think it would. We really have no pokemon activity, chattanooga is just as good, most likely much better seeing as how scythking has a league there.
And yea...sorry to be off topic, i don't really have much to input as far as TO Applications go, seeing as how i'm under 18