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Author
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Topic: re: WOTC lay-offs -- effect on Pokemon?
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diamondz
Member # 563
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posted September 09, 2002 10:36 AM
In case you haven't read about it, Wizards of the Coast laid off 60 employees last week as part of a "company-wide reorganization" (blech!). For those interested, the news item appears at ICV2.com at http://www.icv2.com/index.html
Does this have any impact on the Pokemon program? We're all sincerely hoping that we'll be seeing the same old gang from the Pokemon brand and customer service at future events.
Hopefully,
Steve Diamond
[ September 09, 2002, 10:41 AM: Message edited by: diamondz ]
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Steven "Daddy-O" Diamondfreelance writer forBeckett Anime Collector and Beckett Yu-Gi-Oh! CollectorBeckett Official NeoPets Magazine
From: Mililani (Honolulu), Hawaii | Registered: Feb 2001
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SteveP
Member # 14743
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posted September 09, 2002 04:02 PM
No way to tell yet since names weren't released. The corporate answer will probably be the usuall "business will go on as normal."
However, layoffs may be an indication of possible decreased support for Pokemon non-sales activities (i.e., Leagues, Challenges, Worlds). Any such actions will certainly cause many Pokemon loyalists to leave or defect.
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Proud member of Team PokéParents - we play Pokémon with our kids!
From: Colorado Springs, CO, USA | Registered: Apr 2001
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LizardOTC
Member # 124
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posted September 09, 2002 05:32 PM
Yes, SteveP, that may be true. We are already seeing a shift in responsibility for support of the game from WotC to Professors.
So, it becomes clear that we Professors must shoulder the responsibility of keeping this game afloat in troubled economic times. The stock market slump has hit many people and corporations pretty hard, and sales of any luxury item (such as a card game) are likely to be down from a year ago. 
So, now we will get to see who the diehards are. Who are the people willing to step up and keep the game alive, and who will just move on to the next fad? 
I'm in... for the LONG haul.
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"No! Try not. Do. Or do not. There is no try." -Yoda
"Sewage Portrayed As Meat...It's not just for breakfast anymore!" -LizardOTC
"Like a bad tooth and an unsteady foot is confidence in a faithless man in time of trouble." - Proverbs 25:19
From: The Vast Midwestern Waste | Registered: Feb 2001
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yoshi1001
Member # 825
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posted September 09, 2002 05:50 PM
Hey, maybe we're lucky and one of the guys that got fired was the person who translated N2 Scizor. ![[Wink]](../tcg/wink.gif)
As corporate layoffs go, this is pretty small. I wouldn't worry to much.
[ September 09, 2002, 05:51 PM: Message edited by: yoshi1001 ]
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AIM: yoshi1001
From: Janesville, Wisconsin | Registered: Feb 2001
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SD_PokeMom
Member # 97
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posted September 09, 2002 06:20 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Yoshi1001: As corporate layoffs go, this is pretty small. I wouldn't worry to much.
![[Roll Eyes]](../tcg/rolleyes.gif)
What's the saying? "It's a recession when your neighbor loses his/her job, but a depression when you lose yours"?
Good lord: "small" or not, numbers-wise, each one of those people is someone who is now unemployed...how about showing some compassion or concern, instead of callousness? ![[Dubious]](../tcg/graemlins/dubious.gif) ![[Mad]](../tcg/mad.gif)
Lizard, you know I'm there...
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Master Professor/Tournament Organizer/Pokémon League Gym Leader,
Adventure Games and Comics, Poway, CA
Nothing endures in this world. Everything changes according to karma. But, like the ocean, underneath the restless existance of the countless waves there is one boundless stillness that embraces and gives life to all the moving waves. Namuamidabutsu...
From: San Diego, CA --location of WCSTS-2001 and West Stadium Challenge 2002 | Registered: Feb 2001
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ScythKing
Member # 26665
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posted September 09, 2002 06:24 PM
quote:
Originally posted by LizardOTC:
So, it becomes clear that we Professors must shoulder the responsibility of keeping this game afloat in troubled economic times...
So, now we will get to see who the diehards are. Who are the people willing to step up and keep the game alive, and who will just move on to the next fad?
I'm in... for the LONG haul.
I think the majority of Professors realize that WotC developed the program for a reason. WotC has been straight up about the why's and wherefore's. There is a small minority that tend to poo-poo the program simply because they thought it was going to be the ticket for 15+ to win trips and huge prizes. Maybe something as concrete as a layoff at WotC will help those folks realize there is an economic reality behind the game they love to play and that support is needed - not bickering and complaining about what they think they "deserve". After all - what other game does these things - only MtG as far as I know and quite frankly I don't want to go there - I'll play MtG for fun and reserve the competitive spirit and loyalty (and $$$) to Pokemon. I love working with the kids at my League, and it has been a great way for my son and I to do something together that we can relate to on the same level. Not to mention all of the cool people we get to meet at all of the events. Truly an extended family. Hell yeah we're in for the haul!
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-=>* ScythKing *<=-
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There are 10 type of people in the world.
Those that understand binary and those that don't.
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From: Chattanooga, TN USA | Registered: Jun 2001
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SteveP
Member # 14743
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posted September 09, 2002 06:24 PM
Sorry Lizard. I've got neither the time nor the resources to help revive league materials and tournament expenses. I may be a professor, but I'm not a philanthropist.
Professors SUPPORT the game's side activities. We still need WOTC to provide the resources. If the funds, materials, and personnel are taken from these side activities, it won't be long before many professors drop out.
I commend your devotion. But don't "dog" others just because you "think" they're not as devoted as you!
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Proud member of Team PokéParents - we play Pokémon with our kids!
From: Colorado Springs, CO, USA | Registered: Apr 2001
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yoshi1001
Member # 825
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posted September 09, 2002 06:38 PM
quote:
Good lord: "small" or not, numbers-wise, each one of those people is someone who is now unemployed...how about showing some compassion or concern, instead of callousness?
All I'm saying is it could be a lot worse. Would I rather have no layoffs? Yes, but that's not the situation we have here.
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AIM: yoshi1001
From: Janesville, Wisconsin | Registered: Feb 2001
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SD_PokeMom
Member # 97
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posted September 09, 2002 06:47 PM
quote:
Originally posted by SteveP:
Sorry Lizard. I've got neither the time nor the resources to help revive league materials and tournament expenses. I may be a professor, but I'm not a philanthropist.
Professors SUPPORT the game's side activities. We still need WOTC to provide the resources. If the funds, materials, and personnel are taken from these side activities, it won't be long before many professors drop out.
I commend your devotion. But don't "dog" others just because you "think" they're not as devoted as you!
Whoa! Where did Lizard say anything about Professors supplying prize support? I certainly didn't see it...
Do I do things for my League on my own time and dime, like print up format lists, decklists for tourneys, nametags, etc? Sure! Do I supply the kids with the odd card(s) here or there, or the old promos I managed to save when Borders dumped the League? Sure! Do I buy packs, etc. for prizes out of my own pocket? NOPE...and no one is asking that of Professors or Master Professors, IMHO..
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Master Professor/Tournament Organizer/Pokémon League Gym Leader,
Adventure Games and Comics, Poway, CA
Nothing endures in this world. Everything changes according to karma. But, like the ocean, underneath the restless existance of the countless waves there is one boundless stillness that embraces and gives life to all the moving waves. Namuamidabutsu...
From: San Diego, CA --location of WCSTS-2001 and West Stadium Challenge 2002 | Registered: Feb 2001
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Pokenaut
Member # 189
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posted September 09, 2002 06:54 PM
I think it's too early to tell what effect if any this layoff will have on the game. There is NO DOUBT however that one of the main reasons the Prof. Program was created was exactly what Lizard touched on...to pick up the slack on keeping OP alive where WotC's resources are limited. I already drive 4hrs a week to run League. i devote every complete Saturday to run sanctioned tournaments. Financially (besides gas and after-league and tournament meals) I support the game through card set purchases that are probably greater than the normal WotC customer. If this "downsizing" move ends up being something that also cuts short materials needed to keep League/Battlezone afloat, I am afraid I would also have some soul searching to do as far as continuing my support. Thats MY reality. The owner of York Comics pays for the kits. I don't know what his response would be if the price of them goes up much. With Expedition about to break (great looking set IMO) and Aquapolis forthcoming, it doesn't look too dim for the near term.
Let's keep our fingers crossed.
'Naut
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Ç...What if the Hokey-Pokey is what it's REALLY all about....Ç
Proud member of Team Poképarents- we play Pokémon with our kids!
Founding member of Team Dead Sneasel-Our team's home is York Comics and Cards in Parma, Ohio
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From: Shaker Heights, Ohio USA | Registered: Feb 2001
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SteveP
Member # 14743
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posted September 09, 2002 08:10 PM
Well SD_PokeMom, I see sarcasm and preaching laden throughout Lizard's post. I don't know Lizard personally, but I got the feeling he was trying to lecture us professors about what we should be doing.
Anyway, I was speculating (accurate or not) what impact the layoffs might have on Pokemon. I'm optimistic and hope that Pokemon side activities will continue to be funded as we Professors support those activities.
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Proud member of Team PokéParents - we play Pokémon with our kids!
From: Colorado Springs, CO, USA | Registered: Apr 2001
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Pokesensei
Member # 7
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posted September 09, 2002 08:40 PM
From reading the article,the layoffs were clearly a move to get rid of the high priced salaries(and secondary was to get rid of "unneeded" positions that could be done by a similar position at Hasbro).
It was not a "Pokemon" related move(i.e.the bad sales rumor,no contract from TPC,etc.).
`Sensei
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From: Out of the Box | Registered: Feb 2001
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LizardOTC
Member # 124
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posted September 09, 2002 08:43 PM
Ummm... sorry, SteveP, that was not the intent at all...  ...
I merely meant what I said, and nothing more. We Professors are really what holds OP together, and we need to do whatever we can if we want it to go forward.
No need to be defensive... 
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"No! Try not. Do. Or do not. There is no try." -Yoda
"Sewage Portrayed As Meat...It's not just for breakfast anymore!" -LizardOTC
"Like a bad tooth and an unsteady foot is confidence in a faithless man in time of trouble." - Proverbs 25:19
From: The Vast Midwestern Waste | Registered: Feb 2001
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NoPoke
Member # 42315
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posted September 09, 2002 11:41 PM
I know that there have been further layoffs at the UK offices. Not sure of the scale but the UK office is probably half the size it used to be.
As to Profs providing prize support... As GL for Crawley I DO provide prize support, its why I have to make a small charge for League. Even then I'm out of pocket. I don't think that I'm unique in providing prizes in the UK.
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'Good News' or 'Bad News' but NOT NO NEWS
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From: Crawley England | Registered: Sep 2001
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ukpokemonpro
Member # 518
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posted September 10, 2002 03:44 AM
NoPoke is correct as lots of us in the UK provide our own prizes and league kits, we have had to trade and buy promo's to complete league years 1 and 2...
Oh and Ian have you had any year 3 yet?
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ukpokemonpro
"a meaningless title is just that ... meaningless"
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From: Gillingham, Kent, UK | Registered: Feb 2001
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Michel
Member # 286
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posted September 10, 2002 04:19 AM
60 employees were laid off ... and we still don't know if one of the important persons of our community is amongst them...
Please stop discussing about who's gonna make what for the leagues, tournaments, ... it seems clear to me that we'll do everything together, Wizards and the community.
I'm maybe negative, but I wouldn't say 'I wouldn't worry too much'. 60 people is maybe 60 families in difficulty ... and we don't know if one or another of these people is not an important person in the Pokemon division.
It will maybe have no impact on our game, but it could be a 'bomb' too ... wait and see until we know who was concerned
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From: Brussels - Belgium | Registered: Feb 2001
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Pokidad
Member # 135
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posted September 10, 2002 12:52 PM
Well, any layoff is bad for the poeple involved. I remember when the US Gov't sent us home for about two weeks, talks of layoffs, not getting paid, etc. A lot of people were very concern about their jobs and financial well-being. I just pray that these WotC employees find gainful and meaningful employment as quickly as possible.
As for Pokemon, it is unknown how these layoffs will affect Organized Play. When Hasbro purchased WotC, there were multiple functions being perform by both the Corporate Office (Hasbro in RI) and its new Division (WotC in Seattle) such as travel arrangements, Marketing, Customer Services, R&D, etc. I'm sure Hasbro realized that it wasn't productive to continue paying two people to do the same jobs. I'm also sure it was a tough decision to layoff employees due to the impact it has on the remaining employees (are we next to go?). Companies do not like to layoff its good people. I just hope those laidoff WotC employees find something they really like doing real soon.
From: Falls Church, VA USA | Registered: Feb 2001
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Articjedi
Member # 342
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posted September 10, 2002 06:34 PM
You know, this does kinda kill all of the 15+ arguments. Considering that if WOTC has to lay people off, there definently isn't enough money for a 15+ division.
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Thank you WOTC for a wonderful pokemon journey.
From: Seattle, Washington | Registered: Feb 2001
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Joshman
Member # 1220
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posted September 10, 2002 10:52 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Articjedi:
You know, this does kinda kill all of the 15+ arguments. Considering that if WOTC has to lay people off, there definently isn't enough money for a 15+ division.
It's not neccessarily that WOTC/Hasbro "can't" pay these people or are low on funds, as much as they are consolodating positions to save money. Hasbro's stance is probably like "Why am I paying so-and-so in Seattle to do the same job as so-and-so in RI?" At least this is my understanding of the situation.
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From: Virginia, USA | Registered: Feb 2001
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RaNd0m
Member # 73173
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posted September 12, 2002 07:11 PM
Guys, I wouldn't worry too much...
Lay-offs are normal in a struggling market. WOTC obviously is still going strong, or the 14- wouldn't have trips
Although the problem I see here is this. There isn't enough money for a 15+ division...? =/ That's what the Professor Program is, isnt it? Besides, the 15+ is what is keeping this game alive... it shouldn't be disregarded. There may be a few of you who would like to be philanthropists and someone worded it, but I don't see how being a philanthropist is necessary for loving the game...
LotC... the fad was over a LONG time ago. EVERYONE here has already taken the entire ride and continued on. Most of the people here ARE in for the long haul... and that is why we are "fighting" for the 15+ division.
*sighs*
I've virtually given up, and I'll do whatever I can to support the game. But remember, we are CONSUMERS. What we say does matter.
~ RaNd0m
~ RaNd0m
[ September 12, 2002, 07:26 PM: Message edited by: RaNd0m ]
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From: Illinois...=\ | Registered: Mar 2002
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Ice'Cold
Member # 12056
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posted September 13, 2002 08:13 PM
Now that im turning 15+ I tell yall that I wont be driving on any 5+ hour trips to goto these things anymore. WOTC has really lost me. MAgic dosent intrest me so im moving into things like Magi Nation and Hero Clix. Ill keep playing anyways but WOTC needs to shake things up a bit, even in an Economy like this.
I agree that the layoffs were probably a reasonable decision to cut costs. As I once heard MTM say, ( Were a buisness, were here to make money.), layoffs are a common tool for cutting costs.
[ September 13, 2002, 08:18 PM: Message edited by: Ice'Cold ]
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Winner of the last official Wizards of the Coast sponsored pokemon tournament.
From: Illinois | Registered: Apr 2001
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CJ-Mich
Member # 835
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posted September 13, 2002 08:45 PM
Yup, they're a business alright. We get reminded of that quite often. And in business, sometimes layoffs aren't always a bad thing. It can be a good chance to get rid of some that don't produce like they should. This makes a company more efficient.
Of course this assumes a non-union environment.
It also assumes that you have more dead wood than you do layoffs.
There are those that claim to be sooooo busy. And then there are those that really are.
And just to clear up any misconceptions, these are GENERAL comments, with absolutely nobody in particular in mind. I don't have a clue how things are run at WOTC / Hasbro.
From: Michigan | Registered: Feb 2001
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SD_PokeMom
Member # 97
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posted September 14, 2002 02:29 PM
![[Frown]](../tcg/frown.gif) ![[NoNoNo]](../tcg/graemlins/nonono.gif)
'Mom
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Master Professor/Tournament Organizer/Pokémon League Gym Leader,
Adventure Games and Comics, Poway, CA
Nothing endures in this world. Everything changes according to karma. But, like the ocean, underneath the restless existance of the countless waves there is one boundless stillness that embraces and gives life to all the moving waves. Namuamidabutsu...
From: San Diego, CA --location of WCSTS-2001 and West Stadium Challenge 2002 | Registered: Feb 2001
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Gordon Kane
Member # 177
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posted September 14, 2002 05:02 PM
Not unexpected - I won't be surprised if the announce that everyone in WA State gets laid off, except for M:TG R & D - who get relocated to Hasbro HQ in Providence R.I.
Last year when WotC laid off - another local game company (Interactive Imagination) scooped up Dorcas Bean (Organized Play), Jenifer Hunter (Pokemon League Designer), and Ed Bolme (Backstory Author / Editor). 2i just laid off 2 weeks ago - Dorcas is now with WizKids, Jenifer is doing something for the Warhammer CCG, and Ed is contracting.
Unfortunately, this is becoming an annual ritual - but there are 2 companies in the area on the upswing (WizKids and Upper Deck) - so they might not be unemployed long.
From: Cleburne TX USA | Registered: Feb 2001
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