The article on Monkish Combat was almost
completely over my head. I simply had no
background to understand what was going on.

On the Gnome Cache, it seemed strange and <missing>
slightly, well, stupid. I am sorry! But the writing was
so good about a subject so terrible. If it was simply a
try at humor, I am surprised at its inclusion in such a
class operation as The Dragon seems to be.

The article (story) Search for Forbidden Chamber
was dull. Again the writing was excellent, the subject
matter inane. Why not let such an obviously talented
writer, write a scenario on one of the actual games,
such as the description in the back of the rule book of
the DUNGEON game (not D & D). It was interesting
as well as informative.

The art work is good. I enjoyed it. Please explain
what is the section marked Mapping the Dungeon —  <missing>
with all the names and addresses?

The section on D & D Judges was interesting, very, <missing>
but was like coming into the middle of the picture. I
believe it would be very exciting to be a judge or
referee in one of these wargames. I intend to get
deeper into this phase of the game.

Shadow of a Demon, by Fox, was good, as was the
artwork.

The article, Feathered Serpent by Lynn Harpold, <missing>
was excellent. The following quote “Mesoamerican
Sun Kingdoms” deserves a game all by itself. Hope to
hear more from this artist in future issues.

The Creature Feature is fascinating even if I don’t <missing>
understand it. Wish I knew more about it (D & D).

The article on the Alchemist was fascinating, if
baffling.

Very Sincerely yours,
Garry F. Spiegle
[Edited]

*    *    *    *

I might also point out that an active and
prosperous D & D fandom is as much, if not more, to
your benefit than to anyone else’s. The existence of a
hard-core group that buys all TAE D & D-related
products can only help your business.

It therefore distresses me to see a restrictive policy
adopted. If I and those like me were setting ourselves
up in competition with already-available TSR
products I might more readily understand your
qualms. Unfortunately, real D & D fans are well
aware that the supply of playing aids for TSR is,
sadly, pitiful. THE CHARACTER ARCHAIC is
unmentionably useless. No convenient complete set of
tables exists.

I therefore find it hard to swallow or understand
your attitude. Not only would I not be competing with
an extant TSR product, I would not even be seeking
or making a profit. I would only be trying to make the
like of people who already bought all your products
easier. And, although I’m not a lawyer, I have some
doubts of the legality of your preventing
photocopying of your material in a different form for
non-profit purposes. I believe Congress has, or is in
the process of, modifying the copyright laws to take
into account the “Xerox revolution.” I would not try
to sell my tables over your objections on such
grounds, however, since — despite my dissatisfaction
with this stance — I still have great respect for your
company.

Everyone is grateful to TSR for providing us with
such a useful, flexible, and fascinating fantasy game.
But, for God’s sake, you're not providing effective
products for enthusiasts of your game; it seems you
are doing a disservice to your loyal customers by
preventing others from providing these products as
long as they’re not trying to make a profit.

Sincerely,
Scott Rosenberg
[edited]

Sorry to distress you, Scott, but the NO still stands,
and will do so until we have a few matters resolved.
Right now, we have denied permission to everyone
not licensed by us because it was the only way to sort
out just what is going on.

I agree that fandom is a good thing, and would do
nothing to stifle it, but we had to draw a line, and now
are faced with sorting out the mess. At such time that
we have accomplished this, then we will be able to
give permission where appropriate. At this time our
policy is NO EXCEPTIONS, draconian as that may
seem.

I don’t know where you got your information regarding
copyright law, but you have it just backwards;
if we (publishers and printers) have our way,
the new laws you speak of will clamp down on the
“rip-off revolution, ” as it should be properly known.

I suggest you check out the Judges Guild ad appearing
elsewhere in this issue. They seem to be quite
competent. — Ed.
 

*    *    *    *