Many months ago we were greeted with the astounding and wonderful news that FOX had sold their interest in WhatIfSports and that a new ownership group had taken over. This news was universally hailed as a great advancement for this game we so enjoy as it had been badly neglected during the FOX era.

I can't remember what promises were made but I know there were vague commitments to great improvements that would be arriving to revitalize the site and renew interest with past and current owners. Meantime, I can't point to anything that's been done--at least to HBD--to improve the product up to this point.

How do we feel about HBD slipping back to the malaise of "forgotten game"? Unless new ownership picked up WIS for 2 cents on the dollar why would anyone invest in WIS if they didn't intend to improve upon it? And if they do still have plans--even months into the future--why aren't we important enough to hear some of the specifics to keep our appetites whetted for "coming attractions"?

Any thoughts?

I had a brief exchange with seble over the weekend. He's working very hard, still running a one man show while trying to stay responsive to customer issues.

I agree waiting for results sucks, but we are still going in a better direction than we were under Fox. I believe in seble.

I'm very sympathetic to that situation and wasn't aware he is essentially Hans Solo. Perhaps if he communicated with us in a weekly or at least monthly address--or created a blog--we might find greater patience. Perhaps we could even find ways to chip in. How about a crowdfunding page to hire an intern or experienced coder? I'd pitch in for something like that if I understood what was happening within WIS and how it might contribute to the long-term gain of this terrific game.

I don't believe any promises were made. Well, maybe, "we'll communicate better" but that's kinda BS anyway because it would be hard to communicate worse. Nonetheless, I'm forced to believe WifS was NOT purchased to wither on the vine. That would be dumb. I would suggest cutting back if unhappy. That's how the customer gets heard.

As long as Fox didn't sell to Breibart, it's all good

If you've don't like it, don't play. Simple.

Could HBD use an update? Yes.

Could i play it for the next 30 years if it remained the same that it is now? Also yes.

This game will not be active in 30 years without something. I don't know what but, in 30 years, there are 5 worlds left.

As someone who's been party to several employment transfers/mergers:

1/ I'd be really distrustful of new owners who walk in and start hacking and slashing. Most want to get the lay of the land, see how the customer base is faring, take time developing an action plan. Can take anywhere up to two years. But when the changes come, they can be significant, but they'd better have come with diligent planning.

2/ We always tend to overestimate how many people are at "Head Office." Might be three guys in an apartment full of pizza boxes, for all I know.

More significantly, WifS may be lowest priority based on $$$$$$$.

Posted by sermonauthor on 1/3/2018 4:53:00 PM (view original):

I'm very sympathetic to that situation and wasn't aware he is essentially Hans Solo. Perhaps if he communicated with us in a weekly or at least monthly address--or created a blog--we might find greater patience. Perhaps we could even find ways to chip in. How about a crowdfunding page to hire an intern or experienced coder? I'd pitch in for something like that if I understood what was happening within WIS and how it might contribute to the long-term gain of this terrific game.

He's a terrible communicator. We're actually better off if he says nothing.

The game is falling off that's for sure.

Posted by damag on 1/3/2018 7:28:00 PM (view original):
As someone who's been party to several employment transfers/mergers:

1/ I'd be really distrustful of new owners who walk in and start hacking and slashing. Most want to get the lay of the land, see how the customer base is faring, take time developing an action plan. Can take anywhere up to two years. But when the changes come, they can be significant, but they'd better have come with diligent planning.

2/ We always tend to overestimate how many people are at "Head Office." Might be three guys in an apartment full of pizza boxes, for all I know.

3. I'd also be very wary about new owners who come in and immediately start promising immediate widespread and un-specified "changes". It's better to WAIT for thoughtful, pragmatic solutions than "quick fixes" to a problem when none of us know all the details.

Posted by deathinahole on 1/3/2018 5:33:00 PM (view original):
As long as Fox didn't sell to Breibart, it's all good

Wow, DIAH is still around?!

I guess the parole board was feeling the holiday spirit....