GW Newsletter: New White Dwarf direction confirmed

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**LunaHound**

-Loki- wrote:
CadianCommander wrote:As I've mentioned previously in this thread, Pouncey, GW has hurt customers so badly that unless they do something major to placate them and let the players feel the love again, very little they do will be viewed favourably.

The silent majority of people who play GW games don't use the internet to find rumours, sit on boards and discuss how GW kicked their puppy, or even discuss it in general. These people, who make up more of GW's market share than us who do do these things, aren't affected by this at all, since they get any information from GW stores or White Dwarf. These are the people GW want to keep, since again, they are the majority of their players.

While their target audience is tech savvy young males, that doesn't mean the majorty of those tech savvy young males want to hop online and talk about 40k. This easy to conclude from simply looking at member counts on the big 40k fansites. Even adding them together, if GW operated on trying to placate a customer base that small, they wouldn't be a $200million company. Basically, GW know that the majority of people, who they want to keep playing, will buy an 'improved' white dwarf for updates to the game.

Honestly, sometimes I can't blame those people for not wanting to discuss their hobby online.

? just because something is online doesnt mean they have to be forced to participate in any discussion.
We actually have specific terms for that.

Lurkers.

**Chibi Bodge-Battle**

That might be true Loki.
But it still begs the question, why exclude part of your customer base from information about forthcoming products.

Even if the silent ajority of which you speak do not wish to get involved in online debate, it does not follow that they would not wish to know in advance of what is happening in their hobby.

I was under the distinct impression that GW are not that bothered about keeping people playing as long as there is fresh blood to keep coming through.

**-Loki-**

Chibi Bodge-Battle wrote:That might be true Loki.
But it still begs the question, why exclude part of your customer base from information about forthcoming products.

Even if the silent ajority of which you speak do not wish to get involved in online debate, it does not follow that they would not wish to know in advance of what is happening in their hobby.

They will know, and so will people who like to discuss stuff online. Now, they'll ideally (to GW) learn things at the same time, through white dwarf. People like us aren't excluded, we're free to buy white dwarf. We just don't get the news the way we used to. And that's the whole point, they're trying to turn white dwarf into the magazine you want to buy again, and part of that is making it the upcoming news source for their games.

While the news won't come early, it never really has from GW anyway. So moving it to white dwarf doesn't really mean we'll be getting official news any later. Rumours will always be around though, Don't assume for a minute that their clamp down will stop people leaking stuff online.

Chibi Bodge-Battle wrote:I was under the distinct impression that GW are not that bothered about keeping people playing as long as there is fresh blood to keep coming through.

That fresh blood is easier to convinve to buy white dwarf than veterans. They haven't been spoiled by whats offered online yet.

**Guaiwu**

-Loki- wrote:
That fresh blood is easier to convinve to buy white dwarf than veterans. They haven't been spoiled by whats offered online yet.

And I thought that young people (fresh blood) were more connected and internet savvy than us long fangs. But since your demographic knowledge obviously far outstrips mine, I'm just going to have to believe you that the internet is grandpa's tool of choice, the real new tech on the block is printed media! Wow! Do I feel informed today.

**MIKEtheMERCILESS**

Meh, I kinda like it - only occasionally see the need to buy a White Dwarf, and this gives me more reason.

That, and it will be refreshing to see a GW rumour that isn't hijacked by people feeling the need to drop the bombshell for the 8th time this week that they quit playing...

**AgeOfEgos**

Kroothawk wrote:More details on GW policy change as posted by the same person on BoK giving us the 6th edition rumours (actually this is how his post starts and the motivation to spill the beans):
http://bloodofkittens.com/network/members/rideroftheerk/activity/14616/

rideroftheerk wrote:I was told in privacy but can’t vouch for the accuracy. Corrected some spelling errors from icq conversation:

anonymus wrote:I am really pissed! The recent shift in GW’s marketing strategy is only the beginning. The goal is to completely control every bit of information that is going out and make every advance sneak peek look like an accidental leak. Think of Apple and you know what they are trying to achieve. They simultaneously try to keep the internet crowd happy with some leaked bits here and there and the store crowded focused on the next release. Prepare for more of these infamous “you see one eighth of the miniature and should stand in awe” pictures. The restructured White Dwarf will be the only place for “official” news. The days when Games Days were a good source for exciting news are gone. No more seminars.

Independent shop owners will get the info at the same time as the public. From autumn on product codes will be chiffres and retailers have to order bulk packages for new releases without knowing what is in it if they want to get the releases on the first day. If they want to buy the boxes individually they have to wait two weeks until GW releases the chiffres. Mail Orders won’t arrive on the day of release, they will be SENT on the day of release. So no more accidental early arrivals. If you want to buy a product on the day of release you have to go to a GW store or one of the shops that have bought the release package. There is no chance to get the products via an online store on time.

The retail embargo for the southern hemisphere were initially planned for every single country, so no more exports from UK to continental Europa, but GW’s law division stopped this as it would have violated EU laws. So now they will introduce two boxes for every release with exactly the same content but different boxes. One is for the retail in a single country and comes at the standard wholesale price. The other box has all the necessary taxation and regulatory clearances for export. These boxes are virtually the same but GW is charging an extra fee for them. Online shops can choose to stop exports or accept a serious blow to their profit margins.

We, the gamers, are sitting on the receiving end of this dishonest policy once more. We are treated like children and that is exactly the goal of these changes. So here are some of their plans, as long as the info is available, to spoil some of their surprises:

Seems like GW didn't take into account the number of staffers pissed by the new decisions and willing to ruin the information embargo.

Yes! This is part of our "LIKE A KICK IN THE N***" campaign. What could that mystery box be shop owner? Could be a new DE unit that your shop can actually move with your local meta----or a rebox of Ogryns to keep your shelves weighted down in case of strong winds! Could be great---or could be like "A KICK IN THE N****!"

Watch for our next campaign roll out, "LIKE A SLEDGEHAMMER TO THE FACE" this fall. There is no surprise there, we just literally hit you in the face with a sledgehammer (It does have a 40k symbol on it though, hence the 5 dollar fee to be hit).

Snide remarks aside----IF this is true-----it's truly idiotic.

**Chibi Bodge-Battle**

"They will know..."
Loki
Honestly I just don't understand this acceptance of getting news of releases late, the secrecy and the unwillingness of GW to keep people updated.

It is just another one of GW's moronic decisions.
But am too tired to argue the toss.

Will just say this, some people want updates others don't care, so you may as well give people updates and everyone is happy.

Improve WD by all means but use it as part of a set of communication tools not as the sole mouthpiece.
Improve it with good, solid journalism and sling out the shoddy patronising bunkum. Again you won't lose the "silent majority" but will win over the naughty internet crowd too.

I fail to understand why some people think that not maximising sales is not worthwhile.

AoE
My sentiments exactly
What a way to run a business and mess about with storekeepers.

**dajobe**

Kroothawk wrote:Here a quote that might sum up GW's state of mind:

“We know that communication is a problem, but the company is not going to discuss it with the employees.”

http://www.blippitt.com/19-actual-lol-quotes-from-actual-managers/

that is awesome, GW you make me

**mikhaila**

AgeOfEgos wrote:Yes! This is part of our "LIKE A KICK IN THE N***" campaign. What could that mystery box be shop owner? Could be a new DE unit that your shop can actually move with your local meta----or a rebox of Ogryns to keep your shelves weighted down in case of strong winds! Could be great---or could be like "A KICK IN THE N****!"

Watch for our next campaign roll out, "LIKE A SLEDGEHAMMER TO THE FACE" this fall. There is no surprise there, we just literally hit you in the face with a sledgehammer (It does have a 40k symbol on it though, hence the 5 dollar fee to be hit).

Snide remarks aside----IF this is true-----it's truly idiotic.

Not worried at all. Mainly because it's stupid to worry about something when major details are missing even if it's true, and it may just be totally fictional.

GW is not going to package up crap and send it out to retailers sight unseen. Do that once and they lose all credibility. Not worth it for them, with little to gain and a hell of a lot to lose. GW has excellant retailer support. I'm quite thankful for the thousands of dollars in racking they shipped to me for free this week. The shipping alone had to be 400.00, let alone the actually cost of the racking.

Any store that wants to order single of the new releases can wait two weeks. Bigger stores can just order it upfront. My worry is more about getting enough stuff to sell, but there have been few times in 22 years of dealing with them that selling me more figures was a problem.)

Personally, I'll just wait and see what happens, and deal with it if and when something changes. It's hard to imagine that anything GW does like this will have more of an affect on sales than what Privateer is doing now. Not having stock to sell to customers because the manufacturer is 3 months behind on filling orders means I'm losing a lot of Warmahordes sales.

**Kirasu**

Agreed on Warmachine. I got sorta sick of being unable to finish off my cygnar forces I just stopped bothering

**AgeOfEgos**

mikhaila wrote:

Not worried at all. Mainly because it's stupid to worry about something when major details are missing even if it's true, and it may just be totally fictional.

It's an anon post right now--so we don't have any idea---but considering the steps in the last few weeks---I wouldn't be surprised at this being true. I'm sure it doesn't affect you as harshly, your store has been successful, is based in a (for GW) reasonable priced market---and you have obviously have a large player base.

The small indy store however, I'm not sure. Giving people two weeks to purchase something on the internet at lower prices (with no sales tax as well)---and losing the point of sale impulse buy--is going to hurt. Specifically if it's a store based in the southern hemisphere.

I think GW really believes it can shut down world wide shipping and control price markets by region. I think that's incredibly naive.

**Kroothawk**

mikhaila wrote:GW is not going to package up crap and send it out to retailers sight unseen.

Erm ... Finecast?

(Yea, I am aware that your shop is the only one on earth with no miscasts, but global evidence is strong)

**clively**

Kriswall wrote:I'll agree that, in general, using a print vehicle as a marketing tool is making less and less sense these days.

As a niche hobbyist, I like White Dwarf. I had a subscription. I don't now. I buy only the issues I find interesting. If the average issue has new rules, I am more likely to find it interesting. If it has useful hobby (conversion/painting/etc.) articles, I am more likely to find it interesting. This announcement comes as a good thing to me.

For those of you preaching the end of print media and the almighty reign of the electronic word, I leave you with this. My bathroom has a magazine rack, not an ethernet port!

My house is wireless and I have a smart phone with a great browser.... No magazine rack though.

**Omegus**

No magazine rack here either, though I have an iPad full of rack magazines.

**mikhaila**

Kroothawk wrote:
mikhaila wrote:GW is not going to package up crap and send it out to retailers sight unseen.

Erm ... Finecast?
(Yea, I am aware that your shop is the only one on earth with no miscasts, but global evidence is strong)

I've got a small stack of miscasts, actually. 3 boxes and two blisters. It's a terrible, terrible thing.) GW replaces them nearly immeditately and I get to keep the mis sculpts for conversions. Just got an Azhag with a thin spot in the wing. A bit of greenstuff and some sculpting and I'll get him on the table for a game.

I tell my customers to check for damage when they buy it, and if the box has a problem, I just replace it and give my rep a call for a replacement. My bitz boxes just love GW mistakes.

**dajobe**

GW replaces miscasts!!! im surprised that they dont bill you extra once you notify them of the miscast claiming that its "an original piece of art".

on topic: there is a giant stack of magazines in all of the bathrooms in my house, mostly consisting of furniture magazines of my mom, but im not payin 100 dollars a year for a magazine, especially because my dorm room is a black hole that destroys all forms of paper!

**Slayer le boucher**

What i really would love to see is a White Dwarf like the ones we had with the 3rd War for Armaggedon campaign...

Good old times,with the Tempestus Hive battle reports on one big table+3 little tables,divided in two issues,because it was so huge...

The Chapter Aproved and Index Astartes articles.

The Funny articles like the ones from Rick Priestley or Mike"somthing-i-forgot-is-name" where he told us about his gaming nigths in his garage with lots of humour^^.

The Messenger!,where you had customers and fans letters,the only place where at the time you had "near the truth and honest" response from the Dwarf on the GW games and politics.

I can't help myself to see that the WD was more populare hen it had silly but funny articles in it and more game based containt...

Aah good old times...

**BrassScorpion**

From http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/content/article.jsp?aId=16900014a

White Dwarf Notice

In order to align product releases globally, White Dwarf will be on sale on the last Saturday of each month (ie White Dwarf August will be for sale on July 30th). In-store subscribers will also be able to pick up their magazine at the store on that Saturday.

In-home subscriptions will be shipped on the last Saturday of each month (ie White Dwarf August will ship on July 30th). You can expect to see your copy of White Dwarf within ten days from shipment.

If you have any questions or don't receive your White Dwarf within ten days from the last Saturday of the month, please call Customer Service at 1-800-394-4263 or email custserv@games-workshop.com.

This will go into effect for August's White Dwarf #379.

I've been a subscriber for about 2 decades, but if this is the way we're to be treated then when my current subscription ends that may be the end of that relationship for the foreseeable future. The subscribers are the people who give GW money up front for EVERY issue and as such we should be getting premium service, not shoddy, get-it later-than-everyone-else treatment.

**frozenwastes**

Remember everyone, you can call up GW's customer service, cancel you subscription and ask for a pro-rated refund on your existing issues. If they ask you why, tell them you prefer to buy it at your local store because you can get it right away instead of waiting for it in the mail.

If you don't like this, do something about it.

**BrassScorpion**

frozenwastes wrote:Remember everyone, you can call up GW's customer service, cancel you subscription and ask for a pro-rated refund on your existing issues. If they ask you why, tell them you prefer to buy it at your local store because you can get it right away instead of waiting for it in the mail. If you don't like this, do something about it.

That doesn't sound like a very effective strategy because it involves telling GW you still plan to buy the magazine. I think a strategy where you cancel your subscription and tell them you'll not be buying White Dwarf again may be a tad more effective.

**ShumaGorath**

I'm flabbergasted any of you were buying that rag anyway. They change shipment dates slightly and promise to actually make it into a worthwhile magazine instead of a glorified picture book and people start canceling. Did you not have a printer connected to your computer before? That early book shipment wasn't giving you anything that wasn't on the internet a month prior anyway. If they put gak in that monthly catalog that makes it somehow more attractive then trolling the games workshop website itself on my ipod I might actually consider purchasing it.

**Sidstyler**

I say they better start delivering on that promise then.

**frozenwastes**

BrassScorpion wrote:
frozenwastes wrote:Remember everyone, you can call up GW's customer service, cancel you subscription and ask for a pro-rated refund on your existing issues. If they ask you why, tell them you prefer to buy it at your local store because you can get it right away instead of waiting for it in the mail. If you don't like this, do something about it.
That doesn't sound like a very effective strategy because it involves telling GW you still plan to buy the magazine. I think a strategy where you cancel your subscription and tell them you'll not be buying White Dwarf again may be a tad more effective.

The point of telling them that is to expedite the process of getting your money back and not have to have the guy on the other end of the phone do the mandated policy thing of trying to convince you to not cancel.

If a bunch of people cancel and then don't buy it in stores, it'll only take a few months for them to see their subscription losses aren't being replaced by corresponding in store purchases and they can figure it out then.

GW has proven they don't care about your complaints. They only care about your money. So if you want them to change, let them see the less money rather than hear more words they'll ignore.

**elllaco69**

First of all White Dawarf spend half of the magazine in Lord of the Rings.I think thats too much.No more chapter approve or alternates army list.No more terrains board inserts.Nothing kool comes from White Dwarf in this days.The cost is too spensive i think for the content of the magazine.If you think about it is supposed to be cheap because it work as a promo for their stuff.You read the details of the products and you wanna run to the store to buy the new product.

**tantan628**

The good old days...

Also, I was just thinking does anyone else remember when GW had two sites, one for their catalogue to sell you stuff and then a whole extra site just for articles rather than a tiny section that covers nothing useful. That was so much better, they had so much more stuff.

**notprop**

Not sure this is covered by other threads but I will post it here anyway.

Off the back of this thread and knowing that I had a fairly empty few days ahead I bought the July WD, and have to say that it has a fair amount of content* compared to when I last took a peek.

Now first up I thought that this was supposed to be available in GW stores first, I got this in Tesco (Big UK supermarket chain). I'm sure it has been there since Thurs/Fri? Another GW supplier issue me thinks!

What is there is all SoM, Dark Eldar and CoD as per the other threads here have guessed.

SoM looks interesting and I don't play WFB, the new monsters look good, the old chaos dwarf ones in finecast don't. (I guess this also explains GWs recent C&D activity as well). Special mention for the Chaos Socerer Lord and the VC Necromancer, both look like fine miniatures. The SoM products look nice.

No LoTRs content at all. Personally I find this to be a good this but this may just be because of the huge amount of pages devoted to Storm of Magic?

2 battle reports(one SoM and the other CoD, never been my favourite thing but I know allot of people do like them.

The shop listings and events is only about the last 10 or so pages and does include some random BL/GD stuff.

Standard Bearer on the future of miniatures - pass.

Finally If you like skulls you will love allot of the new SoM scenery. The Magewrath throne is a throne of skulls on a tower of giant skulls.

Overall, seems better than the last WD I got (1 year+ ago?), but too much of the content was thinly veiled ad-articles on the latest thing & CoD. I guess I'll look again next month in the hope of more actual hobby articles but won't hold me breath.

* - If you take the articles on face value that is and not just as ads but more interesting.

**Davor**

frozenwastes wrote:Remember everyone, you can call up GW's customer service, cancel you subscription and ask for a pro-rated refund on your existing issues. If they ask you why, tell them you prefer to buy it at your local store because you can get it right away instead of waiting for it in the mail.

If you don't like this, do something about it.

Well people in this day and age, just like to complain and cry and whine and do nothing about it. You make great sense, and this is what people should be doing.

**Guaiwu**

Davor wrote:
frozenwastes wrote:Remember everyone, you can call up GW's customer service, cancel you subscription and ask for a pro-rated refund on your existing issues. If they ask you why, tell them you prefer to buy it at your local store because you can get it right away instead of waiting for it in the mail.

If you don't like this, do something about it.

Well people in this day and age, just like to complain and cry and whine and do nothing about it. You make great sense, and this is what people should be doing.

Fixed: People in every day and age ...

People are lazy, that doesn't change unless they feel they are REALLY badly affected by something, a change to subscription timetables won't be enough initially, but maybe people will just stop getting new subscriptions, so it will build up over time.

**countchocula86**

Im jut curious at the people saying "Finally WD will be great again!" Will this information really help that? It seems almost like new release information is just a prize at the box of a mediocre cereal. Does the prize improve the cereal in any way?

**Guaiwu**

countchocula86 wrote:Im jut curious at the people saying "Finally WD will be great again!" Will this information really help that? It seems almost like new release information is just a prize at the box of a mediocre cereal. Does the prize improve the cereal in any way?

Actually, it's more like putting more writing on the box, which is awesome, always need more to read when munching my Generic brand puffed rice (I'm sure its actually cardboard) cereal. However, regardless of what's on the box, I'm still only buying it for the food inside.