This is a thread for asking the ENnies judge nominees questions to help you decide who to vote for.

This is an attempt to get gaming sites other than EN World involved in the process and so that more gamers get their say in the matter.

So go ahead and ask questions that will help you decide who you would like to vote for.

please be nice and  stay on topic.

Thanks!

Who are the candidates?

Which do you prefer, Amber or Nobilis, and why?

Which do you prefer, nWoD or D&D 3.5, and why?

Do sales figures reflect quality, why or why not?

I'm the only important one.

Quote from: Vermicious KnidI'm the only important one.

Yes, because your picture makes Baby Jesus cry. In a good way.

Quote from: StuartWho are the candidates?

So far:

http://www.ennieawards.com/judgenominees.html

Question:  How do you feel about Wizards of the Coast abstaining from entering products?

Quote from: James McMurrayWhich do you prefer, Amber or Nobilis, and why?

Well, i'm not very knowledgable on either of them. So, just from what I have read on them both Amber seem a little more to my liking. Again, have not played either of them.

QuoteWhich do you prefer, nWoD or D&D 3.5, and why?

D&D V3.5, overall good game. The basic mechanics are simple and easy. There is also a lot support for the game and players are easy to find.

QuoteDo sales figures reflect quality, why or why not?

Not always. Some games that have a license to a popular IP will sell copies just because of the IP. Also there are a lot of high quality games form small publishers that doesen't sell nearly as much as they should, IMO.

Quote from: blakkieQuestion:  How do you feel about Wizards of the Coast abstaining from entering products?

I think that it would be good to have them enter, I don't think they would be a lock to win as many awards anymore. I think that some of thirdparty publishers have stepped up the quality of their products to compete with WotC. OTHOH, most publishers outside of WotC can't affoard the graphic design and art budget that WotC can.

I say their loss.

Quote from: James McMurrayWhich do you prefer, Amber or Nobilis, and why?

Which do you prefer, nWoD or D&D 3.5, and why?

Do sales figures reflect quality, why or why not?

I have no preference, haven't had the chance to play either.

I prefer D&D 3.5. I've had several unsatisfying experiences with WoD over the years...although I'd be willing to give it another shot.

No, of course not. A great game with no exposure can languish, while a mediocre game can sell with sufficiently aggressive marketing.

Quote from: blakkieQuestion:  How do you feel about Wizards of the Coast abstaining from entering products?

I think it is sportsmanlike of them to let smaller outfits have a chance to shine.

What is it that you are looking for when judging the worthiness of a product?

Different doesn't necessarily mean better. Agree or disagree?

What is the difference between writing a gaming product and playing one? Is there a noticeable difference between the two where RPG products are concerned? If so, what are they?

Quote from: One Horse TownWhat is it that you are looking for when judging the worthiness of a product?

I look @ the quality of the writing, setting, editing,layout,Art, and Mechanics. Another big thing is functionality. Does the book serve the purpose that it was intended for? How well or how bad? Is it easy to use? Does it make me want to play it? There are a lot of factors I take into account. When you get to the upper end of quality in RPGs you need along list of things to consider when seperating who is in and who is not.

QuoteDifferent doesn't necessarily mean better. Agree or disagree?

Agree. Just making a game different just for the sake of being different does not make the game better.If it is different, innovative, and high quality then it is better. It can't just be different, it has to have more to it than that.

QuoteWhat is the difference between writing a gaming product and playing one? Is there a noticeable difference between the two where RPG products are concerned? If so, what are they?

Since I have never written a gaming product for publication, that is hard one for me to answer. I guess in my mind they are two totally different things. Is there a certain aspect that you are thinking of? There just seems like there so many difference that I don't think anything short of an article could anwser it.

Yeah, that was a little unclear. Sorry.

Some RPG books (or mechanics) are better, or at least different, when played rather than just read. Without playing them, is there any way for a judge to reach a judgement about the products utility without actual play experience? If so what are they?

This may be related to what OHT is asking but I noticed that two of the awards are for "Best Writing" and "Best Rules". First, how would you distinguish these two categories? Second, what in your opinion is good writing for an RPG? What makes good rules?

How important is innovation in deciding if rules are good?