John - I just wanted to say I agreed with your article almost 100%. The Legendary Collection is a joke. I truly believe the only reason someone would buy it is because the reverse holo tickles their fancy. Honestly, who wants the cards in it? The few good cards are already in abundance.
Supposedly, it was intended for draft play. I think it could have been made even better for draft, but regardless, draft is the least popular format of Pokémon; it is time consuming, and expensive. It's fun once in a while, sure, but it's not something people are going to do on a regular basis, and therefore, I don't see how it can earn enough money.
Anyway, as for the new format: Modified Modified, or whatever the hell it's called- I don't like it. I don't think that many people like it. It seems any new format will seem fun at first just because it's different, but this one drew some negative characteristics to people's attention almost immediately, especially the slowness and luck of the draw of the format.
Again, I know I haven't written much in a long, long, long time, and that's because there is nothing to write anymore. Unfortunately, I do not think Pokémon is in for a promising future. I've said that before, and I hate to repeat it, but it's true.
It's been downhill from the eliminations of the 15+ - or excuse me, the replacement of 15+'s STS division with the "Professor Program."
15+ players are dropping like flies, even 14 year olds are, because of the fact that they realize they are left with the Professor Program, which some people just consider an occasional mass of pointless E-mails. And the next set, supposedly, is going to be created by WotC. Wow. We're in for a dubious future...
I know that the same arguments always come up, but recently, after three players' DCIs have been threatened over an impersonation event this week, more attention, and negative attention, have been drawn to WotC.
For those of you that do not know, Andres Bomiester (15+), Matt Moss (15+), and Martin Moreno (14-) were threatened to have their DCI's banned because they used the same Message Board nicks WizPog "staff" use on their message board, and answered others responses obviously giving the impression they were the individual.
Was this right? Of course not... Is threatening their DCIs over this right? OF COURSE NOT. I wasn't threatened by Nintendo because of my nickname, ya know. =\ Anyway, that's just my opinion, and I can understand if you disagree with that, but I don't think that is the important issue.
But for everyone reading this - it's plain and simple: Pokémon, especially for the 15+, is going downhill. Not even nowhere- downhill. I wouldn't say it wasn't if I didn't know it wasn't! And if you are 14- it's only a matter of time. Do you all look forward to the Professor Program as your replacement for playing in the World Championships? I don't think most of you do. I think a lot of you want to play in the tournaments. I think those of you that went to the Gym and Stadium Challenges had a good time, and enjoyed the chance to win the trip, or even win the trip. And I don't think after all the time we've spent in this game- all the money we've spent on packs, all the fun we've had with friends, that we should have no say in this.
I'll tell you what though- I sure as hell won't buy another booster pack.
Personally, I don't think there is anything to lose anymore. I can always play with my friends and have fun- and anyone can always play online if they want, and truly, I have fun with that, and I think we all do.
I might not be as active on the site as I used to be - but I'm still here, I'm still playing, and I still feel the same way I always have regarding WotC's decisions. I don't know if we can do anything, but we sure as hell can try.
I don't know if there is support out there anymore, but we don't even have a chance if we don't get our voices out. Anyone? Write your response, please. (pojo@pojo.com).
Jason Klaczynski
aim: onettness
e-mail: onettness@aol.com