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WOTC CHAT REPORT
February 21, 2003 - by CHRISBO

Well, the first Super Battle Zone events were held last weekend, and from most accounts it sounds like they were highly successful.  In addition to SBZ discussions, there was a lot of talk about the Professor Program (delegates need to send in their reports, or else...).  Finally, there is the first official mention of changing the Modified format later on this year (as to be expected, of course); please don't ask what the new format will be, you know they won't release that kind of information until it's good & ready.

Later,
 - CHRISBO

BATTLE ZONE / SUPER BATTLE ZONE:

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #26 from gym_leader_blaine:
so was SBZ all that you hoped it would be? And do you think it went well enough to see another one in May like you said last chat, we might if things go right?

master_trainer_mike says, "I am still going over feedback reports but I hear you all enjoyed it and I've heard positive feedback from many of the stores as well. You should see it again for Skyridge."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #77 from skywolf9653:
Mike, Is there a shot that some of the stores that participated in the first SBZ, could participate in the second one, if a second one is done?

master_trainer_mike says, "I will be going over the feedback reports and event reports. Any locations that did a good job will be considered for the next event."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #112 from farbsman:
Do you have complete numbers (or estimates) for the number of people that attended the SBZ?
master_trainer_mike says, "Not yet, it looks like the average attendance was in the mid 20's (many full, many small numbers due to the bad weather that weekend)."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #117 from yoshi1001:
Re: 112 There is an ongoing topic on Wizpog. The estimate right now is somewhere in the 1200-1400 range for all 50.
master_trainer_mike says, "Cool. We will get a more accurate number once all of the sanctioning reports are in."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #48 from marril2000:
while looking at the Super BattleZone trophies, i noticed that one of them (the 15+ i believe) was lacking a stand. Is there any reasons to why one of the trophies didn't have a stand?

master_trainer_mike says, "Different age groups, different trophies."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #57 from steve_p:
we got a disposable camera in our SBZ kit. We plan on developing the film. You want copies, right?
master_trainer_mike says, "If you'd like. We included it for you guys for your own use."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #63 from wizo_pokemom:
did all SBZ kits have a camera in them?
master_trainer_mike says, "They should have, though we made the kits by hand here in the office and have learned a few items ended up missing (sorry)."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #95 from skywolf9653:
Mike, did you want the banners returned for SBZ?
master_trainer_mike says, "Nope, the stores get to keep those as a thank you! Use them for your regular BattleZone events!"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #97 from steve_p:
I have a few adults who attended our SBZ who are not professors. Who you like to hear from them (and any other non-professors)?

master_trainer_mike says, "Anyone that wants to pass along some feedback is welcome to do so at custserv@wizards.com"

PROFESSOR PROGRAM:

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #22 from pokesensei:
Hey guys! Some Q's being thrown around. If a Master professor HJ`ed/TO`ed an SBZ, will he/she get two points towards the Master Professorship if they send in the SBZ Feedback form?

master_trainer_mike says, "Yes....."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #36 from bigdaddysnorlax:
I noticed in a recent post on Wizpog that you said the Professor Delegate program will run through March. I knew it had been extended through February, but now we can visit stores and promote BZ through March?

master_trainer_mike says, "Yes, this is partially due to the fact that I have only received reports from about half of the delegates. I will be letting them know they made an agreement and they need to follow through with it. I will not accept any additional Delegates after Feb 28th (your form must be postmarked by then). I will still accept and reward Delegate reports until March 31st :)"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #118 from wizo_pokemom:
what kinds of sanctions are Delegates who did not delegate facing, if any?
master_trainer_mike says, "It depends, I will contact each person but they could be removed form the Professor program if necessary."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #74 from yoshi1001:
Will the prof test be updated sometime?
master_trainer_mike says, "When we finally have time to do so. I guess I can stop working on BattleZone, Delegate Program, Professor cards, Challenge Series, and products so I can update the test if you'd rather."

master_trainer_mike smirks.

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #78 from steve_p:
many of the Master Prof cards will be expiring soon. Will new ones be sent (for those who updated their personal info on DCI)?

master_trainer_mike says, "Make sure your information is updated. I will be putting in a new membership card order soon. All Feb and March expiring cards will be submitted for new copies."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #110 from farbsman:
Will we be able to order more Blue Pokemon shirts? one for two events a week really isn't enough.
master_trainer_mike says, "I am almost out and will be reordering them. I'll get back to you on this one after I look at my budget."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #114 from farbsman:
RE: #110, could we possibly buy the shirts, instead of just receiving them?
master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #115 from enik_the_sleestak:
will the blue professor shirts available for purchase or perhaps by earning a lot of participation points for professors and/or master profs?

master_trainer_mike says, "I do not have any way set up for that at this time. I will be looking into it."

MODIFIED FORMAT:

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #55 from nidoking12345:
do you have any idea when there will be a new modified
master_trainer_mike says, "Sept 1, 2003."

darkmt_mike presents the speaker with question #83 from master_o_pokemon:
Do you have an idea of what will be rotated out of Modified on Sept. 1, 2003?
darkmt_mike says, "Yes."
master_trainer_mike says, "Yup."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #89 from pwannabe:
RE55 What sets will be rotated out in the next Modified Format?
master_trainer_mike says, "Not going to talk about it."
darkmt_mike says, "I could...but I won't."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #98 from articjedi:
are you guys going to rotate out a few sets every year from now on?
master_trainer_mike says, "Wait and see"

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