I'm not in fear of getting screwed by Issaries, Inc. Simple self-preservation & interest dictates that they not piss off the very people upon whom they depend for long term investments (purchases) and new material, not to mention helping to keep Glorantha alive through the Dark Years.
I'm not worried about the legal ramifications of their "not an investment" plan. They will take the brunt of any legal repercussions, and that's why Greg, et.al. have employed legal counsel. It's their lookout.
I'm not going to complain Issaries isn't being touchy-feely enough. As long as a company produces a quality product at a reasonable price without use of slave or conscript labor, does not employ monopolistic or unfair trading practices, and treats both employees and customers with respect, I don't feel I have a reason or right to be concerned.
I'm not a lawyer, and I am not going to debate whether the plan is legal in this state or that, because even if I were, would the laws of California apply in Texas? Mostly, no. Would the laws of the U.S. apply to so-called investors in Europe? No.
I'm not worried about being ripped off, because legal pettifoging and hair-splitting legal arguments aside, this is a request for donations. I regard any money sent as GONE. Material rewards have been offered, but so what? That's a bonus, a way of a company saying "Thanks!" to the people who supported it. To me, it is no different that buying a ticket at a charity raffle. I may get something, I may not. In fact, I probably _won't_ as I have attended only one Glorantha convention ever; I just don't have the money/time to blow on cross-country trips.
I'm not going to worry about whether there's a better possible plan and refuse to participate becasue it's not being used, because that's counterproductive to the goal I want, which is an in-print Gloranthan RPG. (I imagine trying to be touchy-feely with everybody's different ideas and plans, after a year's frustration and money down the drain because of laws that shouldn't even apply to you wuld be a challenge... )
While some people carp, others flame, some claim they were misrepresented, accusations of lying fly, and everybody wastes time arguing back and forth. "Experts" of all sorts come out of the woodwork to tell a company that has invested the last year and precious $$$ on this project how to run their business.
THE BOTTOM LINE IS WHETHER OR NOT ANYBODY THINKS THERE IS A "BETTER" PLAN OUT THERE, THIS IS THE ONE ISSARIES IS GOING WITH TO GET HERO WARS OFF THE GROUND AND IF WE _EVER_ WANT TO SEE GLORANTHA IN PRINT WE NEED TO RALLY 'ROUND AND SEND THE MONEY INSTEAD OF BACKSEAT DRIVING!!!!! As you can guess by my attitude and willingness to express the same, I don't keep a lot of friends. :-) But the ones I do keep are not idiots. I'm sending Issaries my $100. I'd send more, because I want to see Glorantha back in print, but I'm so strapped it isn't funny. So I'm getting up a few friends who have played in my campaigns over the years, and encouraging them to do so. I'd go Hero if I could, hell if my 6 numbers would come up in the lottery I play every now and then (a.k.a. the stupid tax), I'd give more. Because I want to see a Gloranthan RPG in print again.
If any of you don't, fine. Keep your money. Flame me for an intolerant ranting maniac who shouldn't be allowed at a keyboard if it makes you feel better. But shut up and stop telling Issaries how to run their business and the rest of us what to do with our money.
Charles Domino
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