TOPIC: Distrubtion Method for Combo Items Discussion

I know that Dave is deep in thought on how to best handle the distribution of Combo Items for this year.  How to balance the needs of the many and workload of a few.<br /><br />I thought we, as a community could put some ideas out there, see what the temperature is and perhaps find a way to make the whole experience easier for all involved.<br /><br />First, we must acknowledge that with the exception of the 4C item, all the materials are currently available in the hands of the Players.  (4C = 4 Cauldron, the number of Cauldrons at the bottom of a combo token)<br /><br />Second, we must acknowledge that often times demand can exceed supply when it comes to cool things.<br /><br />Third, we should note that some like the exclusiveness of an item, if the only place to get and would be to go to GenCon and get it there.<br /><br /><br />I would like to see the ability to mail in 1C, 2C, and even 3C sets to obtain combo items in advance to GenCon.<br />Pro #1 - Less tokens to pack in a players suitcase.<br />Pro #2 - Shorter turn-in lines at the Convention, means less stress on the volunteers handling the token exchange.<br />Pro #3 - Advance knowledge of the number combo tokens needed to be printed.<br />Pro #4 - Allows those who have gone in the past, but can't go this year, to still get some of the tokens for when they return<br />Pro #5 - Addresses the concerns of those Players who fear the amount of combo tokens printed will not be sufficient for the demand.<br /><br />Con #1 - With the exception of the 4C item, the exclusivity of the items decreases (anyone with the right stuff and Gold Peices can get it before the convention without attending)<br />Con #2 - Additional work up front for Dave (and co.) to confirm bagged contents and mail back the combo items.<br />Con #3 - Additional Postage costs due to returning the tokens created.<br /><br />As I said I do hope that we can mail in tokens to get combo items in advance as I am just not liking the concept that I am going to have to pay the airlines $75 to take an additional bag that weigh under 50lbs just so I can get combo tokens at the convention.<br /><br />Just my 2 anti-toxins (as all my gold has been shipped to dave for conversion to bars)<br />Greyseer

I would support this idea.<br /><br />Another possibility is 4 lines for the trade in tokens(assuming we aren't allowed to mail in, or even if we are allowed to mail in).  From what I understand combo trade-ins are done during specific times so scheduling the volunteers to do it should be fairly easy.  This would make it less-stressful for the volunteers and easier to keep track of supplies.

I think it is pretty hard to find something that is both fair and does not take up a lot of Dave's already busy time during the con. We have to be fair and recognize that many token collectors and a ton of TD players don't frequent this forum. <br /><br />I think that there will be huge demand for these tokens; much greater than seen in previous years. Unlike many of the previous years combo items which were fun to have; these ones are useful. The combo boot may have some competition with the boots of free action, but many characters will want the saves, except for the thief. And, since they are very easy to make, I bet there will be tons of them wanted. The bracelets are amazing and it's pretty hard not to think that these will run out, no matter how many are made. Everyone collecting tokens will probably try to make one or two of the staff and the medallion too. So, I too worry that there will not be enough made.<br /><br />I would like to suggest a variation on Greyseer's idea. In 2006, we were only allowed to make a single token, until everyone had their chance in line, to be sure Dave would have extras before we made more than one. What if we might be able to send the tokens for one of each of the combo tokens, to guarantee that each person sending in tokens could get one for themselves. Dave would then have our names on a list and give them out when he saw us, or at some specified time. This would prevent the problem with time/postage.<br /><br />There would then be another time/place/something for all the collectors who want to make a million combo tokens as well as those who do not frequent the forums.

<br />I think it is pretty hard to find something that is both fair and does not take up a lot of Dave's already busy time during the con. We have to be fair and recognize that many token collectors and a ton of TD players don't frequent this forum. <br /><br />I think that there will be huge demand for these tokens; much greater than seen in previous years. Unlike many of the previous years combo items which were fun to have; these ones are useful. The combo boot may have some competition with the boots of free action, but many characters will want the saves, except for the thief. And, since they are very easy to make, I bet there will be tons of them wanted. The bracelets are amazing and it's pretty hard not to think that these will run out, no matter how many are made. Everyone collecting tokens will probably try to make one or two of the staff and the medallion too. So, I too worry that there will not be enough made.<br /><br />I would like to suggest a variation on Greyseer's idea. In 2006, we were only allowed to make a single token, until everyone had their chance in line, to be sure Dave would have extras before we made more than one. What if we might be able to send the tokens for one of each of the combo tokens, to guarantee that each person sending in tokens could get one for themselves. Dave would then have our names on a list and give them out when he saw us, or at some specified time. This would prevent the problem with time/postage.<br /><br />There would then be another time/place/something for all the collectors who want to make a million combo tokens as well as those who do not frequent the forums.<br />

<br /><br />One problem with that is the same problem that was discussed a year or two ago about limiting people from bidding on more than one auction item.  It would be very easy for people to enlist friends to send tokens in for them and get around the one per person rule.<br /><br />One thought is - that the combo tokens were designed to be a kind of token sink to get excess tokens out of the system.  Given that, why put any kind of limits on it at all?  Accomodate every single token turn-in that anyone has.  If mail order were allowed in addition to turn-in at GENCON, that accomodates everyone, and takes pressure off the volunteers to process what is sure to be a record number of combo turn-ins this year.  Plus, mail-order would make TD much better able to guess the overall demand for the tokens.

I agree with Mike.  I would prefer the option to send in what I have now in order to assure that I receive the combination tokens that I have the proper recipe bits for.  My vote would be to create a cutoff date for mail in redemption. 

Keep in mind that the combo tokens were originally designed to be an at the con type of even and transaction.  If we take orders ahead of time, while it wont hit all the people who desire the tokens, will pretty much defeat the desire to have something to do at the con, with tokens.<br /><br />Having said that, keep the ideas coming.  It will help when we get to that point.<br /><br />Dave<br />

Mail in would be a great option - VOLs with limited time or shifts getting in the way might be at a disadvantage...<br /><br />With trade items coming from CAL and CAN can't we get some help an not be looking at baggage issues?  PLEASE...?

allow volunteers to send in for 1 of each before the con and then do the rest at the con. That way all us volunteers have a chance to get one before they are gone, in case we can't make it when the trade-ins are going on.

What about having a voucher with a serial number, and name on it that is logged on your end?  That way we can be guaranteed to get one at GenCon, and have to go to GenCon to turn in the voucher.  <br /><br />Put the name and serial number on file so that only the person who turned them in can use them, and if they are lost or whatnot they can be looked up.  In fact you could email the voucher information.

Whatever works best is fine by me.  I do admit to liking the idea of being able to mail in for the 1, 2 and 3C combos.  I can see with the current tokens weighing as much as they do why people having to fly in would want to reduce the load of tokens that they have to bring.<br /><br />Kim

so, one big issue for wanting the mail in option is to guarantee that you get your tokens, and one big issue against the mail in plan is that these combos were designed to be a special gencon only type of thing...well, why not just guarantee that anyone who brings the tokens to trade during those trade-in hours is guaranteed the item...just maybe not during gencon.  once the on hand supply runs out (if it runs out...which many are expecting), anyone turning in tokens fills out a form to have the tokens mailed to them AFTER GENCON.  sure, it wont be as cool as getting the tokens right then, but at least you will be guaranteed to get them.  and if this is in place, you can almost guarantee everyone will get at least one of each token they are trading for at gencon because any of the big buyers can just trade in for 1 or 2 immediately (for use this year) and then fill out the form for mailing for the excess, leaving enough tokens for those who only show later during gencon.

I am sure wednesday night is hectic, but a forum only turn in session would probably make most people here very happy.