We Few, We Happy Few, We Band of Brothers

http://wp.me/p5VSx-10g

Editor’s Note: Behind the scenes inter-workings. This was going to be the title of the previous post, but it was combined with a previous draft and was less of an inspirational speech and more of a personal deceleration. Now, I’m really happy I can use this title.

And Crispin Crispian shall ne’er go by,
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remembered-
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne’er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition;

– Henry V, Shakespeare

First, I want to thank you all for yesterday. I’m glad that I it was accepted with such gusto by the MTG community. That was, by far, the most visited and voted on non-Lotus Cobra is Evil post in a while here on MTGCP. If I inspired you to do the same thing, good, we need more people like you.

Now that The Great Designer Search 2 has begun, it’s time to get cracking.

If you haven’t read it yet, I would suggest clicking that link and taking a look at it. Besides the really long text, there is a hugely changed difference from last year.

Fan participation.

Even if you’ve been knocked out or don’t live in the US or even if you’re underage, you can still participate.

And I need your help.

My philosophy is one person can’t build a set, let alone a block by themselves. Having a team to build decks are important for several reasons, but most importantly to have more eyes and brains working on it. Sometimes they’ll see things that you never thought of and vice versa. That’s why most deckbuilders work as teams and actual Magic sets get designed and developed by teams as well. You don’t want to design a complete set, let alone a block, by yourself. Besides of the heavy influence of what type of player you are (Spike/Johnny/Timmy), you don’t get that second, third, fourth, 100^th pair of eyes that Wizards does when they create their cards. The last set that was mostly solo’d by one person was Urza’s Destiny.

Mark Rosewater designed that set.

If one of the most prolific Magic designers of all time can’t create a balanced, fun set of Magic, what chance does one single person have?

You want people who have creative ideas, who work well in a group together, who will actively listen to what you say, who won’t hold back what they’re thinking, who aren’t afraid to take Ms. Frizzle’s advice: Take chances, make mistakes. You also need people who will put their egos aside and do what’s best for the design.

The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.

I think that’s from the bible (or Star Trek).

So, how can you help? I’m looking for people interested joining together to help bounce ideas off of. Yes, once the Top 8 happens, then if multiple people are there all bets are off and its an entirely new game. Players aren’t voting for their favorite, so it’s not like American Idol where I’m asking you to phone in and vote for me. I (or you if you’re entering), have to get their with my (your) own merit. If you’re too young, or you don’t live in the US I’d be happy to have you contribute.

And yes, I’m willing to help you out as well. This isn’t a one way street. You’re gonna have to get a hold of me (I have contact info on my wiki page) and I’d be glad to help out. Again, the more eyes the better.

If you’re interested in getting together, go here (http://bit.ly/GDS2MTGCP), as that’s my wiki page I’ve got going for this. It will keep you updated on what I’m working on, and what I need help with. At this post’s publishing, it’s still under construction. Sign up on the wiki (I’ll eventually move the names to another place) if you’re interested and we’ll start working soon.

I want you to know that from what I read, and taking a look at the other “worlds” so far, I’m going to be doing things a little differently than what’s going on. Details on the wiki soon; expect to get it fully operational by Sunday(ish). Yes, this wiki is just like the Death Star.

If you’re on twitter, I’ve set up a twitter account so I don’t flood your normal account with GDS2 stuff: @GDS2MTGCP (Hey, I’m a fan of branding). Sure, I’ll still talk about it there, but if I’m going into discussion or talking about #TeamColorPie instances, I’m heading there.

If you’re entering, I wish you good luck. If you want to help, welcome to Team Color Pie.