Just a quick note, I'm sorry but this is a Ra-less episode.

Indeed. I'm sorry about that, it seems somehow indecent.

Another great episode.

One question: Since Mayfair makes so much of their money on importing games from Europe, could this price fixing be used against them by their competition? For instance when a new game (that looks like it's going to be a real winner) comes out in Germany, couldn't Z-Man or Rio Grande emphasize with the designer and original publisher that they are going to make the game more popular by not being selective in their selling process? It just seems like Mayfair has really put themselves out on an island to stand up for what they think is right.

One comment: A few months ago a game store moved into my area. This has been a real treat for me because, until now, I basically couldn't see and feel these games live and in person until I made the online purchase. It has made me purchase games I never even considered because of the prospect of instant gratification and no shipping fees. Also, I have family members who are amazingly reluctant to shop online (especially the older ones.) This game shop has given me a physical location that I can recommend for them. The result is that I have probably been one of the game shops best customers, and I have received a lot more quality games.

I don't know what you are talking about! My review was all about

"A-grick-o-Ra!"

Oh, come on! I don't drink Coca-Co-RA!

But maybe you should.

Mmmm, that's good deity!


(Insert culturally insensitive remark here about Japanese soda.)

I prefer Doc-Thor Pepper for that. Electrically good taste worthy of thunderous applause.

Thanks!


With this announcement it is likely that Mayfair products will be carried more broadly at many FLGS. Because most game buyers don't know jack about gaming news it is unlikely that most customers wont even notice a change in Mayfair pricing. (Even if it does cost them a few sales to board game news hounds.) BGG users and podcast listeners are better informed than most board gamers.

As far as costing them when importing products, I understand that in some countries this policy is not as much of a shock as it is here. Additionally Mayfair has a proven track record at getting quality games to market, and have developed strong relationships with several key designers and foreign game companies. In other words, I suspect the decision wont cost Mayfair in the way you propose. Who knows? they may prefer to do business with Mayfair because of this policy.

It is possible that this policy will cost them some opportunities with US game designers, but I suspect that most talented designers would still be interested in having Mayfair bring their game to market, should the game fit well into Mayfair's product portfolio.

Erik may have a better answer though.



Wow, sounds like a success story. I wish all FLGS relationships blossomed so well but, as mentioned in the podcast, some stores actually encourage people not to shop there.

Dear Blooper Reel,
I took you for granted, and now you left without even a note. I was foolish. I miss you. Come back.

I enjoyed the new guest host though.

I had no idea if people really liked them or they were a waste of bandwidth. How does everyone else feel about them? If they are missed I'll make the time to add them in in the future, when there is material.

Oh, I may have some un-played bloopers from old episodes, should I toss them or work them in to future blooper reels?



New guest host? There was just Scott, Erik, and myself, the normal three of us. Though we would certainly be happy to have guest hosts.

I liked 'em. I think they're worth it. I was quietly hoping there just wasn't material this time and that it'd definitely be back.

Arathorn

Maybe he means the intro voice.

Excellent, I'll make sure to include them in the future. I know Erik likes them as well, so I'm sure he'll include blooper segments when he's editing.

Oh yeah! Connie, my fiancé, has started doing our intros. She was part of the in the first episode - in the Santy Anno review. She's expressed some willingness to do some reviews and possibly participate in other segments.

Oh, there's always material. Too much material. We probably cut as much as we leave in...

Indeed, but most of what I cut nobody wants to hear. I don't put dead air or me wheezing into the mic in the out takes.

And no need to hope quietly, please let us know what you like. Podcasters pretty much live on feedback.

I assumed he meant Pierce (sp?).

Apparently I've used up my quota for being clever. I never even thought of Pierce or Connie.

Yes, I meant Erik's son. That kid really told Mayfair where to stick it.

Regarding the bloopers, I wouldn't dredge up any of the old stuff to add to the end of a show.

Excellent show guys. I thought this was a well thought out discussion of the pricing topic. It will be interesting to see who follows suit and not. I would hope this would be an opportunity for some smaller companies to get their games in front of more people as you talked about briefly.
Thanks for the Agricola review. It sounds like a lot of fun. As does Pick & Pack.
Thanks,
tomg

Thanks! We tried to talk about it from as many different angles as possible, both hobby-wide and an individual company/purchaser standpoint. Erik made it sound like we knew what we were talking about.
Yeah! New games for me to buy in any case, I haven't played either one of them!

In Australia what Mayfair is doing is actually illegal according to the trade practices act. I'm not sure what they would do if anyone actually decided to take them on locally. I suspect that the game prices available for Australian distribution might suddenly start to rise due to all sorts of "unrelated factors". It wouldn't be worth it for any of the smaller online retailers here to challenge them.

Ah Piers. Any chance to grab the mic, my little 2 year old goes "I am a robot!"