Editions of a Classic Game...which side are you on?

Let's face it, 1st Edition D&D is not 2nd, 2nd is not 3rd, and so on. Gamers have played the various versions, chosen their favorites, and will stand by their preferences no matter what. Won't they?

I find that declaring allegiance to a product is a proud tradition of geeks, especially gamer geeks. They are the consumer type that companies hold high (and more than likely upside down to catch what might fall from their pockets). Lately I've seen this practice of boasting one's favored gaming product diminish as the hobby has been opened wide for new blood curious enough to see what this gaming thing is all about. With them we have a fresh group ignorant of traditionalist ways and opinions and of the history of the hobby. Also, there's been a lot of folk outspoken in their hatred of Edition X, instead praising the name of it's counter Edition X.X. These people, as more and more new folk turn up, seem to be willing to ease up on their criticisms and belly up to the table anyway just to have something to play. Is this an honest and honorable way to approach something? Does it display one's principles or highlight one's own foolishness?

It seems to me that anyone willing to be on the fence about which edition is good and which is bad, or someone who makes a show of shifting back and forth, especially in the midst of an "Edition Debate," is either someone who stands to gain from both sides, like a third party developer, or someone whose focus goes beyond a number and rules set. The former gets significant exposure, naturally, since they have product which provides them an increased voice proportionate to the popularity of their material. This is an individual whose comments and arguments are to me completely invalid. I don't want some flexible simp telling me what I'll enjoy just so they can make a buck. If that's what they're business plan requires then I hope failure soon finds them. The latter is an individual who is both a publisher's dream come true and a person who understands what gaming is really about. The fun.

While writing this I realize that I enjoy gaming because it's fun, but I also know that I have certain brands I trust and will give them my loyalty no matter what. I straddle the columns (both A and B, fun and loyalty), not the Editions. I've decided to avoid declarations and just quietly enjoy what I enjoy. Those who deserve my money will get it.

Back to it then. Game on!