Looks like they are going to take another dive into the reprint pool with 3.5:
http://wizards.com/dnd/Article.aspx?x=d ... s/20120625

I could be tempted by a Rules Cyclopedia, I don't have a copy, and it can be pricey this side of the Atlantic.  

I'm sticking with my previous theory about contracts with the printers.  If they have to print something to keep from paying  a fee to not print, reprints make sense since they have all but stopped adding new information to the current edition.  This keeps something in the pipeline for consumers and could possibly lessen some of the hard feelings within the community.  It's a win-win for WotC but it kicks resellers with inventory where it hurts since a shiny new copy (with errata) at the same price as a dinged up old copy is a better purchase.

As far as the survey goes, who knows how that's going to work out.  Some people are hoping for compilations (best of, etc) but I think it might be a tool to decide what sort of non-core material should be in the first run of the new edition.

Sardan wrote:I'm really puzzled by the reprint of the 3.5 books, and the survey about what else from that edition should be reprinted. I am not sure why WotC would do that, particularly with 5e in the wings.

I wonder how many of us did that....but in the comments added "no more 3.x but MORE OD&D AND/OR 1st Edition!"

GreyM wrote:

Sardan wrote:I'm really puzzled by the reprint of the 3.5 books, and the survey about what else from that edition should be reprinted. I am not sure why WotC would do that, particularly with 5e in the wings.

I wonder how many of us did that....but in the comments added "no more 3.x but MORE OD&D AND/OR 1st Edition!"

Ha! I did exactly that!

That's the part that confuses me. I spent about 20 years around the printing industry, though not actually running a press. I've done artwork, layout, service bureau, used a stat camera for a while, and even some time working on negs. I can't say that I can recall hearing of a situation where the client has had a contract binding them to use a particular printer for 'X' copies over a period of time.

But who can say in the wacky world of contract law? What makes you suspect WotC is engaging in this?

WotC has a $50MIL goal set for itself, and 4E isn't cutting it. It's had stiff competition with Paizo in recent quarters. They are in need of something to not only grab hold of a new client base, but keep what they have or regain what they have lost. Enter DDN. AD&D and 3E were the high water marks for the game. The best option for getting the old customers back is to go after the two highest draws from the prior editions first. Others might follow in time, but it wouldn't be a great idea for them to start with the lower end of the sales spectrum.

I have to wonder, though, about other material past the core rules. Would it benefit them more to print only core rules from prior editions, and release the other old material in updated form to 5E specs? Or, would it be better to print 5E core only, then reprint the older material as is?

so basically they are reprinting the leather bound editions? were they not the editions with all of the erratas in before print?

SoulCatcher78 wrote:Now if there was errata to the errata they have a chance to fix that as well, lol

There was indeed errata to the errata, or at least errata after the special editions.

Publication dates
Special Edition Player's Handbook (October 2004)
Special Edition Dungeon Master's Guide (October 2005)
Special Edition Monster Manual (October 2006)

Latest errata, according to this page
Player's Handbook v.3.5 -- 02/16/2006
Dungeon Master's Guide v.3.5 -- 03/12/2004
Monster Manual v.3.5 -- 02/16/2006

So at least the PHB could be updated again. (I haven't checked if the SE Monster Manual includes the Feb errata or not.)