How to Create and Operate a Successful Custom Card Discussion Thread

jpastorjpastor
in Tutorials

Custom Card Discussions are open, creative, and often some of the longest-running and most interesting threads on MTG Cardsmith. These are places to show off card designs, ask for feedback, brainstorm new ideas, or just talk about Magic design in general.

This guide will show you how to start and maintain a vibrant, welcoming Custom Card Discussion thread!

💭 What Is a Custom Card Discussion?

A Custom Card Discussion is not a contest or a challenge—it's a conversation.

You might create a discussion to:

  • Share a single card and ask for feedback

  • Discuss a group of cards (e.g., a custom set)

  • Workshop mechanics, flavor, or worldbuilding

  • Talk about card design theory ("What makes a good planeswalker?")

  • Inspire others with design ideas or themes

It’s open-ended and typically ongoing—perfect for evolving conversations!

🛠️ Step 1: Pick a Clear Focus

The best discussions have a clear “center.”
Before posting, decide:

🎯 What is this discussion about?

  • A specific card or design?

  • A mechanic or concept?

  • A custom set or world?

  • A design philosophy ("How important is flavor text?")?

If you’re just sharing random designs, that’s fine too—but still give it a theme, like “Weird and Wacky Cards” or “Cards That Tell a Story.”

🧵 Step 2: Create the Forum Thread

Click on New Discussion.

🏷️ Suggested Title Formats:

  • [Discussion] Help Me Workshop My Mechanic: Overwhelm!

  • [Discussion] Share Your Favorite Card Designs!

  • [Custom Set Discussion] Tales of Veloria – Feedback Needed

  • [Design Talk] How Much Text is Too Much Text?

Make the title inviting and clear!

📝 Suggested First Post Template:

# 🃏 [Discussion] Help Me Workshop My Mechanic: Overwhelm!

Hey everyone!

I’m designing a mechanic called **Overwhelm**, and I’d love your feedback and ideas. Here's the mechanic:

> **Overwhelm** — If this creature would deal excess damage to a blocking creature, it deals that much damage to the defending player as well.

---

## 📜 Example Cards:

**Raging Herdbeast**  
2RG  
Creature — Beast  
Overwhelm (If this creature would deal excess damage to a blocking creature, it deals that much damage to the defending player as well.)  
Trample  
4/3

---

## 🔥 Discussion Questions:

- Is this mechanic too close to Trample?
- How could it be made more distinct?
- Would it be fun to play with?

---

Feel free to share your thoughts, design suggestions, or even your own cards using **Overwhelm**!
Thanks! 🎨

🎯 Step 3: Foster a Friendly and Active Discussion

You set the tone!
To keep your discussion lively:

  • Reply to every comment you get

  • Ask follow-up questions (“What if the mechanic triggered differently?”)

  • Like and react to posts

  • Thank people for ideas, even if you disagree

  • Post updates as you tweak your designs

If your thread gets quiet, post a new card or idea to keep the conversation going!

📌 Step 4: Keep Things Organized (Optional)

For big projects (like custom sets or long series), consider:

  • Indexing your designs in the first post

  • Adding edit updates (e.g., “Update 4/24: Changed mechanic wording”)

  • Linking to cards via MTG Cardsmith

  • Numbering your custom cards for easy reference

Helps readers follow along easily!

🎨 Step 5: Invite Others to Participate

People love when they're included!

Encourage participants to:

  • Share their own designs related to your topic

  • Suggest changes or variants

  • Build on your ideas (“What if Overwhelm worked with Instants too?”)

  • Offer alternate versions

Collaboration makes discussions thrive!

💬 Sample Types of Successful Discussions

Here are some popular styles:

Type Example
Mechanic Discussion "Help Me Refine the 'Rebloom' Mechanic"
Flavor Discussion "Worldbuilding for My Custom Set: Need Plane Ideas"
Open Sharing "Post Your Funniest Card Designs!"
Critique Workshop "Critique the Card Above You!"
Theory Talk "What Makes a Good Common?"

💡 Tips for a Great Custom Card Discussion

✅ Be welcoming to new posters
✅ Set a casual, low-pressure tone
✅ Keep first posts concise but engaging
✅ React and reply to every piece of feedback
✅ Have fun—even "bad" ideas can lead to great ones!

🧰 Bonus: Want a Discussion Starter Kit?

I can help you:

  • Write an opening post

  • Format example cards

  • Brainstorm sample discussion questions

  • Design a basic "roadmap" if it’s a big project (like a custom set)

Would you like me to help you put together a Custom Card Discussion Starter Kit for your next thread? 🎨✨
If so, just tell me your topic!

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