I think a lot has already been said, but just to throw in my bit, as I read this review last night. The impression I got was that the "barbs" were really aimed at US Games more than at Kat. However, one was in a sense used to criticise the other. Of course I understand the point that was being made about RWS reproductions, but is it really "either or" that spending goes on those or new decks? I don't think things are that simple.
The piece about the use of implied child labour was disturbing as I think a remark like this really needs to be backed up with some research. It may be true, but then again, it may not. I wonder if Mr Jensen really knows? Certainly most of the large publishers (the vast majority) now print in China so it is by no means something that only US Games chooses to do. I also assume that Kat would have had no say either way - so to imply that she is somehow exploiting anyone just doesn't make sense to me.
Of course, it's good in theory to see an opinionated review from someone with so much experience - that in itself is welcome. But perhaps this makes the rather catty parts of it even more questionable. Surely there would have been some way in which he could have made his points without being quite so ***** rude? If he is experienced he must know that it's one thing to be critical, it's another to try to be hurtful.
edited to add - I entirely understand the fact that many people feel that all tarot has to be of a certain type, and serious in terms of esotericism. I respect that, but I actually don't agree with it. I think tarot works in many ways for different people. There is no one "true tarot" and work that seems decorative and in some way frivolous to some may in fact work beautifully for others. There is room for aesthetics, and fun and fantasy and imagination in tarot, as well as seriousness and history and estoericism surely? I honestly don't think we need to choose one or the other.
I wonder if reviewers like this may forget (or not care) that they are not talking about the work of some rich and renowned artist with PR people to protect him/her. To successfully produce a deck is often an intensely demanding and rather isolated experience - it takes some individual determination and commitment to get to the end (and NO, using a computer - if you do the work properly - does not make it simple. It's the same as any other tool, using it well is demanding and time-consuming). If deck designers were simply out to make as much money as possible, I think there might be easier methods!
We have found, once again, that we personally cannot do a good deck - collage, computer or otherwise, in under around 4000 hours of work - I think other good decks are probably in that same range in terms of effort. That's no way to riches, but maybe it has a value that is equal but different to RWS reproductions. Give us a bit of a break Mr Jensen!
edited to say - okay, perhaps I am being catty here, but I say it with good humour. I was just going to gently suggest that Kat might like to write a review of Mr Jensen's "Tarot of the Ayrshire Witches"? BIG GRIN. (you can find it via tarotgarden of course).