This is the most pressing question.. and here is the post dated Nov 16 2006 from Will, a WW staffer. It is pretty clear, you can also read it at its source.

This didn't happen at Gen Con. Things were already in motion, by then.

We've been working on MMO-related stuff for a while, ranging from brainstorming to some serious design work, though nothing you'd really call "preproduction" by any means. It's not like we're just getting started now that the legal paperwork is done.

CCP is not making the MMO. WE are making the MMO -- CCP and White Wolf, together.

The MMO is not intended as a replacement for the paper RPG. Right now, we're committed to both projects as aspects of our larger, ongoing virtual world -- the World of Darkness. Likewise, we're hoping EVE will get similar treatment, becoming a deeper setting through both MMO and paper-RPG play. The only reason I think we'll abandon paper RPGs is if you abandon us first.

The MMO will not be the paper RPG online. MMOs and paper RPGs need different things to do what they do well. We're planning on making a great MMO and a great paper RPG, without forcing either to do the other's bidding.

Cheers,
Will

Source

Also here are more links to dev interviews talking about how they can't about the WoD MMORPG...

Ten Ton Hammer
Video Gaming 24/7
Planet Vampire