Homebrew DesignRoll up your sleeves and get working: there's lots of homebrewin' to be done! Post your custom creation for critiques or review those of your peers.
I've made simple websites before, as well as set up my own forums. I was planning to for my game at some point.
And a Kickstarter.. That's a really good idea. I don't know what I'd be allowed to say about it here, though. Besides *Winkwink*Fourthland Kickstarter*Winkwink*. I'd probably want to talk to mods about it. I've already done a bit of discussion with them about donation, but I'm not sure what the verdict on this would be.
I did a lot of looking into Kickstarter, but I'm a little concerned that it is affected by taxes and requires you to list the contact information of a "Business" on your Amazon account. Little bit afraid of IRS troubles that could result. I'm sure it's alright, and I'll likely still set one up, but I want to do a bit more research first.
1. We did not play Fourthland this weekend. We started Grimtooth's Dungeon of Doom, though. I think the total death count was in the 30s.
2. I am doing more research into the business requirement of Kickstarters. I have submitted a help request on the topic.
3. My copyright-friend has talked me out of Preregistering, given that it doesn't actually do much and it has such a large cost. The new plan is to publish and copyright the first draft in increments, going through the process for each separately. In the long run, this will likely be cheaper.
4. I plan to claim that domain very soon. I've dabbled in web design and know some people that do it for a living. I'll likely set up my own forums there, though they won't be terribly active for a while still.
5. Sending a PM to Roland about whether or not I can post a link to a Kickstarter here.
Here it is, word for word:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Welknair
I apologize for having to trouble you again, but I have another question about the status of donations/links to where things could be purchased. We have discussed this previously, and I don't mean to be redundant, so I'll keep it short.
For my WIP-game Fourthland, could I include a simple Kickstarter link at the bottom of the OP? It'd be a single word "Kickstarter", with the hyperlink. No advertisements, coercions or anything of that sort. If this is not acceptable, is there any way for me to notify followers of my thread as to the existence of a Kickstarter for the game? Would it be alright to PM interested individuals the link? PM them that there IS a kickstarter, but not supply the link? What, if anything, is acceptable?
Secondly, upon the hypothetical completion of said game, what would I be allowed to say regarding its ability to be purchased? Pretty much the same list of questions as above, starting with a single-word link to where it could be bought, without any form of coercement or advertisement to do so, ending with PMs without links sent to interested individuals.
Thank you for your time.
6. More work on game-phsyics, primarily how weight, breaking, and supports work.
7. Consideration about one of my original design goals that I forgot to mention, and one that is VERY RELEVANT given the section of this thread: "Homebrew-ability". The property of a game that allows homebrew to be created for it. I want my game to very much encourage homebrew, and I've seen many games that do and don't do so. For example, D&D 3.5e is obviously quite homebrew-able. 4e, not so much (Though Surrealistik does make some decent stuff). This is because it is more difficult to create classes, which were always the most popular topic of homebrew. Exalted is another example of something that's difficult to homebrew for. What're you going to make? You can make side-charms, or martial arts styles, but that's about it.
In my game, you'll be able to (And encouraged to, if you have the capacity) homebrew the falling, among others: Shapes (Class-things. I expect tons of these.), Alchemies and Masteries (*Sinister Laughter*), Creatures (Why of course!), Materials, and finally Energies (That's right. You can add your own.),
Why of course you can! Even if I didn't decide to specifically encourage it, I'm pretty sure people like you guys would add them anyways. I'm going to include a couple example "Extra Energies" and suggest that advanced groups choose four Extras from those that I include and those that others make to mix things up, so each game world is a bit different.
Why of course you can! Even if I didn't decide to specifically encourage it, I'm pretty sure people like you guys would add them anyways. I'm going to include a couple example "Extra Energies" and suggest that advanced groups choose four Extras from those that I include and those that others make to mix things up, so each game world is a bit different.
That's cool! It'd make each game of Fourthland just that much more different.
Question is, what about the consequences of new energies? Because you're going to be working out how the 12 you have effect the world, but not necessarily the ones they come up with.
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Originally Posted by TravelLog
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Originally Posted by SamBurke
*snip* ...Hands down the funniest class critique I have ever read... *snip*
I cannot tell you the number of times I laughed while reading this.
That's cool! It'd make each game of Fourthland just that much more different.
Question is, what about the consequences of new energies? Because you're going to be working out how the 12 you have effect the world, but not necessarily the ones they come up with.
That IS an interesting point, and as you say, one that I cannot fully predict the outcome of. It'll be up to the Muse to decide what energies to include and to think about how they'll interact with each other and the main 12. I think some interesting things should result.
Fatigue makes me wax philosophic and/or babble. If I've posted something strange and tangential, that is probably the cause. This entry would be an example.
Fatigue makes me wax philosophic and/or babble. If I've posted something strange and tangential, that is probably the cause. This entry would be an example.
1. Keep in mind the number of the original 12 that you still don't know. Something like what you're thinking up maaay already exist.
2. We won't be using Extras in our playtest
3. I am taking the advice of my copyright friend about the incremental publishing. It won't be long before I'm ready to start writing the first increment, which should be sufficient for the first playtest with you guys.
4. Given the incremental, I don't need the 115, but rather 35 for each increment. I have enough to fund the first increment.
5. I got word back from the Kickstarter customer-service and they say that I do NOT need a business liscense, which is what I thought. It should be alright for me to make a Kickstarter. But..
6. I'm going to wait until I see the results of the first increment before I set up the Kickstarter.
7. Still no word back from Roland.
Dibs on Good/Heroism/Protaganistic energy. The power of how important something is, plot-wise.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Amechra
Guys, you are thinking in far too prosaic a way, my friends.
I call dibs on the 14th, Narrative Inertia.
And on the 15th, Flavor, because seriously, being able to make the sun taste like cherries is win.
I.. I am in awe. I am continually amazed by the sheer awesome-ness of you guys. SPOILER: The 16th Energy is 'Stache of Authority. SUPERSPOILER: They're all secretly Tyler Durden.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Story Time
...designs...and arts...and stuff...
Well, I used to be very good friends with an extremely talented artist that I was hoping to draw the majority of the artwork but.. IRL things came up and that is looking less likely. Perhaps I should make a post in the Arts and Craft section? For the first release pictures aren't required, but at some point I would like them.
Well, I used to be very good friends with an extremely talented artist that I was hoping to draw the majority of the artwork but.. IRL things came up and that is looking less likely. Perhaps I should make a post in the Arts and Craft section? For the first release pictures aren't required, but at some point I would like them.
...artists, if smart, will want a contract ( verbal agreement, minimum ) that a percentage of the profit goes to them based on the small amount of their art which is attached to the manual...
Last edited by Story Time : 05-14-2012 at 06:22 AM.
Reason: Punctuation
...artists, if smart, will want a contract ( verbal agreement, minimum ) that a percentage of the profit goes to them based on the small amount of their art which is attached to the manual...
I was under the impression that that was the way that things usually went.. Hmm.. I need to do some research about what reasonable percentages are. Though I suppose those physics ought to come first.
I need to do some research about what reasonable percentages are. Though I suppose those physics ought to come first.
From the perspective of a Publishing House, first-time authors usually have an eight percent portion of the profit for royalties. ...if they ever see it. Second-time authors can or should receive ten percent. Above that, anything to fifteen percent can be considered normal.
First-time artists...? I'll say two to five. Second-time, five to ten. ...and might not rise higher than that. Twelve at the most, maybe?
You as the publisher, can do what-ever you want. And if you are kind ( and prompt! can not stress this enough! ) with those residuals, the artists should be kind and consistent for you.
Some artists like the idea of a publisher buying the art rather than receiving residuals / royalties. However, residuals allow a non-famous artist to receive consistent payment, even if small.
Last edited by Story Time : 05-14-2012 at 08:43 AM.
Reason: Revision
From the perspective of a Publishing House, first-time authors usually have an eight percent portion of the profit for royalties. ...if they ever see it. Second-time authors can or should receive ten percent. Above that, anything to fifteen percent can be considered normal.
First-time artists...? I'll say two to five. Second-time, five to ten. ...and might not rise higher than that. Twelve at the most, maybe?
You as the publisher, can do what-ever you want. And if you are kind ( and prompt! can not stress this enough! ) with those residuals, the artists should be kind and consistent for you.
Some artists like the idea of a publisher buying the art rather than receiving residuals / royalties. However, residuals allow a non-famous artist to receive consistent payment, even if small.
That makes sense. Originally I was intending to do self-publishing via the Amazon Createspace, though I'm not entirely sure now. IIRC, the Createspace gave 60% profit to the author. The downside is that without a proper publisher or editor, it is very unlikely the book will ever find its way to bookstore shelves. Then again, most of my readers are finding out about it online.. I'm not entirely sure what to make of that quite yet.
I also understand the residual v single-price dichotomy. And I would of course want to treat my artist(s) well if I make it that far. Talented artists are difficult to come by.
Fatigue makes me wax philosophic and/or babble. If I've posted something strange and tangential, that is probably the cause. This entry would be an example.
You are the author and publisher. You take all of the profit.
That profit is then divided into taxes, royalties, residuals, and funds for further publishing, at your personal discretion.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Welknair
[...]most of my readers are finding out about it online..
Welknair has access to the Giant In The Playground Forums fan-base, as well as any word-of-mouth which spreads from one forum to another. Now...I don't like the idea of stealing fans, of course. That probably won't happen, but with the Information Age and the Internet as they are, you don't have to sell books to stores!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Welknair
Talented artists are difficult to come by.
Yes... I have seen publishing executives rip out the metaphorical hearts of optimistic, eager, and talented artists. It was disgusting. Artists of talent should be recognized and their noble craft should be respected. They should also be paid appropriately.
On a personal note? I would never use Amazon. Unethical business practices go on there. ...not every level, but they are visible.
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Remember: A Moderator has read your post.
Probably.
Spoiler
Quote:
Originally Posted by Story Time
It's not about your avatar. It's never about an avatar.
It's about a person...and the choice made by that person.
Last edited by Story Time : 05-14-2012 at 09:12 AM.
Reason: Spelling
What about Laughter, Kindness, Generosity, Honesty, Loyalty, Magic...
I have a great and terrible Idea...
Spoiler
Quote:
Originally Posted by Story Time
...I should really stop...I really should...
Spoiler
You are the author and publisher. You take all of the profit.
That profit is then divided into taxes, royalties, residuals, and funds for further publishing, at your personal discretion.
Welknair has access to the Giant In The Playground Forums fan-base, as well as any word-of-mouth which spreads from one forum to another. Now...I don't like the idea of stealing fans, of course. That probably won't happen, but with the Information Age and the Internet as they are, you don't have to sell books to stores!
Yes... I have seen publishing executives rip out the metaphorical hearts of optimistic, eager, and talented artists. It was disgusting. Artists of talent should be recognized and their noble craft should be respected. They should also be paid appropriately.
On a personal note? I would never use Amazon. Unethical business practices go on there. ...not every level, but they are visible.
If I have this straight (Which I likely don't) the Publisher is the person or group that manages the printing and distribution of the work. I don't exactly have a printing press at my disposal. If I wish to print this, I need a publisher. The Createspace allows for "Self Publishing" where Amazon effectively acts as the publisher, printing the books on demand. This raises another interesting question, though... Should I go through the effort to get it printed? Or would it be better to only sell it as a pdf or somesuch?
By now hopefully it is apparent that I am not a cold and ruthless executive at a corporation. I actually have a concience and would care about anyone working for/with me to create this game. Anyone aiding me (with art or otherwise) will get fair dues. As-is, I'm probably going to include acknowledgements to all you guys that are posting on this thread consistently. Of course artists or anyone else that contributes would be paid a reasonable amount.
If I thought that you were cold and ruthless, executive or other-wise, I would not help you.
There is only one kind of self publishing. That is when the author publishes the manual. I would...sincerely suggest searching for a publishing house located in or near your local area. It...it's so much easier and simpler to get an answer from a face or a voice than from a computer screen.
...and if they're trying to hide some-thing, it will be more easy to tell.
...by selling the books your-self, even if you are not able to do so the first time, no one will be able to hide costs, purchases, or expenses from you.
Presentation Document Format... Is a quick, if dangerous, way to make profit. As a publishing medium it is dangerous due to the easy replication of data known as copying. However, if you truly wish to burn Compact Disks with the file on it, along with any other material that you would like, this is an effective method of generating an income.
It is also possible to simply distribute the file, but I can not recommend this method for two reasons: First, the above data-replication note. Second, an enormously immense amount of users forget to back-up what they purchase. This would necessitate that you, or some-one, would have to keep records of all sales for decades...just to provide quality customer service.
Last edited by Story Time : 05-14-2012 at 09:41 AM.
If I thought that you were cold and ruthless, executive or other-wise, I would not help you.
There is only one kind of self publishing. That is when the author publishes the manual. I would...sincerely suggest searching for a publishing house located in or near your local area. It...it's so much easier and simpler to get an answer from a face or a voice than from a computer screen.
...and if they're trying to hide some-thing, it will be more easy to tell.
...by selling the books your-self, even if you are not able to do so the first time, no one will be able to hide costs, purchases, or expenses from you.
This makes sense. I'll look into finding local publishing houses. I- *Insert google-research here*
Well, I WAS under the impression that getting a proper publisher costed a deal of money. My google-fu didn't return that answer. Huh. If it does require a sum of money, as previously mentioned, I don't have much right now and am quite averse to taking loans. A quick search also returned a nice little list of local publishing houses. Taking a closer look now.
Swordsageedit:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Story Time
Presentation Document Format... Is a quick, if dangerous, way to make profit. As a publishing medium it is dangerous due to the easy replication of data known as copying. However, if you truly wish to burn Compact Disks with the file on it, along with any other material that you would like, this is an effective method of generating an income.
It is also possible to simply distribute the file, but I can not recommend this method for two reasons: First, the above data-replication note. Second, an enormously immense amount of users forget to back-up what they purchase. This would necessitate that you, or some-one, would have to keep records of all sales for decades...just to provide quality customer service.
I was thinking something akin to GURPS's system of online purchases. If you haven't used it before, they have an automoated database of accounts with information about what books each account has bought, allow re-download as long as you're logged in. I happen to have a bit of experience in PHP/MySQL, and know some people that are much better than me that would be willing to help with such an endeavour. The risk of copying WOULD be a problem, though...
It is possible to copy-right data on a compact disk, provided that concessions are made for the file format ( P.D.F. in this case ). Doing this would allow Welknair to copy-right and distribute the content with minimal cost for a first run. Later, paper manuals could be produced for those who like the feel of tree in their hands.
...I know that I prefer paper...
...really. I'm only listing options. Publishing houses usually require contracts and the fine-print in those can some-times eat first-time authors whole.
Please be careful.
An Internet-based account system is a possible one. It is a good idea, in some senses. I...don't think that my conscience will allow me to encourage it, though, for obvious reasons.
Last edited by Story Time : 05-14-2012 at 09:53 AM.
Reason: Welknair's Previous Edit
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Re: [Welknair Update/Game Idea] Fourth Land
