Thought I'd pass the info on. :) I bought UNORTHODOX Clerics awhile ago and found it rather nice indeed. Don't know much about any of the others.
http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/thanksgiveaway.php
QuoteHAPPY THANKSGIVEAWAY!
DriveThruRPG and over 60 of our publishing partners are offering the dozens of FREE titles listed below for our very own ThanksGiveAway holiday, Monday, November 12 through Friday, November 16. Check the site after 10 AM EST each day to find exciting new gifts from us to you, and give your friends and gaming groups something to be thankful about by sharing the news that ThanksGiveAway is almost here!
Monday
Time Master Screen
The Chronicles of Ramlar Official Soundtrack, Part 1 [BUNDLE]
E-Z TILES: Dungeon Set 1
Spiritual Warfare the RPG
Dungeon Crawl Classics #51.5: Sinister Secret of Whiterock
Europe 1483
D6 POWERS
Brothers by my Side
Forbidden Kingdoms - Master Codex Babbage Edition
See Page XX, Vol 1: The First 24 Columns
The Collected Character
Ados: Land of Strife Campaign Setting
UNORTHODOX Clerics
thanks for the heads-up!
Thanks very much. These especially caught my eye:
Spiritual Warfare the RPG (http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=16546&it=1): Yet another attempt at a Christian RPG. Features include "Discipleship roleplaying that encourages Scripture memory and preaching the Gospel." Yes, it sounds funny, but also sort of interesting--I'd like to see just what makes an RPG "Christian".
Dungeon Crawl Classics #51.5: Sinister Secret of Whiterock (http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=50985) A dungeon crawl for 1st-3rd level characters, may be worth customizing for my BD&D game, or at least useful for inspiration.
Europe 1483 (http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=20112&it=1). My general impression of Guild of Blades is that they produce cheap Risk or Axis & Allies hacks. Now I can see if there's really anything there that I'd like to try playing.
Brothers by my Side (http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=50667): Another PDF wargame, but this one instantly looks like something I'd want to play: a game of the Battle of Ia Drang (subject of We Were Soldiers Once...and Young). N.B.: I just found a free computer wargame on the same topic, here (http://www.lzxray.com/misc_pages/lzxray_simulation.htm).
See page XX, Vol 1. (http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=50677): I guess I can read all this on the web, but it's interesting stuff. And they include a bonus: "We also include two internal design documents for the GUMSHOE system which are invaluable aids to creating GUMSHOE background settings and The Esoterrorists."
The Collected Character (http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=25881&it=1) pulls together a bunch of character creation rules for Mongoose RQ, and introduces a bunch more. Even if I don't get into MRQ, could be worth picking over for ideas, especially in BRP-ish systems and low-magic premodern settings.
Ooh...I need to remember to get D6 Powers.
yes, im defo interested in that.
This is awesome! I'd been wanting to take a look at D6 Powers.
For Tuesday, I'm looking forward to:
Twilight 2000 (http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=411&it=1): core rules, 'nuff said.
Rolemaster Express (http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=28454&it=1): for some reason I've never really gotten into RM but it's a venerable title; I've got no idea if this is a "good" version or an abomination but might as well pick it up.
Ptolus: the World of Praemal (http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=11974&it=1): Barely interested in Ptolus at any price but since Mr. Cook seems to be a major creator in the modern D&D community, I'd like to see his take on a setting, so...worth it for the cost of admission.
Mongoose Runequest (http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=12589&it=1): may or may not be better presentation than some of the collected SRDs I've seen, but it's got info that's not in the SRD so now I can have a more complete version of the rules to evaluate/hack.
Bits of Darkness: Dungeons (http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=12288&it=1): Collection of room descriptions, could be useful.
I looking forward to Tuesday for what Elliot said and on Thursday for the Conan the RPG pocket and the 17 monk feats. On Friday, I want to get the Book of Challenges from WotC.
Sweet! Now I can afford to get new games and new lingerie. Thanks for the heads up!
Quote from: cnath.rmkickass post
Thanks for the heads up!
Quote from: AosThanks for the heads up!
Not a prob mate, figured I should share the coolness with others. :)
I'm really looking forward to The Tome of Horrors (revised ed) as the original book totally rocked. (I'm still annoyed remembering the crap that Necromancer got hit with after WoTC came out with the Fiend Folio)
There are a bunch that look like they are at least worth taking a quick look after a download.
What I'm looking forward to grabbing tomorrow:
Monkey, Ninja, Pirate, Robot (http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=18125&it=1): Obviously, a "funny" RPG, which can be good or bad in itself. But it's by Chad Underkoffler, and although I've never read/played any of his games yet, he's a good guy to read (and funny) on the net. Also, I'm interested in his PDQ system, and here is a specific application thereof.
Tales from the Wood (http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=19942&it=1): real-animal fantasy. I like critters, but I've always wondered how well the idea of playing one can be translated into an RPG. I know there are other games along these lines, but they aren't free this week, so I'll grab this one.
Heavy Gear Blitz Rulebook (http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=12646&it=1): Mecha combat miniatures rules in the "real robot genre", by one of the more popular publishers of that genre.
The Veggie Patch (http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=20710&it=1): You play intelligent vegetables. Worth a look.
Chimera RPG Core Rules (http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=20452&it=1): Yet another generic, allegedly streamlined system.
I'm boycotting this thing, both as a publisher and as a consumer. It sends a bad, bad message about the worth of PDFs. These givaways also drive my sales down to nubbins. I hates them forever!
-clash
So how does this work? Presumably DTRPG canvasses publishers and asks them what they're willing to include in the giveaway, right?
Quote from: Elliot WilenSo how does this work? Presumably DTRPG canvasses publishers and asks them what they're willing to include in the giveaway, right?
They couldn't just give them away without permission, unless they wanted to also pay the publishers for them, like a real store. If that's what they wanted to do, I'd be cool.
-clash
So...these are all pdfs then?
Very NOT interested.
Read the title and I hoped it might be a mail order thing.
- Ed C.
Quote from: flyingmiceThey couldn't just give them away without permission, unless they wanted to also pay the publishers for them, like a real store. If that's what they wanted to do, I'd be cool.
I understand, and I'm not questioning your position. I just think it's interesting that this is as much a matter of publishers giving away stuff as it is DTRPG, in terms of what the parties hope to accomplish.
I noticed that many of them were originally overpriced which might explain why they didn't sell well.
Quote from: Elliot WilenI understand, and I'm not questioning your position. I just think it's interesting that this is as much a matter of publishers giving away stuff as it is DTRPG, in terms of what the parties hope to accomplish.
Most E-publishers haven't got a clue.
-clash
I'm not getting anything, Clash. Solidarity!
Quote from: droogI'm not getting anything, Clash. Solidarity!
Leopards and monkeys unite! :D
-clash
Just be careful, droog. Once you let the monkeys in, they wreak havoc and take over. Before you know it, it's Simian Dictator this and Monkey Overlord that.
We'll just eat them.
Quote from: flyingmiceI'm boycotting this thing, both as a publisher and as a consumer. It sends a bad, bad message about the worth of PDFs. These givaways also drive my sales down to nubbins. I hates them forever!
-clash
eh, the only way I would get these is if they were free. I have only purchased on pdf (Adventure!) I honestly dont find them to be that useful
Quote from: KoltarSo...these are all pdfs then?
Very NOT interested.
Oh, yeah! Why's that?
Quote from: flyingmiceMost E-publishers haven't got a clue.
In this case, if you look at what is being given away it's mostly older stuff and often stuff that reguarly has a hefty price tag. If OBS is using the old system, then these free give-aways count as sales in terms of getting medal status. That may be a motivator for some.
Quote from: NYTFLYReh, the only way I would get these is if they were free. I have only purchased on pdf (Adventure!) I honestly dont find them to be that useful
Then you are obviously not a potential pdf customer, and you are certainly not who this freebie thing is supposed to be drawing in. I rest my case. :D
-clash
Quote from: JohnnyWannabeOh, yeah! Why's that?
Many RPGers hate - and I mean hate - pdfs. One man's fish is another man's poisson, and all that.
-clash
Quote from: flyingmiceThen you are obviously not a potential pdf customer, and you are certainly not who this freebie thing is supposed to be drawing in. I rest my case. :D
-clash
doesnt mean I wont be filling up my HD with pdfs that I wont use ;)
Quote from: flyingmiceMany RPGers hate - and I mean hate - pdfs. One man's fish is another man's poisson, and all that.
-clash
And for some, it is pescado.
Ceviche!
Quote from: flyingmiceMany RPGers hate - and I mean hate - pdfs.
I love you like my entirely fictitious brother, clash, but I regret to say I am one of these persons.
Quote from: flyingmiceMany RPGers hate - and I mean hate - pdfs. One man's fish is another man's poisson, and all that.
Yeah, well, with my bookshelves sagging in the middle from the weight of
real books, I really appreciate PDF RPGs.:D
Quote from: Pierce InverarityI love you like my entirely fictitious brother, clash, but I regret to say I am one of these persons.
Which is why I also publish in print, dear brother! Just for YOU! :D
-clash
Quote from: JohnnyWannabeYeah, well, with my bookshelves sagging in the middle from the weight of real books, I really appreciate PDF RPGs.:D
Both have advantages and disadvantages. I like both, personally. :D
-clash
Quote from: Elliot WilenWhat I'm looking forward to grabbing tomorrow:
...snip...
The Veggie Patch (http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=20710&it=1): You play intelligent vegetables. Worth a look.
LOL - now that's something to read to make me a happy camper :)
Cheers,
Jason (author/publisher of "The Veggie Patch")
Vegg-urries?
Quote from: Dr Rotwang!And for some, it is pescado.
Ceviche!
Mmm. Ceviche.
I must convince my Peruvian coworkers to bring some ceviche one of these days...
Quote from: JongWKI must convince my Peruvian coworkers to bring some ceviche one of these days...
A good ceviche is second only to sushi in the pantheon of great ways to prepare seafood.
Quote from: flyingmiceMany RPGers hate - and I mean hate - pdfs. One man's fish is another man's poisson, and all that.
-clash
Well then I guess I'm in the minority-again!
PDF's have their place. For me that place is in a manila folder that I can peruse during a four hour "Strategic planning" meeting at work. I read my game, take notes, look up and nod a few times- and Voila! I just worked on my campaign AND looked attentive and involved in the meeting. a win/win for me.
try that with a hardcover core rule book.
I'll be a downloading fool this week!
Quote from: The Evil DMFor me that place is in a manila folder that I can peruse during a four hour "Strategic planning" meeting at work. I read my game, take notes, look up and nod a few times- and Voila! I just worked on my campaign AND looked attentive and involved in the meeting. a win/win for me.
You're a genius.
I just took a quick look through both The Woods and Veggie Patch and they look freaking awesome. Exactly the kind of thing I am looking for. Very nice.
One must-get, plus a bunch of might-as-wells.
Depths of Ruin (http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=50770): a D&D adventure, sounds like it has some sort of location-based material (i.e., dungeon-y).
Gunslingers and Gamblers (http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=12224&it=1): Wild West.
FSpace RPG Reference Manual (http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=28089&it=1): SciFi; looks (unintentionally?) old-school/gonzo.
Grunt Fantasy Miniatures Battles (http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=18512&it=1): from Guild of Blades, but actually looks original may not be bad. OTOH, the one rating at BoardGameGeek is a 2/10. Eh, it costs nothing to see for myself.
Conan RPG Pocket Edition (http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=3588&it=1): the star of the group, that rarity, a d20/OGL game that sounds like it could be right up my alley.
Dice & Glory Core (http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=25126&it=1): probably not as generic as it makes itself out to be, but it has a gonzo vibe, and that's good.
Open Core Quick (http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=28759&it=1): looks like one of those streamlined generic thingies.
Quote from: flyingmiceMost E-publishers haven't got a clue.
I couldn't agree more. Giving away free PDFs on the internet is not like giving away free books (or PDFs on CDs) in a physical store. People are bound to browse a real store and can find something else to buy, since they are there and it is easy. People who flock to a site on the internet just to download free stuff are not likely to look around since they can always revisit the site at any time in the future from the comfort of their homes. Plus, it's actually more work to browse an online store than it is to just casually walk around a retail store, much like it is harder to read a PDF than it is a real book.
This action also devalues PDFs since they can easily be shared. Physical books, on the other hand, even if free are but a single item that are not easily duplicated. Plus they are cherished more as 'real' books.
Quote from: pigames.netI couldn't agree more. Giving away free PDFs on the internet is not like giving away free books (or PDFs on CDs) in a physical store. People are bound to browse a real store and can find something else to buy, since they are there and it is easy. People who flock to a site on the internet just to download free stuff are not likely to look around since they can always revisit the site at any time in the future from the comfort of their homes. Plus, it's actually more work to browse an online store than it is to just casually walk around a retail store, much like it is harder to read a PDF than it is a real book.
This action also devalues PDFs since they can easily be shared. Physical books, on the other hand, even if free are but a single item that are not easily duplicated. Plus they are cherished more as 'real' books.
Exactly my feelings, Brett! Total agreement. It's an idiotic idea that helps no-one.
-clash
I'm not so sure. A lot of those games are older ones, who may be at the end of their sales life. Giving them away for free generates publicity for the company and their current products. Having just downloaded Veggie Garden, I am now aware of Polgarus Games and will keep an eye on what they produce in the future.
I also was attracted to several other items that were for sale on the website. I do agree that it's much easier to just skip those items and download the free stuff, but I think a big part of that is that RPGNow just throws so much stuff at you. If it were more refined, I might have been tempted to throw down some money for something.
Quote from: pigames.netI couldn't agree more. Giving away free PDFs on the internet is not like giving away free books (or PDFs on CDs) in a physical store. People are bound to browse a real store and can find something else to buy, since they are there and it is easy. People who flock to a site on the internet just to download free stuff are not likely to look around since they can always revisit the site at any time in the future from the comfort of their homes. Plus, it's actually more work to browse an online store than it is to just casually walk around a retail store, much like it is harder to read a PDF than it is a real book.
I wont make such a blanket statement but I will say I do not support this OBS initiative of planned monthly sales and free pdfs. They have thier place. I was involved in free PDF day. It netted me 120 new members to my site. I have had repeat business from about 60%. Well, worth it. More than that, I have sold print books to about the same number of the new customers.
Like anything, it is a tool. It can be used properly or it can be used to screw everything up. In this case, it is growing OBS' site without necessarily growing your customer base. I do not see that as a win situation.
BTW- there are direct analogies to this practice in the print world. Again, to build a customer base.
Bill
Quote from: pigames.netI couldn't agree more. Giving away free PDFs on the internet is not like giving away free books (or PDFs on CDs) in a physical store. People are bound to browse a real store and can find something else to buy, since they are there and it is easy. People who flock to a site on the internet just to download free stuff are not likely to look around since they can always revisit the site at any time in the future from the comfort of their homes. Plus, it's actually more work to browse an online store than it is to just casually walk around a retail store, much like it is harder to read a PDF than it is a real book.
This action also devalues PDFs since they can easily be shared. Physical books, on the other hand, even if free are but a single item that are not easily duplicated. Plus they are cherished more as 'real' books.
I'm not vested, but I just thought I'd toss in my recent experience. I followed the link and downloaded a couple of things. Then I did browse for some other stuff to purchase. If they had the Classic Traveller books from FFE (the basic one 0-8) in pdf I would have bought it in an instant.
Sometimes in my busy little corner of hell (we track all of the Liars and Hypocrites - man are we busy!) I need to be reminded to go shopping - and this served that purpose well.
I don't know how typical I am, so...take it fwiw....
Quote from: flyingmiceExactly my feelings, Brett! Total agreement. It's an idiotic idea that helps no-one.
I 90% agree (and I'm a publisher involved in it), but I will say it depends on your goals going in.
In general, the majority of people who download the free PDFs won't become customers - they just want the freebies. So if a company is doing it with the hope of generating lots of sales, unless they have a solid follow-up plan in place they will be sorely disappointed (and even with the follow-up plan they won't normally get a lot of response - Bill's experience is rather unusual).
But in my case I didn't go into it with the goal of generating sales - I simply wanted to get more people to look at "The Veggie Patch". Its a silly game that most people won't look twice at - but giving it away as part of a big event like this will increase the chance people will download it for a "why the hell not" response. I guess you could say it's just ego stroking ;)
Will this event make people think PDFs are worthless and shouldn't be sold for money? I personally wouldn't have thought so, but only OBS will be able to track the trend of sales over the next few weeks (and it's not like they will tell us).
Cheers,
Jason
Thanks for piping up, Jason! Your insights were valuable. :D
Walker: I still sell a few StarCluster 2 pdfs every month, even though it has been out there since 2004. I count on these "Long tail" sales to make things profitable, to fund the development of newer games. Since I always pay up front for expenses, it takes a while for sales to make up for those expenses. SC 2 is now extremely profitable, having long ago paid for itself and more. It's a different business model, but it works for me.
Bill: I wish I had your business sense. I've never gotten anywhere near 60% repeat business from my free offerings. Bless you! :D
-clash
Quote from: flyingmiceWalker: I still sell a few StarCluster 2 pdfs every month, even though it has been out there since 2004. I count on these "Long tail" sales to make things profitable, to fund the development of newer games.
I hear that. I should have qualified my original statement by saying older products that are no longer generating sales can maybe be used as a tool to bring players to your stuff that is still selling. I was thinking of Cold-Blooded games who cited that as their reason for giving away Dog Town for free.
Quote from: walkerpI hear that. I should have qualified my original statement by saying older products that are no longer generating sales can maybe be used as a tool to bring players to your stuff that is still selling. I was thinking of Cold-Blooded games who cited that as their reason for giving away Dog Town for free.
OK. I follow you now. If you have a property that isn't generating sales, then why not? :D
-clash
The thing that has always devalued PDFs for me is that I have to provide a lot of the materials myself to make it a complete product in my eyes, (meaning a printed tangible item) and free giveaways aren't going to change that. I'm just not willing to drop much cash on something that I'm going to have to provide the paper, ink/toner and means of binding myself.
Quote from: KillingMachine. I'm just not willing to drop much cash on something that I'm going to have to provide the paper, ink/toner and means of binding myself.
I think that one of the big differences between pdf users and nonusers are whether they're comfortable without a full print version or if they're ok reading an electronic version and printing the odd page. If you add printing costs to a pdf that might cost 2/3 as much as the book, it's just not worth it.
Addendum: there's also a group of pdf users that get free printing by printing at work.
Clash, was it you who started a thread on having the core rules free? A giveaway is an improved version of that - same 0 price but you make the person think it's great because it's not consistently free. Hopefully, they'll read it and buy more of the line.
Quote from: KillingMachineThe thing that has always devalued PDFs for me is that I have to provide a lot of the materials myself to make it a complete product in my eyes, (meaning a printed tangible item) and free giveaways aren't going to change that. I'm just not willing to drop much cash on something that I'm going to have to provide the paper, ink/toner and means of binding myself.
PDFs as a means to make do-it-yourself print books are not/just barely worth the money. PDFs used as PDFs are different. Hyperlinking, searching, printing just relevant pages for players, etc. are awesome tools.
-clash
Quote from: flyingmicePDFs as a means to make do-it-yourself print books are not/just barely worth the money.
That depends a bit...
For Hoard, I intend for the final package to come as several pieces. First, a full PDF book, readable in all details. Second, a laid-out-for-print quick version, to print, staple, and bring to the table. And third, an assload of printable character reference bits, so that you can have your character sheet, and then about four printed pages which contain all your character-specific rules.
Which is to say, people can print what they want of it, in forms that will usually be
more convenient than a book.
Outside of electronic media, that specific form of DIY wouldn't make sense.
Quote from: Levi KornelsenThat depends a bit...
For Hoard, I intend for the final package to come as several pieces. First, a full PDF book, readable in all details. Second, a laid-out-for-print quick version, to print, staple, and bring to the table. And third, an assload of printable character reference bits, so that you can have your character sheet, and then about four printed pages which contain all your character-specific rules.
Which is to say, people can print what they want of it, in forms that will usually be more convenient than a book.
Outside of electronic media, that specific form of DIY wouldn't make sense.
I wonder what it would take to set up a system that allowed someone to do this on the fly - that is, set up your entire book in such a way that you could print out a subset of selected pages (including some preset "packages") at the moment you are about to play (and hey, while we're at it, fillable character forms that get saved with the book)...
Threadjack I suppose. My apologies.
Well so far I'm glad to get a chance to check out Mongoose RQ full (not just the SRD) and see how Rolemaster Express compares to HARP and MERP. Some of the other freebies have been interesting, like the 2 pulp titles on Tuesday, Heavy Gear Blitz! today (I wouldn't have bought this but it's neat to see how the Pod is doing for free), and Broadsides! may be useful in a naval game I'm in. Always did want to get the 3E Tome of Horrors, now I have it for free.
I've download the vegetable game :confused: ;) and I like Beyond Belief Games so picked up their woodland creatures game as well.
If nothing else I can always delete the downloads and if I enjoy some of these pdfs I'll likely buy more from the company.
As for PDFs in general I like them especially if they're going to be used for an online game or for something I like to copy/paste from or print out select pages from (esp. adventures, npc books, reprints of way OOP & hard to find games). I have been known to get both a printed and pdf copy of a title and like it when companies have print/pdf bundles.
Quote from: pigames.netThis action also devalues PDFs since they can easily be shared. Physical books, on the other hand, even if free are but a single item that are not easily duplicated. Plus they are cherished more as 'real' books.
I can't speak for anyone else, but I'm not going to be sharing any of these pdf's :D even if I was normally up for that kind of gig, having my name on the files would kind of be rather a damper.
I've been getting e-mails from a number of the companies involved in this giveaway, I'm going to take a wild guess that they would like to tell me about others of their products, figuring that if I'm interested in the free one that I might be in the pay ones as well. Can't say it will work amazingly for them, but for some it might. (Propz: Minute Dungeon looks interesting for example, if they have more I will be taking a good look for when I'm back on my feet cash wise)
Quote from: flyingmiceBill: I wish I had your business sense. I've never gotten anywhere near 60% repeat business from my free offerings. Bless you! :D
-clash
Clash,
Part of the issue is how you do it and where you do it. For instance, I have not gotten more than one or two follow on sales from any give away on OBS sites. This is because such exercises should be oriented to building a customer base for your store...and OBS is not your store, it is OBS'. To a lesser extent, you can get exposure for your product. Second, I have a number of free giveaways up on OBS sites. Why? Because they are core systems and one pagers meant to expose HinterWelt to new customers. They have ads for my store and products in them. They serve a very different purpose from a special event give away.
So, in short, these are all tools. Just like advertising, inventory management or POD, if used incorrectly they can be disastrous.
Bill
Quote from: HinterWeltClash,
Part of the issue is how you do it and where you do it. For instance, I have not gotten more than one or two follow on sales from any give away on OBS sites. This is because such exercises should be oriented to building a customer base for your store...and OBS is not your store, it is OBS'. To a lesser extent, you can get exposure for your product. Second, I have a number of free giveaways up on OBS sites. Why? Because they are core systems and one pagers meant to expose HinterWelt to new customers. They have ads for my store and products in them. They serve a very different purpose from a special event give away.
So, in short, these are all tools. Just like advertising, inventory management or POD, if used incorrectly they can be disastrous.
Exactly - that's how you do it.
Quote from: pigames.netPlus, it's actually more work to browse an online store than it is to just casually walk around a retail store, much like it is harder to read a PDF than it is a real book.
In fact, I find that DTRPG is one of the biggest hassles to browse through, of any online sites. Don't know why. It seems just about as bad working from Windows XP/Firefox as from Mac OS X/Firefox or Safari. (Haven't tried IE.)
I like PDFs for all the reasons outlined. However, I've never bought them (only free games or games that come with PDFs). This is mainly because I just don't buy many new games--I mostly get stuff used. That said if there's a substantial discount for PDF vs. print, I'd consider it for new games that caught my eye.
IMO, one way participation in this could be put to best use by publishers (I don't know how many do) would be if they did a quick update of their PDF so it would contain an extra couple pages of adverts and their catalog.
Anyone else been getting "Thank You" emails from the companies who produce these games?
Have we now just validated their spamming of us?
Quote from: LawbagAnyone else been getting "Thank You" emails from the companies who produce these games?
Have we now just validated their spamming of us?
Hahahahahahaha!
-clash
Quote from: pigames.netI couldn't agree more. Giving away free PDFs on the internet is not like giving away free books (or PDFs on CDs) in a physical store. People are bound to browse a real store and can find something else to buy, since they are there and it is easy.
Well, um...
I did just that. I went for the free stuff, and bought some stuff, too, that I would not otherwise have purchased.
-O
Quote from: obrynWell, um...
I did just that. I went for the free stuff, and bought some stuff, too, that I would not otherwise have purchased.
-O
Then you're outside the majority and we like that about you ;)
You see, a lot of people just mine the whole site for freebies because they never had any intention of actually paying for anything. Why should they when there's plenty of stuff to get for free this week? Now perhaps down the road, they'll come back and put out some money, but since the majority don't want to be contacted by the publishers or won't even spend a $1 on something, it kind of defeats the purpose.
The thing is that I don't have a problem with freebies. I give away freebies on a regular basis (Active Exploits Diceless RPG, et al), but doing so in one large cluster where you hit a single button to download it defeats the whole purpose of drawing customers to your store and allowing them to browse. Keeping customers on that single freebie page deters them from actually browsing the site. And that's the problem. They grab their freebies and leave.
Just my little two cents.
I appreciate the free access. I may not like most of what I get for free, what I do like I intend to purchase more of. Also there are things in the giveaway that are of a kind I was not willing to spend money on to find out if they sucked or not. I appreciate being able to find out without feeling like I got ripped off. Finally I'd very much like to purchase the printed/bound version of anything I do like.
I think what makes a huge difference to online consumer behaviour (paying or not paying) is how easy it is to pay. I think for many people it's not cheapness, but laziness or ignorance that stops them from making impulse purchases online when they are downloading free stuff.
I opened up a paypal account about a year ago because I sold a bunch of old games on eBay. Now, because I have some money in that account, those sites that offer me an easy one or two click path to buying something online are getting my business. Whereas before I wouldn't even think about it. It's actually kind of scary because paypal money doesn't even seem real sometimes.
Also, that freaking Veggie Patch game is AWESOME!
Quote from: LawbagAnyone else been getting "Thank You" emails from the companies who produce these games?
Have we now just validated their spamming of us?
I believe that there are options in your account settings at the site that can enable companies that you've got products from to send you email. You should probably check that out.
Just three of real interest.
Heroquest: Hero's Book (http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=12427&it=1): I own Heroquest, so I suppose this could be useful.
Mundi Animalia (http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=20380&it=1): "A comprehensive system that lets you play anything from an ant to an elephant." I'll bite. Also, apparently based on a system that was used for a Flatland RPG, an idea I was musing about a while ago. So if i like the system, maybe I'll pick up Flatland.
Book of Challenges: Dungeon Rooms, Puzzles, and Traps (http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=3736&it=1): dungeony stuff that can be recombined and slotted into adventures is always welcome.
A mini-rant: PDF publishers, please use file names that make sense to someone outside the company. I have a small horde of pdfs - free and purchased. When I'm looking for something, it helps to have part of the title in the name.
Something like asm-003 or zc1001 doesn't help at all. I don't always mentally categorize my pdfs by publisher ans 2-3 letters won't always clue me on the publisher anyway. Something like NecG-TomeHorrorsRev is awesome.
Quote from: NicephorusA mini-rant: PDF publishers, please use file names that make sense to someone outside the company. I have a small horde of pdfs - free and purchased. When I'm looking for something, it helps to have part of the title in the name.
Something like asm-003 or zc1001 doesn't help at all. I don't always mentally categorize my pdfs by publisher ans 2-3 letters won't always clue me on the publisher anyway. Something like NecG-TomeHorrorsRev is awesome.
RPGNow asked that the file names be the same as the product number, back when Chris was matching product to file manually. If you were uploading a zip file, the internal names could be anything so long as the zip was named the same as the PN, but if you uploaded a straight pdf, it had to be named the same as the PN.
-clash
Thanks for the explanation.
Quote from: NicephorusThanks for the explanation.
NP, Nicephorus! It's an internal thing that no-one but us publishers would really know.
-clash
i just rename the files after i've DL'd them anyway.
I have the same beef, but I've noticed that in Windows if you hover your pointer over a pdf, it will give you more complete info...though sometimes nonsensical as e.g. Brothers By My Side comes up with a title about the Iraq crisis.
What I've done is set up Firefox to request a location for each download; this gives me a chance to edit the name and/or create an enclosing directory with a descriptive name.
Quote from: beeberi just rename the files after i've DL'd them anyway.
Exactly.
My 2 cents on publishers that participated: I offered the most recent pdf in the Behind the Spells series in an effort to rope (er, I mean entice) consumers into collecting more/all of the others. That was my motivation for getting involved. After all, we all know there are people out there who, once they have and enjoy one item in a series, simply must collect 'em all! :)
I just finished downloading everything I wanted for this week and I want to give my thanks to everyone who did this (especially for those publishers I actually downloaded from).
In fact, I have thinking about participating in the next giveaway of that type once I get a couple more supplements done.
Anyway, I have lots of new reading material to look over...:)
Quote from: beeberi just rename the files after i've DL'd them anyway.
I do too but I wouldn't have to if they had decent names.
Quote from: Elliot WilenOne must-get, plus a bunch of might-as-wells.
Depths of Ruin (http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=50770): a D&D adventure, sounds like it has some sort of location-based material (i.e., dungeon-y).
Gunslingers and Gamblers (http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=12224&it=1): Wild West.
FSpace RPG Reference Manual (http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=28089&it=1): SciFi; looks (unintentionally?) old-school/gonzo.
Grunt Fantasy Miniatures Battles (http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=18512&it=1): from Guild of Blades, but actually looks original may not be bad. OTOH, the one rating at BoardGameGeek is a 2/10. Eh, it costs nothing to see for myself.
Conan RPG Pocket Edition (http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=3588&it=1): the star of the group, that rarity, a d20/OGL game that sounds like it could be right up my alley.
Dice & Glory Core (http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=25126&it=1): probably not as generic as it makes itself out to be, but it has a gonzo vibe, and that's good.
Open Core Quick (http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=28759&it=1): looks like one of those streamlined generic thingies.
Dammit!! I missed the Thrusday downloads! And they had some good stuff. All of Eliot's pics here look interesting, and I
so wanted to chekc out that Conan RPG. :(
On the whole free PDF issue,Ijust wanted to weigh in that for me, using a PDF for actual gaming is a huge pain, so I wouldn't really consider buying a PDF unless it was a very short game or a gaming aid-tipe product that I could print as I needed. I'm using this giveaway to check out a bunch of new material that I'd never otherwise be able to really sample, and if there are some gems, I'll want to buy the Print version if available.
Peace,
-Joel
Quote from: beeberi just rename the files after i've DL'd them anyway.
When the option on what folder to download the file into comes up, I usually rename them before they are downloaded.
Pete
Quote from: Elliot WilenMundi Animalia (http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=20380&it=1): "A comprehensive system that lets you play anything from an ant to an elephant." I'll bite. Also, apparently based on a system that was used for a Flatland RPG, an idea I was musing about a while ago. So if i like the system, maybe I'll pick up Flatland.
From a quick skim, this game is a huge disappointment. I've been toying with the animals as PCs concept for some time for a setting idea I have in mind, so I was really interested to see how they handled it. I'll probably post more when I get a chance to read it more thoroughly, but at first glance I would be annoyed if I had paid the $10 for it. Anyone else have any thoughts on this game? (can start a new thread if necessary)
Pete