I just gave my wife the bad news... I'm not gonna quit.
After the massive outpouring of support and enthusiasm and encouragement I've received over the last few days, I realized I couldn't just turn my back on everything I've built so far. Even taking a few years off (which is what I hoped to do) feels like I'd be abandoning folks... and, dare I say, my divine calling.
I also realized that my old way of thinking about the business and my previous expectations had to die for me to move forward. I'm going to adapt. For starters, I'm going to do something that many, many of my friends and backers have been urging me to do for years.
I'm going to start turning my last several PDFs into print-on-demand softcovers. For the longest time, I saw pod as a step backwards and didn't want to face facts that current economic realities should be met straight-on. No bullshit.
Turns out that envy wasn't by biggest sin, but pride.
Basically, I really wanted to keep doing hardcovers, but couldn't because of all the boxes in our basement. Instead of just doing what I should have done after Chartreuse Shadows, go the print-on-demand route, I convinced myself that I could dig my way out of this hole by releasing only PDFs and selling hardcovers here and there on the side.
Well, that didn't work. So, to Hell with my expectations. Venger Satanis is not too good for pod. I'm going to follow the sound advice of the majority and release Primordial Chaos: Gonzo Like A Fucking Boss as a pod softcover (in addition to PDF).
Along with that, I'm also going to be print-on-demanding...
- Advanced Crimson Dragon Slayer + Cha'alt Ascended (and whatever supplemental material feels appropriate, probably Cha'alt X-Cards and Gilded Die of Satanis).
- Advanced Game Mastering Like A Fucking Boss
- The Cha'alt Experience: Designing Worlds Like A Fucking Boss
That's awesome news! But you can import the xls files directly from Kickstarter and slice them up anyway you choose and export thrm to anything. I've fine it, and I hate Excel with a passion! I import the addresses directly into a label maker and the e-mail listscinto Drivethru. If a cromag, legacy tech nerd like myself can do it, anyone can.
ReplyDeleteI use ripped paper and pen. ;)
DeleteThat is some great news! I'm really glad you've reconsidered getting out of publishing. I think you should maybe get on some other podcasts, like you did with DoubleD. Just one off appearances to push the books and the setting.
ReplyDeleteI've gotten you just a little closer by picking up each of the pods. Thanks for giving this another shot!
No prob, thank you! I might do a few here and there, but I also need to trim away unnecessary distractions.
DeleteSigned up for email hoss.
ReplyDeleteGreat! I'll still focus on my few social media accounts, but this will be a viable backup.
DeleteGreat news! There's no shame in POD products. I'll definitely be on board for those items.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate that, hoss.
DeleteYay! I mean, I can't support your (to me) grotesque political leanings but I can sure support your game-related personal ambitions! Sadly, I can't either financially or logistically (apartment here is already full to the brim with almost 50 years' worth of RPG books and the like) help with buying actual IRL books, either hardcover or POD, but I wish nothing but the best of luck to both you and your sobbing wife. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteI accept your support in spirit, hoss. And if you live in a big, liberal, Democrat-run city, stay safe... don't go out at night or alone or without protection or anywhere they sell sneakers.
DeleteHaw! I live in Montreal, man! Montreal, Canada! We're a G*****n socialist UTOPIA, so far to the political left of your so-called "Democrats" that Trotsky can't even see us from his house! Anyhow, keep up the good (bad) work...
DeleteDamn dude you need to worry more about your own government. Government assited self deletion is on your top 10 causes of death. Don't let comrade trudeuo catch you with a frown, they added clinical depression to the list of treatable conditions for that therapy.
DeleteTreatable conditions? That's pretty fucking dystopian...
DeleteLike a boss, hoss
ReplyDeleteFuckin' A!
DeleteYay! Let the Weeping River of Woketard tears flow to eternity! (TM)
ReplyDeleteSeriously though, its a shame some people wished you misfortune. Gaming is gaming, it was around before all these political/social upheavels, it will still be here when the furor dies
"I"m really gonna miss.that wierdo" was among the first things I said when you announced you were shutting down (apologies) You're def not mainstream V, but thats part.of your charm 😁
Stay strong "hoss" and keep plugging those stock piled hard covers til they are gone (I love mine! Might have to get a set of backups when I can lol)
Their tears must flow...
DeleteGlad to hear you are going to stick with it! I've always loved your old school, no bullshit sensibilities.. Especially in the current climate. Looking forward to whatever you got planned next! I'll be watching!
ReplyDeleteRock on brother! I'm happy you're not giving up. Adapt or die, and I know you will adapt.
ReplyDeleteIt's a binary choice. Only one option, hoss!
DeleteLikewise glad you're not bailing on us! Hope all goes well if not great for you in the future. Do you plan on doing any new game content/adventures etc? My girlfriend and I like oogling your books, and supporting adult content lol.
ReplyDeleteAlso like mentioned above, there's no shame in POD stuff. I recently bought a bunch of Four Against Darkness books(booklets really) from Amazon and they turned out fine enough. And for easy pick up and play potential, rules light stuff with decent to good art and ideas they're good value. Anyway, infernal hails from NV!
Thanks! Yeah, new stuff coming...
DeleteNevada? Do you play Texas Hold'em? I miss playing every week.
The stuff I've seen/heard in other spheres is to make sure you always have a copy of your customer's email (that they opted in to providing). This way if the service provider deplatforms you (or just goes under), you can import your list to a new provider. As an IT person in a previous life, make sure your backup actually is good (i.e., look at the size and contents of the file from time to time to make sure that you are getting a good copy). The file should be flat text (or a csv flat text file) so you can easily take a quick gander. With five kids in the house, I'd store an occasional copy on a thumb drive that they can't get ahold of (fire safe, safe deposit box, or the like).
ReplyDelete