Post originally by Colin Chapman at 2005-03-18 10:49:43
Converted from Phorums BB System

Seanchai,

Seanchai wrote:
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Actually, you said, "...book that doesn't rely on crunch to sell." That's inaccurate. It sells, in large part, because it's the companion to a book full of crunch and people want both to play. But is there some particular reason we shouldn't feel free point out inaccuracies in your statments?

Seanchai, refer to the "splitting hairs" point. I was talking solely about the single book and *its* lack of crunch (not the lack of crunch in the entire line), as was abundantly clear, and as I've explained. More importantly, remember that a lot of folk are playing the IK because they love the setting as much, if not more, than the crunch. This can also be seen by the large numbers of folks buying the stuff to convert it to other systems, not to mention fans of Warmachine, etc. buying it for more fluff, and so on.

Seanchai said:
Whom were you addressing? I was talking to the same folks, which I'm guessing we could call the "general audience."

Wasn't the Subject Line clear enough for you? "Bravo Privateer Press Crew" didn't make it obvious enough whom I was addressing? Weren't the terms, "Just wanted to say bravo to everyone involved in creating the IKWG" and "Well done, guys; you deserve to have all been listed rather than be presented as "multiple."" clear enough in making it obvious I was talking to the PP crew rather than a general audience or gamers at large?

Seanchai, I'm noticing a trend in your posts. A trend wherein you seem to see it as your duty to correct others for what you perceive to be inaccuracies, split hairs, and speak with great authority as if you're a truly experienced roleplaying freelancer/publisher.

For example, you recently effectively told Troll Lord Games they were all but doomed to failure with their model and approach to the game, and how it simply could not work, etc. (Never mind that they've published a great many books already, and therefore might have more of a clue of what's involved than you do).

Another example is where you effectively insulted fans of games such as Castles & Crusades by stating they nearly always only played it because they couldn't understand D&D3.Xe. Never mind that this ran utterly counter to the fact that most posters on the subject have noted that they've actually *run and played 3.Xe*, but simply found things like the prep time and crunch not to their tastes, etc.

Another example is here. You ignored (or missed) clear intent and context, split hairs unnecessarily, completely missed the really obvious target of the comments, assumed they lacked the knowledge of the line you have (hah), and likely rpgdom as well, and corrected them (for the selfless benefit of all, of course).

So, I have to ask, Seanchai, what is your experience in this little industry of ours? Market research and analysis of all types of roleplayers and roleplaying games (including a variety of niche game types)? The publication of rpgs under a variety of market types and niches? Many freelance publications to your credit, involving working with a variety of publishers, and thus gaining some good insight into how they operate, how their target markets operate? Something else (other than simply being a longtime roleplayer, which, let's be honest, many others here are)?

Note, I'm not saying you haven't had such experience (I honestly don't know what you've been involved in writing and publishing, if anything), but for you to speak with such absolute authority, I can only assume the experience must be there.

I mean, without that experience, where would that leave you?

cheers!
Colin