Re: Need programers

From: Ryan Johnson <dowrie@guildofblades.com>

Date: Thu, 23 May 2002 23:29:05 +0000

> >>The game concept may have similarities to other games on the marker
> (almost any game will),<<
>
> You didnt say so originally, though.<

Should I have to? The board game is marketing partly as an "Axis &
Allies variant", so that should say something.

>>> >>and here is the important one; we have a proven track record as a
> business.<<
>
> More so than all the other similar firms who might also be looking for a 'no cash up front' programmer?<<<

In all likelihood, probably. Almost certainly. There are less than 100
game publishing companies (non computer) that have more than 50 games
and/or game expansions/supplements produced to their name that are still
in business. We are one of them. We've turned a profit on every single
one, though haven't had a "break out" hit as of yet either, which would
bring our company name to the attention of the broader market.

> Business Model schmizzness model.  You are trying to recruit a hobby
> programmer, without paying them any physical cash up front.  Trust me when I tell you that talk of "business models" are not going to impress most of them.<<

That is probably true. It is also true that we aren't interested in most
of them either, as most would not be a good fit for the job. But to be
utterly frank, we *are* looking for one where the business model would
be important to them, as that is ultimately the thing that will bring
about their compensation. If they don't understand it, then how can they
understand how or when and on what schedule and in what amounts the
payoff would be? Its just bad business to be doing business with
*anyone* that doesn't fully understand their obligations, rights and
expectations in regards to the venture they are involved in.

> Sure, thats all I was doing.  Speculating.  That's all a programmer reading your ad would be doing too.<

True enough. IF (and here in lies the catch) all they used to judge the
project by was the initial post to this group. And IF that was all of
the energy they were willing to put into checking out the opportunity,
then that speaks *volumes* about their general interest level regarding
being part of any such partnership, regardless of the details, or worse,
if they were to say yes purely based on that information. If one can not
put in a little effort to properly investigate a potential business
arrangement, then odds are extremely good that they certainly won't
commit the time to the venture itself. Think of it as the first round of
screening. :)

> Given your admitted lack of success thus far, you dont wonder if maybe you're going about this the wrong way? <

Its possible. However, this IS the one way available to our company
presently. We have the finincial resources to either 1) hire on one or
more people to do the programming or 2) Funds the production, marketing
and market maintenance for the finnished commercial product without
detracting from the projecting capital needed to continue the current
growth cycles of our core business.

So, in our mind, hiring a programmer to complete a program only to find
we lack the capital to market and produce the finnished product seems
rather silly. So really our options are:

1) Seek opportunities to get the venture off the ground via the course
we are currently trying.

2) Seek outside investors to finiance the interact projects separately.
Personally, we would rather "invest" in the programmer and a good
business relationship with the programmer via the method we are
currently trying. Very often investors can muck things up unless they
are *extremely* informed on the business at hand. And if they were, why
wouldn't they be managing their own company? Sort of a catch 22.

3) Wait a year or two till the core business grows enough that the
capital to hire the programmer/s and market and produce the finnished
product becomes available.

And your advice would be? 1, 2, or 3?

Ryan S. Johnson
CEO, Guild of Blades Publishing Group
http://www.guildofblades.com

> with my own way of doing things.  Your way could be much better, and since you
> don't actually seem to want advice on this, I'll stop giving it.
>
> >> Everything that we feel we can provide prior
> to a NDA being signed. Its enough for most people to decide if they want
> to *really* know more.<<
>
> But nobody has decided to DO IT for you yet, have they?
>
> >> Thats just not the kind of information one would
> post here for the sake of a discussion such as this. :)  <<
>
> Everybody has their own idea of what they will or wont post.  Nobody wants you
> to post any big secrets in your marketing plans.  Im sure they are very clever,
> very original and very snazzy!  Good for you.
>
> Good luck!
>
> Steve T.

References

Re: Need programers
Ryan Johnson <dowrie@guildofblades.com>
Thu, 23 May 2002 12:35:59 +0000
Re: Need programers
madcentral@aol.com (MadCentral)
Thu, 23 May 2002 12:51:37 +0000

Referenced By

Re: Need programers
Ryan Johnson <dowrie@guildofblades.com>
Thu, 23 May 2002 12:35:59 +0000
Re: Need programers
madcentral@aol.com (MadCentral)
Thu, 23 May 2002 12:51:37 +0000