Re: Game Mag Questionnaire - What would you like to see ?

From: kmgraphiks@aol.com (KMGraphiks)

Date: Mon, 28 May 2001 16:16:17 +0000

<< 1) What would you like to see in it - articles, game reviews, gamer diaries,

news etc ?>>

All the above, including 'PBM design' or 'Behind-the Scenes' type of articles.

<<2) What format would you like to see it take - size, color, publishing
period (week/fortnight/month/quarter) ?>>

Magazine or newsletter format. Color if possible. Bi-monthly would be nice but
quarterly would work.

<<3) Should it cover only PBM, or only PBeM, or web games, or computer games
or the whole gamut, but limited to only turn-based games ?>>

All turn-based games except computer games.

<<4) What price would you pay for a single issue ?>>

Anywhere from $3.50 to $7.00 an issue depending on the format and page count.

<<5) What price would you pay for an annual subscription for the publishing
period you listed in question 2.>>

Again depending on the format and page count, $3.50-$7.00 times the number of
issues per year with a 25% discount for subscribing in advance.

<<6) What kind of advertising would you find acceptable ?>>

Any kind of ad for the types of games the magazine covers. The ads shouldn't
overpower the editorial content in page count... but the more ads for new games
the better.

<<7) Should it cover free games as well as commercial ? What should have
precedence, if any.>>

Emphasis on 'pay-for-play' games. A player who pays for games is more likely to
have the funds and interest to subscribe to a magazine about them. Articles on
free games shouldn't be excluded... just limited.

<<8) Should it be available internationally, even if it's initially made only
in the English language ?>>

Depends on the connections/financing of the publisher. It would probably not
make any money for the first few issues and the publisher would need to absorb
that. A large initial release... say N.America and UK 'might' shorten the
unprofitable period... but a smaller release would need less startup money.

<<9) Would the option for a GM/Moderator company to resell the magazine
subscriptions to their players, generating revenue allowing them to continue
to run the games they're really good at runnning, be a good idea in your
opinion ?>>

It would be tricky to monitor and facilitate in my opinion. Perhaps a GM would
get a certain amount of advertising credits for any subs that he generates.

<<10) For those previously subscribed to the PBM Report and Paper Mayhem
(ignore if not), would you be interested in seeing a mag pick up where they
left off ?>>

As the original publisher of The PBM Report I'd be glad to see it rejuvinated.
Hopefully better handled than by Kerry Harrison (sorry, Kerry).

<<11) How many people do you think will get *issed off with me posting this
questionnaire ? <g with tongue firmly in cheek>>>

It's PBM related, so who cares?

<<12) Would having a "soapbox" article where anyone could rant on anything
topic turn-based and have someone respond to it each issue be a good idea ?>>

A letter-to-the-editor section is always popular. In the original PBM Report I
had a couple of columnists who regularly picked PBM topics that bugged them and
then let fly. Any submission by anyone, that was well written, usually got
printed. Heck, look at all the rantings of Allen Viduka we printed. <G>

<<I appreciate all replies to this. Thanks in advance. >>

No problem... and good luck with the endeavor!

Ken Mitchell
--US Flagship (designer)
--PBM Report (designer/editor/publisher)

References

Game Mag Questionnaire - What would you like to see ?
jasonm@spamkiller.mindshiftdesign.com (Jason Paul McCartan)
Mon, 28 May 2001 04:13:50 +0000