Re: Charging for rules

From: kmgraphiks@aol.com (KMGraphiks)

Date: Wed, 30 Aug 2000 00:00:00 +0000

Personally, I don't mind paying for PBM rules if they're nicely done. A
rulebook that is well produced and well bound (glued, stitched or ring binder)
is a joy to read and hold. Other benefits include:

1. They last longer than the stapled stacks you print out yourself which is
important when you play a game a good number of years.
2. They usually have decent graphics which helps to better involve you in the
flavor of the game.
3. They sometimes can have a decent index, which sure helps.
4. A rulebook and/or the rulebook 'package' sometimes comes with a very nicely
done map.
5. The charts are well formatted as opposed to the problems you can have with
printing the charts in an ASCII file.
6. A printed rulebook shows that the company is serious by investing more
effort and money on the game. This hopefully translates into the company being
around longer.
7. Last, but not the least....they look better on a book shelf! (I have quite a
collection)

Lot's of downloadable rules are in plain text or ascii files. You can spend a
lot of time reformatting them, aligning tables, making logical page breaks...
or just struggle through them the best you can. The advantage to these rules is
that it's quick and easy for the GM to make changes to the rules and make them
accessible. You can recognize these rules usually by the version numbers
attached (ie. WankerWorld - Rules 4.31). One disadvantage is that a company
might post rules that are in reality just a 'first draft'. They change the
rules often due to bugs, balance problems, etc.....you'll need to go download
and print out the new versions periodically....and then try to figure out just
what is different in the new version.

Granted, some downloadable rules now come in formats that can retain the
graphics and charts well (PDF files for example). But you still have to print
them out at your own expense of paper and toner...plus buy a binder if you
wish.

Ken Mitchell
Ken Mitchell Graphics

References

Re: Charging for rules
jonmmorris@aol.comnospam (JonMMorris)
Wed, 30 Aug 2000 00:00:00 +0000

Referenced By

Re: Charging for rules
jonmmorris@aol.comnospam (JonMMorris)
Wed, 30 Aug 2000 00:00:00 +0000