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Does Formatting Matter?

Started by Greentongue, March 11, 2007, 11:56:03 AM

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Greentongue

March 11, 2007, 11:56:03 AM
I created a pdf with reference material for using a Tramp Steamer in a Pulp/Modern game. I got it completed and posted but, I'm in a quandry.

Does the formatting really matter for reference material? As long as it has the info you need in a readable format, is that "good enough"? When it's free, are the expectations less?

Do these factors Matter?

Is it worth the effort to "polish" the work?
:confused:

James McMurray

#1
March 11, 2007, 12:18:54 PM
Yes, it's always worth it to polish the work if you want it to see widespread use.

Yeah, free products have lowered expectations, but if something is dull in layout the automatic assumption many make is that it's also dull in writing. Also, nice looking products generate more immediate confidence in their rules quality.

None of it may be deserved, but the inclination to judge a book by it's cover, and even moreso by it's pages is a strong one.

Monster Manuel

#2
March 14, 2007, 08:13:28 AM
I agree with James McMurray, and only have two things to add:

For an example of an excellent layout in a free product, check out JAGS.

Also, if you're not confident in your layout abilities, you can probably find someone willing to help you. It's a free product, so as long as it's decent and all the volunteers know you're not profiting on their unpaid effort, you should be able to get volunteers of everything from editing to art and layout.  I don't know if TheRPGSite has a forum like it, but RPGNet has a forum where you can solicit free help for a product.
Proud Graduate of Parallel University.

The Mosaic Oracle is on sale now. It\'s a raw, open-sourced game design Toolk/Kit based on Lurianic Kabbalah and Lambda Calculus that uses English key words to build statements. If you can tell stories, you can make it work. It fits on one page. Wait for future games if you want something basic; an implementation called Wonders and Worldlings is coming soon.

flyingmice

#3
March 14, 2007, 08:20:10 AM
That's not fair, Manuel - judging your typical free product by JAGS standards. Marco is actually clinically insane for not charging for JAGs. :D

-clash
clash bowley * Flying Mice Games - an Imprint of Better Mousetrap Games
Flying Mice home page: http://jalan.flyingmice.com/flyingmice.html
Currently Designing: StarCluster 4 - Wavefront Empire
Last Releases: SC4 - Dark Orbital, SC4 - Out of the Ruins,  SC4 - Sabre & World
Blog: I FLY BY NIGHT

Monster Manuel

#4
March 14, 2007, 08:43:27 AM
You're definitely right, Clash. I just thought JAGS deserved mention as an example of what was possible. I don't think anyone really expects that level of quality for free. I'd call it an upper benchmark.
Proud Graduate of Parallel University.

The Mosaic Oracle is on sale now. It\'s a raw, open-sourced game design Toolk/Kit based on Lurianic Kabbalah and Lambda Calculus that uses English key words to build statements. If you can tell stories, you can make it work. It fits on one page. Wait for future games if you want something basic; an implementation called Wonders and Worldlings is coming soon.

flyingmice

#5
March 14, 2007, 08:47:17 AM
Quote from: Monster ManuelYou're definitely right, Clash. I just thought JAGS deserved mention as an example of what was possible. I don't think anyone really expects that level of quality for free. I'd call it an upper benchmark.

OK - that's better! You'd have had the poor guy looking at JAGS and just quitting before he starts, thinking that's the level he needs to hit. :O

OTOH, it makes a great target to aim for. :D

-clash
clash bowley * Flying Mice Games - an Imprint of Better Mousetrap Games
Flying Mice home page: http://jalan.flyingmice.com/flyingmice.html
Currently Designing: StarCluster 4 - Wavefront Empire
Last Releases: SC4 - Dark Orbital, SC4 - Out of the Ruins,  SC4 - Sabre & World
Blog: I FLY BY NIGHT

Gunslinger

#6
March 14, 2007, 03:46:35 PM
Thanks for the link Monster Manuel.  I'm reading this now.
 
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