New Midgard Fanzine! Looking for a good name...


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Hi all, i'm working on producing a fanzine for all you Midgard fans out there! Kobold Press' Midgard Campaign Setting has a rich and well-developed background, and plenty of players and GMs exploring that richness.

Let's make more!!! Similar in concept to Wayfinder, this free fanzine will be a vehicle for fans to show their love, ideas and passion for Midgard. And what better way to introduce the fanzine than with a poll for fans to choose a name (or submit one!)

Here's a LINK to my announcement and the Poll over at the Kobold Press forum.

So, who's ready to submit!!! Articles, ideas, songs, art, poems, requiems for TPKs in the Margreve, cross-stitch patterns from the Courts of the Shadowfey, new pocket planes, western islands, Northland battlehymns, feats of derring do and feats, gearforged accoutrements, a cavalcade of NPCs hailing from as far away as Ishadia, Karn'lothra or Hyperboria. Oh, and more kobold traps, tricks and terrors than you can pock a poker at.

To Midgard!!!

RPG Superstar 2012

Great idea! I'm game for submitting articles.

Scarab Sages Contributor

Wow, it's so exciting that you're starting this! I'm not sure what my schedule will be like as you're putting this together, but I'm definitely interested in seeing how everything plays out!

Sovereign Court Contributor

Also interested in writing for this...

Contributor

You know you'll get something from me...at some point. :)


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I said it there, but I'll say it here, too...

"Yggdrasil," as the fanzine would connect all aspects of Midgard to other bits.

It's nice and straightforward, and evokes a lot of easily recognized imagery.

-Ben.


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Crossroads Courier

Contributor

I like Ben's suggestion


terraleon wrote:

I said it there, but I'll say it here, too...

"Yggdrasil," as the fanzine would connect all aspects of Midgard to other bits.

It's nice and straightforward, and evokes a lot of easily recognized imagery.

-Ben.

And I said it there, and I'll say it here too:

"Yep, I like Yggdrasil - that was a name of a band I was co-opted to sing for that never played a gig, or go past the first rehearsal. I'm sure there must be a nordic metal-group of the same name... Or a magazine. I'll check..."

Additionally, I already have a world tree design I did that would make a perfect logo...

Oh and I checked, seems there's a French magazine Yggdrassil. So I don't think that would be a problem. Still open to other ideas though...


@Mike, Amanada, Jeff and Christina - Thanks for the interest and support - such calibre! With such notable personages as yourselves contributing as well, we should have a fine magazine (that includes you too, Ben!). I look forward to hearing from you guys when I'm a little more settled in. Stay tuned for further announcements!!!

Scarab Sages Contributor

Excited to hear more -- keep me posted with your plans!

On the name, I think Yggdrasil would be just fine. My only worry would be that folks might find it difficult to pronounce. The magazine might end up becoming known informally as Midgard's Wayfinder, or the Midgard zine, which isn't great from a marketing standpoint. You're also going to get a lot of variations in spelling, which could cause problems for you if you're going to start a Web domain named after the magazine.

On the other hand, perhaps these things won't be an issue. What does everyone think?

Contributor

Talk Amanda into editing for you. :)


Another vote for Ygdrassil. Great name.


Amanda Hamon wrote:

Excited to hear more -- keep me posted with your plans!

On the name, I think Yggdrasil would be just fine. My only worry would be that folks might find it difficult to pronounce. The magazine might end up becoming known informally as Midgard's Wayfinder, or the Midgard zine, which isn't great from a marketing standpoint. You're also going to get a lot of variations in spelling, which could cause problems for you if you're going to start a Web domain named after the magazine.

On the other hand, perhaps these things won't be an issue. What does everyone think?

But Yggdrasil is spelled exactly like it sounds. ;)


And on another note, I'd love to try and submit an article or two, so I'll be keeping my eyes on this thread.

Scarab Sages Contributor

After giving it some further thought, Yggdrasil is a REALLY cool name flavor-wise. So there's that. :)

RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16

Meh.

The Norse font of knowledge is the well that the head of Mimir dwells in. Odin drank from it to gain much knowledge.

So, a book of knowledge about Midgard should come from "Mimir's Well."

:)

==Aelryinth

Sovereign Court Contributor

Aelryinth wrote:

Meh.

The Norse font of knowledge is the well that the head of Mimir dwells in. Odin drank from it to gain much knowledge.

So, a book of knowledge about Midgard should come from "Mimir's Well."

:)

==Aelryinth

I like this a lot.


While I like the logic, the Odin as per the Norse mythology is not the same as in Kobold Press' Midgard Campaign setting. Wotan, (Odin) is represented, but IIRC he is not exactly the same, nor is KP's Midgard a carbon of our RL Norse Midgard/Aesir - there is no (as far as I am aware - perhaps Wolfgan can correct me) mention of Mimir's Well etc...
KP's Midgard is more than just the Northlands, but Yggdrassil reaching up into the heavens and down into the dark, and encompassing all the lands of Midgard works more for me... So Mimir's Well would not work as well for me. Yet.

As for Yggdrassil, I am a fervent proponent of big or "difficult" or foreign or esoteric words for all gamers. For me gaming is a multidisciplinary cerebral activity, and I have learnt so much that applies outside of fantasy from perusing RPG works.

@ Amanda I take your point though about marketing and "ease" of pronunciation. I'm sure it would be fine...


Call it Asgard. It makes complete sense.

Scarab Sages Contributor

Oceanshieldwolf wrote:

As for Yggdrassil, I am a fervent proponent of big or "difficult" or foreign or esoteric words for all gamers. For me gaming is a multidisciplinary cerebral activity, and I have learnt so much that applies outside of fantasy from perusing RPG works.

@ Amanda I take your point though about marketing and "ease" of pronunciation. I'm sure it would be fine...

Yep, I'm starting to favor the very significant meaning and context of Yggdrasil over any logistical concerns. I also wholeheartedly agree with not diluting the language of gaming. Every once in a while there's a good reason to do so, but usually I prefer using a very full range of vocabulary to enhance gaming's storytelling. But I digress. :)

Contributor, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 4

Yggdrasil!

Mimir's Well is clever, but not catchy.


The myth names are great suggestions, but Yggdrasil is the 'sleipnir' to beat in this race due to thematic fit and iconic imagery ('cause tree motifs are cool).

I look forward to reading this.


@Louis - strangely it does - we (the gods) playing mortals in Midgard below... Still, Yggdrassil is more my fave now...

@Jim: +1 - yep, much catchier IMHO

@Isuru: tree motifs FTW!!! Thanks for the support!


Kajehase wrote:
And on another note, I'd love to try and submit an article or two, so I'll be keeping my eyes on this thread.

I look forward to that kajehase! I'll probably put up a new thread for submissions et al when I have decide on the name...

Liberty's Edge

Cool! If I can find some way to carve out some time in my freelance schedule, I'd be interested in contributing in one way or another :)


Of course if I could find a universal spelling - I think Yggdrasil is best....


Marc Radle wrote:
Cool! If I can find some way to carve out some time in my freelance schedule, I'd be interested in contributing in one way or another :)

Cool!!! Art too? ;)


Just reading the Battle Scion PDF and found the layout and art elements lovely.

A layout template could make this zine look great, even some scrapped elements and re-purposed experiments from a freelancing professional would go a long way... If only we knew a talented layout artist...


Well, seeing as I'm a graphic designer, I'm definitely looking at those things Isuru!!! But yes, Marc has done beautiful work on the New Paths and Player's Guides IIRC...


Good to hear. The more hats contributors wear, the easier it will be to bring it all together.

There's no such thing as redundancy in a fanzine, only enrichment.


Pathfinder Rulebook Subscriber

Grabbing a few phrases from the website:
Deep Magic
Dragonhaunt
Midgard Bridge
Another World


The Rainbow Bridge is a great name^^
I'll DEFINITELY send you something for that! I love Norse folklore!


Hey Bardess! I can, sadly, assure you I will not call the fanzine The Rainbow Bridge, no matter how hard Heimdall might be. Why?
I wear black almost to the exclusion of all else, except for the occasional bit of green or grey. I cannot bring myself to call a magazine such a beautiful, colorful name.
I had a friend who wore black every day no matter what. When she had a bit of grey on one day I quipped - "Nice rainbow sweater!" Now my niece springs that on me whenI don't wear uniform black. Smartass!
Am I color challenged? Not any more, but color can be a devastating weapon easily abused. Just ask Heimdall. No. Rainbow. Bridges. Nor Bifrost. :)

Scarab Sages Contributor

Here's an idea -- how about simply The World Tree? You could still use that iconic image of Yggdrasil in the magazine's logo, but it would avoid some of the issues I brought up earlier about pronunciation, spelling, etc. The biggest issue here, I think, is that you want folks to make the connection that this magazine is about Midgard. Not everyone will be familiar with the term Yggdrasil, but if you go with the title World Tree and a logo that incorporates that image with, perhaps, an image of the world serpent, those two things combined might help make that connection.

I do really like the concept of linking the magazine to the World Tree, which is a strong symbol of Midgard and evokes a lot of the world's lore.

Have you thought about how often this magazine will be produced? If it's quarterly, maybe just naming it something like Midgard Quarterly would be a simple solution to help connect the publication with the setting. For what it's worth, you could still use Yggdrasil in the logo, but that is a pretty straight-forward name that tells folks exactly what it is you're producing. Naming the publication something fairly simply certainly doesn't mean you'd have to dumb down any of the content, it's just a clearer way to make that initial connection with readers.

Just a few thoughts. :)

Liberty's Edge

Amanda Hamon wrote:

Here's an idea -- how about simply The World Tree? You could still use that iconic image of Yggdrasil in the magazine's logo, but it would avoid some of the issues I brought up earlier about pronunciation, spelling, etc. The biggest issue here, I think, is that you want folks to make the connection that this magazine is about Midgard. Not everyone will be familiar with the term Yggdrasil, but if you go with the title World Tree and a logo that incorporates that image with, perhaps, an image of the world serpent, those two things combined might help make that connection.

I do really like the concept of linking the magazine to the World Tree, which is a strong symbol of Midgard and evokes a lot of the world's lore.

For what it's worth, you could still use Yggdrasil in the logo, but that is a pretty straight-forward name that tells folks exactly what it is you're producing. Naming the publication something fairly simply certainly doesn't mean you'd have to dumb down any of the content, it's just a clearer way to make that initial connection with readers.

Just a few thoughts. :)

Although I still like Yggdrasil as the name, I think this a pretty great idea!

The Exchange Contributor; Publisher, Kobold Press; RPG Superstar Judge

Oceanshieldwolf wrote:

There is no (as far as I am aware - perhaps Wolfgan can correct me) mention of Mimir's Well etc...

True, it hasn't come up yet in Midgard canon sources, but if I think it's a pretty safe bet to say the Mímisbrunnr bubbles beneath Yggdrasil.

In all likelihood, Wotan's eye still floats in it, and it might make a good quest for visitors seeking wisdom.

I look forward to the magazine, no matter what the first issue is called!

Contributor, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 4

Frankly, I think people are going to find out about this fanzine through word of mouth and internet discussions, not by the name alone.

Morgan,

This is a big undertaking. If this is your fanzine, you're going to be responsible for getting content, editing, layout, and getting a means to distribute it. This is going to be a lot of work. The title of the fanzine should be the least of your concerns right now.

So pick what you like, and don't overthink it. Whatever in your gut feels right. Set aside intellectual and rational arguments, and go with your gut, and what makes you personally smile.

I'm not trying to disrespect Amanda, I think her logic is well reasoned. I have no stake in this, and I am not trying to win the thread. But if you call it Yggdrasil, then Yggdrasil it will be. People are going to read it anyway. If you call it The World Tree, the same will be true. The only thing that is going to really change is your satisfaction with it. The content is going to move this, not the title.

If this was a professional publication that sold advertising, I might be more concerned about it. Right now this is you donating your time and passion to a hobby you love.

I'd just close your eyes and go with your instincts and then get it on with it. You have other things to be spending your time on. ;) Said with affection.

As a side note, if you do choose to go with Yggdrasil, the forward to your first issue could be about what Yggdrasil represents, how to say it, and why you chose it. Alternately you could do the same with 'The World Tree'.

Scarab Sages Contributor

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Jim Groves wrote:

Morgan,

This is a big undertaking. If this is your fanzine, you're going to be responsible for getting content, editing, layout, and getting a means to distribute it. This is going to be a lot of work. The title of the fanzine should be the least of your concerns right now.

So pick what you like, and don't overthink it. Whatever in your gut feels right. Set aside intellectual and rational arguments, and go with your gut, and what makes you personally smile.

I'm not trying to disrespect Amanda, I think her logic is well reasoned. I have no stake in this, and I am not trying to win the thread. But if you call it Yggdrasil, then Yggdrasil it will be. People are going to read it anyway. If you call it The World Tree, the same will be true. The only thing that is going to really change is your satisfaction with it. The content is going to move this, not the title.

If this was a professional publication that sold advertising, I might be more concerned about it. Right now this is you donating your time and passion to a hobby you love.

I'd just close your eyes and go with your instincts and then get it on with it. You have other things to be spending your time on. ;) Said with affection.

As a side note, if you do choose to go with Yggdrasil, the forward to your first issue could be about what Yggdrasil represents, how to say it, and why you chose it. Alternately you could do the same with 'The World Tree'.

Jim is absolutely right, and no offense taken. :)

Morgan, this is your publication, and you definitely should give it a name that you love and are excited about. Jim is right that folks will read it whether it's called Yggdrasil or anything else. My comments, as always, are just thoughts and suggestions -- a brainstorming session, if you will.

Whatever you decide, I'm very much looking forward to the zine. Thank you for wanting to do this!

Contributor

Let's call it: Bite Me! The Midgard Fanzine. :)

Yep, Jim's right: Worry more about putting this puppy together more. Magazines are A LOT OF WORK--I found that out through helping Wolfgang with KQ, and I was only doing a "small" part of the work. Be prepared for the time-sink this will be.

But thank you for being passionate enough to do it! We're all pulling for you!

Jim's on a hotstreak these days, so hit him up for tons of articles. I will work on liquoring him up at PaizoCon so he'll agree to that. :)

Liberty's Edge

Oceanshieldwolf wrote:
Well, seeing as I'm a graphic designer, I'm definitely looking at those things Isuru!!! But yes, Marc has done beautiful work on the New Paths and Player's Guides IIRC...

Thanks Oceanshieldwolf and Isuru! Being the Kobold Press Art Director has definitely kept me busy! Sounds like the graphic designer in Oceanshieldwolf will have the layout and design well under control :)

@Oceanshieldwolf - sure, I'll try to contribute some written material and art if you like :)

And, Christina is right - magazines are a lot of work (I worked in the production and prepress dept. of a large magazine publisher for more than a decade and created most of the Kobold Press house ads that appeared in the more recent issues of Kobold Quarterly ... so, magazines are in my blood and my DNA! :)

Do what feels right to you, ask for help when you need it and make this thing awesome!


How about, the "MidGUIDE" ?


Jim Groves wrote:

Frankly, I think people are going to find out about this fanzine through word of mouth and internet discussions, not by the name alone.

Morgan,

This is a big undertaking. If this is your fanzine, you're going to be responsible for getting content, editing, layout, and getting a means to distribute it. This is going to be a lot of work. The title of the fanzine should be the least of your concerns right now.

So pick what you like, and don't overthink it. Whatever in your gut feels right. Set aside intellectual and rational arguments, and go with your gut, and what makes you personally smile.

I'm not trying to disrespect Amanda, I think her logic is well reasoned. I have no stake in this, and I am not trying to win the thread. But if you call it Yggdrasil, then Yggdrasil it will be. People are going to read it anyway. If you call it The World Tree, the same will be true. The only thing that is going to really change is your satisfaction with it. The content is going to move this, not the title.

If this was a professional publication that sold advertising, I might be more concerned about it. Right now this is you donating your time and passion to a hobby you love.

I'd just close your eyes and go with your instincts and then get it on with it. You have other things to be spending your time on. ;) Said with affection....

Thnaks for your well-reasoned and compassionate advice Jim. Reminds me of some of your Watcher posts from the "old" Journeys days. I agree wholeheartedly, I'll definitely be going with my gut instinct!

As there is the possibility of selling advertising to pay for art then perhaps the name could become an issue - however, seeing as the prospective folk wanting to place ads are "our people" (game companies and 3PPs) I'd like to think they would not blink nor pause for a moment to advertise in a fanzine dripping with awesome or named so powerfull as Yggdrasil!!! :)


Amanda Hamon wrote:
Here's an idea -- how about simply The World Tree?...

That is a great idea Amanda, and your reasoning both sound and well presented.

I've designed a bunch of Celtic/Nordic "world tree" motifs in my 20 years as a screenprinter - one I will be using for my imprint - Forest Guardian Press (the blurb of which sans art can be found in the Paizo Compatibility Register) and the other I'm wanting to use for the fanzine as part of the style guide if I go with Yggdrasil. Which at this stage is looking very likely.
I do like "The World Tree", and I think it might have a little more ease/traction, but "Yggdrasil" has just a little more personal resonance for me, and a flaming funerary boatload more kewl!!! Plus, I can't wait to try out some typographic/font designs for writing that!!! Perhaps a logo competition.... Kidding ;)

RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16

Then Mimir's Well better be the name of a recurring article within the magazine! ;)

To me, Yggdrasil is the Norse equivalent of saying 'highway to the planes', or 'Mount Olympia'. Just kinda a weird name for a fanzine from that standpoint.

As for exuding Norse flavor, well, yah, that's a given. You don't find many words in English with 5 consonants in a row, after all.

==Aelryinth


I see there is a groundswell for Yaggdrasil but even though I like the imagery and mythic connections of it I worry that it may cause some searchfu problems. Another similar but a little easier to spell concept from Norse Myth would be

Bifrost

As a bridge it connotes connections and possible a gateway to Midgard. Plus it is a little easier on the tongue and search engine.

Or perhaps we could go with Valhalla as a nod to how awesome Midgard is and the mag that deals with it will be as well.

or you could go with Mortar and Pestle. Didn't Baba Yaga ride one of those?

or maybe Gearforged or Clockwork Courier?...Now I have just gone crazy...there is just so much good stuff in Midgard....

Evil Gnome Gazette? :)


Aelryinth wrote:

Then Mimir's Well better be the name of a recurring article within the magazine! ;)

To me, Yggdrasil is the Norse equivalent of saying 'highway to the planes', or 'Mount Olympia'. Just kinda a weird name for a fanzine from that standpoint.

As for exuding Norse flavor, well, yah, that's a given. You don't find many words in English with 5 consonants in a row, after all.

==Aelryinth

Sounds like the perfect name for a recurring column... Can I expect your input Master Aelryinth?


I too will be keeping an eye on this project.


@Mike F: Sorry, I already said above, no Bifrost!!! :) Good points on searchfu, though if you get Ygg- you're kinda there already! ;)


Huh, thought I read carefully but did not see that. Oh well ... whatever the name ends up being I'll be pulling for you.

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