The Unofficial Top 32 Guildhall and Haunted House

[Monica Marlowe]

I just want to say something to the Top 4 -

Do NOT take the comments on your pitch threads personally.

To the voters and those commenting on those threads -

How about not hitting below the belt? You guys are getting rough and it's not cool. No one says you have to like the pitches, no one expects you to like all the contestants, but for heavens sake, act like you care about the people sitting on the other side of the computer screen.

[Neil Spicer]

One of the hardest lessons to learn as a freelancer is the amount of "stirring up" your design choices and design execution can create among the fanbase and with the average consumer. You never quite know what someone will put an emphasis on which causes them to either really love or really take exception to what you've produced. Sometimes, just sitting back and observing the conversations can enlighten you in some really amazing ways about the nature of people, the things that are important to them, and how much or how little that might be in tune with the mainstream thinking.

But here's the rub: What really matters is how you deal with all of that. You're never going to be able to satisfy everyone. There'll quite likely be a vocal few who are really passionately against something you've created. That's okay. What you really need to be conscious of...or, at least what I've personally chosen to examine in my own freelance career...is whether or not you inspired a majority of the people using/reviewing your work. If you succeed at that level, it doesn't matter overly much what the outliers think or say. Those slings and arrows can't penetrate your personal armor (or, thick skin if it's a natural armor bonus). Sometimes, those outlier opinions can still alert you to something you might not have realized was an issue or an ingrained element in your work. And, you may even find it useful in the event you want to tinker or adjust your approach as you go forward. Learning how and when to apply that kind of feedback only comes with experience. But, at least, the RPG Superstar contest still exposes you to some of that as you see the various responses from those who feel compelled to leave feedback.

So, to echo Monica, don't take it personally. But, do personally examine it and learn from it where you can and when it seems right to do so. And, likewise, for those leaving commentary/feedback for these competitors, just be aware of how you're conducting yourself, how constructive you're being, and the support role you play--both in encouraging future designers, and in helping the RPG Superstar contest continue to shine.

But that's just my two cents,
--Neil

[Jeffrey Swank]

Well said...well said.

[Isaac Volynskiy]

I've put in my comments, pertaining to what I feel my personal strengths are.
I have read over the full proposals as well, and honestly, great job guys (especially with the deadline). I wish you all the best, good luck.

[Thomas LeBlanc]

After reading them all, choosing one wasn't so hard.

[John Laffan]

I'd like to echo Monica's and Neil's comments. Whatever the critiques are of the top four pitches, you all did a fanatic job in the contests, and have worked hard to get where you are, so don't let a few bad eggs get you down. For certain posters making comments, you aren't fooling anyone by making posts from accounts that have no vote history, and no comment history except to disparage certain contestants. We see you for what you are and you aren't influencing opinions, you are simply diminishing the competition. Whoever you are trying to help, you simply take away from the taxing effort they put in to make it this far.

[Mark Griffin]

Respect to all the judges and the frequent posters in this contest and every year. Having finished my (admittedly lengthy) comments yesterday, I felt fatigued already. But all four of you did an excellent job, and your proposals were a pleasure to read. Congratulations to each of you, I suspect that you all have already won something even if you don't take the title at the end.

[Rich Malena]

I'm certainly not a frequent poster on the boards, but I have greatly enjoyed watching this entire competition. For what it's worth, there wasn't a single round where I didn't wish I had more votes to spend on amazing ideas. This final round is no exception! Great work to every one of the competitors and congratulations on getting a field of folks to read all about your ideas. If nothing else, that's absolutely worth it.

[R D Ramsey]

I had a pretty strong preference this round, but I have to say there were ideas I loved in all 4 proposals. Very nicely done!

[The Raven Black]

Thanks to what you 4 gave us in each round of this RPGSS season, I was able to peg a style for each and every one of you AS DESIGNERS.

I do not see you as contestants anymore, but as professionals. And really, beyond my voting or my comments, this is my highest praise.

Very well done, all of you.

[Template Fu]

What Monica and Neil say! I have had to develop a very thick skin sometimes, even from my own review circle and gaming buddies, so one tip I can share - don't look at the number of people being vociferous, people who don't like something are always more vocal than those who do...

How often do you hear a table ask to thank the chef at a restaurant versus how often complaints get made when something isn't right. In that restaurant, all those tables that don't complain - they are satisfied customers!

So look to this thread, everyone has congratulated you, most of us envious of your success in the competition and we are just the tip of the iceberg of those who quietly and privately make their votes.

I'd also like to echo what Raven says about style - you are all distinct - this means you will all carve our your own fan base, your own chunk of games design space and so on.

View the reactions to your work not by positive or negative but by the strength of that reaction - if you stir the passions of the gaming community, then you must be doing something very right!

[Jarrett Sigler]

Template Fu wrote:

...

How often do you hear a table ask to thank the chef at a restaurant versus how often complaints get made when something isn't right. In that restaurant, all those tables that don't complain - they are satisfied customers!
...

I cannot agree with peoples comments enough here. This particularly bolded statement is SUPER TRUE in ALL service oriented fields.

This is particularly service orient. We are designing an experience to which people participate. We are attempting to create a compelling fantasy that people wish to partake! Anyone who doesn't want what you are selling are going to shout it down.

This is why this community is awesome. Top 4, Good job! It was a hard vote, and You all deserve your rewards due to your hard work.

I really look forward to seeing your names on some modules and adventures in the future. Look me up if you want someone to bounce ideas off of. I'm almost always willing to talk shop with someone more experienced. :D

"#shameless_self-plug" as the kids would say!

[Kim Frandsen]

Just wanted to wish all of you good luck. I enjoyed reading your adventure pitches, and my only regret is that I can only place one vote.
I'd like to play all of them, but the one I gave my vote to was the one I particularly wanted to GM for players to experience.

Good job all around. :)

[Charlie Brooks]

Congratulations Nick! A well-deserved win, and I'm looking forward to checking out your finished module!

[Jeff Hazuka]

::Nonironic Slow Clap::

Congrats! Great showing, Nick.

Congrats to the runners-up as well- -can't wait to see what you do for 8-09, 8-10, and 8-11 (give or take a few scenario numbers).

[Christopher Wasko]

Congratulations to all of this year's competitors! Masterful showing across the board, I can't wait to see what all of you can produce in the future!

[Flying Pincushion Games]

Congratulations to Nick on being the Season 9 RPG Superstar! You fought the good fight, and were rewarded for your hard work.

Along those same lines, congrats to everyone who participated this year, I think the bar got raised a bit, so next year is going to be even more interesting.

Sincerely,

The Flying Pincushion Games staff

(fixed that bit Monica, thanks for the reminder, also, hey, you look familiar, do I know you from somewhere? :) sorry, I kid, I kid)

[Monica Marlowe]

Flying Pincushion Games wrote:

Congratulations to Nick on being this years RPG Super Star! You fought the good fight, and were rewarded for your hard work.

Along those same lines, congrats to everyone who participated this year, I think the bar got raised a bit, so next year is going to be even more interesting.

Sincerely,

The Flying Pincushion Games staff

Nick is the Season 9 RPG Superstar. I am the 2015 RPG Superstar, this season's contest changed the nomenclature for the winners.

[Monica Marlowe]

Congrats Nick!

[Gabriel Almer]

Congratulations, Nick!

[Crystal Malarsky]

Congratulations, Nick! You earned this victory. It's been an honor to compete beside you and everyone else. Every single one of you stepped up and brought fierce competition. Be proud of this amazing accomplishment. I'm wishing you all the best in your future freelancing careers. Nick, I can't wait to see your module when it's complete, and Charlie & Jason, likewise for your scenarios.

Also, a huge thanks to the staff of Paizo who makes this contest possible - Owen, Chris, judges, and everyone else, thank you so much for all the time and effort you put into this.

[Owen K. C. Stephens]

Crystal Malarsky wrote:

Also, a huge thanks to the staff of Paizo who makes this contest possible - Owen, Chris, judges, and everyone else, thank you so much for all the time and effort you put into this.

You are very welcome. Thanks for being a great part of the contest!

[Wren Brown]

Congratulations Nick! Well done.

[Jarrett Sigler]

SUPER CONGRATULATIONS!

[frank gori]

A belated congrats, have fun storming the castle