So -- where's Erik Mona ending up in this?
~Richard
CEO
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1. What happens when Wotc pulls the plug on OGL with 4th ed.? It will happen, (remember this post) so what are you planning to do about that?
The beauty of the OGL is that it can NEVER be recinded. Once the door was opened on third party content, it can't be closed. So we don't have to worry about WotC pulling the plug on the OGL.
-Lisa
I've got to say, the pdf copy is a significant selling point. Thank you so much for that! One of the most limiting factors of Dragon/Dungeon is that if I find an article I like in an issue, I have no easy way to use it in my game. The thought of having the high level content you guys put out available in a pdf file to be printed as I wish...well...it makes me drool. It's so good to see a company embracing technology instead of running from it.
Sebastian...well said as usual. The PDF along with the printed copy is going to go over real well with me.
So does my title mean that I was the first subscriber to Pathfinder? Or one of the first? :)
Could you comment on the process for submissions? Will it be significantly different from the process for submissions to Dungeon and Dragon? I'm most definitely interested in trying my hand at some new monsters, villains, and similar articles.
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Chief Technical Officer
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The ONLY reason I took a 36 magazine subscription is because I didn't have to bother with it for another three years!!
That's one of the many great things about the month-to-month sub—you don't have to bother with it *at all*. After you set it up, you need never worry about renewing again.
What will you say to your custumers who don't have internet access?
I'd say they should ask their FLGS to set up an in-house subscription.
(You can also set a month-to-month sub up by phone, as long as you have a credit card.)
That's one of the many great things about the month-to-month sub—you don't have to bother with it *at all*. After you set it up, you need never worry about renewing again.
Man, I need to brush up on my computer jargon! So... Am I "set up"?
Ultradan
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On one hand I'm sad that the only 2 magazines I've ever subscribed to are dying...yet on the other hand I see how this frees up Paizo. This way, if they make their own campaign setting, they'll have more say in what goes in it and not have to worry about/consider what WoTC thinks (and WoTC won't have the ability to pull the rug out from under them...like it has).
My biggest disappointment is that there won't be any more Greyhawk material published...maybe this was a factor in WoTC's decision too-one less world to complete with the new setting.
Ahh well, I setup my transition copies and eagerly await what is in store.
Best of luck to Paizo.
Jayson
Please excuse my lack of knowledge of on-line subscriptions and bying things... I'm still a touch it and flip through it before you buy it kind of guy.
Ultradan
While this is shocking and sad, after reading through these posts and the messages from the higher ups, I'm hestitantly optimistic about Pathfinder. It has a lot of potential and a lot of talented people are behind it.
I'll be renewing my subscript if only to just try Pathfinfer out.
And I'll be thinking up some monsters.
I haven't decided yet how I want to proceed.
I've been a long time subscriber to Dragon (since issue 119 though I read it long before then). I was a subscriber way back when TSR was going through their reorganization bankruptcy and wondered if I'd ever see another magazine again -- eventually I did but it took 9 months while I anxiously awaiting for the news. It was better than just kissing the subscription goodbye.
This is far more permanent. And while I'm disappointed, at least I feel that Paizo is being fair to its subscribers in giving us options.
I'm not complaining -- Wizards has a lovely website and they have been more than supportive with their myriad of articles. Pazio has done an equally impressive job with the magazine as well and I've enjoyed their own product as well (Dragon Compendium for example).
I will miss the magazine, though to be fair the issues take up an awful lot of bookshelf space. I'm really starting to like pdf formats for that reason.
Licensing comes and goes. I've seen it go with Ravenloft. I did like what Sword & Sorcery (an imprint of White Wolf) had done with it but again, but it was eventually cancelled.
Alas, All good things must end.
As for those of you whom cry "foul" and threaten to "never buy another product from WotC or Paizo" I can only hope that you are merely venting your frustration. It doesn't do you any good to avoid good products because a license got pulled. Especially when a) there's plenty of notification and b) it is through nobody's fault. Shame on you. Shame on you for not being sympathetic to the good people whose time and effort went into that project (and yes, it was a job for which they got paid) but it was well done (most of the time anyway).
I hope to see the magazine go out with a BANG rather than a whimper and I hope the employees have a farewell party for it too! And to the folks in customer service -- life isn't going to be fun but you are doing A GREAT JOB!!!!
Debby
Still a bit confused, I try to focus on the new possibilities of the magazine. A new, but classic fantasy world deigned by the best authors of the industry. Somehow I am looking forward to this future, but I can't deny that sadness in me.
I just transferred my remaining subscriptions to Pathfinder, but it says I'm starting at Issue #2. Do I have to buy #1 on its own?
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Chief Technical Officer
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So... Am I "set up"?
You've sucessfully converted your remaining issues to Pathfinder, but you haven't yet signed up for a month-to-month. So it depends on your definition of "set up." Right now, you'll get Pathfinder until that credit runs out. If you sign up for a month-to-month before they run out, they'll keep coming after that with no further interaction on your part.
I just subscribed to Pathfinder, but am not recognized as subscriber. :(
I just transferred my remaining subscriptions to Pathfinder, but it says I'm starting at Issue #2. Do I have to buy #1 on its own?
Same question for me. I am assuming it's just a funky web error or something.
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Senior Software Developer
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I just subscribed to Pathfinder, but am not recognized as subscriber. :(
Aureus, I don't know what happened but our database shows that you haven't yet made a choice on the transition page. Please try it again, and be sure to click the "save changes" button.
Bella Sara Charter Superscriber
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The more I think about the model for pathfinder, the more I think it kicks ass. You guys are geniuses. You've priced it at a similar level to MMORPG fees/Netflix, the pdf copy adds to the flexibility of the product, and the month-to-month subscription provides for a fairly stead stream of income.
And, the best part, the part for which I truely take my hat off, is that the 4e rumors have suggested that WotC is planning on doing something similar for that product. If, as I suspect, you just scooped them, well, let me just say, well played.
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Creative Director
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I guess I wasn't clear, pazio is already in the magazine business, I don't understand the "start up" costs. Can't you continue putting out a magazine that you just switch over from a dungeon / dragon magazine to a magazine called "x" using OGL? I know some people will stop their subscription, but if the magazine is good, then people will still buy it.
It's unfortunately not that simple. A new magazine has to start from the ground up; we can't slip it in the space left by one that ceases publication.
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Chief Technical Officer
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I guess I wasn't clear, pazio is already in the magazine business, I don't understand the "start up" costs. Can't you continue putting out a magazine that you just switch over from a dungeon / dragon magazine to a magazine called "x" using OGL?
No. The mass market (newsstands and such) know what Dragon is, because they've had it for decades. As far as they're concerned, a new magazine must be launched from square one. You need to buy positioning on the newsstand and increase your circulation to the point that advertisers will pay attention to you, and that will take time and money (and more money).
-Vic.
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Aureus, I don't know what happened but our database shows that you haven't yet made a choice on the transition page. Please try it again, and be sure to click the "save changes" button.
I will go for it! Thanks a lot.
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Bella Sara Charter Superscriber
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What if i don't have a credit card?Unfortunately, we don't have a subscription method to offer you right now, but we hope you'll consider looking into Pathfinder at your FLGS.
Also, can't you buy limited use credit cards at grocery stores and such for just such a purpose?
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Senior Software Developer
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So does my title mean that I was the first subscriber to Pathfinder? Or one of the first? :)
About the titles. If you convert your Dragon or Dungeon issues to Pathfinder, you get the "Pathfinder subscriber" title.
If you set up a month-to-month subscription before the first volume of Rise of the Runelords ships, you get the totally awesome "Pathfinder charter subscriber" title.
If you set up a month-to-month subscription after the first volume ships, you get a plain ol' "Pathfinder subscriber" title.
So get those subs set up now and flaunt your status! :-)
So... Am I "set up"?You've sucessfully converted your remaining issues to Pathfinder, but you haven't yet signed up for a month-to-month. So it depends on your definition of "set up." Right now, you'll get Pathfinder until that credit runs out. If you sign up for a month-to-month before they run out, they'll keep coming after that with no further interaction on your part.
Ok... I think I got it now... Thanks...
Ultradan
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Also, can't you buy limited use credit cards at grocery stores and such for just such a purpose?What if i don't have a credit card?Unfortunately, we don't have a subscription method to offer you right now, but we hope you'll consider looking into Pathfinder at your FLGS.
What's a FLGS? and for that matter why should i get a limited use credit card just to get a $20.00 mag instead of food?
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Bella Sara Charter Superscriber
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So does my title mean that I was the first subscriber to Pathfinder? Or one of the first? :)About the titles. If you convert your Dragon or Dungeon issues to Pathfinder, you get the "Pathfinder subscriber" title.
If you set up a month-to-month subscription before the first volume of Rise of the Runelords ships, you get the totally awesome "Pathfinder charter subscriber" title.
If you set up a month-to-month subscription after the first volume ships, you get a plain ol' "Pathfinder subscriber" title.
So get those subs set up now and flaunt your status! :-)
Oooh...when would the first subscription charge be made? If, god forbid, I hate my converted issues, would I be able to cancel the subscription prior to receiving issue 3?
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I am also sad about losing Dragon and Dungeon Magazines. I think it was not a smart decision by WotC. I buy the magazines to carry around with me when I want something to read or to use at my games. I will not carry around a laptop to read an e-zine and I do not use my computer at gaming sessions. So I have no use for WotC's new e-zine.
Although I won't be supporting the WotC e-zine I do want to keep supporting Paizo because they have been so customer friendly to me. Pathfinder looks like a good resource for adventures but I see some problems besides the higher price. One problem is that if I don't like the current adventure path then that is 6 issues I don't need to buy and Paizo loses me for 6 months. The second problem is my gaming group plays only once a months so it takes us a couple of years to get through a campaign. So when I buy the first adventure path in the first 6 issues I won't have to buy another issue for a year or two. It seems to me that sales will suffer.
But what I am hopeful about, and another reason why I think WotC made a mistake, is that I think Paizo can create a fantastic campaign world much better than WotC. For those who are tired of Forgotten Realms and disappointed with the Eberron concept this is great hope for a fresh world. Many players have wanted Paizo to take over Greyhawk, well now they can do their own world as they want. As Pathfinder grows and becomes popular we may see a new campaign guide. And WotC will lose all of the money I spend on Forgotten Realms books as I switch to the Paizo world.
What's a FLGS?
Friendly Local Gaming Store.
Strange my email account received two confirmations for purchasing the subscription. But I just want one. :(
Consider me converted!
Speaking as a bookseller, is there any way that I can offer my customers the pdf version? If they want it do they have to buy it from you, or will there be a way for them to obtain it?
Maybe a proof of purchase they can snailmail you, or scan and e-mail you, or something?
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Chief Technical Officer
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Oooh...when would the first subscription charge be made?
We'll charge people for each volume shortly before it ships each month.
If, god forbid, I hate my converted issues, would I be able to cancel the subscription prior to receiving issue 3?
If such a thing happens, we'll make sure you're taken care of.
I'm with Heath and Steel on this one. I'm forming Ragetron(tm) even as I type this. This is naked treachery on the part of WotC.
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Chief Technical Officer
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Oh, I understand now. There are pay-offs and bribes you have to pay to some magazine mafia to get your product in.
They call it "placement" and not "bribes," but yeah, that's part of the cost. But the bigger factor is really that you need volume to get advertisers, and it takes time to build customers and name recognition for a new title. And during that time, you have to pay to print a lot of issues that don't get sold just so you can have a presence on the stand (and not selling means they get destroyed, and you don't get paid for them). And the ones you *do* get paid for, well, you don't see that money for the better part of a year, so you need to be able to bankroll a whole year's worth of printing before you really see any money coming in. It's a terrible business to get into, though, again, Dragon and Dungeon are doing well.
That sucks. Well good luck in the book market. i think as long as you put out a quality dungeon module, people will buy it, but I hate that i'm paying $120 bucks in 6 months for 2 adventure paths.
In another thread, James Jacobs pointed this out:
Counting the Adventure Path material in Dragon and Dungeon over the course of a year, Savage Tide would clock in at about 450 pages. The Adventure Path material in Pathfinder over a year will be closer to 1,152 pages. And you'll get 2 Adventure Paths instead of 1 in that year.
My fear is that I'll buy one, like it, and then a year later when I want to continue the AP, they will be out of print, waiting in reprint hell...
Keep in mind these aren't magazines. They're books. That's another benefit to not being in the magazine business—they throw out your magazines after a month, and when they're gone, they never come back. Pathfinder is designed to stay in stock like any other book, and can be reprinted if need be.
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Chief Technical Officer
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Speaking as a bookseller, is there any way that I can offer my customers the pdf version? If they want it do they have to buy it from you, or will there be a way for them to obtain it?
We'll be selling individual PDFs for $13.95. I suppose we might contemplate making CD-ROM compilations available through retail in future, but even discussing that is a long way off.
-Vic.
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Speaking as a bookseller, is there any way that I can offer my customers the pdf version? If they want it do they have to buy it from you, or will there be a way for them to obtain it?We'll be selling individual PDFs for $13.95. I suppose we might contemplate making CD-ROM compilations available through retail in future, but even discussing that is a long way off.
That's a pretty powerful disincentive for customers to shop from me instead of you. For the same price from you they get two products.