Guys, I read the original title "The Watcher of Ulduvai" on Wolfgang's open design site.
I've got to say, I think it's a lot better than the current one. For what it's worth, I recommend you go with his title if there's still time to change it.
As a consumer, I'd be more likely to look at the module if it had The Watcher title. It's more evocative. And, even if I didn't pick it up at first, the title is something that would stick with me. It's catchy, to the point where I might go back for a second look later.
IMHO, Crucible of Chaos isn't a poor title, just sort of standard fare - and such, isn't likely to stand out in my mind as a consumer.
My $.02
PS - I hope it's not impolite to suggest the title change :-)
Big nonsense words in titles might appeal to fantasy readers, but not so much to the people who decided how many copies to order at the distributor and store level.
Hope you understand.
--Erik
I do, indeed. Thanks for the feedback. I never would have thought that a title would impact quantity ordered by the book chains, etc.
I would have guessed that they ordered a standard quantity based on previous sales - sort of like a rubber stamp - we order x number of every Paizo module, x number of every new WotC supplement, etc.
Mike
Chief Creative Officer, Publisher
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That's often how it works, but the name can have an affect on sales. If a module sells poorly and has a weird name that's difficult to spell, that's an easy target for a symptom of what may have gone wrong.
I want Paizo to be thought of as "that company that makes the successful RPG stuff," not "that company with all the crazy names."
It's a bit crass and commercial, I'll grant you, but we want to be around for a long time.
--Erik