Well the RPG sector no longer has a good general RPG magazine. WOuld it be too crazy for paizo to go for a RPG magazine? Even if it was on PDF?
Well the RPG sector no longer has a good general RPG magazine. WOuld it be too crazy for paizo to go for a RPG magazine? Even if it was on PDF?
Could be interesting.
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Well the RPG sector no longer has a good general RPG magazine. WOuld it be too crazy for paizo to go for a RPG magazine? Even if it was on PDF?
I think both Eric Mona and Lisa Stevens have commented that this won't happen in the foreseeable future.
Also there was a post a year ago from Vic Wertz:
We're taking this opportunity to move away from the magazine business because it's just plain terrible to be in. It's one thing to continue publishing an already successful magazine with awesome name recognition, great circulation, and advertisers lined up to buy pages, but it's quite another to launch a new magazine.We tried it twice, just a few years ago, with two very different magazines: Undefeated and Amazing Stories. And what we learned from both was that we'd have needed to dig a seven-digit hole in our bank account before we'd start seeing a decent return on them.
Many have suggested we should just replace Dragon with a clone, but it just doesn't work that way. "Manny's Cigar and Magazine Depot" carries Dragon because he's sold Dragon for decades. He's never heard of this new "Flagon magazine" but he's pretty sure he's never sold a copy. Should he buy it? Well, how much does it sell? Zero copies? Manny can't afford the risk right now. Come back when it sells tens of thousands per month. (Chicken, meet egg.)
And the big guys? You have to buy your spot on those stands. And you have to ship them more copies than they can possibly sell, and what they don't sell, they destroy, and you don't get paid for. If you start to sell more copies, they order more, so they can have some to destroy. They adjust their buying levels to ensure thay they're destroying more than they're selling—because if they don't have too many, they can't sell more.
And when you do sell copies, that money goes into what the magazine distribution business calls a "reserve against returns," which is held by our circulation company. Stores have the better part of a year to report their unsold issues, for which they get their money back, so until that time is up, the circulation people keep most of the money. (Actually, they parcel it out based on historical percentages, so it trickles in throughout the year, but the point is, you don't really know how much you've made until the issue has been off the stands for a year. And you don't get to hold the cash in the meantime.)
And then there's advertisers. Sure, within our hobby, it might be easy to find folks who'll give us a chance, but those video game companies, for example—they want to see circulation numbers. We might get them to pony up if we tell them that we reach tens of thousands of readers, but a circulation of "zero right now, but we're hopeful for the future" isn't going to get their attention.
But in order to keep the cover price down, you need to have that advertising, and you need those big circulation numbers. It's just not a simple as "print Pathfinder on magazine stock, and make it $8." Can't be done.
If you want more about how bad the magazine business is, search our boards for posts from me that include the words magazine, business, and terrible. It's *so* much worse than anyone outside it would ever imagine.
We'll miss publishing Dragon and Dungeon, but we won't miss publishing magazines.
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Back in 2000 I had the brilliant idea of creating an "independent" gaming magazine that didn't focus on any one company's products or game. The initial venture was a purely online version with submissions generated by the readers. When we spread the word the submissions poured in.
We received a huge volume of submissions which made us think that perhaps we should take the financial risk and go with a print magazine. I wish I would have been able to talk with the people at Paizo then, but they weren't even a company yet ;)
Needless to say the financial issues killed both the aspirations of the print and online versions.
Licensing, advertising, publishing, printing and staff costs are extremely high with very little margin built in.
DigitalDungeonCast.com is basically the result of this colossal failure.
I can't blame Paizo in the least bit for going down the path that they have..
What about Kobold Quarterly????
My thoughts exactly.
Contributor
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WOuld it be too crazy for paizo to go for a RPG magazine? Even if it was on PDF?
Yes, it would be crazy.
Wolfgang Baur's Kobold Quarterly is the spiritual successor of Dragon and is a really high-quality production. If you're looking for an RPG magazine, support Wolfgang and get a subscription. :)
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I could not agree more, Mike! in fact, I would go so far as to say if you are at all a fan of Paizo, you really should, by extention, be a fan of (and subscriber to) Kobold Quarterly!
Go to Kobold Quarterly web site.
Does anyone know whether Baur will consider staying 3.5/OGL/PRPG in light of the GSL? I'm not familiar with where he landed, I only remember the ad that said, "3.5 Never Dies!"
The ad was not representative of KQ, but rather of Sinister Adventures.
Creative Director
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Kobold Quarterly's my current favorite gaming magazine, hands down.
As for Paizo doing a magazine... chances of that are VERY VERY unlikely. We don't have the staff, the infrastructure, or the finances to do something like that. Dragon and Dungeon had decades of inertia built up, and that counts a LOT for magazines.
Launching a new magazine in this day and age is the best way I can think of for a company to go bankrupt. Doing one as a quarterly, with a small but dedicated staff and lots of talented contributors, is the way to go (again, see Kobold Quarterly).
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Launching a new magazine in this day and age is the best way I can think of for a company to go bankrupt. Doing one as a quarterly, with a small but dedicated staff and lots of talented contributors, is the way to go (again, see Kobold Quarterly).
You're just saying that because you've started sleeping again after getting Pathfinder on track. We spoil you you know...
What about Kobold Quarterly????
Hmm isnt this just a d20/3E magazine?
I was refering to a more general RPG magazine (covering generic material for other rpgs or material focusing on different genres), is KQ a general RPG magazine?
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Creative Director
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What about Kobold Quarterly????Hmm isnt this just a d20/3E magazine?
I was refering to a more general RPG magazine (covering generic material for other rpgs or material focusing on different genres), is KQ a general RPG magazine?
Ah. What Kobold does in the future is, of course, up to Wolfgang.
But Paizo won't be dipping her toes in the dreadful scary cruel horrific razor-edged boiling acidic waters of the magazine industry again, I'm relatively sure.
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What about Kobold Quarterly????Hmm isnt this just a d20/3E magazine?
I was refering to a more general RPG magazine (covering generic material for other rpgs or material focusing on different genres), is KQ a general RPG magazine?
I guess it is pretty much centered on d20/3.5 material for now, although I still strongly reccommend that you check out the website and learn more about the mag for yourself. It really is a great mag!
(boy, I sound like I own stock in it or something :)
I guess it is pretty much centered on d20/3.5 material for now, although I still strongly reccommend that you check out the website and learn more about the mag for yourself. It really is a great mag!(boy, I sound like I own stock in it or something :)
Most Kobold readers do. I agree with what everybody said. Everyone should give Wolfgang money at every opportunity. Kobold is the best magazine in the world and will only get better with more subscribers. I am certain of it.
Just want to put a good word in for the Kobold Quarterly. I think it picks up where Dragon left off, and it is in very good hands.
Kobold Quarterly is a great read! Folks who aren't subscribers should definitely give it a whirl.
The "old school" covers alone, their style harkening back to Dragon's early years, are worth the price of admission :)
I still miss getting Dragon/Dungeon in my mail box every month but KQ has salved some of the pain.
I just ordered the first two issues of Fight On! They describe themselves as "The premier fanzine for the old-school renaissance." And I found it via Grognardia, so I guess it will have an old-school vibe. If the print quality is ok I switch my KQ subscription from PDF only to Print.
Kobold Quaterly is da bomb! Everything I could possibly want from a gamer magazine I get right there. The only thing I'd want more of from KQ is...well, more! More issues, more of Wolfgang's awesome mag.
Did I mention I love KQ?
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Contributor
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What about Kobold Quarterly????Hmm isnt this just a d20/3E magazine?
I was refering to a more general RPG magazine (covering generic material for other rpgs or material focusing on different genres), is KQ a general RPG magazine?
Well, since those kinds of magazines couldn't remain in print for long before the advent of the magazine-industry-killing Internet, I'm pretty sure one is not going to exist at any time... ever. At least not for more than a few issues.
Kobold Quarterly rocks. I just wish it came out more frequently. It's truly a worthy successor of Dragon magazine.
Kobold Quarterly pulled me off the streets and cured my lumbago AND my baldness.
The magazine rocks! It's constantly expanding and evolving and you should check it out right now--http://www.koboldquarterly.com. In fact, if you see Wolfgang on the street, you should immediately throw some of your money at him.
Take it from me. I'm not just a subscriber; I'm also Assistant Editor.
-Scott ;D
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Contributor, RPG Superstar 2008 Top 4
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I'm gonna have to go with KQ on this one - a better mag for gamers simply cannot be purchased at this time.
... and, if those of us desperate for gaming-support articles touching on every single kind of game sold by the fine folks at Paizo are vocal enough, I'll bet you that Dark Overlord Wolfgang could be convinced to add them to the 'zine.
My guess is that as readership grows, so will the product - it is, after all, helmed by people who both know & LOVE the hobby.
Kobold Qaurterly has an article of mine in the que right now with more on tap for later. I think it's a great magazine and it's definitely something I'm proud to be able to contribute to.
Kobold Quarterly is the best of the current RPG magazines at the moment hands down! All of the issues are spectacular and I have had the privilege of contributing too the last two issues (and the one coming up).
So give KQ a shot! You won't be disappointed!
Kobold Press
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::blush::
Thanks, guys! I have been working myself silly for the magazine, and it's always great to know it is appreciated.
So subscribe!
And not only is KQ a great magazine, Mr Baur is a fine fellow and deserves all the success he gets.
Looking at some of the ideas he's coming up with and the challenges he's setting contributors I think anyone who subscribes will be delighted with the variety and scope of the magazine.
Huzzah!
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Hi Wolfgang ... I was wondering when you would pop in and join this KQ Lovefest!
Hey, I know this has been asked once or twice (or a thousand times :) already, but ... regarding KQ and 4E ...
I know at this point you are taking a wait and see approach, particularly with the GSL being so restrictive about things like including both 3.5 material AND 4E material in the same product line etc. I can't blame you in the slightest for this tactic. It must be a very difficult situation to be in and I sympathize (as do, I would be willing to bet, just about everyone else on these boards)
My question pertains specifically to something someone posted on your KQ message forums that actually kind of rang true to me.
The poster said that he had noticed what seemed like a subtle shift in your 'tone' regarding 4E in your recent posts. He mentioned that lately it seemed like you were lamenting the fact that more people have NOT made the switch and have decided to stay with 3.5 and/or Pathfinder.
When I read that, it made me think about it and I can see where he is coming from. I also think I have noticed a similar kind of shift in some of your most recent posts.
So, assuming you can and/or want to comment - is this any kind of indication of which side of the fence you might be going? For the record, if you would go the 4E route, I'm pretty sure that would make me drop my subscription. I just have no interest in 4E and can't see myself getting involved with it any time soon. I certainly would respect your decision though, no matter which way you went.
Anyway, Wolfgang, sorry for the slight threadjack. Bottom line, Kobold Quarterly is a great mag and I find myself really anticipating its arrival in my mailbox! Thanks for the FANTASTIC work!
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Kobold Press
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My question pertains specifically to something someone posted on your KQ message forums that actually kind of rang true to me.
I basically can't win on this question, but here I go again. :)
I haven't lamented that many haven't made the switch (and challenge you to find me saying so). I *do* lament the failure by WotC to bring Paizo and other 3PP into the tent, and the larger failure of the GSL. The RPG audience is small enough, without splitting it further and further.
As it stands, I basically have a magazine that must divide its focus, or abandon one audience for another.
So I guess I'm saying, it would have been easier (for me as a publisher) if 4E had been a raging success with full 3rd-party support. I wouldn't have to worry about my friends and colleagues at WotC or at Paizo competing with each other for the RPG audience. And I could have simply jumped over the edition fault line instead of trying to straddle it.
That's my dream world, though, not the real world.
While Open Design is producing 4th Edition adventure, Kobold Quarterly is not going 4E right now. It might never go 4E.
I enjoy 3E (and Pathfinder in particular) and will continue supporting them as long as the reading audience is picking up the magazine. The 4E audience just hasn't materialized.
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All the love goes to Kobold Quarterly but I'm going to point out another magazine that's kinda sorta new. They don't do RPG system specific stuff like Kobold/Dragon/Dungeon used to do.. but they certainly do previews, interviews, and reviews. It's called Game Trade Magazine. If you have a local comic book store, they'll likely have it since most comic book stores sell Previews and it comes bundled with it (but is available separately.)
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All the love goes to Kobold Quarterly but I'm going to point out another magazine that's kinda sorta new. They don't do RPG system specific stuff like Kobold/Dragon/Dungeon used to do.. but they certainly do previews, interviews, and reviews. It's called Game Trade Magazine. If you have a local comic book store, they'll likely have it since most comic book stores sell Previews and it comes bundled with it (but is available separately.)
That's the one put out by Reaper, right? I could have sworn they shared a mascot. Or does Reaper just do promotional minis for them?
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Chief Technical Officer
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All the love goes to Kobold Quarterly but I'm going to point out another magazine that's kinda sorta new. They don't do RPG system specific stuff like Kobold/Dragon/Dungeon used to do.. but they certainly do previews, interviews, and reviews. It's called Game Trade Magazine. If you have a local comic book store, they'll likely have it since most comic book stores sell Previews and it comes bundled with it (but is available separately.)That's the one put out by Reaper, right? I could have sworn they shared a mascot. Or does Reaper just do promotional minis for them?
Reaper's mag/catalog is Casket Works, and it covers only Reaper stuff. Game Trade is put out by Alliance Game Distributors.
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I know the Paizo staff has explained the traditional magazine market and the finances of it and the sheer insanity of it all.
But have you guys ever considered the No Quarter model? They don't deal with the mass market bookstores at all. They don't even have advertising. They don't even have a subscription service.
And yet my FLGS cannot keep them in stock. They fly off the shelves. They are expertly professional in appearance and quality. They break the traditional model of a magazine at every turn and are terribly popular.
I understand that Paizo doesn't have a staff to deal with a magazine right now. But why shut down a great product for the future just because the way you always did it doesn't work, when there just possibly IS a way to do it that WILL work?
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I know the Paizo staff has explained the traditional magazine market and the finances of it and the sheer insanity of it all.
But have you guys ever considered the No Quarter model? They don't deal with the mass market bookstores at all. They don't even have advertising. They don't even have a subscription service.
And yet my FLGS cannot keep them in stock. They fly off the shelves. They are expertly professional in appearance and quality. They break the traditional model of a magazine at every turn and are terribly popular.
I understand that Paizo doesn't have a staff to deal with a magazine right now. But why shut down a great product for the future just because the way you always did it doesn't work, when there just possibly IS a way to do it that WILL work?
I've never heard of No Quarter. What is it exactly and what IS the No Quarter model? In other words, how does this title thrive with no advertising and no subscription base?
I worked in the magazine industry for more than 12 years, so I'm curious ...
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Chief Technical Officer
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But have you guys ever considered the No Quarter model? They don't deal with the mass market bookstores at all. They don't even have advertising. They don't even have a subscription service.
We're very familiar with No Quarter—we helped Privateer Press get it started, and did prepress for the first several issues. Because we do have insider knowledge (albeit not recent) it would be inappropriate for me to explain this next bit, but the model they're using is not one that would work very well for Paizo, or, I believe, for any general interest magazine in this industry.
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Chief Technical Officer
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I've never heard of No Quarter. What is it exactly and what IS the No Quarter model? In other words, how does this title thrive with no advertising and no subscription base?
No Quarter is Privateer Press' magazine supporting their own products (primarily WARMACHINE and HORDES).
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But have you guys ever considered the No Quarter model? They don't deal with the mass market bookstores at all. They don't even have advertising. They don't even have a subscription service.We're very familiar with No Quarter—we helped Privateer Press get it started, and did prepress for the first several issues. Because we do have insider knowledge (albeit not recent) it would be inappropriate for me to explain this next bit, but the model they're using is not one that would work very well for Paizo, or, I believe, for any general interest magazine in this industry.
Well good enough for me then... but dude you sure did pique my curiosity! Course I don't know that I would make it a general interest magazine per se. I would use it as a House Organ and marketing.
However, that being said obviously you know FAR more than I do.
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I just ordered the first two issues of Fight On! They describe themselves as "The premier fanzine for the old-school renaissance." And I found it via Grognardia, so I guess it will have an old-school vibe. If the print quality is ok I switch my KQ subscription from PDF only to Print.
Hey. this thread is back. well now that I've read both issues of this I can give my review: They rock! As for old school, they are ADnD, not 3.x, so the rules can throw you for a loop and if you use any other system you'll need to convert, but that's the only flaw I can think of. They publish a couple of adventures, articles on races and classes, and even throw in some fun lists and maps each issue. And the maps are hand-drawn! which I love. Professional Quality is all well and good, but there is a definate confidence boost in your DMing skills when you see a map published in a magazine that looks exactly like what you would've drawn, and an adventure written exaclt as if you'd have done it yourself. The adventures are creative as well, and there was even an article on Penguins as player characters which alone justified the purchase of them to me. I would highly reccommend these to everyone!
As for old school, they are ADnD, not 3.x, so the rules can throw you for a loop and if you use any other system you'll need to convert, but that's the only flaw I can think of.
Just to clarify briefly: Fight On! doesn't use the AD&D rules or indeed any specific rules set. For a variety of reasons both practical and philosophical it uses a light meta-system that's broadly compatible with all pre-WotC editions of D&D and their spin-offs. This is in the spirit of Judges Guild's Universal System of old.
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As for old school, they are ADnD, not 3.x, so the rules can throw you for a loop and if you use any other system you'll need to convert, but that's the only flaw I can think of.Just to clarify briefly: Fight On! doesn't use the AD&D rules or indeed any specific rules set. For a variety of reasons both practical and philosophical it uses a light meta-system that's broadly compatible with all pre-WotC editions of D&D and their spin-offs. This is in the spirit of Judges Guild's Universal System of old.
Oh...my bad. sorry about that. I just didn't recognize the rules and made an assumtion. oh well. thank's for clearign that up.