If I purchase the Pathfinder Beastiary and Player's Handbook, will I also receive a free PDF version of each book?
Physical books are great, but I really love the ease and convenience of having the PDF on my laptop. With the bookmark and search functions, I've come to view PDFs as "Must Have."
If I have to choose, I'd prefer to have a PDF over a physical book.
So if the PDFs are sold separately, I'd buy those over the more expensive books.
I really want to support Paizo by purchasing a hardcover book, but the PDF will be deciding factor. Throw in a free PDF with the purchase of a book and you've got a deal!
Disclaimer:
If you already include free PDFs and I'm just out of the loop, please disregard the post.
If I purchase the Pathfinder Beastiary and Player's Handbook, will I also receive a free PDF version of each book?
Physical books are great, but I really love the ease and convenience of having the PDF on my laptop. With the bookmark and search functions, I've come to view PDFs as "Must Have."
If I have to choose, I'd prefer to have a PDF over a physical book.
So if the PDFs are sold separately, I'd buy those over the more expensive books.I really want to support Paizo by purchasing a hardcover book, but the PDF will be deciding factor. Throw in a free PDF with the purchase of a book and you've got a deal!
Disclaimer:
If you already include free PDFs and I'm just out of the loop, please disregard the post.
Right now the free PDF has been if you are a subscriber to a particular line (Modules, Companions, etc.). There is great hope that Paizo will be rolling out a new subscription for the RPG and Bestiary, etc., so that this will happen :) But no official word (though many hints!) yet!
I'd be really astonished if they didn't do a RPG subscription.
With the bookmark and search functions, I've come to view PDFs as "Must Have."
I've come to view PDFs as a must-have, too.
I also view print editions as a must-have.
Both can do things or can be used in ways the other cannot, and with a combination of both, it's simply perfect.
On the downside, I doubt they will throw in a free .pdf version if you buy the book.
On the upside, it sounds like there will be a website for the Open Content bits from the Pathfinder RPG rules book and Bestiary, hopefully similar to d20srd.org. I find that even more useful than a .pdf, although YMMV.
If Paizo throws in a free Kobold with every purchase I'll buy a couple hundred copies, but they have to be house trained.
You cannot house train kobolds. You can only kill them and raise them as zombies - and even then they'll leave bits of rotting meat lying around everywhere.
Actually, I do hope that a PDF for the books is included when ordered from Paizo directly (or via subscription if that is what it takes to get it).
Actually, I do hope that a PDF for the books is included when ordered from Paizo directly (or via subscription if that is what it takes to get it).
I guess that they do the same thing they do with everything else.
I have been thinking on this, and it does seem that there is a large difference between an RPG subscription and the others. If you miss out on the others, you often won't *particularly* want to go back in time and pick them up, but just go ahead with what is still coming out.
But this is essentially *THE* book. Others coming out over time yes, but most people coming to it later will want this first one, so I'm sure this has been puzzling them on exactly how to do this.
Plenty of people will subscribe right away, but all the new customers after that would be "out" the chance to get the PDF for free. Kinda makes it a "Charter" benefit instead of a "Subscriber" benefit.
I can't think of an easy fix for it, other than the possibly extreme version of an option to "Subscribe beginning with All Past Volumes".
Perhaps, in this case, they could do something like this for latecomers:
Pathfinder RPG Hardcover: $49.99
Pathfinder RPG PDF: $34.99 (usual 70%)
Pathfinder RPG Hardcover + PDF: $69.99 (140%)
Edit: There is one factor I hadn't considered - the RPG book will be the last Pathfinder RPG Subscription item for at least several months I believe. Given the usual option of starting with the previous or next book, people may be able to subscribe and get the RPG PDF for quite some time. That eases the issue/gives more time to resolve.
An RPG subsciption implies that they are regularly going to be putting out splat books, a la WotC. While Paizo hasn't been too specific about this, they seem to have implied that aside from additional Beastiaries, there won't be a whole lot of optional rulebooks, as they wanted to avoid the "new hardback every month" model that WotC seems to follow.
For these first two core books, my 2 cents is for a free PDF for all preorders. If you are late to the party, if you want both, pay for both. The idea of bundling both for a discount would be okay, too.
For these first two core books, my 2 cents is for a free PDF for all preorders. If you are late to the party, if you want both, pay for both. The idea of bundling both for a discount would be okay, too.
I don't mind this as long as they announce it before it's too late to pre-order and get in on it. I'm a guaranteed sale, but I haven't pre-ordered in case I want to buy other stuff with the books and take advantage of the shipping discount. If they tell me I can get free PDFs by pre-ordering, I'm in, but if they suddenly announce that everyone who has already pre-ordered, and no one else, gets the PDFs, I'll be annoyed.
For these first two core books, my 2 cents is for a free PDF for all preorders. If you are late to the party, if you want both, pay for both. The idea of bundling both for a discount would be okay, too.I don't this as long as they announce it before it's too late to pre-order and get in on it. I'm a guaranteed sale, but I haven't pre-ordered in case I want to buy other stuff with the books and take advantage of the shipping discount. If they tell me I can get free PDFs by pre-ordering, I'm in, but if they suddenly announce that everyone who has already pre-ordered, and no one else, gets the PDFs, I'll be annoyed.
Agreed, whatever their decision may be, they should let us know sooner rather than later what their course of action will be regarding PDF versions of the upcoming rules.
Chief Technical Officer
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Agreed, whatever their decision may be, they should let us know sooner rather than later what their course of action will be regarding PDF versions of the upcoming rules.For these first two core books, my 2 cents is for a free PDF for all preorders. If you are late to the party, if you want both, pay for both. The idea of bundling both for a discount would be okay, too.I don't this as long as they announce it before it's too late to pre-order and get in on it. I'm a guaranteed sale, but I haven't pre-ordered in case I want to buy other stuff with the books and take advantage of the shipping discount. If they tell me I can get free PDFs by pre-ordering, I'm in, but if they suddenly announce that everyone who has already pre-ordered, and no one else, gets the PDFs, I'll be annoyed.
We'll be announcing additional Pathfinder RPG products, a subscription option, and details of how one can acquire free PDFs in the coming weeks.
We'll be announcing additional Pathfinder RPG products, a subscription option, and details of how one can acquire free PDFs in the coming weeks.Agreed, whatever their decision may be, they should let us know sooner rather than later what their course of action will be regarding PDF versions of the upcoming rules.For these first two core books, my 2 cents is for a free PDF for all preorders. If you are late to the party, if you want both, pay for both. The idea of bundling both for a discount would be okay, too.I don't this as long as they announce it before it's too late to pre-order and get in on it. I'm a guaranteed sale, but I haven't pre-ordered in case I want to buy other stuff with the books and take advantage of the shipping discount. If they tell me I can get free PDFs by pre-ordering, I'm in, but if they suddenly announce that everyone who has already pre-ordered, and no one else, gets the PDFs, I'll be annoyed.
w00t!!!
An RPG subsciption implies that they are regularly going to be putting out splat books, a la WotC. While Paizo hasn't been too specific about this, they seem to have implied that aside from additional Beastiaries, there won't be a whole lot of optional rulebooks, as they wanted to avoid the "new hardback every month" model that WotC seems to follow.
It's not that different from Chronicles - they don't have a fixed schedule.
I think a subscription will work: There will only be the occasional book (I guess something like one every 2-3 months or so), but that's still more or less regular. Make it an incentive to get the PDF over the SRD.
I could see it being very cheap or even free for those who also get the hardcover.
Edit: There is one factor I hadn't considered - the RPG book will be the last Pathfinder RPG Subscription item for at least several months I believe. Given the usual option of starting with the previous or next book, people may be able to subscribe and get the RPG PDF for quite some time. That eases the issue/gives more time to resolve.
The Bestiary comes after, so that won't work.
I agree, though: In this case, Paizo should consider an additional way to get the PDF if you buy the core book.
The subscription back issue thing was a good idea, and while it doesn't work quite the way you think, there's no reason it shouldn't!
Give late PF RPG subscribers the option to get one or both core books and receive a free PDF.
That would also show a positive attitude as opposed to what wizards is doing with their online scheme subscription and all that.
I trust that if you have preordered the RPG and/or the Bestiary already, switching to a subscription will not be a problem in any way?
It never was before. I think I had that situation already with something else, and it was done automatically when I signed up for the subscription.
Of course nothing stopping the simplest solution of all "Free PDF for all Preorders through Paizo.Com."
That doesn't help those who learn about the game later. Something tells me that it would be a great idea to keep enticing people to get those core books. Throwing early buyers a bone is great and all, but not if it hurts your business.
Maybe they can give us a free preorder PDF with some extra stuff in it - They do that all the time with computer games.
I think superscribers who also add the Pathfinder RPG option should get their copy with a special cover with their name on it in gold lettering. ;)
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I think superscribers who also add the Pathfinder RPG option should get their copy with a special cover with their name on it in gold lettering. ;)
Numbered and/or signed copies for subscribers? That would be cool...
Vic and Eric have both said in the past though (usually when talking about free pdfs outside of the current subscription model) that doing things that could piss off the distributors they consider bad form, and hence don't do. I think this is only right, so I can only really see the same kind of subscription model..
Saying that, I could see them copying the PF Advantage to the RPG subscription...It makes a little more sense there now.
Superscribers shouldn't get any more perks, they are only regular subscribers with more cash :)
I think superscribers who also add the Pathfinder RPG option should get their copy with a special cover with their name on it in gold lettering. ;)Numbered and/or signed copies for subscribers? That would be cool...
Vic and Eric have both said in the past though (usually when talking about free pdfs outside of the current subscription model) that doing things that could piss off the distributors they consider bad form, and hence don't do. I think this is only right, so I can only really see the same kind of subscription model..
Saying that, I could see them copying the PF Advantage to the RPG subscription...It makes a little more sense there now.
Superscribers shouldn't get any more perks, they are only regular subscribers with more cash :)
"only" :P
Well, the name-in-gold-lettering on the cover is what certain members of WotC received when the 3.0 core books came out. :)
I think superscribers who also add the Pathfinder RPG option should get their copy with a special cover with their name on it in gold lettering. ;)
I don't care about gold lettering as long as it has a dedication that says:
"To hogarth: Without your tireless nitpicking and complaining, none of this would have been possible."
I trust that if you have preordered the RPG and/or the Bestiary already, switching to a subscription will not be a problem in any way?As a subscription is still not confirmed, I think it's impossible to say, but given Paizo's history, I doubt it would be a problem.
I can't recall where, but *I believe* I saw that if you order a book separately, it will be considered fulfillment of the subscription.
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Chief Technical Officer
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I can't recall where, but *I believe* I saw that if you order a book separately, it will be considered fulfillment of the subscription.I trust that if you have preordered the RPG and/or the Bestiary already, switching to a subscription will not be a problem in any way?As a subscription is still not confirmed, I think it's impossible to say, but given Paizo's history, I doubt it would be a problem.
RIght—if you preorder one or more copies, and then you subscribe, one of those preorder copies will be counted as your subscription copy.
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Chief Technical Officer
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Any news on this topic now? I like to buy my books from a FLGS to support them, any idea about PDF availability if I buy separate from Paizo? Or a discounted PDF availability? Any news on a possible subscription for PFRPG books? Or preordering the book to get a free PDF?
All we've said so far is that there will be a Pathfinder RPG subscriptions, and that subscription will include a free PDF, just like our other Pathfinder subscriptions. We haven't provided any other details (or ruled anything else out) just yet.
I'm hopeful that we'll have more details on the subscription in the next week or two, but we're still finalizing some of the schedules and such for the first few followup products, and we want to announce those at the same time, so that subscribers will be able to have a good idea of just what it is they're signing up for!
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Vic,
Just a thought, while you are pondering this, would the Bonus Bestiary be included as the first item in the subscription??
It would be great to have the option of having a guarenteed copy. There is no retailer particapting in Free RPG day in Australia, so there is no other way for us to get it.
Vic,
Just a thought, while you are pondering this, would the Bonus Bestiary be included as the first item in the subscription??
It would be great to have the option of having a guarenteed copy. There is no retailer particapting in Free RPG day in Australia, so there is no other way for us to get it.
It will be available for purchase following that weekend from the Paizo store :)
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It will be available for purchase following that weekend from the Paizo store :)Vic,
Just a thought, while you are pondering this, would the Bonus Bestiary be included as the first item in the subscription??
It would be great to have the option of having a guarenteed copy. There is no retailer particapting in Free RPG day in Australia, so there is no other way for us to get it.
Yeh, but a guarenteed copy that I don't have to think about ordering would be nice. It would also be nice to have it bundled in with the rest of my subscriptions to save on postage....which believe me is a serious consideration for the international customer. Say the Bonus Bestiary is $5, it would cost about $11 to post to Australia, as opposed to no extra for postage with a subscription.
The issue I can see with this from Paizo's point of veiw is that you will have some of your customer base in the US who won't want to pay for it as part of the subscription as they will be getting it for free on the day. But then, they can just subscribe after the day and start with the RPG itself.
It will be available for purchase following that weekend from the Paizo store :)Vic,
Just a thought, while you are pondering this, would the Bonus Bestiary be included as the first item in the subscription??
It would be great to have the option of having a guarenteed copy. There is no retailer particapting in Free RPG day in Australia, so there is no other way for us to get it.
Yeh, but a guarenteed copy that I don't have to think about ordering would be nice. It would also be nice to have it bundled in with the rest of my subscriptions to save on postage....which believe me is a serious consideration for the international customer. Say the Bonus Bestiary is $5, it would cost about $11 to post to Australia, as opposed to no extra for postage with a subscription.
The issue I can see with this from Paizo's point of veiw is that you will have some of your customer base in the US who won't want to pay for it as part of the subscription as they will be getting it for free on the day. But then, they can just subscribe after the day and start with the RPG itself.
Well, last year's Free RPG offering was this module which you now get to download for free :) Soooo ... once maybe the Bonus Bestiary will be available as a free PDF as well :)
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Well, last year's Free RPG offering was this module which you now get to download for free :) Soooo ... once maybe the Bonus Bestiary will be available as a free PDF as well :)
I thought I read somewhere that was the plan for the PDF. It would be free but you had to pay for the print copy if you wanted it. Maybe not.
That's my understanding. The Bonus Bestiary PDF will be free, but the physical copy will be for sale in limited numbers after the Free RPG Day.
All we've said so far is that there will be a Pathfinder RPG subscriptions, and that subscription will include a free PDF, just like our other Pathfinder subscriptions. We haven't provided any other details (or ruled anything else out) just yet.
I'm hopeful that we'll have more details on the subscription in the next week or two, but we're still finalizing some of the schedules and such for the first few followup products, and we want to announce those at the same time, so that subscribers will be able to have a good idea of just what it is they're signing up for!
You're giving me almost everything I could possibly want with the exception of a hot, randy blond in a miniskirt. What do you say we go all the way with this subscription, Vic?
You're giving me almost everything I could possibly want with the exception of a hot, randy blond in a miniskirt. What do you say we go all the way with this subscription, Vic?All we've said so far is that there will be a Pathfinder RPG subscriptions, and that subscription will include a free PDF, just like our other Pathfinder subscriptions. We haven't provided any other details (or ruled anything else out) just yet.
I'm hopeful that we'll have more details on the subscription in the next week or two, but we're still finalizing some of the schedules and such for the first few followup products, and we want to announce those at the same time, so that subscribers will be able to have a good idea of just what it is they're signing up for!
K, that reply made me laugh hard. Thank you.
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Chief Technical Officer
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Vic,
Just a thought, while you are pondering this, would the Bonus Bestiary be included as the first item in the subscription??
It would be great to have the option of having a guarenteed copy. There is no retailer particapting in Free RPG day in Australia, so there is no other way for us to get it.
The Bonus Bestiary will not be part of the subscription. For one thing, we hope to have more subscribers than we'll have copies of the Bonus Bestiary. For another, we want to encourage people to participate in Free RPG Day, and making the Bonus Bestiary part of the subscription may discourage some people from going to the store that day. Finally, many people who would subscribe will be getting their copy on the day for free, and they wouldn't want us to send them (and charge them for) another copy (and even if they did, because this product is limited run, we'd rather see two people get one copy each than one person getting two copies).
Also, there's still time to encourage your retailer to participate!
a hot, randy blond in a miniskirt.
You mean that priestess of Abardar, right?
Vic only uses Abadar's pic as his board avatar. He is not, in fact, Abadar. He cannot send that priestess over to you.
He really can't. I asked him before. He didn't send her to me.
Also, there's still time to encourage your retailer to participate!
Okay, I'll do that.
Hey, Paizo, what about that free RPG day? I hear those pathfinder guys are giving away bonus bestiaries. Can you get me one?
I don't think the local stores care enough for D&D or pathfinder, or RPGs really, do do anything like that.
Even then, I'd be missing on a PF session if I went there. I'd rather make do with a PDF printout than miss on a chance to torture my players!
Like earlier tod... oh look at the time: yesterday, when I sicced a dozen aliens on my players? They managed to device the ideal party to get mauled by akatas.