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Hello again Paizo,
This worked the first time, so I'm back hat in hand. Please commit to giving us the rules to round 2 before 1/20... In an ideal world sometime on or before Friday would be great.
The short turn around time is a tall order for anyone who works weekdays. I could handle a 3 day turn around time if there was a weekend day in there. You'll get a better effort from anyone in similar circumstances by giving us a little more notice.
Maybe the thought was to see who can as a freelancer handle a rapid turn around; but remember, by the rules of the contest I'm not making my living doing this. I'm sure if you polled us you'd find single parents and folks with 2 jobs in this contest, we're hard working people and we'll give you our best, just help us out a little?
If you're worried we'll resent putting in effort and in some cases buying materials before we know we're in, we get it there are no guarantees. Give us the item and we'll give you a better effort then we would if you rush us.
I'd argue that knowing your limits and pushing back when something doesn't seem reasonable is just as much a good freelancer quality as being able to turn around on a short deadline.
That's my 2 copper.
Sincerely,
Frank Gori
A.k.a GM_Solspiral
Marathon Voter Season 8, Marathon Voter Season 9
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On one hand, I most definitely agree with you, Solspiral. I, for one, am only able to work on this stuff on my computer at work. So weekdays for this are awesome for me! But I'm not everybody, and some of us DO only have time to commit to the contest on weekends, if that.
On the other hand, Paizo flipping the script on round one to potentially corral in those whom are up to the challenge of surprises on short deadlines could very well be an aspect that could transition into Round 2.
On another note in support of Solspiral's call, this would also allow a little more time for the slightly more artistically challenged top 32'ers time to focus and give their best despite visually aesthetic shortcomings. (This is me through and through, by the way.)
I don't know if I'm going to make it to top 32. But either way, what happens happens. They are the directors of this grand play. And we, as the actors, need to follow their direction.
tl;dr version: I agree.
I understand where you are coming from and would much prefer being able to work on it over the weekend, but if Paizo needs a map in three days before the weekend, what do you do?
I will be in the middle of a vacation to Cuba on the 20th. There's almost a part of me that's hoping I don't make it.
Finding a computer and internet source will be a challenge, let alone finding time to work on it while placating an unimpressed spouse.
I'm not going to make it, right guys? None of you liked my item, right?
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I'm pretty sure Paizo planned a cull regardless of anyone asking.
Likewise, if their intent is to share the rules ahead of time, they will. If they weren't planning to, I doubt this'll change things. That said, I can't find the post but I thought I recalled Owen Stephens saying the map rules would be posted ahead of time. Even so, this is only the first full day of judging, so the Superstar folks probably have other things on their plate.
At any rate, personally what I'd plea for is patience.
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I will echo ole Frank and say that having the weekend, or at least a Sunday to get mappy would be great schedule wise.
If not, oh well. I knew what I signed on for.
I remember in first year university hearing this one;
Quality work
Family life
Sleep
Choose two...
Dedicated Voter Season 7, Dedicated Voter Season 8, Dedicated Voter Season 9
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I'm pretty sure Paizo planned a cull regardless of anyone asking.
Likewise, if their intent is to share the rules ahead of time, they will. If they weren't planning to, I doubt this'll change things. That said, I can't find the post but I thought I recalled Owen Stephens saying the map rules would be posted ahead of time. Even so, this is only the first full day of judging, so the Superstar folks probably have other things on their plate.
At any rate, personally what I'd plea for is patience.
I agree with this, but I also think that there is never any harm in making a polite, well-reasoned request, which this was. As a corporate accountant, this time of year my available time is very very short, so I'll take every bit of additional prep time I can get.
And if I advance and I don't get any...well, I know what I signed up for.
I'm pretty sure Paizo planned a cull regardless of anyone asking.
You failed your sense motive check here, admittedly the DC on the written word is rather high. I'm well aware my previous thread had nothing to do with the decision to cull... For what it's worth your word choices and avatar make that entire reply sound really grumpy in my head when I read it.
Likewise, if their intent is to share the rules ahead of time, they will. If they weren't planning to, I doubt this'll change things. That said, I can't find the post but I thought I recalled Owen Stephens saying the map rules would be posted ahead of time. Even so, this is only the first full day of judging, so the Superstar folks probably have other things on their plate.
At any rate, personally what I'd plea for is patience.
Emphasis mine, responding specifically to the bolded in order..
-I disagree, Paizo has shown the ability and desire to adapt to the needs and concerns of their fans. I'm sure if thread demonstrated that it was the will of the public they would at least consider a change. Paizo responds to feedback.
-I thought Owen mentioned it too, but asking doesn't hurt anyone. My muse is freaking out a little and even knowing that we'll get a weekend day in there would substantially lower my blood pressure and I doubt I'm alone there.
-Presumably the rules already exist somewhere this is likely a matter of someone hitting a button to transition it from a draft to a post or possibly copy pasting it from a doc.
-Back at you DQ... that face so stern... judging me... :P
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If you feel judged by a Dr. Lucky character, I really can't help you. ;p
If you feel judged by a Dr. Lucky character, I really can't help you. ;p
I googled that... Cheapass games is soooo my favorite vendor. I used to help run a local gaming convention and they were the nicest people and they almost always left a free box of games for the staff. Class act all the way.
Edit: comically pointing out how I'm threadjacking myself...
See what happens when you panic my muse!!!
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Round One ending thoughts thread
The comment from Owen that people are thinking of was in the above thread about half way down the page and quoted below for your convenience :)
Yes, Round 2 has a 3-day window. Welcome to the world of freelance!
That said, we may announce how the rules will work for that round before that (though certainly not until January sometime)
So its a maybe but I agree with the OP that it would be useful to have some clues on the map round in advance so we don't all go off on the wrong track with our ideas.
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I bought some new crayons too... And i think, 99.9999% I was culled, but that wont stop me having a go myself. Heck, i may even take a piccy, drop box it and share. Stranger things have happened.
I bought some new crayons too...
I'm a geologist by profession so I always have colouring pencils on hand for drawing maps. Well, less the drawing and more the colouring in between the lines. In fact come to think of it, I'm sure I spent half of my degree colouring in!!
Modules Overlord
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On the one hand, I read nearly everything and am always interested in people's opinions. I'm happy to incorporate anything that seems like a better plan than I had when I find it, if it's practical to do so. On the other hand, so far nothing posted has changed how we handle things for the contest (we have to have a cull in round 1 if we're going to get enough useful info to boil the list of items the judges are going to look at down to a manageable number).
I absolutely understand wanting more than 3 days to make a map. And I understand a lot of you have full-time jobs and responsibilities other than working on a contest that might get you freelance work. Keep in mind, however, that the reality is even if you win, you're going to have exactly the same responsibilities when you take on writing an adventure for us. And even if you become a regular freelancer for us, chances are you won't be able to quit your job, hire more babysitters, or pay for a chef and a maid to buy you extra time. Most freelancers, even extremely prolific ones, have full-times jobs and family needs, and social lives, on top of all the writing they do for us.
The number of full-time freelance rpg writers is amazingly small. And to make that work, you must be able to turn things over in a fantastically short timeframe, because you have to have a lot of projects going to make enough money to not have another job. I was a full-time freelance rpg writer for 13 years, and that schedule was never easier than the deadlines this contest has built into it. More than once I was asked if I could turn over 5,000 and 10,000 word projects in 36 hours or less. And when I could, that got me even more work from those companies. No ever ever PLANS to have that kind of emergency as a company, but sometimes things happen.
Keep in mind, one of the points of a contest like this is to see how well people do under pressure. The number of folks who can meet deadlines when everything is calm and normal is much larger than the number who can deliver things of high quality, on time, while their spouses are sick, their cars get flat tires, and their day-jobs demand overtime. The ability to overcome these challenges is a big part of being a successful (and beloved) freelancer, and it's one of the things we're looking for in an RPG Superstar finalist. A map in three days, done on lunch breaks and evenings and sleepless nights while washing dishes with one hand and dialing a plumber with your toes, is par for the course for professional game designers.
None of which is to say we may not put up the rules early. I said we may, and we may. But be prepared if we don't. Not knowing for sure exactly what you're going to have to do is ALSO par for the course. And having seen what you all managed with the last curveball I threw you, I have considerable faith in people to find a way to get it done.
Oh.... so that's who that strange man in my house is. That is a very accurate description of home life, including being collared with the washing up duties! >.<
Something to make all those in the same time zone as Paizo smile...
You get the whole 3 days, some of us are asleep for the first 8 hours of that!
And then we lose some time off the end too so that we can enter before collapsing back to sleep again!
I don't know, 3 whole days - such luxury! :P
And Owen promised more spins next year in round 1 - I can see it now -
Entries are now open... you have 4 hours. Go!
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Keep in mind, one of the points of a contest like this is to see how well people do under pressure. The number of folks who can meet deadlines when everything is calm and normal is much larger than the number who can deliver things of high quality, on time, while their spouses are sick, their cars get flat tires, and their day-jobs demand overtime. The ability to overcome these challenges is a big part of being a successful (and beloved) freelancer, and it's one of the things we're looking for in an RPG Superstar finalist. A map in three days, done on lunch breaks and evenings and sleepless nights while washing dishes with one hand and dialing a plumber with your toes, is par for the course for professional game designers.
Too true. And to add to this:
In the publishing world there are often extremely tight deadlines centered around specific events, milestones, and other factors (conventions, holiday shopping seasons, prime release schedules factored out by the marketing departments). Niches need to be filled, copy needs to be written, and the content needs to be in so that all of the other departments can move forward. Doing freelance literary editing has taught me that there is very little leeway in your time table. You get it done and get more work, or you don't...and you don't. Part-timers and the occasional contractor are held to the same standards. In fact those just starting are held to higher, more rigorous standards than the pros. Everyone and their brother wants a freelance contract. Those that distinguish themselves by cracking down and getting it done are the ones that get work.
It reminds me of the general advice given to starting literary copy editors: promise the impossible...and deliver it. Can you turn around a 300 pg. manuscript by the end of the week? Yes you can. You edit that thing while you're brushing your teeth, at a stop light, at lunch, whenever you have a spare moment. And in the end it looks good on you and you're more likely to get the next project.
If I make it to the next round, I'm sure going to wish that I had more than three days, but I'll forgo sleep if I need to. Part of the that test is making sure the winner will deliver the final module on time. It may be relatively little for them to put RPGSS on (though I imagine there are some costs involved with web setup, monitoring, man hours ect), in the end they're investing in the winner to produce a product.
...
The number of full-time freelance rpg writers is amazingly small. And to make that work, you must be able to turn things over in a fantastically short timeframe, because you have to have a lot of projects going to make enough money to not have another job. I was a full-time freelance rpg writer for 13 years, and that schedule was never easier than the deadlines this contest has built into it. More than once I was asked if I could turn over 5,000 and 10,000 word projects in 36 hours or less. And when I could, that got me even more work from those companies. No ever ever PLANS to have that kind of emergency as a company, but sometimes things happen.Keep in mind, one of the points of a contest like this is to see how well people do under pressure. The number of folks who can meet deadlines when everything is calm and normal is much larger than the number who can deliver...
Why is it that this story makes me want to win this contest more?
Indeed. The more you stoke the fires, the more the impurities are burnt away.
Accomplishing the impossible is incredibly addicting.
The more ridiculous the challenges, the greater the glory in its accomplishment, though the editor isn't going to be interested in the saga of "How I turned this in on time."
They may notice that even their wildest wish can be made true, working with you.
Star Voter Season 7, Star Voter Season 8, Star Voter Season 9
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I think as RPG Superstar is being seen less and less a tool for Paizo to get new talent and more like a way to break into the industry by working for one of the biggest names in a high profile product, the requirements and hurdles should increase.
They should release a new twist during each day between the start and the end of the round map. Keep the contestants on their toes.
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Modules Overlord
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Certainly one of the things I see RPG Superstar as doing is acting as a showcase of potential talent. People who do well on any round may attract the attention of a Paizo developer, and anyone who is proud of their work can use it as an example of what they are capable of when discussing possible work with any publisher (especially 3pp who do Pathfinder-compatible work, many of whom watch superstar with great interest).
In all of those cases, being able to say "This is what I did with only X days warning" is potentially useful. Writing samples you submit to a publisher may have been worked on for months, and you could have had them professional edited. Sketch your provide as part of a resume might be years of work. Everyone can see the circumstances under which you produced a Superstar entry.
LONG before I came to work at Paizo, I listed RPGSS as a great way to get noticed in the industry. Now that I have the amazing opportunity to host, I want to make that even more true.
The hate mail continues to be amazingly polite. (And is mixed with a lot of non-hate mail, ranging from polite concerns to impassioned pleas, to the occasional thank-you.)
The hate mail continues to be amazingly polite.
Thanks! I did my best. Courtesy is so important, now more than ever.
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Well, since you're taking impassioned pleas, I'll make one here: I'd love to see a (slightly) higher CR monster for Round 3. The last two years have had CR 2-5 and 1-4, and I'd love to see something more in the 5-9 range.
I understand not wanting to get too high -- you run out of room for the write-up and they're obviously not encountered (and thus needed) quite as often -- but I think it's a nice changeup on the challenge.
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Modules Overlord
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I'll be honest, I've been *tempted* to make the CR 16, because those can be a lot harder to write without being dull collections of big numbers, repetitive, or too complicated for a GM to be expected to run them well. But, and this is relevant, we don't need nearly as many CR 16 monsters as we do CR 1-9 or so, so I'm very unlikely to DO that.
In any case, your plea has been heard, and shall be considered. :)
...I've been *tempted* to make the CR 16...
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I bought some new crayons too... And i think, 99.9999% I was culled, but that wont stop me having a go myself. Heck, i may even take a piccy, drop box it and share. Stranger things have happened.
A sculpture, made of macaroni and PVA glue, still counts as a map, right?
I'll fill the middle with liver salts and red powder paint; add hot water, instant volcano! Freakin' rad!
You want to see some crazy map rules?
Check this out. :)
I bought some new crayons too... And i think, 99.9999% I was culled, but that wont stop me having a go myself. Heck, i may even take a piccy, drop box it and share. Stranger things have happened.A sculpture, made of macaroni and PVA glue, still counts as a map, right?
I'll fill the middle with liver salts and red powder paint; add hot water, instant volcano! Freakin' rad!
How else do you make three dimensional maps if not with macaroni art?
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Marathon Voter Season 8, Marathon Voter Season 9
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You want to see some crazy map rules?
Check this out. :)
YES!!!! I'll get started on it right away!!!
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You want to see some crazy map rules?
Check this out. :)
Uh-Oh, I tried drawing on this gold leaf sheet but the crayon keeps getting covered in the stuff leaving great holes behind! :P
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Yeah, gold leaf's no good for crayons. You gotta move up to gold plate, or maybe an alloy. I spent so much money learning that.
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Dear Mr. Still-not-my-friend-right-now,
When I saw you had given us THREE DAYS!!! for the map, I thought to myself, "Oh, just like a REAL writing gig..."
And since my entry has been spotted post-cull, I still hate you. Passionately. Because you are making me THINK. Making me UNCOMFORTABLE. "Everyone knows" you get all the time in the world to make Genius happen! These last-minute format changes and impossibly-tight timeframes for contest entries can't be realistic!
And if I get fired for working on my Round 2 entry on office-time, I'm moving in with your cat.
Because:
I'm going to advance to Round 2.
I'm going to obsess over the map entry.
Sincerely,
Me
;)
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All these twists..
Owen K.C. Shyamalan.
All these twists..
Owen K.C. Shyamalan.
Don't say that.
That means the twists will get progressively worse and more contrived.
I figured it out Owen K. Stevens is actually an anagram for M. Night Shamalon!
I think at least one of those has already been done...
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RPG Superstar 2015
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Marathon Voter Season 6, Marathon Voter Season 7, Marathon Voter Season 8, Star Voter Season 9
aka mamaursula
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I think as RPG Superstar is being seen less and less a tool for Paizo to get new talent and more like a way to break into the industry by working for one of the biggest names in a high profile product, the requirements and hurdles should increase.
You do not need to actually win RPG SS to be "discovered" through it and be picked up by 3PP.
Winning is objective. Each point my item has on the community generated exit poll feels like a win. Someone likes something did!
We should have know what Eric Morton was... it was the kids you see, they used to call him Mr Meepo