Plaag wrote:Just to let everyone know the DCC GenCon modules are shipping Thursday the 17th. Just need two people to get in touch with me (PMs have been sent to those two).

ShaneG.

tacojohn4547 wrote:Contrarian wrote:




Hey Guys,

I'm new to the Acaeum site, but I wanted to tell you the truth of what went down at the Goodman Games booth at GenCon last Thursday.  

Grodog's right - I am the guy that did the conversion of DCC #12.5 Iron Crypt of the Heretic from 3.5/d20 to AD&D First Edition.  I put a bunch of hours into that little project, including having the converted version  playtested by no less than 12 people from my gaming group.  I did the conversion to be able to run the module under AD&D at a couple of  conventions.  My compensation for the effort was the personal satisfaction of having done it at all.  I would do it again, for the same pay (and may indeed do just that in the near future).  

Before the convention, I promised the first edition playtesters that I would get each of them a copy of the module, even if I had to buy them myself.  (As I understand it, it is somewhat the industry standard that playtesters get a free copy for their efforts.)  I even let Joseph know that I was planning to buy 15-20 copies for the playtesters and a few other guys that I thought would like copies (including Superfan, the guy that did the awesome Dundjinni battle maps for the module, who was not going to be able to attend the convention).  

I knew that Goodman Games was going to do a small print run.  I think Joseph even said that in his announcement on the Dragonsfoot board.  I had no idea what the module price was going to be at GenCon, nor did I know how big (or small) the print run was going to be ahead of time.  But I suspected that the modules would sell pretty quickly.  

I arrived at the dealer hall at about 10:20 on Thursday morning and headed straight to the Goodman booth.  There it was, a small stack of the AD&D modules, right along side some of Goodman's newest releases.  Joseph came up, interduced himself, and gave me my one comp copy of the module.  I even had a storage tub with me to be able to carry the copies I had intended to buy.  

Then I managed to meet the author of the module, Harley Stroh.  We talked until about 11:30, but I was getting anxious about not getting the playtester copies of the module.  So, I excused myself and went back to the front table of the booth to get the other copies.  

I was told that the 1E modules had already sold out!  Goodman Games did a 60-copy print run of the modules, and they were all gone!  I was in shock!  I got one copy, my copy, and I had promised to get almost 20 copies for other people.  Harley, the author, didn't even get a copy!  The author himself!  

I quickly located Joseph and asked what had happened.  He said that he did a 60-copy print run since he didn't have any idea how it would sell, good or bad.  He honestly didn't think it would sell out at the Con.  He certainly didn't think it would sell out before 11:30 on the first day of GenCon.  

Joseph has done a few special release convention modules for a couple of recent conventions.  Typically, they have been sequels to other adventures in the DCC line.  He had some basis for estimating the number of 3.5/d20 special release convention modules, but he had nothing on which to base the print run for this AD&D compatible, DCC conversion, module.  So, it boiled down to a business decision based upon Joseph's instincts and a few, a few, positive posts on one or two message boards.  

He may have made a bad business decision.  But, there is a good ending to this tale.  Joseph has offered to do a second printing of the module.   Goodman Games is going to take orders for the module for a couple of weeks before doing the second printing.  I think this is a great way for Goodman Games to rectify the error made in underestimating the demand for these modules.  I intend to order the 15-20 I need, even though they will be from the second printing.  

This is a great opportunity for the OD&D/AD&D to speak to the market as one, and to let Goodman Games know how many of us are out here, still playing by the older rules.  I think we could get Goodman's attention if a bunch of folks place orders for the 1E version of this module over the next couple of weeks.  Nothing would make me happier than for Joseph to "have to do" another, much larger print run of this module.  

This module is a proven product.  The 3.5/d20 version has sold well.  It was nominated for Best Adventure for this year's ENnies.  I've ran the converted version 6 times, and it is still fresh and exciting for me as a DM.  Don't miss the opportunity to order a copy of the second printing of the module.  Head to Goodman Games site and place your order.


I know this sounds self serving and all, but honestly, I'm not making anything on the sale of more modules.  The only satisfaction I get is that some other guys that enjoy the same hobby that I do will have the opportunity to get a copy of this great module, and I played a part in making that happen.  

So, don't be too hard on Joseph Goodman and his hard working staff and writers.  A poor business decision may have been made, but they're trying to make things work out in the end.  


Sincerely,

Jon Hershberger
tacojohn4547

mdr003 wrote:Al and Brian - if you guys are serious about going next year, I'll commit as well. Not sure exactly how I'll manage it, but my wife is from Chicago and by next August it will have been around 3 years since her last visit home, so maybe we can make the trip. A road trip from Chicago to Indianapolis for 2-3 days of Gencon would be fantastic.

Regards

Mike

Blackmoor wrote:Anyway another good idea would be for us to have a game (yes this is still a game) while we meet.  There are plenty of spare tables around, just bring a players handbook and some dice and game as well.

Blackmoor wrote:and one more thing...

*snip*

IttyBitty wrote:
Thanks Shane, I just placed my order for two copies.

I'm a collecting fool.....

IttyBitty wrote:
Thanks Shane, I just placed my order for two copies.

I'm a collecting fool.....