This a question or a comment or a suggestion - depending if the information exists or not.

I just wondered if it would be possible to put slightly more info on the contents of modules on the Acaeum.

I'll use my collection of DA modules as an example.

I have DA1 through 4. They were all sold to me as 'complete' but only DA3 had a fold out map. I checked the Acaeum, but (correct me if I am wrong) the descriptions of DA1 through 4 do not include contents or any mention of fold out maps - so for years I assumed they were complete.

Then about a year ago reading a thread here, I learned that DA4 should have a map. Following the link to Adrian Newman's site, I learned DA1 should have a fold out map as well.

I have just got another copy of DA1 which has a fold out map, but then it occurred to me 'is this the map that belongs with DA1???', neither site has a scan of the map and some modules have no reference to fold out maps in their text.

Is this a problem others have encountered? Would it be possible to include a contents for each module, which mentions:
- number of pages
- notes detachable unnumbered pages
- whether cover is bi or trifold
- whether it includes a fold out map, if so its size.
- whether it should have counters, if so how many
?

I know some items have more details in the descriptions than others, but I think the addition of this info would stregthen this site. Have I missed something? Have others encountered this problem?

This has been discussed from time-to-time, in particular with the idea of inserts for modules/box sets, which box sets came with which kinds of dice, which had crayons, whether RPGA membership forms and Dragon sub forms were included, etc., etc.

So far as I know, that info's not really available anywhere, other than in our collective brains (well, and in shrinked sets, of course!).

It would certainly be good info to have available!

Storage capacity isn't an issue, but copyright infringement is.  Posting scans of maps would go over the line... we do have scans of certain things on the site, but a blanket "post 'em all" policy would leave us open to be (rightfully) sued.

A listing of module's contents is a great idea -- and one we've already tried to implement, via our "Expanded Description" buttons (see http://www.acaeum.com/ddindexes/modpages/b1.html for an example).  The problem is (as with many planned site expansions) is that I need submissions -- if you submit the necessary information, I'll post it up.  But I rarely get such submissions.

I promise that anyone who sends me Expanded Description info on a module will have it posted in the next site update -- preferrably, such a submission will include everything that the Expanded Description asks for, such as the requisite numbers (ISBN, Piece Code, etc), short description of contents, and the descriptive text from the back of the module.

Foul

I have DA1, DA2 and DA4, all from new. DA1 and DA4 have maps, but they're practically the same map, right down to the copyright notice.

However, there are differences. First - they're folded differently! DA1's map was folded lengthways, then widthways. DA4 was widthways, then lengthways. In DA1, Oktagern is north of the fold, in DA4 it is south.

DA4 also has some additional cities and roads in the west, where the adventure takes place.

Hope this helps.

FoulFoot wrote:Storage capacity isn't an issue, but copyright infringement is.  Posting scans of maps would go over the line... we do have scans of certain things on the site, but a blanket "post 'em all" policy would leave us open to be (rightfully) sued.

A listing of module's contents is a great idea -- and one we've already tried to implement, via our "Expanded Description" buttons (see http://www.acaeum.com/ddindexes/modpages/b1.html for an example).  The problem is (as with many planned site expansions) is that I need submissions -- if you submit the necessary information, I'll post it up.  But I rarely get such submissions.

I promise that anyone who sends me Expanded Description info on a module will have it posted in the next site update -- preferrably, such a submission will include everything that the Expanded Description asks for, such as the requisite numbers (ISBN, Piece Code, etc), short description of contents, and the descriptive text from the back of the module.

Foul

Hi Foulfoot. Thanks for that information. The expanded description concept is excellent and sorry if I did not read the earlier threads. I realise the Acaeum is a labour of love and must require a lot of work with relatively little return. Ideas are not much good without the contribution of members to make it all happen.

I would like to contribute some expanded descriptions. I will start with the DL series - mainly because I am reasonably sure I have complete items for the whole series and if that goes well, I will do more.

Perhaps if people wish to take up 'Expanded Description' idea again, they could indicate which items they are working on here so that people do not double up.  

I also wondered about editing. Will you have the time to edit all submissions? Just another idea, if a few start working on this again - perhaps we can have a tempoarary page where members can read and suggest corrections to the contributions before finally posting them.