Thanks for all of the thoughtful discussion, guys.  It is definitely appreciated.  

Scott and I had each originally noted in our posts that we did not expect EotD to be produced in any other format, not because we are necessarily opposed to that happening, but because that was (and for now, remains) our expectation.  How much interest is there in EotD outside the old school collecting community?  I may think it's really cool and interesting, and others on the Acaeum may agree, but, as with many things, we're a bit outside the norm.  Is there enough interest to make the effort of producing another version worthwhile?  I'm not convinced, at least not yet.

In any case, before we move on to considering the publication of EotD in other formats, the four of us have an obligation first to see this initial project through to the end.  Once it is successful, we may consider discussing with Tracy and Laura whether publication in other formats makes sense.  

As noted by others, if we do, there are a bunch of issues that will need to be carefully considered.  We need to preserve the value of the initial modules for those who have made the financial commitment and, in fact, made the publication of EotD possible in the first place.  If there is a subsequent publication, what format should it take, and at what price?  PDFs may not have hurt the value of OB3s or ST1s, but those modules were professionally produced by TSR with cardstock color covers and the like, which a PDF can't duplicate (at least, not without a lot of effort).  Are we sure that PDFs wouldn't hurt the value of the limited edition of EotD, with its much simpler, very old school format?  If instead a "standard" version were to be produced, how is it differentiated from the limited edition?  And if there was a desire to make a commercial-type version (with the glossy cardstock cover, artwork, typical module layout, etc.), who's going to do the work to produce it?  None of the four of us have either the talent or the skills (much less the time) to do so.  If someone is hired, they'll want to be paid, and will the proceeds be sufficient to cover that in addition to royalties?  Etc., etc.

Bottom line, the door is not closed to an EotD coming out in a different format at some point, but there will need to be a good reason to put in the effort to make it happen.  Once the limited edition is in the hands of the purchasers, we'll see.

Whether or not another format is ever produced, we do plan to make information about EotD available for the larger community.  I think it has real historical value, sitting as it does between the Daystar West modules and Tracy's tenure at TSR.  We'll post on this thread when we have details to share (hopefully, by Gen Con).

BTW just to let everyone know my musings were merely that, discussion for the sake of discussion. This isn't a project I'm particularly interested in although I can see how students of the genre might be very interested in this "missing link" when studying RPGs.  I honestly don't see how a cheaper edition, especially pdf, could be offered without causing ill-will among those who paid over $1000 for the original items.  But I also understand it was either this price point or nothing, so it's good that this will see the light of day in SOME form.  Beyond rarified collecting circles, I cannot see a lot of interest here. It would be good to get an "affordable" edition but that probably isn't going to happen through regular channels, no matter the cost of a pdf....

Mike B.

This, of course, is exactly why I didn't want to discuss the economics of the module in the public forum.  It's a distraction from the real purpose of the thread, which is to make information about EotD available to the collecting community generally.

The four of us wanted to see EotD finally in print.  We commissioned the Hickmans, who required compensation to divert their attention from their other projects.  A limited edition was the only way to make it all work.  We can muse about any number of alternative formats, but in the end none of them would have resulted in the production of EotD.

We expect that the initial purchasers will be extremely happy with the module they receive, and we will do nothing to harm their investment.  For that reason alone, as well as the others that have been mentioned, a second printing or other edition does indeed seem unlikely.

But, due to EotD's place in the history of D&D, we do want information about it to be available more generally, which we will post here when we have it.

We haven't asked any of the purchasers whether they want their names to be made public, so at this point we don't plan on posting a list.  Needless to say, those who have seats at the game at Gen Con will be able to see a small sampling by looking around the table.  Assuming they don't mind, I would plan on posting pictures of the game on this thread.  

Deadlord wrote in Eye of the Dragon Photos:$47,500 seems a bit much to "divert someone's attention".

Everyone's time has different value.

Frankly, this just smacks of "sour grapes" to me. Some people can't afford Ferraris either, but you don't see them losing their mind about the limited edition car that they can't afford. Anyone can offer any item at any price they'd like. This being a super special, limited edition makes any speculation on value purely speculation. At least what, a dozen people think that price is fair? I'm saving for a house myself, so this is out of my realm, but I don't think the value is tremendously out of whack considering the authors and the material.

Zenfinite

We are talking the Hickman's, frankly 50k doesn't sound like much when you understand that this is indeed a diversion for them.  Kind of like getting Dustin Hoffman to do a biopic on a student film he made back in the 60s, if he has the time and you have the money he might do it.  If this was the only way it was going to happen, and people who pay the amount don't mind paying that amount, more power to everyone involved.

Mike B.

Thanks for posting that link, Bracton. I'm glad that Tracy Hickman is going into detail about the process he's using the recreate the module.

Room for one more?

Yes, it is looking like I am going to do the mad dash drive with Thunderdave - I can't claim coherency while I am there though.