Willmark:
In and amongst my copious spare time (har har) I’ve been writing AD&D modules for 1st and 2nd Edition modules under the banner of Icebiter Games Publications.
Right now my first print on demand module is about 1 month out from publication with two more in various stages of production. Obviously my house sale/move is going to throw a wrench in the works, but with most of my Warhamer stuff packed up this has been a pleasant diversion.
So want to help? All I need you do is add a like on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Icebiter-Games-Publications/129603180450433?v=wall
(EDIT: Note new page)
Many Thanks in advance,
Willmark
zobo1942:
Are you going to have digital versions (ie. an ebook version) available as well?
Willmark:
I might but not to start, one potential for this would be in iBooks through iTunes. Before people Boo and hiss as a potential publisher DRM does have to be a consideration.
zobo1942:
I’ve often wondered about which is better: trying to drive the internet to your website, or putting your product where millions of people have access to it through a link on the devices they use everyday.
A lot of people complain about the ‘piece’ that Apple takes (which is huge) - but really, when you consider the number of people you can reach versus the physical production cost, the cost of shipping the product produced, the labour involved with filling out all those orders, the supplies you need, the accounting involved… Maybe it would end up being a more elegant solution.
Of course, nothing beats holding a magazine (or module) in your hands. I’ve ‘liked’ Icebiter on Facebook - I’m really interested in finding out where this goes!
Willmark:
For me having the potential for millions to have access far outweight the 70/30 split of iTunes.
Really when you look at it it’s not that bad for the tradeoff. (Note I’m not looking to start a discussion of Apple as people feel so trongly one way or the other about Apple.)
In the end I’m of the mind set of it has the strongest cost benefit in the realm of digital in terms of return. I’m no fan of DRM per say but in age when people feel they should not pay for others work, yet they want others to pay for there work… Tough tough thing.
And in case the question comes up: GW stance on everything is licensed to who they deem (I.e. One company) means that there is no way to produce something without getting sued or cease and desist.
zobo1942:
I agree (although, I’m not sure I understand your last paragraph).
Physical production costs of a magazine (or module, etc.) especially when all other factors are included (especially in small press/‘micro’ publishing) would most probably be a LOT higher.
And, you don’t end up with a garage full of stock, either.
Willmark:
If I wrote modules for WFRP, GW would bring down their wrath on my head… The open GL for D&D means I can write modules for any edition of the game I choose and get paid for it.
In short GW controls the whole widget, with no third parties. Or at least only the third party they have producing the game, which currently is fantasy flight games IICR.
zobo1942:
Ah - I got off the ‘module’ thought process and was leaning more toward ‘magazine’… in which case I was wondering ‘Well, how does ‘Unseen Lerker’ do it?’ Now, it makes sense.
I think the OGL is an awesome idea. I started a thread a while back regarding a GW OGL, since WHv8 seems to be trying to be scenario/story-based, but it didn’t seem that many people were interested in discussing it.
So… and any hints as to the contents of the first release that IGP will be releasing? ‘Return to the Forbidden City’? ‘Another Sinister Secret of Saltmarsh’? ‘Keep OFF the Borderlands’?
Willmark:
First module is W2- Assault of the Hill Giant Raiders as noted on the site 
This was an actual module I used in lieu of G1- Steading of the Hill Giant Chief in my 2e game for my weekly group.
snowblizz:
Ah - I got off the 'module' thought process and was leaning more toward 'magazine'... in which case I was wondering 'Well, how does 'Unseen Lerker' do it?'
zobo1942
Do what? Talk about GW games? That's not an IP infringement, that's free speech. They are not profiting form GW's IP they are profiting from talking about GW's IP. There's a difference. Apparently. "Tales of Battle" did the same, even sent a copy to GW who had no objections.
Necrotique:
Done and done. Hope it works out for you.
:cheers
Willmark:
Ah - I got off the 'module' thought process and was leaning more toward 'magazine'... in which case I was wondering 'Well, how does 'Unseen Lerker' do it?'
zobo1942
Do what? Talk about GW games? That's not an IP infringement, that's free speech. They are not profiting form GW's IP they are profiting from talking about GW's IP. There's a difference. Apparently. "Tales of Battle" did the same, even sent a copy to GW who had no objections.
Lets just say that after having a "discussion" with GW legal in the past over the Word of Hashut I'm none to keen on the whole matter.
And No I wont go into details on it.
Done and done. Hope it works out for you.
:cheers
Necrotique
Thanks Dude!
Shakhorth:
Done & good luck.
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cornixt:
For me having the potential for millions to have access far outweight the 70/30 split of iTunes.
Willmark
When it comes to book publishing, iTunes and Amazon are the only big DRM players, and they both charge the 30% so either way there isn't any difference. I know a couple of Kindle obsessives, so at least look into having the Amazon publishing in addition to iBooks, it's another huge market.
For years, several small companies have been going the mail-order only route, limited print run then mail it off. The guy in the house before me had a subscription set up and they kept getting sent to me long after he had gone (no return address either!). It's more money-down and more effort than uploading a pdf though, but following with established forms might be a good way to build up the base.
Willmark:
Print on demand will be through lulu and rpgnow.
PDF is a later consideration as I haven’t full thought that out yet. That all set I have considers Amazon as well.
Jumbster:
Done! good luck!
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zobo1942:
Ah - I got off the 'module' thought process and was leaning more toward 'magazine'... in which case I was wondering 'Well, how does 'Unseen Lerker' do it?'
zobo1942
Do what? Talk about GW games? That's not an IP infringement, that's free speech. They are not profiting form GW's IP they are profiting from talking about GW's IP. There's a difference. Apparently. "Tales of Battle" did the same, even sent a copy to GW who had no objections.
snowblizz
Hence, my misunderstanding, as my thoughts were exactly as you've noted. Now completely cleared up, as I wasn't at all thinking about WHFRP modules.
Willmark:
Unseen Lerker has been charging last I knew and GW apparently is either looking the other way or given them the nod.
Willmark:
Bump:
Thanks for those who gave me a like: you can now reach me at www.facebook.com/icebitergames
Many thanks to everyone who helped out.
Hashut’s Blessing:
Glad to be of service! Hope things are going well!