I'm getting a feeling of resentment from the OG Producers regarding the
database idea.
Here's what they seem to be saying:
"Databases will give people our content for free, cutting me out of the
loop and destroying profitability."
Scary thought. I agree, that this Is a possible outcome.
BUT
Look at WotC's online policy... very liberal, very forgiving. It seems
that the "Theory of Network Externalities" is playing a part here. The
more fansites, the easier it is for people to find info about the game,
the more who will buy the stuff that Isn't on the websites. Just
something to consider.
As a person on the fringe of the industry... mostly Conventiuon
staffing, and being friends with Old Blood game producers (as opposed to
these uppity d20/internet guys ;)....
It seems to me that companies in the industry don't work together
(except to license stuff to SJG). They have never needed to... products
competed, there wasn't a good reason to mention the other people's
product.
The trend seems to be that RPG companies will license other people's
trademarks, then do there own thing. The guys who make the action
figures and the guys who write the comic book, seem to talk (there are
little ads on the backs saying "look for the Blah at your local
Comics'R'Us". I don't see blurbs like that for the RPGs.
So, my feeling is that there has been a lot of good Product Branding,
but not a whole lot of Cross-Branding and Partnerships.
Here is what you Should be saying about the databases:
"Wow, that looks like a good way to introduce people to our material
without having to spend more money on advertising"
and
"I bet I can use these sites to generate hits for our website by working
out a banner ad or embedded link"
and
"I can probably make a page on my site especially designed to convince
people that they should purchase the product... perhaps by showing
smaples of the graphics, or samples of PI adventure plots"
I think there is a definite opportunity for the producers of d20
material to get their name and their product to a wider audience.
And lastly,
I can only go to a companies website, if I know they exist.
That, I find by looking at news/help/database sites.... Not search
engines.
--
John J. Kaufman
Database Advocate
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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It is by caffeine alone that I set my mind in motion;
It is by the beans of Java that my thoughts aquire speed;
the hands aquire shakes, the shakes become a warning;
It is by caffeine alone that I set my mind in motion.
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