 October 2, 2007 - 6:23am | I'm starting a thread to help with the home run numba sevan issue soon to be on magazine racks in every port this side of Zebulon.  Bill, can you give us what your readers liked? For me you mentioned the "DON’T TANGO WITH THE TANGLER." so I might work on expanding another type of weapon/defense. Here are some examples I came up with.
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 October 2, 2007 - 7:34am | It's really hard to get a handle on what people like. Most people simply state that "this issue rocks!" or similar. If I ask for specific feedback, people tend to like it all. I had one negative feedback on one article (gender adjustments to ability scores) but that was minor and short-lived (though provoked a heated discussion that I found entertaining). I think one thing asked for more: mini adventures. I was also thanked by a few readers for the knight hawks scenario I included at the end of the article presenting the East Indiaman Trader submission. People like the tilesets. People have mixed reactions to optional new rules. People love d100 tables of stuff. Everyone loves the equipment presented (the art, the format, and the quality of the gear as a whole). This is what I get the most attaboys for. Everyone wants to see more equipment (either scattered throughout other articles - like Corvus' excellent submission for #7 - or in a dedicated equipment section.) 3. We wear sungoggles during the day. Not because the sun affects our
vision, but when you're cool like us the sun shines all the time. |
October 2, 2007 - 11:41am | I am working on a planet article and maybe something else. |
 October 2, 2007 - 1:18pm | Im working on a small group of maps/locations that can tie into eachother. I just cant come up with much to say about them. For instance i made a map that has a small building, and is sitting amidst some solar panels. I called it a solar power station, sent it in, and added a few lames lines. might make more sence to make all the maps for one large project, then submit one or two at a time and include some of my notes then.  Time flies when your having rum. Im a government employee, I dont goof-off. I constructively abuse my time. |
October 2, 2007 - 1:28pm | Im working on a small group of maps/locations that can tie into eachother. I just cant come up with much to say about them. For instance i made a map that has a small building, and is sitting amidst some solar panels. I called it a solar power station, sent it in, and added a few lames lines. might make more sence to make all the maps for one large project, then submit one or two at a time and include some of my notes then. You could start a Forum Topic and have us all discuss it. Maybe it can generate some ideas for you? |
October 2, 2007 - 2:10pm | Im working on a small group of maps/locations that can tie into eachother. I just cant come up with much to say about them. Actually, I like the idea of random maps. You don't have to have a
story at all, like Bill's map tiles. There's no story needed. You can
just use it for any location. Or maybe you can just say it's a
particular location on a particular planet. No story is needed. I like
stuff like that. It gives Refs a true sense of freedom. No story means
greater freedom. It's like the maps for WOTC's miniatures. They don't
come with stories. They're just for using for any random story. Stuff
like that is awesome.For instance i made a map that has a small building, and is sitting amidst some solar panels. I called it a solar power station, sent it in, and added a few lames lines. might make more sence to make all the maps for one large project, then submit one or two at a time and include some of my notes then. Also, one at a time would be perfect. I know, being the creator, you want to get them out there, but it would be really helpful to the magazine to be able to feature a new map each month. |
October 2, 2007 - 2:41pm | One map each month would be fine - but if you're feeling particularly prolific one month feel free to do a couple. :-) 3. We wear sungoggles during the day. Not because the sun affects our
vision, but when you're cool like us the sun shines all the time. |
October 2, 2007 - 4:05pm | You could start a Forum Topic and have us all discuss it. Maybe it can generate some ideas for you? I think that would would an excellent idea. But where can I post image files? Time flies when your having rum. Im a government employee, I dont goof-off. I constructively abuse my time. |
October 2, 2007 - 4:10pm | Actually, I like the idea of random maps. You don't have to have a
story at all, like Bill's map tiles. There's no story needed. I like random maps as well. One of these days I am going to get around to clipping out Bills map tiles to see if i can fit them in my favorite program: Dungeon Crafter 1. Its simple and crude, but fun. Time flies when your having rum. Im a government employee, I dont goof-off. I constructively abuse my time. |
October 2, 2007 - 6:06pm | On your profile page, click the "Personal Files" tab. You can upload any images you like there. Then you can just PM the image to Bill. Or you could just upload the image when adding an image to the PM. It uploads it to your personal files. |
October 2, 2007 - 7:41pm | Sneak peak! I put my solar power station in my personal files. Take a look. Maybe it will make into an issue of the Frontiersman. Thanks Corjay. Time flies when your having rum. Im a government employee, I dont goof-off. I constructively abuse my time. |
October 2, 2007 - 7:25pm | Actually, no one else can view your personal files. You can link the images, but the "Personal Files" tab is all your own. |
October 2, 2007 - 7:28pm | Just click the icon that looks like this in the rich text editor:  . It will open a dialog box where you can either type in any url to a graphic elsewhere on the net, or you can click on the lil icon  to browse your private files (or upload new images).The interface isn't the best, but it's not the worst either. Just different. 3. We wear sungoggles during the day. Not because the sun affects our
vision, but when you're cool like us the sun shines all the time. |
October 2, 2007 - 7:40pm | Alright - I have a layout. It may be tweaked before print, but it's right here for you guys to see a sneak peek. I like it and will use it even if you all hate it haha... Grab it here. I can also make more printer-friendly versions like this with every issue if desired (nearly no extra effort). Keep in mind the NPC block and Creature block haven't been re-themed yet, and remember that page 1 (and all odd pages) are on the right-page of a book, while even pages are on the left. 3. We wear sungoggles during the day. Not because the sun affects our
vision, but when you're cool like us the sun shines all the time. |
October 2, 2007 - 7:50pm | I think the layout is very good. I am a little iffy with the borders, there is alot going on there. But it does flow nice and as long as it doesnt change from page-to-page, it wont distract from the content. Nice work. Time flies when your having rum. Im a government employee, I dont goof-off. I constructively abuse my time. |
October 2, 2007 - 11:18pm | Yeah, it's pretty busy. I like the techy look, but I recommend removing the large ribbing. The small squared ribbing is okay. I see you liked my table design. |
October 2, 2007 - 11:25pm | If you could make the map larger, and higher resolution, that would be great. |
October 3, 2007 - 4:56am | If you could make the map larger, and higher resolution, that would be great. Unfortunately Dungeon Crafter 1 uses 24-bit bitmap images. I did chop the map down so it would fit better in the forum. But, it is not that much bigger. I know there are better programs out there, but DC1 is my speed. I have an older version of Campaign Cartographer, but I really cant figure it out. Time flies when your having rum. Im a government employee, I dont goof-off. I constructively abuse my time. |
 October 3, 2007 - 5:44am | Only one comment on the styling.. [2¢]Some folks might like to print these out and bind them otherwise 3 ring punch them... so make sure there is enough dead space on each side. The graphics are fine, and I don't think anyone will mind punch-holes in those graphics, but make sure that your text columns are set far enough from the edges to accommodate the worst scenarios for hole-punches or binding techniques. Best to make these sort of changes now, while a re-do is going on.[/2¢] <insert witty comment here> |
October 3, 2007 - 5:47am | Oh... The layout looks great otherwise!!  <insert witty comment here> |
October 3, 2007 - 6:32am | Only one comment on the styling.. [2¢]Some folks might like to print these out and bind them otherwise 3 ring punch them... so make sure there is enough dead space on each side. The graphics are fine, and I don't think anyone will mind punch-holes in those graphics, but make sure that your text columns are set far enough from the edges to accommodate the worst scenarios for hole-punches or binding techniques. Best to make these sort of changes now, while a re-do is going on.[/2¢] The wider border graphic is meant to be a gutter just for that purpose. For example, on page 1 I allot .75" on the left side of the page to allow for binding. Do you think I should increase that to a full inch? 3. We wear sungoggles during the day. Not because the sun affects our
vision, but when you're cool like us the sun shines all the time. |
October 3, 2007 - 6:36am | Yeah, it's pretty busy. I like the techy look, but I recommend removing the large ribbing. The small squared ribbing is okay. I really like the ribbing, and don't think it will detract from the content (especially since it's on every page - and purposefully built with neutral colors of gray). When I printed it I think it looked fine. Plus - the biggest ribbing is actually in the gutter - eventually to be mostly hidden by however people chose to bind it if they print it out. I kinda like it...I see you liked my table design.  Would you guys feel offended if I chose to keep the busy ribbing?
3. We wear sungoggles during the day. Not because the sun affects our
vision, but when you're cool like us the sun shines all the time. |
October 3, 2007 - 6:38am | I think the layout is very good. Corjay seems to agree with you on the "alot going on there" aspect... but I really like it and think it looks good printed... I'd prefer to keep it that way as it pleases my eye for layout without (in my opinion) distracting from the content of the pages. I may recind that statement once the issue is done and I print it and think about it. But for now I'm happy with it.I am a little iffy with the borders, there is alot going on there. But it does flow nice and as long as it doesnt change from page-to-page, it wont distract from the content. Nice work. 3. We wear sungoggles during the day. Not because the sun affects our
vision, but when you're cool like us the sun shines all the time. |
October 3, 2007 - 6:52am | The wider border graphic is meant to be a gutter just for that purpose. For example, on page 1 I allot .75" on the left side of the page to allow for binding. Do you think I should increase that to a full inch? The margins should be equal on both sides to allow for duplex printing (front and back), and in those circumstances, it is best to have the graphics and the text line up exactly... the weird effect of thin paper and seeing the shadow of what is on the reverse page. Basically, worst case margin would be about 1" and it should be mirrored on the other side as well as pages designed to be the other facing page of a open book. But the graphics are just fine by me. <insert witty comment here> |
October 3, 2007 - 7:23am | The wider border graphic is meant to be a gutter just for that purpose. For example, on page 1 I allot .75" on the left side of the page to allow for binding. Do you think I should increase that to a full inch? The margins should be equal on both sides to allow for duplex printing (front and back), and in those circumstances, it is best to have the graphics and the text line up exactly... the weird effect of thin paper and seeing the shadow of what is on the reverse page. Basically, worst case margin would be about 1" and it should be mirrored on the other side as well as pages designed to be the other facing page of a open book. But the graphics are just fine by me. 3. We wear sungoggles during the day. Not because the sun affects our
vision, but when you're cool like us the sun shines all the time. |
October 3, 2007 - 7:53am | Odd pages are always on the right, even pages always on the left... so a "gutter" is typically .25-.50 inches greater than the rest of the margins. At least that's what it tells me on lulu for book bindings... Are you saying you think I should stick with a larger 1" margin all the way around? I think your margins are good to go. i was able to look at the layout and see that one side was bigger than the other, thus it would make it easier to bind or put into a 3-ring binder. I think it would take too much away from the content if you made a 1" margin all the way around. Your borders and margins would then stick in the front of a readers mind insteand of the artwork and the articles. Time flies when your having rum. Im a government employee, I dont goof-off. I constructively abuse my time. |
October 3, 2007 - 8:01am | Corjay seems to agree with you on the "alot going on there" aspect... but I really like it and think it looks good printed... I'd prefer to keep it that way as it pleases my eye for layout without (in my opinion) distracting from the content of the pages. I may recind that statement once the issue is done and I print it and think about it. But for now I'm happy with it. Even though it is a bit busy, it is not distracting. I think it flows well from page-to-page. After "flipping through" the pages numerous times it was easy to forget it was there. The colors are nice, I think the way it is drawn will allow the reader to forget it is there, makes the edges less "sharp," and allows the focus to stay on the content. Time flies when your having rum. Im a government employee, I dont goof-off. I constructively abuse my time. |
October 3, 2007 - 8:08am | Odd and Even pages also encourage those printing it out to save paper instead of printing on only 1 side of a sheet of paper. Anything that encourages conservation I am A-okay with. 1 inch on both sides is a total waste of paper. Binder holes never go past .6 anyway. |
October 3, 2007 - 8:16am | Odd and Even pages also encourage those printing it out to save paper instead of printing on only 1 side of a sheet of paper. Anything that encourages conservation I am A-okay with. 1 inch on both sides is a total waste of paper. Binder holes never go past .6 anyway. Saving paper is good. It leaves more trees for SUV's to hit.
3. We wear sungoggles during the day. Not because the sun affects our
vision, but when you're cool like us the sun shines all the time. |
October 3, 2007 - 8:47am | whatever margins and settings you choose will be fine; I am just trying to bring attention that not everyone will be using optimal printing techniques such as lulu or good duplexing printers and the like. They might be printing with regular printers, then turning their pages over themselves and printing the reverse pages... or like me, printing two pages on each sheet (landscape style), and then also duplexed (giving me 4 pages on 1 sheet of paper). If you ever had to work with folks with strange print & tech requirements (as I have in the Advertising field) then you would have a different view on this for sure. (I worked to produce advertising products and flyer type materials for many smaller businesses that did not have optimal printing options available, or had to print flyer type things in such small quantities that they needed to do it with their own computer equipment). People will surprise you with the variations, and at least a little thought should be given to non-standard options. as an aside, (for the most limited folks) if I was to print a stack of the material as single sided (non bound) with a staple at the top, I would find it displeasing to have the margins alternating with the assumption that I should have used better equipment or better options. <insert witty comment here> |
October 3, 2007 - 10:36pm | First eight pages done, another 4 in-place but not formatted. And that's all just one submission (thanks, Corvus! Your submission is formatting quite nicely). I had planned on finishing this submission's twelve total pages before going to bed, but I'm tired and will continue tomorrow. Looking pretty good so far :-) 3. We wear sungoggles during the day. Not because the sun affects our
vision, but when you're cool like us the sun shines all the time. |
