Here's what I wrote on RPG.net so you guys can get an idea of the current situation. Also, I originally started setting up as a full-time deal, but then I thought I'd found something more stable so I made it part-time, then that fell through so I re-worked it so I work everyday but have time during the day to find a better job. My mother was able to rent out empty rooms in the house so we're sort of okay as long as I can find a better job. This campaign will hoepfully bring some income in to help out while I'm job-hunting.
I wrote on RPG net:
That's why the "Caravan of Blades" campaign is modeled like a localized living campaign, where the consequences of the party's actions can have a big effect on the adventures of the party in the next session. No two sessions will have the same adventures. Exploring the same location more than once may yield different challenges and encounters due to the passage of time in-game.
The party is allowed to do whatever they want and given the freedom to explore the current geographical region in the game world that the session is based in.
There are noted areas of interest and optional missions but nothing particularly railroaded. They can catch a show at the local theatre or hunt for story-affecting artifacts in the ancient ruins.
The sessions are also practically free to try out. I offer a full refund within the first 2 and a half hours if my performance and presentation are unsatisfactory or if you have to leave early for some reason.
Anyway, the first few days aren't too big since this is just starting out and a few things are still being set up (all the basic necessities are up on the website though). If only a few players show up, that's fine. If I'm not at 100% then the players will have their refunds and I can fine tune my methods further. Next week's sessions will be the real litmus test because by then a lot more people will know about this campaign.
I'll post again after my first session with actual players. Again, it's practically free to try out the first half of each session so I should expect somebody to show up to see what I'm bringing to the table.
And yeah if nobody shows up or reserves seats for a session next week I will close the business. I will also be looking for something more stable in the hours before sessions. I had changed the times and schedule from what they were last week so I could more easily look for other work.
In any case, if this fails then anyone who wants to try to be a professional GM in the future will be have a precedent business model to analyze for what works and what doesn't.